On the front lines in the Land of Fire, Minato brought Kakashi and the other two to the foremost edge of Konoha's positions. Beyond that lay territory occupied by Iwagakure.
Minato looked at the restless Obito and the cold-faced Kakashi and could not help shaking his head.
These two students of his really gave him no peace of mind.
The death of Kakashi's father had made the already quiet boy even colder. He acted indifferent to everything outside his missions.
He was single-mindedly determined to become an outstanding shinobi like his father, Hatake Sakumo, someone everyone in the village called a hero and a role model.
As for Obito, the boy was full of passion, but he was careless and liked to show off. He was exactly the sort who worried Minato most.
Of the three, only Rin Nohara was truly dependable. But Rin was a medical ninja, and her combat strength was limited.
"Kakashi, Obito, Rin, listen carefully. Up ahead is territory occupied by Iwagakure. The situations we may face from here on will be extremely dangerous, so you must all stay on full alert. Understood?"
"Don't worry, Minato-sensei! We're ready!"
Obito brimmed with confidence. Completing their previous few missions had given him a tremendous boost.
Rin smiled as she spoke.
"Don't worry, Minato-sensei. We'll stay on full alert."
After the two readily agreed, Minato turned to Kakashi.
Kakashi turned his head away and looked into the distance.
"I understand. Let's get going. Isn't this mission urgent?"
"All right, let's move out."
Minato sighed and set off with the three of them.
Under cover of darkness, they left Konoha's positions and followed their planned route, skirting Iwagakure's main force as they headed toward Kannabi Bridge.
Kannabi Bridge spanned a river valley in the Land of Grass, near the border