Hesitation Means Defeat

Outside Konoha's eastern gate, the golden light faded, and Minato released Obito's shoulder.

The moment the four of them landed, the two Chunin guarding the gate blew the assembly whistle without a word.

The piercing whistle exploded through the morning air.

In less than three minutes, Medical Corps ninja came sprinting out of the village like madmen, carrying stretchers, first-aid kits, and everything else they needed.

"Quick! Get them all onto the stretchers!"

The moment two medical ninja took Obito by the arms, he flung their hands away as if electrocuted.

"I can walk on my own! I don't need a stretcher!"

His declaration rang loud and firm as he boldly took a large step forward.

Then came a wet smack.

His right knee buckled outward without suspense, and he pitched face-first toward the ground in a textbook belly flop.

The two medical ninja reacted quickly, catching him in one motion and unceremoniously pressing him back onto the stretcher. They even secured him with crisscrossing straps.

"Let go of me! I'm really fine!"

Obito flopped around on the stretcher like a fish on a chopping board, his voice growing fainter as the Medical Corps carried him into the village at a run.

Ye watched from behind and nearly burst out laughing.

Kakashi, on the other hand, was much more subdued.

He did not say a word the entire time. His right hand remained jammed tightly in his pocket, while his left rested on the hilt of his Short Sword.

The instant a medical ninja approached him, his whole body recoiled half a step as though pricked by a needle.

"Hatake Jonin, we need to examine your right arm."

"No."

Kakashi's voice was kept extremely low, and his refusal was crisp and absolute.

The medical ninja wanted to persuade him further,