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

"Good luck!" Rin smiled and reached out her hand, gently placing it on Obito's hand, her eyes tender yet firm. "Everyone, stay safe and sound."

Three hands stacked together resembled an impregnable miniature fortress. However, this fortress was missing a corner.

All eyes were on the silver-haired boy.

Kakashi stood there, his hands still in his pockets, not cooperating as usual. His eyes were somewhat unfocused, as if hesitant, or perhaps resistant.

"Kakashi?" Minato called softly, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.

"..." Kakashi remained silent for a moment, his brows furrowing slightly.

In his mind, ninjas were tools for carrying out missions, and this so-called "morale-boosting" ritual was both childish and superfluous. True teamwork relied on strict discipline and precise execution, not this kind of empty emotional outburst. Especially considering Obito's unreliable personality, he was filled with deep doubts about whether this mission could be successfully completed.

This conflict between emotion and rules is like a thorn, constantly stuck in his heart.

"Hey! Kakashi! What are you dawdling for?!" Obito urged impatiently. "Everyone's waiting for you! Don't be such a spoilsport!"

"Humph."

Kakashi snorted coldly. Although he reluctantly reached out his hand in the end, he only touched Rin's hand perfunctorily before quickly pulling it back into his pocket.

"This kind of pointless ritual won't increase the success rate of the mission," he said coldly. "Instead of wasting time here, we'd better set off sooner."

The atmosphere instantly cooled down.

Minato looked at his awkward disciple and sighed inwardly. Kakashi's inner turmoil was deeper than he had imagined. This seemingly complete team was actually riddled with internal cracks.

Zhang Hai, who stood aside and watched coldly, had a playful smile on his lips behind his mask.

"A contradiction... well, that's fine too."

He thought to himself, "Only this kind of rift can make the 'tragedy' that follows even more profound. Obito, Obito, your hellish journey begins with this awkward handshake."

"Since we're going to split up, there needs to be someone on each team who keeps their word."

Kakashi put his hands back in his pockets, his gaze sweeping coldly over his teammates. "With the instructor gone to the front lines, the infiltration team will fall into chaos if there's no clear command center in case of emergencies. I suggest we appoint a temporary leader."

"I agree too!" Nohara Rin was the first to raise her hand in response, a gentle smile on her face. "Kakashi has just been promoted to Jonin, and he is fully qualified to be the captain, both in terms of strength and judgment. Right, Obito?"

Obito opened his mouth, wanting to refute, but looking at Kakashi's annoying yet undeniably strong appearance, he could only purse his lips and mutter reluctantly, "Tch... whatever, just don't give orders randomly."

Zhang Haiye, who had been standing silently to the side, stepped forward and gently placed his hand on Kakashi's shoulder.

"I also think it's a good idea."

Zhang Hai's voice came through the mask, carrying a hint of encouragement like that of an elder, "Jonin is not just a title, but also a responsibility. This mission deep behind enemy lines is a perfect touchstone to test whether you truly possess the leadership skills to stand alone. Kakashi, don't let us down."

Minato Namikaze watched this scene and nodded with satisfaction.

“Since everyone agrees, it’s settled then.” Minato officially announced, “From now on, until we reunite, Kakashi will be the captain of the infiltration team. Obito, Rin, you must obey his commands.”

"Yes!"

"Alright, alright, business's done. Now it's time to celebrate!"

Lin smiled and took out a delicate little package from her backpack, handing it to Kakashi. "Kakashi, congratulations on your promotion to Jonin! This is a gift I prepared for you."

Kakashi took the package, opened it, and found a small but sophisticated personal medical kit. Inside were bandages, hemostatic agents, antidotes, and even surgical sutures, all arranged in a way that was clearly carefully designed for quick one-handed access during combat.

"This is..." Kakashi was stunned for a moment.

"This is a first aid kit I modified myself," Rin explained somewhat embarrassedly. "It's based on Tsunade-sama's standard kit, but I made some adjustments to suit your fighting style. I hope it will be helpful... Of course, it would be best if you never needed it."

A hint of admiration flashed in Zhang Hai's eyes as he stood to the side. As Tsunade's nominal disciple, he immediately recognized the value of the medical kit. Those seemingly simple modifications actually contained extremely high levels of battlefield first aid wisdom. This little girl's talent in medical ninjutsu was indeed remarkable.

"Thanks." Kakashi's words were still cold, but he solemnly put the medical kit into his ninja tool bag.

"And mine."

Minato Namikaze stepped forward and pulled a uniquely shaped kunai from his robes. The kunai had a three-pronged blade, and its hilt was engraved with special magical runes.

“This is a specially made Flying Thunder God kunai.” Minato handed it to Kakashi. “Although it feels a bit heavier than a regular kunai and takes a little getting used to, its material is special, making it more durable and sharper. Once you get used to it, you’ll find it very useful.”

Kakashi took the kunai, weighed it in his hand, and found it to be quite heavy.

"Take it, Kakashi." Minato patted him on the shoulder meaningfully. "Take it with you, just like I'll always be by your side."

Zhang Hai squinted at the kunai, understanding dawning on him.

"It really is the coordinates for the Flying Thunder God Technique."

This isn't just a weapon; it's practically a super-long-range teleportation portal that can be activated at any time. With this, no matter what danger Kakashi encounters, as long as Minato senses it, he can instantly cross the battlefield to provide support. This is the source of Minato's confidence in entrusting them with such high-risk missions.

After accepting Minato's gift, Kakashi suddenly turned his head, his dead fish eyes staring intently at Obito, who was trying to shrink himself into nothingness.

"Hey."

Kakashi held out his palm in front of Obito and asked matter-of-factly, "And yours?"

"Huh? What's mine?" Obito feigned ignorance.

"A gift, huh?" Kakashi gave him a look that said, 'Are you an idiot?' "Rin gave you a first-aid kit, and the teacher gave you a special kunai. As your comrade, are you planning to come empty-handed?"

"me……"

Obito's face instantly turned a deep shade of liver. He hadn't even considered this! Or rather, even if he had, given his irreconcilable conflict with Kakashi, he couldn't possibly have prepared any special gift.

"I wasn't prepared! What's wrong!"