Mission
The days Chi Yu spent with Kushina Uzumaki were short-lived before Hiruzen Sarutobi urgently summoned him to the Hokage Building.
When Chi Yu arrived, he was surprised to find not only Hiruzen Sarutobi but also Minato Namikaze, Danzō Shimura, and Konoha's two advisors—Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado—waiting in the Hokage's office.
Once Chi Yu entered, Hiruzen nodded solemnly and began, "Now that Chi Yu is here, let's begin. I'll explain the current situation."
"Iwagakure had long anticipated our counteroffensive through Kusagakure. Now, the Iwa forces stationed there have withdrawn toward Amegakure. In response, our shinobi occupying Kusagakure have been redirected to pursue them into Ame."
"However," Hiruzen continued, his tone tightening, "Rasa, having just officially assumed the role of Fourth Kazekage, abruptly declared Sunagakure's participation in the conflict. They've sent forces into Amegakure, claiming to support us against Iwa—but the situation has devolved into a chaotic three-way clash."
"Taking advantage of the distraction, Iwa dispatched an elite task force under Jōnin Higashi Shinin. Over a thousand Iwa-nin are now en route to the Land of Fire. Our frontline commander, Mimura Hagaki, is currently engaging them, but we need reinforcements."
Hiruzen's eyes fell on both Minato and Chi Yu. "Minato, Chi Yu—you two will form a strike unit to support Mimura Hagaki. Chi Yu, Kakashi Hatake has just been promoted to Jōnin. Orochimaru ordered his return to the village, and he should arrive tonight. Depart as soon as he gets here."
"Understood!" both responded in unison.
---
Outside the Hokage Building
Minato turned to Chi Yu with his usual easygoing smile. "Looks like we'll be fighting side by side again."
Chi Yu, who had little affection for Minato due to his relationship with Miyuki Uzumaki, managed a curt response. "Yeah."
Minato chuckled. "Still as distant as ever. I'll gather Obito and the others and head out. We'll wait for you just outside the village."
With that, Minato vanished using the Body Flicker Technique.
Chi Yu returned home briefly to inform Kushina of his mission. She had already packed a travel bag for him. After a quiet goodbye, he left to wait for Kakashi at Konoha's northern gate.
---
Two Hours Later
Kakashi arrived, looking slightly travel-worn but sharp as ever.
"Chi Yu-sensei!" he greeted.
Chi Yu smiled slightly. "Long time no see, Kakashi. You've grown stronger—I can tell."
Kakashi gave a rare smile. "Orochimaru-sama's guidance was intense, but effective."
His expression shifted. "Sensei, how's Shimu doing?"
Chi Yu's smile deepened. Kakashi's sharp eyes caught the shift, and a similar smile touched his lips.
"She's fine," Chi Yu replied. "The Nine-Tails is no longer sealed in Kushina—everything went smoothly. But with Iwa's sudden move, you won't have time to visit her."
Kakashi nodded with quiet understanding. "Then I'll see her after the mission."
Chi Yu placed a reassuring hand on Kakashi's shoulder. "Let's go."
---
Outside Konoha, In the Forest
Chi Yu and Kakashi soon found Minato's squad. Rin Nohara and Takei Katsuhiko were already present, but Obito Uchiha was notably absent.
"Chi Yu," Minato greeted, "you're finally here."
"You're quick," Chi Yu replied dryly. "But where's the goggle-wearing brat?"
Just then, Obito crash-landed from the treetops, panting. "Made it!"
Takei sighed. "You're late again, Obito. How many times does this make?"
"I ran into an old lady who needed directions!" Obito protested, then brightened. "Hey! Kakashi, you're here too!"
Kakashi's mouth twitched. "Still making excuses? That's a lie, isn't it?"
Minato stepped in lightly. "Don't be so harsh, Kakashi. I'm sure he helped her cross the road or something, right, Obito?"
Obito nodded emphatically. "Exactly!"
Kakashi muttered, "People who break the rules are trash… You taught me that yourself, Minato-sama."
Minato gave a nervous chuckle.
Obito frowned. "You're always going on about rules and discipline. Don't you have a heart?"
Rin stepped in to keep the peace. "Let's not argue—it's rare for all of us to be together."
Minato cleared his throat. "By the way, as of today, Kakashi is officially a Jōnin."
"What?!" Rin, Obito, and Takei all stared in disbelief.
Minato turned to Chi Yu. "With Kakashi's promotion, it makes sense for him to lead a team while you and I move ahead. We can't afford delays."
Chi Yu considered the proposal, then nodded. "Fine."
Obito squinted. "Wait, what do you mean by Kakashi leading the team?"
Minato explained, "Konoha is stretched thin. From now on, Kakashi will lead a four-man unit with you, Rin, and Takei. Chi Yu and I will head straight to the front."
He handed Kakashi a unique kunai—Minato's signature weapon.
Kakashi inspected it. "This is… a Flying Thunder God kunai?"
"A gift," Minato said. "It's a bit heavier than normal, but forged to endure. Consider it a token of trust."
Kakashi hesitated, then looked at Chi Yu.
"If he's giving it to you, accept it," Chi Yu said simply.
Kakashi nodded and took it. "Thank you."
Rin then handed him a small box. "This is for you too—a field medical kit. I upgraded the contents myself."
"Thank you," Kakashi said again.
Takei, less familiar with Kakashi, remained silent.
Obito, however, puffed up. "Hey! Aren't you going to ask what I'm giving you?"
Kakashi shot back coldly, "Doesn't matter. If it's useless, it'll just weigh me down."
Obito turned red with frustration while Rin tried not to laugh.
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