Chapter 18: Good Luck

Obito's death did not affect the progress of the mission; the village's tasks still needed to continue, especially given the importance of this one.

This mission could potentially end the war early, or even stop the entire Third Shinobi World War.

Kai was already mentally prepared for this. After all, he was an indirect participant and a 'substitute member' for this mission.

When the mission team suffered casualties or unexpected situations, the Third Hokage gave Minato the authority to find replacement members and assign them to the mission.

This indicated how highly the Konoha leadership valued this mission. Kai never thought he could withdraw from it.

After a good night's rest, Kai prepared to set off with his team.

This time, Kai felt much more confident. With the Mangekyou Sharingan, a powerful weapon, he could now openly display his Sharingan.

With the Sharingan out in the open, Kai wouldn't need to be as cautious as before.

Although he still didn't dare to use all his abilities, and his understanding of the Mangekyou Sharingan was minimal, this power gave him some assurance.

Would having the Sharingan put him on Konoha's blacklist? So what? If things went south, he could always pin a kunai to his forehead protector and see who would be more nervous.

"But I can't get carried away. The Mangekyou is just the beginning. I haven't even figured out the Susanoo, which combines offense and defense. I also need to get familiar with my ocular powers and research them thoroughly."

Kai remained calm, not letting the acquisition of the Mangekyou go to his head.

Although researching Mangekyou's abilities required constant use, he wasn't like Itachi, who disregarded his own well-being.

Nor was he like Sasuke, who could waste his ocular power freely and then just switch to Itachi's eyes once his own failed.

Without a brother, Kai couldn't hope for such things, and he wasn't even considering the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan for now.

But Kai wasn't despairing. He had crossed the hardest step. With this foundation and strength, he could patiently wait for the future.

After packing his things, Kai called Aya and Kenta to gather at Minato's location.

Clearly, the powerful Minato had become the highest commander for these ninjas. Even Yamanaka Masato found no issue with it.

"The situation is like this: we've ambushed and killed a large number of Iwa-nin, which will undoubtedly attract attention from other Iwa-nin."

With everyone gathered, Minato got straight to the point: "Therefore, we must speed up. Yamanaka Jonin, you'll handle this task. Distract the enemy and create opportunities for us. Please."

"No problem, Namikaze Jonin," Yamanaka Masato agreed without hesitation.

"Kai, please stay," Minato called out as Kai was about to leave with Yamanaka Masato. "I have a new task for you."

"A new task?" Kai was puzzled, and Aya and Kenta exchanged worried glances, sensing something difficult was coming.

Everyone else leaving while they stayed behind likely meant a challenging task was in store for them.

Their minds raced, considering the current situation. Soon, their hearts sank.

The Namikaze squad had four members, but currently, only three were active due to the front line's tension and Minato's mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique.

He could shuttle between the battlefield's two sides, making full use of this ability.

This also created a reasonable illusion for the Iwa-nin, indicating that Minato was at the frontline, not behind enemy lines.

Whether the Iwa-nin believed it didn't matter; they just needed to know.

With the squad losing a member, they should have continued the mission under normal circumstances.

But things were different now. Kai's team had saved many Konoha ninjas, greatly easing the pressure on the diversionary squad.

These ninjas could be seen as reserve personnel, making it unnecessary for Kakashi and Rin to complete the mission alone.

This arrangement not only freed Minato to suppress the Iwa-nin on the front line but also ensured the mission behind enemy lines went smoothly.

The choice of Kai's team was obvious. The team had members from the Uchiha and Hyuga clans, experienced in battle.

Moreover, Kai was the same age as Kakashi, and Aya and Kenta were only a year or two older, making them peers.

Peers could communicate effectively, and with the help of their ocular abilities, the mission had a higher chance of success.

The three of them understood these points almost simultaneously, their expressions subtly relaxing.

If things went as expected, this mission might be the safest option for them.

Minato's powerful presence and ability to support them anytime made this mission's survival rate higher than being decoys.

Despite the inherent dangers, there was now some assurance.

Aya and Kenta glanced at Kai. If it weren't for him 'timely' awakening his Sharingan, this task might not have fallen to their team.

Otherwise, their team might have been split up, but in such an environment, unfamiliar teams were akin to a death sentence.

As expected, Minato said, "I have a top-secret mission for you. This task is crucial, potentially influencing the war's outcome. I need to mobilize your team. Any objections?"

"No," the three responded in unison.

"Good," Minato nodded with satisfaction. His expression grew serious. "This mission is dangerous, Uchiha. As you have a complete team, you'll lead. Listen carefully to the mission details."

"Me?" Kai was momentarily stunned but nodded. "Understood. Please proceed."

(Chapter end)