Konoha’s White Fang Shines

Chapter 35: A Supporting Role.

The news of an early battle didn't surprise anyone much—Obito, for one, was brimming with excitement.

However, once inside the Rock-Home Toad's stomach, and after Minato explained the situation in detail, Obito's enthusiasm waned significantly.

"What? All of them are chūnin? And two jōnin as well?"

"What's wrong? Weren't you all riled up just a moment ago?" Kakashi, ever sharp-tongued, couldn't resist a jab.

"Ugh, you'll see how amazing I am soon enough! A chūnin? My fire release will incinerate them instantly!"

Hearing Obito's boast, Genma couldn't help but recall how notoriously unreliable fire-release techniques were in this world. He promptly dismissed the idea of using fire release to subdue their foes.

"Alright, let's discuss our strategy." Minato's gentle voice interrupted, drawing everyone's attention.

"According to the bandits, the enemy has two jōnin and four chūnin. Normally, Yuji and I would handle the jōnin, while Genma and Kakashi each face a chūnin. The rest of you can pair up to take on the remaining chūnin. Does anyone have other suggestions?"

"Can Kakashi handle a chūnin? Genma might manage, but that's pushing it," Yuji questioned, his gaze skeptical as it fell on the masked youth.

Minato nodded, smiling confidently. "He can. In fact, he's nearing jōnin level."

"What? Nearing jōnin?" Yuji's jaw dropped, visibly stunned.

The others turned to look at Kakashi as well, their reactions ranging from surprise to disbelief. Obito, in particular, seemed furious, though Kakashi's mask made his expression unreadable.

"Minato-sensei, what if we adjust the plan slightly?" Genma raised his hand, his tone deliberate.

"Go ahead," Minato encouraged, his curiosity piqued.

"If Kakashi can hold his own against a jōnin, perhaps he and Yuji could each take one, while the six of us handle the chūnin. Minato-sensei, you could finish off one chūnin quickly and then assist others in defeating the rest. With this approach, we should be able to end things swiftly."

Genma's strategy was essentially a gamble—placing the stronger combatants against the toughest foes while relying on swift reinforcements to turn the tide.

Though the others hesitated, Kakashi, always calm, spoke up. "I think it's worth a try. I can't guarantee I'll win against a jōnin, but I can buy enough time for the rest of you."

Minato deliberated briefly before nodding. "Alright, let's proceed with this plan. If it works, our chances of victory will improve significantly."

The group then divided accordingly. Each pair received one of Minato's Flying Thunder God kunai, while solo fighters carried one each.

The Rock-Home Toad eventually reached the mountain summit, where Minato's shadow clone, disguised as one of the bandits, approached the fortress.

"Hey, Tanaka, why are you back here during patrol hours?" one bandit barked, blocking the clone's path.

"We found a strange kunai outside. I thought I'd bring it to the boss," the clone replied, holding out one of Minato's signature kunai.

The bandit took the kunai, his curiosity piqued. "Hmm, it's got all these weird markings on it. Fine, I'll take it in. You wait out here—maybe tonight I'll reward you with one of the pretty captives."

The clone grinned lecherously, playing along. "Thanks, boss. I'll hold you to that."

As the bandit walked inside, the clone lingered near the entrance, watching as the kunai was brought into what appeared to be a meeting hall.

A loud explosion rocked the fortress as Minato's clone triggered the kunai's teleportation seal.

At that moment, the Rock-Home Toad released everyone inside it, and the group charged in from all sides.

Screams echoed from within the fortress.

Metal clashed with a piercing clang.

Explosions erupted in quick succession.

Minato wasted no time, instantly dispatching one unsuspecting chūnin. However, the remaining rogue ninjas quickly rallied, targeting him as their primary threat.

Their strategy faltered as more allies surged into the fray, forcing them into chaotic skirmishes.

Genma and Kakashi paired up against one jōnin. Almost immediately, the rogue ninjas blanketed the area in mist using the Hidden Mist Technique.

Minato countered with a wind release jutsu, clearing most of the mist. But the rogue ninjas responded by launching kunai rigged with explosive tags, forcing the allies to scatter and use substitution techniques.

Amid the chaos, Genma and Kakashi stood back-to-back, their senses heightened as they searched for their hidden foe.

While they held their ground, Minato made quick work of another chūnin, reducing the enemy's numbers.

Obito and the others, struggling at first, soon found themselves bolstered by Minato's assistance, enabling them to defeat the remaining three chūnin.

Minato then turned his attention to the remaining jōnin. However, he held the others back, instructing them to focus on securing the bandits and freeing the captives.

Back on the battlefield, Genma created three shadow clones, each launching a fireball jutsu in different directions.

The fireballs didn't hit their target but dissipated some of the mist, provoking a mocking laugh from their foe.

"Is that all you've got? Fireballs won't save you," the jōnin sneered.

Genma smirked. "Hiding from two kids? You must be terrified."

"Terrified? Hardly. I've already killed most of your comrades. I even hear there were a few women among them—likely enjoying their fate now," the jōnin taunted cruelly.

Though Genma clenched his fists in fury, Kakashi's calm voice broke through. "Stay focused, Genma. Don't let him rile you up."

Before the jōnin could press his psychological attack further, a golden flash signaled Minato's arrival.

Effortlessly, Minato yanked the rogue jōnin from his hiding spot, a kunai pressed against his throat.

"Looks like you've lost," Minato said with a serene smile, his sage-like yellow eyes narrowing slightly.

The jōnin flailed helplessly but froze as Minato applied a sealing jutsu, rendering him powerless.

"Leave him to us, Minato-sensei. Yuji may still need backup," Genma said.

Minato nodded and vanished again. Moments later, a distant scream confirmed Yuji's foe had met his end.

In the end, all six rogue ninjas were eliminated, and the fifteen bandits either captured or fled. Twenty-two women were rescued, though one red-haired woman, visibly pregnant, seemed particularly reserved and unwilling to share much about her situation.

With the other women safely returned to their homes, the team decided to bring the red-haired woman back to the village for further care.

Though the mission was a success, Genma couldn't help but feel like he had merely played a supporting role. Nonetheless, as the team regrouped, he resolved to become stronger for the battles yet to come.

End of chapter 35