Chinya told Obito Uchiha that the reason Kakashi became who he is today was because of Konoha.
Obito looked at Chinya with confusion in his eyes.
Chinya continued, "Back then, Kakashi was someone who loved his comrades and loved Konoha. As his classmate and friend, you should understand this well.
Minato Namikaze wasn't entirely right either. The beginning of Kakashi's change truly started with Sakumo's death.
Sakumo, who believed in the Will of Fire, chose to abandon rules and regulations to save his comrades. He did make a mistake, but it was only a mistake in terms of following the rules. Therefore, if punishment was necessary, it should have been handed down according to those same rules.
Yet every person in Konoha condemned Sakumo. Don't you realize? By doing this, weren't they essentially condemning the very spirit of the Will of Fire itself?
Sakumo didn't take his life because of the criticism, nor was it because he was weak.
The real reason was that Sakumo's faith collapsed, leading him to take his own life.
Even if we concede every possible point and say Sakumo did make a mistake, it still shouldn't have impacted Kakashi at all. At that time, even Kakashi himself was criticized by those people.
Sakumo had contributed so much to Konoha, yet because of one single mistake, he received condemnation from everyone—including completely innocent Kakashi, who was dragged into it too.
Obito, I ask you now—was Kakashi at fault?"
Faced with Chinya's question, Obito Uchiha shook his head.
How on earth could that ever be Kakashi's fault?
Chinya asked again, "Since Kakashi did nothing wrong, then why did they criticize him?"
Obito opened his mouth, finally uttering three words: "I don't know…"
Chinya gave a cold smile. "You already know the truth deep down—you're just too afraid to admit it. Then let me answer for you—those people from Konoha were the ones who made the mistake!
Let me ask you another thing: after experiencing such events, how can Kakashi possibly show them a kind face? Would smiling warmly at them really be considered normal behavior?
Everyone says Kakashi has changed; some even blame me for this change. Admittedly, I do bear some responsibility—but tell me, isn't the greatest fault still Konoha's?
It was Konoha that shaped Kakashi into what he has become. Everyone accuses me of being cold, and claims Kakashi also became cold after following me. Then I ask you—hasn't Konoha itself always been cold toward its own people?
What exactly did I or Kakashi do wrong to deserve such treatment?
The Will of Fire is Konoha's spiritual legacy, and Sakumo chose to uphold it until the end. Was that truly a mistake?
Now Kakashi drones on endlessly about rules and regulations—because Konoha left him no other choice. Can anyone guarantee that failing to abide by these rules won't cause another tragedy like what happened to Sakumo?
Obito, can you guarantee that? Can Minato Namikaze guarantee it?"
A storm churned inside Obito Uchiha now, as if something deep within him had begun to collapse.
After a long silence, Obito finally raised his head to look at Chinya, puzzled. "Lord Chinya… why are you telling me all this?"
Chinya smiled at Obito Uchiha and said, "I've made it no secret that I dislike members of the Uchiha clan, but you're an exception. I have high hopes for you, Obito. That's why I don't want you to misunderstand me or Kakashi."
When Obito Uchiha heard Chinya say that, he felt somewhat flattered.
Chinya continued, "Obito, it's okay if you don't understand now. You will realize in the future whether what I told you today is right or not. Perhaps there will still be opportunities for cooperation between us."
Obito Uchiha scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed: "Not at all, Kagami-sama is so powerful, there's no need for you to collaborate with me."
Chinya said seriously, "Obito, I'm not joking. I'm serious. I've told you before, I have great expectations for your future. I believe you will eventually stand at the peak of the ninja world."
"It's okay if you don't believe me now; just remember what I said today. If anything comes up in the future, you can come to me for cooperation, no matter what it is. Of course, since cooperation should be based on equality between both parties, you will also need to offer equivalent compensation."
"Of course, if I need your help in the future, I will bring the same reward to ask for your assistance. Don't avoid me then."
Obito Uchiha could sense Chinya's sincerity and nodded in agreement, saying, "How could I not meet with Lord Chinya? I will remember that, Lord Chinya."
Chinya patted Obito Uchiha on the shoulder: "Alright, go rest. I won't bother you anymore."
"Yes, good night, Lord Chinya!"
Obito Uchiha left quickly.
Chinya looked at the back of Obito Uchiha, his eyes filled with infinite depth.
The next day.
Chinya and five others gathered together.
Minato Namikaze instructed, "It's almost time to start the operation. From now on, we'll split into two groups as previously assigned. Everyone, stay alert. The enemy we encountered yesterday was just a coincidence of solitary reconnaissance; the upcoming battles will be team fights, so be careful."
Obito Uchiha turned his head slightly and said with a hint of pride, "Then let's go, Captain."
Kakashi, Minato Namikaze, Rin Nohara, and Katsuhiko Koseki all looked at Obito Uchiha in surprise.
They were still at odds yesterday, acting as if they couldn't accept Kakashi as their leader, but today they actually acknowledged his position as team leader.
Minato Namikaze smiled slightly, believing that his words from yesterday had taken effect.
Chinya said to Kakashi, "Kakashi, come with me alone for a moment. I have something important to discuss with you."
Kakashi followed Chinya alone.
Chinya warned Kakashi, "Don't become careless in the upcoming battle. You must be cautious and remember to protect your eyes. Do you understand?"
Kakashi was somewhat puzzled as to why Chinya had specifically instructed him to protect his eyes.
Kakashi nodded, saying, "I understand, Teacher Chinya."
Despite everything, Sena still felt somewhat uneasy. Kakashi's left eye had long been sealed by Sena with a [Transcribed Seal], locking away the power of the [Wanju Dojutsu].
But [Wanju Dojutsu] cannot defend against physical attacks.
After Kakashi and Chinya returned to the group, they split into two teams and began their operation.
Chinya and Kakashi headed to the front line, while Minato Namikaze led the team to the Kannabi Bridge.
Along the way, Kakashi's team encountered many traps.
However, Kakashi had vast experience and successfully disabled all of them.
While passing through a forest, Mahihi's companions, Fireglow and Taiseki, were silently watching Kakashi and his group from the treetops.
Fireglow stared at Kakashi and his team before turning to Taiseki and saying, "Hey, Mahihi went off to scout and never came back. Don't you think those punks might've taken him down?"
"Then let's find out!"
[Camouflage Invisibility!]
After forming a Hand Seal, Taiseki turned invisible and silently crept toward Kakashi's squad.
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