Survival was the priority!
As the saying goes: young and ambitious, but no need to donate kills to Iwagakure.
After all, if you didn't survive, how were you supposed to farm reputation?
And once "staying alive" became the core principle, their actions could become much bolder.
For example—large-scale repositioning.
Konoha hadn't explicitly stated that they had to stay put after completing their objectives. As long as the mission was accomplished, no one could really say anything.
What, were they supposed to tell you to die nailed to one spot?
"Besides, Kakashi and the others are headed to Kannabi Bridge anyway. Running into them by chance and falling under Minato Namikaze's protection would be perfectly reasonable, wouldn't it?"
Back in his previous life, Haori had never quite understood the whole Kannabi Bridge situation.
As ninja—especially Iwa ninja proficient in Earth Release—couldn't they just rebuild the bridge after it was destroyed?
Now, though, he finally understood.
It wasn't that they couldn't. It was that they no longer had the will.
The death of the Third Raikage had put Kumogakure on their heels.
They were already fighting Konoha head-on, and now their rear was being sabotaged at such a critical moment—who would still have the morale to keep going?
Once it happened once, it would happen again. Especially after Minato instantly wiped out fifty Iwa ninja on the frontline.
Under such compounded blows, Iwagakure's morale plummeted and its organization collapsed.
How could they keep fighting like that?
Having already been "educated" by Konoha's iron fists—achieving spiritual enlightenment through purely physical means—they naturally wouldn't play the role of a shell-less turtle and stubbornly endure.
They surrendered.
And just like that, the war ended.
"It won't be much longer. We just need to endure this stretch."
After several days of travel, the trio entered their designated area within the required timeframe.
With frontline Konoha forces launching their assault right on schedule as cover, they quietly slipped into territory controlled by Iwagakure.
Looking at the lush, verdant forest before him, Haori couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
"Still, even if we want to rendezvous with Kakashi's group, we'll have to wait a while."
Haori wanted to farm reputation, but he wasn't insane. He hadn't forgotten that Uchiha Madara was squatting somewhere in the Land of Grass.
More importantly, his most urgent task right now was to deal with what mattered most—drawing Iwagakure's attention.
This kind of mission was classic: talk sounded easy, execution turned into tears.
Especially since they lacked detailed intelligence on Iwa's deployment. Most things would have to be figured out on the fly.
At one point, Haori even felt that Konoha's higher-ups had issued this mission with a mindset of "I'm not the one charging into battle anyway—might as well talk big and vent some frustration."
"Haori, something's up."
While he was thinking, Aoba suddenly spoke in a low voice.
After his earlier excitement, Aoba had felt somewhat awkward around Haori these past few days.
Though he hadn't said it out loud, he clearly remembered thinking that Haori had been exaggerating.
Only to get smacked in the face by reality a few minutes later.
That, however, made him trust Haori even more. From then on, as long as Haori gave an order—even if it was troublesome—Aoba wouldn't object.
Like now: continuously controlling his crows for reconnaissance while also ensuring their safety.
"There's a patrol ahead. Four people. Very close."
"Enemies?"
Guy's eyes instantly lit up.
"Haori, if we make a big enough commotion, won't that help us complete the mission better?"
"Shut up, idiot. Follow Haori's command!"
Before Haori could respond, Aoba snapped.
"Haori is our captain. Don't act on your own."
Haori was only a chunin, but his position as captain had been personally assigned by Minato, and both Guy and Aoba acknowledged it.
Especially after Haori's earlier analysis, Aoba trusted him completely.
"No. This time, we don't make a big commotion."
Haori thought for a moment before speaking.
"Guy, while that would fit our mission objectives, don't forget—we have more to do.
We need to attract attention while also causing more damage. That way, the enemy stays alert and sends more people in this direction.
That will work in our favor."
And it gives us an excuse to relocate.
"Is that so?"
Guy glanced apologetically at Aoba. He knew he had issues sometimes—getting yelled at was normal.
He quickly turned back to Haori, curiosity written all over his face.
"So what do we do?"
"We can't let this patrol go—but we also can't make too much noise."
Haori answered directly, his gaze fixed on Guy.
"We need captives. That way we can gather more intelligence.
So, Guy, keep yourself in check. Don't cause any 'accidents' like before."
"Yes."
Guy nodded, a little embarrassed.
"Aoba, this one's going to require more effort from you—same as in the Land of Whirlpools. Can you handle it?"
Haori nodded. He still didn't fully trust Guy, so he turned his attention to Aoba.
"No problem."
Aoba nodded immediately, a hint of eagerness flashing across his face.
"Then—move out."
With that, Haori gave the order. In an instant, all three vanished, each taking up a concealed position.
Haori hid within a patch of tall grass and immediately activated his Sharingan.
Two black tomoe slowly rotated within his crimson eyes.
Before long, four Iwa ninja approached from ahead, their conversation clearly audible.
"Captain, why can't we go to the frontline? Why are we stuck patrolling the rear?"
One of the younger-looking Iwa ninja spoke resentfully, clearly dissatisfied.
"I know you want to avenge your brother, but guarding the rear is still serving the war."
The slightly older ninja spoke in a stern but calming tone.
"And don't forget how Konoha defeated Kirigakure. Do you want that happening to us too?"
Haori listened quietly. At that moment, he had already identified who the squad leader was.
Whoosh—whoosh—whoosh!
The moment the four Iwa ninja reached the optimal position, the sound of air being torn apart rang out.
Several kunai rained down toward them.
"Enemy attack!"
Despite the suddenness, the four reacted quickly.
After all, this was a battlefield—even the rear lines were on guard against Konoha.
The Iwa captain, clearly battle-hardened, barked out a warning to his teammates and instantly drew his long blade, deflecting every incoming kunai.
But at the exact moment their attention was drawn to the weapons—
Aoba struck.
"Ninja Art: Scattering Thousand Crows!"
In an instant, smoke billowed out as countless crows flooded the area, densely swarming around the four Iwa ninja.
The crows blocked their vision and restricted their movement.
"This is—"
The Iwa captain froze for a split second. Then, as screams rang out beside him, his expression darkened.
"Damn it!"
He slashed wildly, trying to drive the crows away.
And at that very moment—the crows scattered.
A young man appeared before him.
Crimson eyes. A slight tilt of the head—and the ninja blade missed entirely.
"Konoha… Uchiha…"
The Iwa captain instantly guessed his identity.
But the next second—
A sharp pain erupted in his abdomen.
—
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