"This is... Chidori?"
Kai Uchiha kept leaping effortlessly from branch to branch, his eyes fixed on the scroll in his hand—the so-called gift from Kakashi.
For most shinobi, reading while moving was unthinkable. But for Kai, battlefield experience had long trained him to process information on the move. Still, he hadn't expected this—Kakashi had actually entrusted him with the Chidori. Kai didn't even know how to respond.
It was true—he lacked a decisive offensive jutsu. Something that could break through enemy defenses in one blow.
His Mangekyō Sharingan ability, Retrospect of Time, was undeniably powerful. But its chakra cost was enormous, and more importantly, it functioned best as a support technique. A trump card—yes—but not always reliable in direct combat.
And it wasn't exactly a "renewable resource." Kai wasn't delusional enough to treat it like one.
That was why he'd picked up a sword from a fallen Iwa-nin weeks ago. The blade wasn't made of anything better than a standard kunai, but it held an edge—and more importantly, it felt more reliable in a clash.
Besides, swords had a longer reach and better balance. Before, he'd kept his Sharingan hidden, so he had to rely on kunai and shuriken for subtlety. Now that he could use his dōjutsu more freely, it only made sense to adopt a weapon better suited to his fighting style.
And just as he committed to improving his swordsmanship, Kakashi had handed him a scroll detailing his own personal technique—Chidori.
Kai had been speechless.
Wouldn't it have been better if you gave this to me earlier?
He didn't have time to master such a high-level jutsu right now. But he understood the meaning behind the gesture. Kakashi was telling him to survive—to come back alive—and then learn it.
A good blessing.
And with a gift like this, how could Kai not feel something?
Taking a deep breath, Kai put the scroll away with solemn care. His rationality forced him to suppress any romantic fantasies about the future—for now.
He looked up at the man walking ahead of him and said quietly, "Thank Kakashi for me."
"You should tell him yourself," Minato Namikaze replied, glancing back with a calm smile. "Have some faith. No matter what happens, I'll make sure you get back home."
Hearing that, Kai finally let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.
This—this was the assurance he'd been waiting for.
Kenta Imai raised his eyebrows at the exchange but said nothing. He simply smiled that disarming, unreadable smile of his.
Why had he agreed to follow Namikaze Minato? Sure, the man was ridiculously strong. But more importantly, he was one of the few who could get Kei—and the rest of them—back to Konoha alive.
Kai had once envied Aya Hyūga, but that envy had faded. Now, all he could think about was surviving this mission—and maybe even returning with a bit of glory.
He'd always considered "honor" a worthless thing. Survival was what mattered. And to survive, he'd done some terrible, necessary things.
But now that safety felt possible, he could allow himself to consider what honor might mean—for his future.
If Kai Uchiha returned as the only "Sharingan Hero" of this war, it would naturally elevate the Uchiha clan's standing. Even if they were called the "Three Sharingan Heroes," it would still mark a quiet victory.
Of course, greater recognition meant more scrutiny from the village's leadership. But so what?
The Third Hokage was already being pressured to resign. Orochimaru's ambitions were stirring. Danzo would inevitably try to seize control. It was a period of instability. The attention on Kai might not be overwhelming—not yet.
By the time the dust settled, maybe Kai would have fully mastered his Mangekyō.
The Fourth Hokage—Minato—had inherited Jiraiya's ideals and trusted even members of the Uchiha. But his reign had been cut tragically short.
If not for the Nine-Tails' attack… if Minato hadn't made that fatal decision…
Maybe the Uchiha clan's future would have turned out differently.
Kai's thoughts were interrupted when Minato raised his hand, signaling them to stop.
Kai immediately went on alert, cursing himself for letting his guard down.
Being near someone as powerful as Minato made it easy to grow complacent. He activated his Sharingan without hesitation, focusing his senses.
His chakra reserves weren't amazing, but he could still fight.
"There are several targets ahead," Minato said, crouching and placing one hand on the ground. "Most have average chakra levels… but there are a few that stand out. Possibly jōnin. Hard to say if they're shadow clones or the real deal."
Kai unfolded the mission map and quickly checked their location. "We're close to the target point… Minato-sensei, do we have any intel on the enemy ahead?"
Minato shook his head. "Sorry, no. And just call me Minato. We're probably the first Konoha unit to make it this far. From here on, we improvise."
Kai nodded. "Understood."
He unsheathed his ninja blade with practiced ease.
"In that case, let's move fast. Kenta and I will handle the surrounding forces. We'll leave the strong ones to you, Minato-sensei. Is that acceptable?"
Minato nodded calmly. Kai's initiative was bold, borderline insubordinate—but he didn't mind. It aligned perfectly with his own plan.
Those with higher chakra signatures were likely jōnin-level opponents. Minato could handle them with ease.
As for the rest, Kai and Kenta had been fighting side by side for months. Their coordination was ironclad.
Minato, of course, didn't realize that his assumptions weren't entirely correct. He simply took out his special kunai, took a breath—
—and vanished in a flash of golden light.
Kai and Kenta glanced at each other and followed without hesitation.
They were this close to finishing the mission. Now it was just a matter of execution.
"Your left, my right?" Kai tilted his head as they picked up speed.
"You're the captain," Kenta replied with a smirk. "You give the orders."
Kai grinned.
"Then let's finish this."
"Got it, Captain."