Shinobi are no strangers to death.
But seeing three entire squads wiped out in an instant still sent a chill through everyone's hearts.
This wasn't training anymore.
This was the battlefield.
And death was now breathing right down their necks.
After burying the nine fallen in shallow graves, the remaining six squads were enveloped in a heavy, mournful silence.
"If our team had been standing there just now… we'd be the ones underground," Obito muttered.
The usual energy in his voice was gone, replaced by grim seriousness.
"The Cloud shinobi are disgusting… crossing the border just to plant traps," Rin said bitterly, her anger obvious.
"It's normal," Anko replied coolly. "We simply don't have defensive forces stationed here. They're exploiting the gap."
Only Kakashi and Drake remained silent.
Under Minato's command, the remaining twenty shinobi cautiously moved forward and established a temporary position on a hillside several hundred meters from the river.
From there, they could clearly see the Cloud camp across the water — along with several newly-built fortifications.
"Drake."
Hearing his teacher call, Drake stepped forward.
Master and student stood at the edge of the slope, gazing across the river at the enemy forces.
"Tell me what you think," Minato said, his cloak fluttering in the wind.
"I don't have an opinion," Drake replied calmly.
Minato blinked in surprise.
"That's not like you."
"Instead of asking me, Sensei… why not ask yourself? What are you planning to do?" Drake countered.
Since the Third Hokage ordered Minato to stall the Cloud forces, it was obvious he already had a strategy in mind.
Minato chuckled helplessly.
"You brat…"
Then his expression grew serious.
"This Cloud unit is only the vanguard. They won't cross the border yet — they're waiting for their main force."
"Once the main army arrives, that's when their real offensive will begin."
Drake nodded in agreement.
If they planned to charge directly, they wouldn't be building defenses — they'd already have rushed over.
But—
"They have another reason," Drake said suddenly.
Minato turned sharply. "Go on."
"They're not only waiting for reinforcements. They're also guarding against us infiltrating the Land of Hot Water."
Minato froze — then his eyes lit up.
Supply depots.
This Cloud vanguard wasn't just an advance unit; it was also a protective wall for their logistical network.
And destroying supply lines…
That had always been effective.
"Drake," Minato said slowly, "I have an important task."
"Infiltration?" Drake asked.
"No. A feint."
He continued, "You will temporarily take my place and lead the squads in a probing assault. While they are distracted, I will sneak into the Land of Hot Water and destroy the Cloud supply depot."
Drake blinked — then shook his head.
"Sensei, this plan has a flaw."
Minato paused. "Explain."
"If you don't appear during the feint, the Cloud will instantly realize someone is infiltrating their rear."
Silence.
Minato's eyes widened as realization struck.
He exhaled slowly.
"You're right… In that case—"
"Let me go instead."
Drake grinned, flashing his usual confident smile.
Minato looked at him deeply, seeing something far beyond his age.
Resolve.
Calm.
A sense of responsibility that didn't belong to a twelve-year-old.
After a long pause, he spoke.
"Once you destroy the supply depot, retreat into the mountains immediately. Do not linger."
"And if danger arises…"
He pulled out a uniquely crafted kunai and placed it into Drake's hand.
"Infuse chakra into this. I'll respond instantly."
"Do the same when you return. I'll come get you."
He hesitated, then added,
"You can't go alone. You need two teammates."
"That won't be necessary—"
"No."
Minato cut him off firmly.
A moment later, two figures stepped forward.
Kakashi.
And… Yuhi Kurenai's future bestie — Uzuki Yugao.
Drake frowned slightly.
Kakashi, he could accept.
But Yugao?
Her strength was barely above Rin's.
"Uzuki Yugao, explain your abilities," Minato ordered.
"I specialize in Konoha-style swordsmanship and possess basic medical ninjutsu," Yugao replied, casting Drake a curious glance.
Her thoughts were clear.
Why is this guy the leader? Isn't he the dead last of the class?
Minato's voice cut through the air.
"From this moment forth, the three of you form an infiltration squad. All actions are to follow Drake's orders!"
"Yes, Sensei!" Kakashi answered immediately.
"Ah?!" Yugao stared in shock.
Drake… the captain?
She almost doubted her ears.
Kakashi shot her a cold look.
"You think Drake isn't qualified? Ridiculous."
Her mind spun.
Minato trusts him
Kakashi respects him
Even Ibiki fears him
He replaced Kakashi as leader…
Could he… actually be a prodigy?
But she clearly remembered—
Drake's academy scores had been… dead last.
Was her memory wrong?
"ALL UNITS — ASSEMBLE!"
Minato's commanding voice echoed across the hillside.
The battlefield… was about to ignite.
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