dognovel Chapter 866 Status
Chapter 866 Status
"Given the current state of this team, undertaking an S-rank mission like destroying the Kannabi Bridge is tantamount to suicide," Zhang Hai said coldly. "My suggestion is to immediately send these three brats back to the village. This mission can be completed by just the two of us. Bringing these burdens along will only make things worse."
"Who are you calling a burden?!"
Obito and Rin were both pale and ashamed after Zhang Hai's merciless words.
But Kakashi, like a wolf whose tail had been stepped on, suddenly raised his head, and an unprecedented ferocity burst forth from his dead fish eyes as he stared intently at Zhang Hai.
"I will never go back!"
Kakashi gritted his teeth and said, word by word, "This is my first mission after being promoted to Jonin! It's my mission! I'm capable of completing it; I don't need anyone to do it for me or give it to me!"
He stepped forward, looking directly into Zhang Hai's imposing mask, his voice firm and resolute: "Even if I lose an arm, I am still the captain of this squad. As long as I live, I will lead this team to the very end! This is my ninja way!"
Zhang Hai looked at the silver-haired boy in front of him, who refused to bow his head even though he was seriously injured and humiliated in public. The corners of his mouth under the mask curled up slightly.
"Oh? You have a lot of backbone."
Zhang Hai's voice suddenly softened, tinged with amusement, "Since that's the case, then prove it to me. If you make the same mistake again, I'll personally knock you out and throw you back to Konoha. Understand?"
Kakashi didn't answer, but just gave a cold snort, turned his back to everyone, and gripped the White Fang short sword tightly in his hand.
Minato Namikaze watched this scene, still worried, but he understood that forcibly repatriating them at this moment would only backfire.
“Alright.” Minato sighed. “Since Kakashi insists, then we’ll continue the mission. However, you must follow my orders from now on. Any disobedience will result in immediate disqualification.”
"Yes!"
Although Obito and Rin still had some reservations, they could only respond loudly.
Zhang Hai retreated into the shadows, watching the awkward team set off again, and secretly made plans in his mind.
"The conflict has escalated to its peak, and next... will be Obito's 'awakening' moment. Madara, you must be getting impatient too."
As night deepened in the forest, the campfire flickered in the clearing, making soft crackling sounds.
Minato Namikaze sat opposite Kakashi, the firelight illuminating his face, which was usually adorned with a gentle smile, but now appeared solemn.
"Kakashi, you must understand one thing." Minato's voice was deep and powerful. "Rules and discipline are important, they are the cornerstone of ninja operations. But if you rigidly adhere to the rules without knowing how to adapt, and even neglect the safety of your comrades because of it, then you are putting the cart before the horse."
Kakashi lowered his head, looking at his injured left arm, and remained silent.
“And that technique.” Minato’s tone became even more stern. “Chidori. I admit its destructive power is astonishing, but right now it’s an unfinished technique, and also an extremely dangerous one.”
"Why?!" Kakashi looked up abruptly, his eyes filled with resentment. "If only I were a little faster, if only my reflexes were a little quicker..."
“That’s the crux of the problem,” Minato interrupted him. “The extremely high movement speed provided by Chidori makes you ‘blind’ for a moment. You can’t see the enemy’s counterattack, and you don’t have time to dodge. This kind of life-for-life fighting style is not the choice of a qualified Jonin.”
Minato looked directly into Kakashi's eyes and said, word by word, "Until you resolve this fatal flaw, I, as your teacher, order you: You are forbidden from using Chidori in actual combat."
These words, like a verdict, dimmed the light in Kakashi's eyes. He clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging into his palms, and finally gritted his teeth and lowered his head.
"...Yes, teacher."
Seeing Kakashi's deeply affected yet still stubborn appearance, Minato sighed inwardly. He turned to look at Zhang Hai, who was leaning against a tree trunk, resting with his eyes closed.
Their eyes met, and years of tacit understanding allowed them to instantly understand each other's meaning.
“You’ll rest here tonight,” Minato announced, standing up. “Kakashi’s injuries need time to heal. If you’re in good enough shape for combat by tomorrow morning, we’ll proceed with the mission as planned. Otherwise, I’ll force you back to the village.”
"Really?!" Kakashi suddenly looked up, his previously dull eyes instantly brightening. "I will definitely recover by tomorrow! Absolutely!"
"Then get some rest."
……
Late at night, everything is silent.
Zhang Hai and Shui Men sat back to back on a boulder on the outskirts of the camp, gazing up at the starry sky above them, which was fragmented by the leaves.
Neither of them spoke, but simply enjoyed the rare tranquility before the battle.
From their rivalry at the Ninja Academy to their shared fate on the battlefield, and now to each standing independently, the bond between them transcends that of ordinary comrades or friends. It's an absolute trust that needs no words to be felt.
"Nice to have you."
Minato suddenly spoke softly, his voice so low yet so clear in the quiet night.
Zhang Hai's lips curled slightly upward. Without turning around, he simply replied, "Likewise. As long as your golden light remains, I dare to walk in any darkness."
The two men smiled at each other, and the tacit understanding they shared as "brothers" transformed into an invisible yet indestructible force in the cold, enemy-occupied territory.
……
"Minato-sensei..."
A timid voice broke the silence.
Minato turned his head and saw Obito standing in the shadow of a tree not far away, nervously twisting the hem of his clothes with his hands. His usually energetic face was now filled with loneliness and inferiority.
Zhang Hai tactfully stood up, patted the dust off his backside, and said, "I'll go patrol the area. You guys chat."
After saying that, he vanished into the darkness in a flash, leaving the master and disciple alone.
Minato beckoned to Obito to sit down.
"What's wrong, Obito? Can't you sleep?"
"Hmm..." Obito sat down next to Minato with his head down, picked up a twig and drew aimlessly on the ground. "Sensei, am I really useless?"
"Why do you say that?"
“Because…because Kakashi is right.” Obito’s voice choked up. “I’m always late, always making excuses, and I even cry when I’m in danger…I’m a member of the Uchiha clan, but I haven’t even awakened the Sharingan. Compared to Kakashi, who is always so excellent and calm, I’m just a loser who only drags everyone down.”