"Hey, didn't I tell you already, Itachi? Quit looking so gloomy all the time."
Feeling the stiffness and awkwardness of the small figure on his back, Takeshi turned to glance at the little head resting on his shoulder with a smile.
How rare—it was actually the first time he'd seen a shy expression on Itachi's face.
At this moment, Itachi had completely lost his usual calm composure.
He hadn't expected Takeshi to just lift him up so straightforwardly, without even asking for his consent.
But...
This was the first time someone other than his parents had carried him like this...
Feeling the warmth of Takeshi's shoulder, Itachi struggled a little but eventually gave in and went along with it.
Beside them, Shisui had wanted to help, but Takeshi refused. He could only walk ahead, glancing back from time to time.
Not long after, Danzō received a message from his subordinates.
When he learned that his son was carrying a little Uchiha kid around the camp, Danzō didn't say much. He simply continued refining his plans.
The last unit of Kirigakure forces still on the Land of Fire's soil had already been completely surrounded by Konoha shinobi.
Danzō was now pondering whether to wipe them out entirely, or leave a sliver of hope to lure in Kirigakure reinforcements—and thereby secure more military achievements.
Putting himself in the shoes of the enemy commander, Danzō studied the map in front of him. After checking it several times, he finally made up his mind.
"It's time to bring this war to an end."
In his view, the Kirigakure remnants were already abandoned pawns. If he were their commander, he would never send reinforcements to save them.
"Send word to Jiraiya—launch a full assault at dawn!"
With the order given, Danzō finally had time to consider the matter of his son.
"That boy's been taking it too easy lately. But since the Tailed Beast hasn't shown any signs of going berserk, it's time to send him back to the battlefield."
Thinking Takeshi had been lounging around too comfortably, Danzō decided to assign him a combat mission—one that might earn him some merit in this final phase of war.
When the messenger shinobi arrived at Takeshi's tent, he was in the middle of thoroughly bullying the injured Itachi under the pretense of helping him recover.
Upon receiving his orders, Takeshi immediately released Itachi. After confirming the mission details, he turned to the two standing behind him.
"Looks like we'll have to postpone the rest of the training until we're back in Konoha."
Takeshi shrugged.
"I'm heading to the battlefield with my teammates. Shisui, thanks for your help during this time. While I'm gone, I'll be leaving Itachi in your care."
Danzō's orders didn't mention Shisui or Itachi, so Takeshi assumed the two would remain in camp.
"But the orders I received said..."
Takeshi waved off Shisui's words.
"I don't care what Fugaku thinks. If he entrusted his son to me, then he'll have to follow my lead."
Seeing Takeshi's firm stance, Uchiha Shisui had no choice but to nod in agreement.
...
Nighttime, by the campfire.
The members of Team 7, having received their orders, were finally reunited and sitting together around the flames.
Nearby sat Uchiha Shisui and Itachi.
"Your wounds fully healed?"
Kakashi asked casually, glancing at Takeshi.
"Beating the crap out of Obito won't be a problem."
With a mischievous grin, Takeshi patted Obito on the shoulder, who was sitting to his right.
"Hey, what happened yesterday wasn't my fault, Takeshi! That peeping perv acted on his own!"
Obito quickly offered up the grilled skewer in his hand with a sheepish grin.
"Wow, your intelligence has finally leveled up, Obito. You actually knew I was talking about yesterday."
Without even looking at the skewer, Takeshi handed it off to Kakashi on his left, then continued teasing Obito.
"I've already decided—tomorrow, the battle plan is for you to split into three units and launch a multi-pronged attack on the Kirigakure encampment. No Shadow Clones allowed."
No Shadow Clones... and still split into three?
How was that even supposed to work?
Even with his improved smarts, Obito was stumped.
"Isn't it simple? We just cut you into three equal parts and send each one down a different route."
As he spoke, Takeshi reached dramatically for the sword behind his back.
Sitting quietly and munching on her skewer, Rin finally couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Okay, okay, Takeshi, stop scaring Obito. Let's just enjoy the food while we can."
"Rin!"
Seeing Rin come to his rescue, Obito was moved beyond words—he was just short of throwing himself into her arms in gratitude.
"Alright, here."
With Rin giving him a way out, Takeshi didn't push Obito any further. He turned and picked out a skewer from the pile in front of him, handing it over.
"This is..."
Obito blinked at the skewer in surprise.
"I heard from someone—it really was thanks to you that I was saved last time."
It was the first time Takeshi had ever thanked Obito. He wasn't quite used to it, and it felt a little awkward.
Seeing Obito still not reaching out, Takeshi simply shoved the skewer into his hand, then turned his head away and refused to look.
"I'm the one who carried you back."
Kakashi also reached out, demanding his share.
"Didn't I already give you one just now?"
Though grumbling, Takeshi still handed him another skewer—and didn't forget Rin, either.
Thanks to Kakashi speaking up, he managed to escape the awkward mood.
However, Obito's expression remained downcast.
"What's wrong? Relax, I wasn't actually going to make you split into three—"
Thinking Obito was still moping over the earlier joke, Takeshi scratched his head, about to comfort him.
"That time really scared me..."
Clutching the skewer tightly, Obito recalled the moment when Takeshi had been on the verge of death.
"I'd never seen you so badly hurt before. Honestly, I was praying it was just one of your ice clones..."
Seeing Obito's pitiful, puppy-like expression, Takeshi felt a twinge of guilt.
Wait a second—why should I feel guilty? I was the one who almost died!
Shaking his head to dismiss the thought, Takeshi slapped Obito on the back.
"Alright, enough with the drama! I'm alive and kicking, aren't I?"
But just as he dispelled the gloomy air with his usual bravado, a solid thump landed on his head.
That one was from Kakashi.
"Hey, Kakashi, what was that for?!"
Holding his head and on the verge of tears, Takeshi howled in unison with Obito.
"Hmph. Nothing much. Just felt like punching someone who doesn't value his comrades."
Mimicking Takeshi's tone, Kakashi swung his fist around.
"We're teammates. Next time something like this happens, bring us along—got it?"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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