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The exchange of secret technique scrolls was conducted between two villages, with the next round occurring every six months.
The pairings were decided by lottery, with all the specifics finalized before the Five Kage Summit adjourned.
Konoha's first pairing was with Iwagakure.
The irony was that the handover location was the Kannabi Bridge—the very site where the two nations had once clashed in war, and the place that had forever haunted Kakashi's soul.
Late at night, Kakashi carried the Scroll of Seals on his back, while Might Guy shouldered a pack containing the secret technique scrolls. They moved through the forest. At their speed, they would reach the Kannabi Bridge before dawn.
Along the way, Kakashi was his usual self—chatting, laughing, never once mentioning the recent upheaval, nor the people and memories tied to this mission's destination.
Watching the back of his best friend running ahead, Guy's heart felt heavy. After Obito's betrayal, Kakashi acted as if nothing was wrong. But as a close friend and rival, Guy knew better. Kakashi's calm was the composure of a shinobi bearing a burden—a determination not to trouble his comrades.
At a time like this… as a friend, what can I do to help him unburden his heart?
Guy reconsidered.
No. Thinking I can solve his old wounds is just my arrogance. To untie the bell, you need the one who tied it. Right now, the best thing I can do as his friend is not to pry, not to fuss over him, but to stand quietly by his side. To face these setbacks and challenges together.
Noticing Guy's expression, Kakashi averted his gaze.
Guy… I'm still troubling you.
They ran another dozen miles, stopping at a clear river. Kakashi took the canteen from his hip, drank a little, and handed it to Guy beside him.
Guy tipped his head back and gulped loudly.
On the opposite bank, shadows of trees loomed in the darkness. Kakashi's senses sharpened. "Once we cross this river, it's just a few more miles to the Kannabi Bridge. The terrain there is perfect for Earth Style traps. We need to be extra careful. The alliance is new. We may have no ill intent, but we can't afford to drop our guard."
Guy wiped water from his chin, fixing the canteen to his own belt. He grinned. "True. I'm sure the Hokage understood the risks. That's why he sent us on this mission."
Kakashi's gaze lowered. "Also… even if they don't openly turn on us, we can't assume they'll be as forthright as we are."
Guy frowned. "The question is, how do we tell?"
"I'd like to think my knowledge of jutsu is fairly broad," Kakashi said. "If it's an existing technique, I should spot any gaps. Also, the principles I've accumulated from copying techniques with the Sharingan should let me judge if a scroll's recorded hand seals indicate a… watered-down version."
Guy laughed, impressed. "As expected of the former Copy Ninja! Konoha's Top Technician!"
But then his expression grew troubled. "That said… with you here, I'm not worried about spotting their tricks. I'm worried about what happens after we spot them."
Kakashi's face turned serious. "Yeah… The slightest misstep could turn into a diplomatic incident. This isn't a problem brute force can solve. We'll need to adapt on the fly. Protect Konoha's interests without escalating tensions."
Guy tried to be optimistic. "Maybe we're overthinking it. Maybe they'll be just as sincere as we are."
Kakashi stared into the dark water. "Let's hope so."
They waded across the river. The forest exit lay just ahead.
Shink! Shink! Shink!
That's when the sharp whirr of kunai sliced through the air, cutting leaves and branches as they came!
"Ambush!!!"
Kakashi and Guy halted and leaped back in unison!
CLANG! CLANG…!!
A violently spinning Fuma Shuriken embedded itself in the ground where Kakashi's foot had just been!
Kakashi steadied himself, eyes locking onto a black-cloaked figure perched atop a tree.
"You are…"
A mocking greeting came from behind the white mask. "Long time no see, my worthless old acquaintance."
"Obito… It really is you!!!"
Kakashi's pupils constricted. His fists clenched.
"It's him!" Behind him, Guy's expression shifted completely, his entire body snapping into a battle-ready stance.
Kakashi demanded, "That mask… Your identity is already exposed. Why bother wearing it?"
Obito's voice was eerily calm. "Well… Everyone wears a mask. I'm just wearing an extra one."
Kakashi's tone deepened. "Showing up on our route like this… You're not here to catch up with the 'worthless' guy you mentioned, are you?"
Obito slowly raised his hand, pointing past Kakashi. His finger hooked slightly. "Hand over what's on your back."
So that's it… He knows about the mission.
Kakashi's voice turned icy. "A foolish suggestion."
"Heh."
Obito gave a low, humorless chuckle and lowered his hand. "Figures. Hatake Kakashi would never back down. In his eyes, the mission comes first. Above his own life. And above the lives of his 'comrades.' Right?"
The emphasized word "comrades" was like a needle, picking open an old, scarred wound. Fresh blood seemed to well from it.
"So… It's about Rin. That's why you hate me. And by extension, the village."
Obito's reply was flat. "What a boring observation. If I had to give a reason, I suppose that's it. But as for you, as for Konoha… I wouldn't call it hatred. Or blame." His voice dropped, chilling. "Because… you're not worth it!!!"
Swish…!!
A black vortex swirled. Obito vanished from the treetop.
The next instant—a chilling wind shot toward Kakashi from behind!
Shhk!
Kakashi's hand flashed into his vest. A white arc of light slashed backward…!!!
Whoosh…!!
The 'white short sword' passed through empty air. Obito tilted his head slightly. "Oh? After losing the name of the Sharingan, you've picked up the White Fang's blade again…"
Seeing Obito pull back, Kakashi dropped into a crouch, driving the short sword into the ground!
— Chidori: Tracking Fang!
CRACKLE!! A bolt of blue lightning chased Obito, leaping from the ground just before him and morphing into a roaring hound of electricity!
Obito's eyes narrowed. "Combining Chidori's shape transformation with swordsmanship… Instantly executed. You've grown, Kakashi…!!"
In response, Obito drew the Uchiha war fan and swung it forward hard!
WHAP…!!
The lightning hound shattered into sparks.
Kakashi pulled his sword from the earth and stood.
They faced each other across the clearing. Wind stirred the trees.
Kakashi lifted the forehead protector covering his left eye, revealing the scarred, empty socket beneath.
"I thought your eye would let me see the path ahead. It was only after I lost it that I realized… I could see more."
Obito's voice was cool. "Are you saying the Sharingan I gave you held you back?"
Kakashi covered the eye again. "Half and half…"
"Indeed. Your half is already in the grave—"
Beneath the white mask, Obito's left eye suddenly glowed.
Kakashi's pupils shrank. "That left eye…!!"
"The grave… means exactly that."
Obito raised his palm.
— All-Subduing Heavenly Pull!!
WHOOSH…!!!
An irresistible force yanked Kakashi off his feet, hurling him forward!
Stunned, Kakashi instantly pulled a chain from his pouch and flung it, wrapping it around a thick tree…!
Zing! But under the suddenly intensifying pull… the chain links tore from his grip one by one!!!
"Go to the other world!!!"
A black rod slid from Obito's sleeve.
— Leaf Whirlwind!!!
A devastating kick tore through the air—and passed straight through Obito's body…!!
Might Guy's booming laugh followed. "Lost soul! Did you think Konoha's noble Blue Beast would just stand by and watch?!!"
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