Chinya hadn't had much time with Kushina Uzumaki when Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly summoned him to the Hokage Tower.
When Chinya arrived at the Hokage Tower, he found that in addition to Hiruzen Sarutobi, Minato Namikaze and Danzo were also present in the Hokage's office, along with Konoha's two elders, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado.
Seeing Chinya had arrived, Hiruzen Sarutobi began solemnly, "Now that you're here, Chinya, let's get started. Allow me to first explain the current situation.
The ninja from Iwagakure (commonly called Rock Ninjas) have long been anticipating our counterattack against their forces stationed in the Land of Grass. Now all the Rock Ninja previously in the Land of Grass have moved into the Land of Rain, so our forces there have pursued them into Rain territory.
However, Rasa, who had just moved from being Interim Kazekage to the official Fourth Kazekage, has unexpectedly announced his decision to dispatch Sunagakure ninjas to join the battle between us and the Rock Ninjas in the Land of Rain. The three factions are now engaged in chaotic combat within the Rain Ninja Village.
Taking advantage of this chaos, the Rock Ninjas secretly sent their village's elite jonin, Hoshigane, leading a force of one thousand Rock Ninjas, to launch a surprise attack on the Land of Fire.
Our frontline commander defending Konoha, Maki Hayamura, is currently leading our resistance."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked gravely at both Chinya and Minato Namikaze as he issued his command: "Right now, Chinya and Minato, you two will cooperate and go support Maki Hayamura! Also, Chinya, Kakashi has already been promoted to jonin and was dispatched here by Orochimaru. He should arrive in Konoha tonight, and as soon as he does, you'll set off immediately."
"Yes!"
Outside the Hokage Tower.
Minato Namikaze smiled at Chinya and said, "Looks like we'll be fighting side by side again."
Though Minato Namikaze was now dating Miyuki Uzumaki, Chinya grumbled a reluctant response — more out of respect for her than any fondness for him.
"You're still as cold as ever," Minato chuckled. "Then I'll gather Obito and the others and head out first. We'll wait for you outside the village."
With that, Minato disappeared using the Shifting Body Technique.
Chinya returned home, briefly informed Kushina Uzumaki about his mission, then slung the backpack she had packed over his shoulder and headed to the village entrance to wait for Kakashi.
Two hours later, Chinya finally saw Kakashi returning to Konoha.
"Master Chinya!" Kakashi greeted warmly.
Seeing Kakashi now, Chinya smiled and said, "Long time no see, Kakashi. You've definitely grown stronger."
Kakashi also smiled, "Master Orochimaru has taught me a lot."
Then Kakashi became serious, "By the way, Master Chinya… how's your wife doing?"
Chinya's smile widened.
Seeing Chinya's expression, Kakashi understood his master had succeeded and smiled again too.
Chinya replied, "The jinchuriki is no longer Kushina Uzumaki. The transfer has already taken place. However, this Rock Ninja attack came too suddenly for me to give you time to visit her first."
Kakashi nodded, "I understand. I'll wait until this mission is completed before visiting my master's wife."
Chinya placed a hand on Kakashi's shoulder. "Let's go. We're heading out."
...
Chinya and Kakashi located Minato Namikaze's squad in a forest outside Konoha Village.
However, Team Namikaze consisted only of Rin Nohara and Katsuhiko Koseki—Obito Uchiha was missing.
Minato greeted Chinya, "You two finally made it."
Chinya replied mockingly, "Oh? Quick pace indeed. But where is that little brat with goggles?"
Suddenly, Obito Uchiha fell from the sky and slammed onto the ground.
Obito let out a breath and said, "Finally caught up."
Katsuhiko grumbled, "Obito, you're late again. How many times does this make? Do you even know what time we were supposed to meet?"
"Heh, I had to help this old lady with directions halfway through... Hey, Kakashi! You're here too!"
Obito looked at Kakashi with pleasant surprise.
Kakashi barely moved his lips as he said, "I don't trust words from someone who can't even follow the rules. That's a lie, right?"
Minato chuckled as he said, "Come on now, Kakashi. He actually guided her there, right, Obito?"
Obito nodded vigorously. "Yep! It's completely true what I said!"
Kakashi shot back at Minato, "Those who break rules are called scum among ninjas, don't you agree, Minato-sama?"
Minato gave an awkward dry laugh.
Obito frowned and snapped, "Kakashi, do you not have a single ounce of compassion in there? Every time I meet you, all you talk about is 'rules' and 'regulations'. It's so annoying. Isn't self-discipline more important anyway?"
Rin tried to mediate, "Alright, alright. Let's not fight. We rarely get to see Kakashi after all."
At this point, Minato spoke up, "That's right. From today onwards, Kakashi has officially become a Jonin like myself and Chinya."
"What?!"
Obito Uchiha, Rin Nohara, and Katsuhiko Koseki stared at Kakashi in shock.
They were still just Genin, while Kakashi was already a Jonin.
Minato suggested to Chinya, "Since Kakashi is now a Jonin, and considering mission efficiency, shall we split our forces? Let Kakashi lead his own team."
Chinya thought for a moment. Minato's suggestion made sense—they two moved fastest and could reach the battlefield quicker.
Chinya agreed, "Fine."
Obito asked confusedly, "What do you mean by Kakashi leading a team?"
Minato analyzed, "Right now, Konoha is facing an unprecedented shortage of combat strength. Therefore, Kakashi will be the captain, forming a team of four consisting of himself, Obito, Rin, and Katsuhiko. Then Chinya and I will form another team."
Minato handed Kakashi a Flying Thunder God Kunai.
Kakashi looked puzzled at Minato.
Minato explained, "You've been promoted to Jonin. This is my gift to you. Although slightly heavier than ordinary kunais, its quality is excellent—much better than regular kunais."
Kakashi frowned and looked at Chinya.
Chinya said, "Just take it if he insists."
Kakashi took the Flying Thunder God Kunai from Minato Namikaze and said thanks.
Suddenly, Rin Nohara started rummaging through her backpack. She pulled out a small box and handed it to Kakashi: "Luckily I brought this with me — it's a gift for you. It's a personal medical kit, upgraded to perfection."
Kakashi accepted the personal medical kit and thanked her as well.
Katsuhiko Koseki didn't know Kakashi well enough to give him a gift.
Obito Uchiha grumbled, "Hey, Kakashi! Aren't you even curious about what I got you?"
Kakashi replied coolly, "Not really. Whatever it is, it can't be anything good. Dead weight is just a burden."
Kakashi's words made Obito Uchiha so angry his face turned red.
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