"I think we should deal with Iwagakure first. After all, we can simply blow up Kannabi Bridge."
Minato Namikaze immediately voiced his opinion.
Upon hearing this, Kakashi Hatake immediately turned and volunteered:
"Lord Hokage, I'm willing to undertake this mission to blow up Kannabi Bridge."
"I second that. Kakashi can go on this mission," Hatake Sakumo continued. "But someone still needs to lead him."
Kakashi Hatake looked at Uchiha Lei beside him, then at Minato Namikaze.
Minato Namikaze also volunteered:
"Lord Hokage, I'm willing to take this mission."
"I'm fine either way. Let's hear Lord Hokage's opinion first!"
Uchiha Lei looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, wanting to hear his opinion.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was gratified that Lei actually sought his opinion first, so he said:
"Minato is right. The key to this war lies in Kannabi Bridge, so..."
"This time, we'll still have Lei take Kakashi. Stop by the Ninja Academy and pick two students to go along. Consider it early field training and graduation."
"All right, I accept the mission," Uchiha Lei replied with a nod.
Minato Namikaze instantly lowered his head in dejection and continued waiting for orders.
Seeing Minato like this reminded Hiruzen Sarutobi of Nami Uzumaki, the orphan left behind, and he felt indebted to the Uzumaki Clan.
He truly couldn't quite bear to send Minato to such a dangerous battlefield. Suddenly remembering the remote Land of Water, he immediately had an idea:
"Minato, you'll guard the Kirigakure border. Take whoever you like."
"And Sakumo will go to the Sunagakure border. Danzo..."
Before he finished, Uchiha Lei immediately objected:
"Lord Hokage, splitting up will greatly diminish our strength. Let Lord Sakumo go with Minato."
"Once I've settled things on my end, I can head straight over to deal with Sunagakure and take care of Kumogakure along the way."