Chapter 34: Departure
"This is… Chidori?"
While leaping swiftly from tree to tree, Uchiha Kei examined the so-called "gift" from Kakashi in his hand.
Reading or checking something while on the move was second nature to a ninja. After all, one often had to act while processing intel in the heat of battle. Having spent so long on the battlefield, Kei was obviously no stranger to multitasking.
What caught him off guard, however, was that Kakashi had actually entrusted him with Chidori. Kei was momentarily speechless.
He did lack a decisive offensive jutsu—one that could forcibly pierce through enemy defenses.
Sure, his Mangekyō Sharingan was powerful—tremendously so—but the chakra consumption was terrifying. Its effectiveness in turning the tide of battle was unquestionable, yet…
In truth, at this stage, it could only be treated as a support technique. More importantly, it was a non-renewable resource.
Kei didn't dare overuse it or risk going blind.
That was why he'd picked up a sword off a fallen Iwa-nin earlier. The blade's material was similar to a kunai, but Kei preferred the sword's sharpness—and its length.
Before, when he used the Sharingan discreetly, he relied on close-up kunai strikes to minimize the risk of exposure.
Now that he dared to openly use his regular Sharingan, it was only natural to seek better safety and range.
Ironically, just as he'd resolved to work on kenjutsu, Kakashi handed over his own notes on Chidori training.
It made Kei feel… conflicted.
Would've been great if you gave this to me earlier, huh?
Now, with no time to learn it, Kei understood Kakashi's true intent—he wanted Kei to survive. It was a heartfelt wish for him to live on and learn this jutsu later.
Still, how could anyone hold Chidori and not be tempted?
Taking a deep breath, Kei pushed aside those impractical thoughts.
Carefully stowing the scroll, he looked up at Minato Namikaze. "Thank Kakashi for me…"
"You should thank him yourself," Minato smiled gently. "Have a little faith. No matter what happens—I'll get you all back safely."
Hearing those words, Kei finally exhaled a sigh of relief. That was exactly the reassurance he'd been waiting for.
Even Imai Kenta raised an eyebrow at that, but said nothing. He simply wore that ever-innocent smile of his again.
Why follow Minato? Besides being incredibly strong, he was their best chance of making it back to Konoha alive.
At first, Kei had envied Hyūga Ayaka—she seemed to be in a better position.
But now? Kei wasn't concerned about her anymore. Maybe… maybe he'd even return with some glory of his own.
Kei had never cared much for things like honor. All he wanted was to survive—and he'd done many questionable things to ensure that.
But now that his life felt a little more secure, he could start thinking about the future.
If he truly became the only "Sharingan Hero," it would boost his standing in Konoha immensely.
Even if there were "three Sharingan Heroes," he'd still be in a good spot.
Of course, that also meant increased scrutiny from Konoha's leadership.
But so what?
At that time, the Third Hokage was preparing to step down in disgrace, his hands full with Orochimaru's situation.
Danzo would likely seize the chance to push his own Hokage ambitions. It was a power vacuum—those in power wouldn't have time to focus too much on Kei.
By the time the dust settled, perhaps Kei would've already fully mastered his Mangekyō Sharingan.
Though the Fourth Hokage accepted Jiraiya's ideals and even took an Uchiha as a student, unfortunately… he died far too early.
He hadn't had the chance to consolidate his power. Otherwise, Orochimaru wouldn't have dared call him a puppet of the Third.
If the Nine-Tails incident hadn't happened…
If the Fourth hadn't fallen that night…
Maybe the Uchiha clan's fate would've been very different.
While Kei's mind wandered through these thoughts, Minato suddenly raised a hand, signaling them to halt.
Kei instantly went on alert—and cursed himself internally.
Getting too comfortable near a powerhouse like Minato… that was a rookie mistake.
Refocusing, Kei quietly activated his Sharingan.
His chakra reserves weren't great, but he was at least combat-ready.
"Multiple targets ahead," Minato said softly after kneeling and placing a hand on the ground. "Most chakra signatures are average, but a few are stronger. Can't confirm if they're clones or the real deal."
"Sounds like we're close to the objective," Kei said as he pulled out a map. "Captain Minato, do you have intel on our opponents?"
"Sorry, I don't," Minato shook his head. "Also, just call me Minato. We're probably the first—and maybe only—Konoha squad to reach this area. We'll have to adapt on the fly."
"I understand." Kei took a deep breath, then slowly drew the ninjatō at his waist.
"In that case, let's get this done. Kenta and I will handle the weaker enemies on the perimeter. Captain Minato, we'll leave the rest to you. How does that sound?"
Minato nodded. Though Kei's suggestion might've seemed bold, it actually matched his own plan.
Those stronger chakra signatures were likely jōnin, but Minato had the strength to deal with them easily.
Leaving the average ones to Kei's squad made perfect sense. They were old teammates, after all—coordination wouldn't be a problem.
Of course, Minato couldn't possibly guess Kei's real thoughts.
He silently took out a kunai and exhaled deeply.
In the next instant, his terrifying Flying Thunder God technique activated.
He vanished from Kei and Kenta's sight in the blink of an eye.
Kei and Kenta exchanged a glance—then quickly followed.
The mission was nearly complete. Now they just had to speed things up.
"You take the left, I'll take the right?" Kei tilted his head.
"Sure, you're the captain—your call." Kenta nodded with a smile.
"In that case… let's move."
"Roger, captain."