After accepting a mission and preparing to depart, Minato Namikaze gathered his belongings and went to find Kakashi, Obito, Rin Nohara, and Shindai to give them some instructions.
Kakashi and Rin Nohara were already awake when Minato Namikaze ran into them. Then he found Obito still sleeping and woke him up. With Obito rubbing sleep from his eyes, they all headed to the central tent to wake up Shindai.
Shindai rubbed his sleepy eyes and asked groggily, "What's going on? Did we eat already?"
Kakashi let out an exasperated sigh. "Is eating the only thing you can think of when we come looking for you?"
Shindai scratched his cheek. "I can think of other reasons, but I don't feel like sharing them."
Since everyone had come together looking for him, if they weren't there for food, it meant they must be about to work.
And Shindai really didn't want to work.
Kakashi was left speechless by Shindai's response.
He was so straightforward. Was Shindai honest or cunning?
Minato clapped his hands. "Alright, everyone quiet down. I'm about to go on a mission with Master Jiraiya. It might be quite a while before we meet again, so there are some things I need to tell all of you.
You four will now function as a single unit. I've already spoken to Shikaku—none of you will be separated. You'll join one of the ninja squads and follow their orders.
Kakashi, you've always been calm and rational. You're capable of analyzing which judgment is most appropriate under any circumstance. So while I'm away, this team will be under your leadership."
Kakashi nodded in agreement. "I understand, Sensei Minato."
This wasn't the first time Kakashi had taken such responsibility, so nothing about it felt unexpected.
Minato turned to Rin Nohara. "Rin, remember that you're a Medical Ninja and an extremely important one at that. The presence of a Medical Ninja gives fighting ninjas greater confidence because they know they can receive treatment no matter how severe their injuries. This sense of security allows combat ninjas to fully commit themselves during battle. You must provide timely aid if any teammate gets injured.
Sometimes you let your emotions guide you, but you are their last line of defense. Your top priority must always be protecting yourself. Do you understand?"
Rin Nohara nodded. "Sensei Minato, I understand."
Then Minato looked toward Obito. "Then there's Obito. Compared to before, your strength has improved significantly. I've noticed all your progress with my own eyes. Your efforts haven't gone to waste."
Obito, proud of Minato's praise, puffed out his chest slightly.
Shindai couldn't even be bothered to comment on Obito's reaction. Obviously, Minato was about to say 'but'—what was he so smug about?!
"But!"
"As expected of Shindai," Minato interjected, his tone shifting into a serious one. "Obito, you tend to act on impulse. And when you do, you often end up ignoring orders. I understand that sometimes you want to prove yourself, and other times it's for the sake of your comrades, but your recklessness could make our already difficult situation even worse.
What lies ahead is real war now, Obito. You must control your impulsiveness. Think carefully before acting. If you're unsure what to do, ask Kakashi for advice. You're teammates; believe in each other."
Obito pouted slightly while murmuring his agreement, "I understand, Minato-sensei. I'll try my best to hold back."
"Lastly, Shindai..." Minato shifted his gaze toward Shindai.
Before Minato could continue speaking, Shindai immediately declared, "Rest assured, Minato-sama. As you know, I'm the most composed one. I definitely won't be a burden to Kakashi and the others. There's absolutely no need to worry about me!"
Minato pursed his lips and directly called him out, "Don't pretend, Shindai. I already know everything."
Shindai froze, staring at Minato as if struck by thunder.
After regaining his composure, Shindai forced a laugh and said, "Wh-what are you talking about, Minato-sama? I'm not pretending at all~"
Minato sighed deeply, "There's no need to keep pretending, Shindai. Your Magnet Release and Puppet Techniques may not be among the elite, but they're undeniably advanced jutsu. I already know you possess the strength of a jonin."
Shindai instantly shot Kakashi, Rin Nohara, and Obito a fierce glare.
It must have been those three idiots who ratted me out! He had concealed himself so well, so flawlessly. If it wasn't because of Kakashi and the others talking, how could Minato possibly know?
Kakashi and the other two simultaneously rolled their eyes.
What did they have to do with this? Honestly, Shindai's disguise was so bad even a blind man could see through it.
Minato gazed earnestly at Shindai and said, "Shindai, you can't return to Sunagakure anymore. Clearly, you've already been completely abandoned by them. We—including Obito here—and Jiraiya-sensei and the Third Hokage all hope that you'll join Konoha, truly commit yourself to Konoha.
We truly regard you as one of our own comrades. While I'm away on this mission, please give this serious thought. When I return, I hope to receive your decision.
Until then, I also hope you can stand side by side with Kakashi, Obito, and Rin, fighting together through every advance and retreat. Can you do that, Shindai?"
Minato stared intently at Shindai.
Shindai felt extremely uncomfortable under Minato's piercing gaze.
Now that his abilities had been discovered by Minato, there was indeed no need to keep up the pretense anymore.
Though his true strength had been revealed, his real identity as a spy remained undiscovered.
Even though this espionage role was no longer useful, at least one thing was clear—he had played it flawlessly!
Shindai nodded in agreement. "Alright, I understand. I give you my word, Lord Minato."
Minato Namikaze flashed a bright grin and reached out to ruffle Shindai's head.
Before leaving, Minato gave his final instructions: "Be extremely cautious during the mission. Don't underestimate your enemies or become complacent. Maintain high alertness and focus at all times, fully anticipating and preparing for any challenges and difficulties that may arise.
"Meanwhile, carefully observe and analyze the mission environment. Ensure every detail is carefully handled to prevent injuries, mission failure, or unnecessary losses from careless mistakes.
"Additionally, remain calm and rational. Even when facing sudden situations or pressure, you must quickly make the right judgments and decisions, ensuring both your own safety and the successful completion of the mission."
Kakashi, Obito, Rin Nohara, and Shindai responded in unison, "Yes sir!"
Minato exhaled deeply and said with a smile, "I believe you guys can definitely do it. Alright then, I should get going now. See you next time."
Minato left the tent and met up with Jiraiya at the entrance of the Stationed Camp.
"Everything sorted out?"
"Yeah, I've given them all the instructions."
Stretching his arms and yawning, Jiraiya gazed into the distance. "Then let's move out!"
Jiraiya and Minato Namikaze left the Stationed Camp and set off toward their destination.
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