Chapter 9: Did You Guess It?

"You're safe now."

As Uchiha Kei cut the ropes binding the battered and bruised Konoha ninjas, he also dispelled the genjutsu affecting them, offering a word of comfort.

In the end, the Iwa Jonin fell under the combined assault of Uchiha Kei's team. Despite his exceptional skills, he struggled against the three ninjas, each at least Chunin level, who were not to be underestimated.

"Thank you, damn Iwa ninjas," one of the rescued Konoha ninjas gratefully acknowledged Uchiha Kei's team, not forgetting to curse the Iwa ninjas.

"How are you holding up?" Uchiha Kei was more concerned about their physical state: "This place isn't safe. We need to leave immediately. We have a mission to complete."

"A mission?" The ninja was taken aback: "Isn't your mission to rescue us?"

"Rescuing you was incidental. We have our own mission. If it doesn't conflict, we can help, and you can help us too," Uchiha Kei bluntly shattered the ninja's illusion.

Rescue mission? What a joke. Given Konoha's strained war efforts, they couldn't afford to spare many hands.

Even Uchiha Kei wouldn't have come if he didn't see their value.

War is harsh; feelings and actions that seem simple in peacetime are luxuries in these circumstances.

Uchiha Kei didn't like it either, but he had no choice in this era.

The Konoha ninja was momentarily stunned but quickly accepted Uchiha Kei's words. Clearly, he was a seasoned battlefield veteran who understood Kei's actions.

With the White Fang incident as a precedent, no one wanted to commit such a taboo. A ninja's value lay in their usefulness.

The Konoha ninja tested his limbs. Though weak, he quickly assessed his condition.

"I'm fine, just a bit weak. The others should be okay too," he said, looking back at his comrades before addressing Uchiha Kei. He didn't underestimate Kei because of his young age.

"Good. Aya, lead the way. We're leaving now," Uchiha Kei nodded and then addressed the Konoha ninja, "I'm Uchiha Kei, the team leader. These are Hyuga Aya and Imai Kenta. Tell us about your situation."

"Uchiha? Hyuga?" The ninja was surprised, then sighed, "I'm Yamanaka Masato. Our unit was scattered, leading to our capture. Fortunately, we haven't been prisoners for long. Besides being hungry, we're okay."

"I understand," Uchiha Kei nodded, pleased by the news.

Recently captured ninjas generally only endured genjutsu interrogation, which usually yielded little information. Iwa's goal was to transport them to the rear for more severe interrogation to extract intel.

Uchiha Kei scrutinized Yamanaka Masato, noting his surname. The Yamanaka name was familiar to him, often associated with Nara and Akimichi clans.

But scanning the area, Kei saw no signs of anyone with a pineapple-like hairstyle or a chubby figure, suggesting they either escaped or perished.

Regardless, it wasn't Kei's concern. Seeing the fire from his earlier Fire Release starting to die down, he led Yamanaka Masato and the others away.

Not long after they left, several Iwa ninja squads arrived at their previous location.

Unfortunately for the Iwa ninjas, neither Uchiha Kei nor Yamanaka Masato were novices. Fleeing without leaving traces was second nature to them, unlike the rookies a decade later whose incompetence reflected the Third Hokage's declining influence and the lower quality of Konoha's Genin.

With Hyuga Aya's help, the group of nine avoided many tracking squads and eventually found refuge in a cave.

While Kei's team was fine, the recently rescued Konoha ninjas were exhausted, needing rest before they could move again.

"Kei-kun, can you tell us about your mission?" Yamanaka Masato, chewing on some unknown, long-preserved jerky, asked as he sat on the ground.

"Sure," Uchiha Kei nodded. "We need your help, which is why we rescued you. Our mission is to distract and draw the Iwa defenders away, allowing Minato's team to complete their task."

"A bait mission?" Yamanaka Masato paused, then continued chewing without expression, "I see. We understand and will cooperate."

"Great," Uchiha Kei nodded, scanning the cave. He noticed a somber mood had settled in after he explained their mission.

It couldn't be helped. Their mission was practically suicidal, but its necessity was unquestionable.

Even Minato's mission was likely fraught with danger, as they all knew. But fortunately, the rescued Konoha ninjas were relatively 'innocent.'

Their acceptance of the mission without protest made Uchiha Kei feel better. Even Yamanaka Masato didn't argue, likely due to his clan's longstanding ties with the Hokages.

Kei thought briefly of the original story, where the Third Hokage placed the new generation of Ino-Shika-Cho under Asuma's care, clearly preparing for the future.

Kei chatted briefly with them before stepping out to maintain vigilance, ensuring no careless traces were left behind.

Unexpectedly, Imai Kenta and Hyuga Aya followed him out, with Aya directly asking Kei a straightforward question.

"Have you already guessed Minato's team's mission?"