Kakashi and Kimura Kunan, utterly baffled, decided to return to the village and report the incident to their superiors.
About half an hour later, the three of them appeared in the Hokage's office. They recounted the events of their mission to Sarutobi Hiruzen in detail.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's brow furrowed, his expression as troubled as a withered chrysanthemum in late autumn.
The situation was becoming increasingly complex.
Why had Kirigakure gone to such extreme lengths to capture a mere Chunin from Konoha? What were their true motives?
And then there were those mysterious individuals who pursued Kakashi and his team, only to inexplicably leave without taking any action after catching up to them.
It was a perplexing situation. Even the highly intelligent Nara Shikaku found the whole affair a tangled mess, impossible to unravel.
"Hokage-sama, we must find a way to rescue Rin; we can't simply ignore this!"
"Whatever Kirigakure's motives, they went to extraordinary lengths to capture Rin, clearly plotting something significant. We cannot allow them to succeed!" Kakashi said, his voice laced with urgency.
"Kakashi, try not to worry. We won't abandon any member of the village," Sarutobi Hiruzen reassured Kakashi. "However, this matter is extremely serious and requires careful consideration."
"Let's have you all return for now. We'll discuss this matter and decide on a course of action."
Sarutobi Hiruzen dismissed Kakashi and the others with a few brief words.
But none of those present were fools. Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen's evasive manner, they understood that their hopes were slim.
After all, infiltrating Kirigakure was an incredibly difficult mission. The odds were stacked against them.
Kakashi's only hope now rested with his teacher, Minato Namikaze. If anyone in Konoha could rescue Rin, it was Minato Namikaze, with his mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique.
…
Uchiha Madara's Secret Base.
"The operation was a success. Rin Nohara has been captured and taken to Kirigakure. They will soon seal the Three-Tails within her."
A White Zetsu emerged from the ground, reporting to Uchiha Madara.
Uchiha Madara nodded in satisfaction. "Zetsu, I understand."
"However, there was a slight unforeseen complication. Five of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist were killed in Konoha. According to the two survivors, another individual in Konoha possesses the Flying Thunder God Technique."
"Someone besides Minato Namikaze knows the Flying Thunder God Technique?" Uchiha Madara expressed surprise.
He quickly dismissed it. "It matters not. Once I am resurrected, the Flying Thunder God Technique will be insignificant. It cannot impede my grand plan! Proceed with the original plan!"
…
After leaving the Hokage's office, Kouki reported to the Konoha Military Police Force and resumed his regular patrol duties. His routine was unchanged.
He had completely dismissed Rin's situation from his mind. Even though he knew the future course of events, he had no intention of interfering.
Kakashi, Rin, Obito… they were simply irrelevant to him.
Kakashi, upon leaving the Hokage's office, immediately sought out Minato Namikaze. Learning that Minato was still on the battlefield and hadn't returned, he fell into a state of anxious anticipation.
Minato Namikaze finally returned to the village in the afternoon.
Kakashi immediately informed Minato about Rin's abduction. Minato was shocked. "What? Rin was captured by Kirigakure? When did this happen?"
Kakashi briefly explained the situation. Minato stood up abruptly. "There's no time to waste. I'm going to rescue Rin immediately!"
A mixture of excitement, gratitude, profound shame, and self-reproach flickered in Kakashi's eyes. He knew this would put his teacher in danger; it was impulsive and reckless. But having recently lost Obito, Kakashi couldn't control his emotions. He couldn't lose Rin too.
Kakashi was still only twelve years old. Despite his Jonin-level skills, his emotional maturity still had its shortcomings.
"Minato-sama, the Hokage requests your presence!"
Just as Minato was about to depart, an ANBU appeared.
Minato, after a brief moment of consideration, followed the ANBU to the Hokage's office.
"Minato, I presume you intend to go to Kirigakure to rescue Rin Nohara?" Sarutobi Hiruzen casually glanced at Minato.
Without waiting for a response, he added, "This is inadvisable. You are to remain in Konoha; unauthorized actions are forbidden!"
"Hokage-sama, Rin is not only my student, she is also a Konoha shinobi. Knowing she's been captured by Kirigakure, how can I stand idly by?" Minato protested, agitated by Sarutobi Hiruzen's firm refusal.
"Minato, it's not that I don't want to save your student, but this mission is far too dangerous. Reckless action is unacceptable!"
"Kirigakure's capture of Rin is undoubtedly part of a larger scheme. I fear it's a trap. You bear the responsibility for Konoha's safety; you cannot risk yourself so easily."
"But I can't just stand by and watch my student in danger!" Minato's voice rose in frustration.
"Minato, you must prioritize the village above all else! The village's safety and well-being must always come first!"
"Even if Rin is your student, her well-being cannot outweigh the safety of the village!"
"You are to take no action in this matter. I will handle it. I am the Hokage of Konoha, and I will be responsible for the safety of Konoha's shinobi!"
"Now, leave. Rest and recuperate. I have more important tasks for you tomorrow. Maintain your composure; don't let this minor incident jeopardize the village's larger interests!"
"This is an order!"
Minato was forcefully prevented from going to Kirigakure by Sarutobi Hiruzen.
After speaking with Minato, Sarutobi Hiruzen also spoke with Kakashi.
____________________
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