Chapter 10: That Place!
"It seems I overestimated you two," Uchiha Kei scoffed. "How did you survive this long without figuring it out?"
Kei felt confident as he knew the truth. As events unfolded, he believed he could increasingly control the situation as long as he didn't act recklessly. Although uncertain if his actions would diverge from the original storyline, he hoped the major events would remain unchanged.
"You did figure something out," Hyuga Aya replied, unfazed. As a member of the Hyuga clan, she had the right to challenge Kei. After speaking, she started thinking deeply.
Imai Kenta, knowing his place as a civilian-born ninja, remained silent and thoughtful. Unlike Aya, he couldn't directly confront Kei.
What kind of mission required Minato's team to need so many squads for cover at this critical moment?
Kei remained silent, not hinting or stopping their thoughts, even if their actions seemed to overstep boundaries. What did it matter?
Suddenly, Hyuga Aya had an idea. She pulled out a map, scrutinizing it intensely. Kenta soon joined, noticing something significant.
Watching them, Kei felt a twinge of apprehension. Was it that easy to guess?
"Is it Kannabi Bridge?" Aya exclaimed, excitedly looking at the map. "Yes, it must be! The route suggests Minato's team targets this place!"
"I think so too," Kenta agreed, his innocent smile returning. "If Iwa wants to attack us, they need to pass through Grass Country. Supply lines from Grass Country to Fire Country are numerous and hidden. But the critical supply and reinforcement line from Earth Country to Grass Country is crucial. So…"
"So, Kannabi Bridge is the key point!" Aya stood up, smiling. "Cutting the link between Grass Country and Earth Country isolates the Iwa ninjas in Grass Country, who become sitting ducks, whether killed or captured for negotiation. This is vital for ending the war!"
"And the war ends," Kenta added confidently.
Kei scratched his nose, admiring their intelligence. While most ninjas focused on defeating the enemy, these two were already contemplating forcing the enemy into peace negotiations and post-war discussions.
This was the so-called 'Hokage' mentality, encompassing more than just clan or village, embracing broader, more inclusive thinking.
Kei had such thoughts due to his prior adult life, but these two were mere kids with impressive foresight, making Kei wary. Could they be reincarnators too?
Kei dismissed the thought. If they were, their situation was too unlucky. Born into challenging circumstances and now facing Kei, a genuine reincarnator who wouldn't hesitate to eliminate them.
"So, Minato's target is Kannabi Bridge, and he plans to blow it up?" Aya realized the gravity of the situation. "Damn, no wonder so many teams are involved instead of frontline deployment. Iwa must suspect Konoha's intentions, hence the constant intercepting to secure their rear."
"Our mission is even more dangerous and terrifying than we thought," Kenta noted, losing his smile. "We might all die here."
"So, you figured all this out and decided to bring the captives along?" Aya examined Kei seriously. "The more people, the greater the chaos, the more distracted the Iwa ninjas, the safer we are, and the more guaranteed our mission is. You really are…"
"That's your guess. Do you want me to help you forget it?" Kei said calmly. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Focus on Yamanaka Masato's situation. We have more important things to do."
Kei didn't admit anything but kindly reminded them, emphasizing the Yamanaka name.
Predictably, Aya and Kenta fell silent after hearing Kei. Some things shouldn't be spoken of. Ignorance could sometimes be bliss.
Knowing the full story, they no longer questioned why the captives were rescued. While more people could create chaos, getting caught was still a risk. Would they always hide behind?
Given Kei's forethought, he must have had a plan. As their leader, they had to follow, aiming to survive.
They also needed to be cautious of Kei, the 'calamity star' who had survived multiple team changes while others perished. Carelessness could make them the next victims.
No one wanted to be a stepping stone or a lifeline, especially at their own expense.
However, they didn't realize that rescuing the captives was Kei's sudden idea for future investment. If not for this incident, Kei would have stuck to his original plan.
Using Byakugan to hide, sneak-attacking smaller Iwa squads, and waiting for Kannabi Bridge to be blown up before returning with some injuries seemed a much safer approach.
Looking at the cave, Kei thought, "Better be cautious. After rescuing enough captives, let them charge ahead. I'll stay a bit behind."
(End of Chapter)