Slayer: Look directly at the Seraph, standing on the sun

"The same old excuse again." Kakashi scoffed. "Last time it was helping an old man cross the street, the time before that it was helping a neighbor find their dog, and this time it's an old lady. Obito Uchiha, have you used all your imagination on making up lies? Even a three-year-old wouldn't believe such a low-level excuse."

"I'm not lying! It's true!" Obito was so angry he was jumping up and down. "How could a cold-blooded animal like you understand! For ninjas, it's true that rules must be followed. But seeing someone in trouble and not helping them makes you worse than trash!"

He turned to look at Minato, who was still smiling, trying to find an ally: "Minato-sensei! You agree, right? A ninja shouldn't just be a machine for carrying out missions; they should also have feelings and compassion!"

Minato smiled helplessly as he watched these two lively disciples bickering the moment they met, and stepped forward to smooth things over.

"Alright, alright, you two. Obito was indeed late, and he needs to reflect on that. But Kakashi, Obito's intentions were good, although... he did tend to cause delays."

Minato's gentle voice always has a calming power.

"We're all classmates, so we should all love and care for each other." Nohara Rin came over and gently brushed the dust off Obito's clothes. She then smiled and said to Kakashi, "Kakashi, don't always be so strict. Today is a special day, so everyone should be happy."

"Humph."

Kakashi turned his head away, and although he didn't continue scolding, he still stubbornly muttered under his breath, "Precisely because today is that special day, I don't want to ruin it because of some loser being late. After all..."

A fleeting, almost imperceptible look of expectation and melancholy crossed his eyes.

"Today is very important to me."

In a forest clearing, sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows.

"Oh! I remember now!"

Rin Nohara suddenly clapped her hands, a knowing smile spreading across her face. She then turned to the silver-haired boy wearing a mask. "Today is the day Kakashi officially becomes a Jonin! Congratulations, Kakashi!"

"Huh? Promoted to Jonin?"

Obito Uchiha, still patting the ground, looked completely bewildered, the leaf he was holding falling from his hand. "When did this happen? How come I didn't know? This guy... became a Jonin so quickly?!"

Obito's mouth gaped open, his face filled with disbelief. Although he knew Kakashi was a genius, this speed of advancement was just too disheartening! Compared to him, he, a "loser" still struggling in the Chunin rank, was left far behind.

Kakashi glanced at him, his eyes filled with disdain that said, "I knew you didn't know."

"There's no need to publicize this kind of thing," Kakashi said calmly, his tone still cold. "Besides, it doesn't really help the mission. Minato-sensei, now that everyone's here, shouldn't we get going? Time waits for no one."

"Don't rush, Kakashi."

Minato Namikaze smiled and waved his hand. "This mission is no small matter. In addition to our class, the Hokage has specially arranged for a strong supporter. Judging by the time, he should be here soon."

"Support? Or powerful support?" Obito looked around curiously. "Who is it? Could it be one of the Legendary Sannin?"

"Hehe, big shots like the Sannin don't have time to play house with you."

A deep, slightly hoarse voice suddenly rang out behind them.

"Who?!"

Kakashi reacted the fastest, instantly drawing his kunai and turning sharply to look at the source of the sound.

A few meters behind them, a figure wearing a fox mask and an ANBU uniform appeared on a tree trunk. He crossed his arms, seemingly blending into the surrounding shadows, emitting no aura whatsoever.

"When did this happen...?" Kakashi's pupils contracted slightly, his heart filled with shock.

He's now a genuine Jonin, with sensory abilities far exceeding those of ordinary people. Yet this person managed to get so close without anyone noticing; if the other party had launched a sneak attack just now, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

"This ability to conceal himself... he really is a master of the Anbu?" Kakashi narrowed his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the few strands of black hair peeking out from under the mask. A guess formed in his mind. "Black hair, build, and this oppressive aura... could it be him?"

"Yoru, you've arrived." Minato Namikaze seemed to have already noticed, turning around to greet him with a smile, "Thank you for coming."

"I dare not disobey the Hokage's orders."

Zhang Hai, codenamed "Night," flashed into view and appeared before everyone in an instant, his speed so fast that even his afterimage was not visible.

"Let me introduce you," Minato said, pointing to Zhang Hai. "This is the captain of the special detachment of the Dark Side, codenamed 'Night.' He and we will be carrying out this mission to destroy the Kannabi Bridge together."

"Anbu captain?!" Obito's eyes widened as he circled Zhang Hai twice, looking at him like he was a rare animal. "Wow! Is this the legendary Anbu? They look so cool! Hey, are you really that amazing? Do you know any special ninjutsu? Can you teach me?"

"Obito! Don't be rude!"

Rin Nohara was startled and quickly grabbed Obito, bowing deeply to Zhang Hai with a face full of apology. "I'm sorry, Lord Yoru! Obito was just a little excited, he meant no harm! Please forgive his impetuousness!"

Zhang Hai looked at the girl in front of him, who was somewhat flustered but still gentle and sensible, and the corners of his mouth under the mask turned up slightly.

"It doesn't matter."

He waved his hand, his voice softening slightly, "It's good to be young and energetic. However, there's not much time for curiosity on the battlefield."

Just when everyone thought it was just a normal greeting, Nohara Rin's body suddenly trembled slightly.

A strange feeling spread through her mind. It was as if a gentle soul had silently invaded the depths of her consciousness.

"Lin, it's been a long time."

The voice rang directly in her mind, familiar and comforting.

Lin looked up in surprise at the masked Anbu member before her. Although his face was obscured, the distinctive chakra fluctuations and this unique method of soul communication...

"You are... my big brother?!" Lin exclaimed in her heart, her face showing a mixture of surprise and joy.

She never expected that the mysterious older brother who had once taught her and whom she regarded as an idol was actually the imposing dark squad leader in front of her.

"Shh, don't make a sound." Zhang Hai's voice continued to echo in her mind. "I'm on a secret mission right now and can't reveal my identity. Just think of me as an ordinary member of the secret service."