On the Kirigakure front, Team Minato's three members were reassigned after arriving, no longer operating as a single squad.
Minato and Kakashi were both Jonin, and acquiring the Sharingan had greatly increased Kakashi's combat strength. Keeping two such outstanding fighters together was simply too wasteful.
And so Kakashi was separated from his teacher once again.
On the battlefield, the squad Kakashi and Rin belonged to fell into a Kirigakure ambush.
"Everyone, be careful! It's the Hidden Mist Technique!"
Thick mist shrouded the battlefield, engulfing the Konoha squad.
Under cover of the mist, the Kirigakure ninja launched their attack on the Konoha squad.
Blades flashed, and blood sprayed.
The Kirigakure ninja struck like ghosts, taking a ninja's life with every attack.
"Quick, use Wind Release to clear the mist!"
"It won't work! We're by the sea, and the entire coast is covered in mist!"
"Aah!"
"Help me! I don't want to die!"
A ninja's chest had been slashed open. Though he could no longer fight, he hadn't died immediately.
"Hang in there! I'm coming to help you."
Holding a kunai in one hand, Rin hurried over and began treating him.
A cold glint shot toward the back of Rin's neck.
Clang!
Just as the kunai was about to pierce Rin's pale neck, Kakashi arrived in time. He knocked it away with a slash, then killed the Kirigakure ninja hiding in the mist with a backhand strike.
Obito, thank you for your eye.
With the Sharingan Obito had left him, Kakashi could see the enemies hiding in the thick mist. Kirigakure's little tricks were completely useless against him.
"Thanks, Kakashi!"
Cold sweat broke out across Rin's back. She hadn't been able to react to that attack either.
Kakashi shook his head.
"No need to thank me. I promised Obito I would protect