After three days, Sora finally arrived in the capital city of the Land of Water. He knew Kakashi and Rin's mission was to investigate unusual activity here.
Even though he knew the real reason behind it, there was no way for him to explain the source of his intel. Besides, a big battle like this would surely yield plenty of cards.
"They're here!" As he loitered near the city gates, Sora's eyes lit up as he spotted Kakashi and Rin in plainclothes. That distinctive hair was far too recognizable.
"If I remember correctly, in the original story, it was Kirigakure's shinobi who kidnapped Rin to lure Kakashi. I'll follow Rin instead. Otherwise, Kakashi might notice me."
Compared to the already-Jonin Kakashi, Sora found the Chunin-level Rin much safer to tail.
The moment they entered the city, Kakashi and Rin split up—Kakashi heading to a tavern, while Rin strolled casually through the streets.
"That must be them." From around a corner, three figures appeared, and Sora quickly suppressed his chakra signature. Leading them was a Jonin, followed by two Chunin.
This lineup wouldn't stand a chance against Kakashi or Sora, but it was more than enough to deal with Rin.
"Should I intervene?" Sora watched as the three approached Rin. But after a moment of hesitation, he shook his head. "Forget it. Once Isobu is sealed, I'll have Minato bring the Three-Tails back to Konoha."
"Go!"
Suddenly, the trio from Kirigakure sprang into action. The Jonin slapped a drug-soaked cloth over Rin's mouth while restraining her. Before she could react, she was already unconscious.
"Retreat—quickly, take her to the lord."
Just like that, they were gone. Most people in the street hadn't noticed, and the few who did kept quiet.
Sora scanned the surroundings carefully but didn't sense Black Zetsu's presence, though he was certain it was lurking nearby.
"Oh well, I'll just wait for the right moment."
With everything going smoothly, Sora strolled off to enjoy some seafood from the Land of Water. Even with Uchiha Madara's speed, it would take at least a day to seal Isobu and lure in Kakashi. No rush.
Meanwhile in Konoha, Minato had already been scolded several times by Kushina.
"So what now?"
Kushina slammed the table, glaring at Minato.
With a helpless smile, Minato explained, "Don't worry. Others can't contact me through Flying Raijin, but Sora has spatial talent. While he can't send messages, he can still signal me if he's in danger."
As he spoke, Minato picked up the letter Sora had left and reread it carefully. He didn't notice anything unusual—until he flipped the letter over.
In a tiny scribble in the corner, it read: "Wait for my signal. Bring Kushina with you."
"Kushina, look! Sora left a message!" Excited, Minato pulled her over.
Kushina was just about to explode again, but upon hearing it was from Sora, she forcefully swallowed her anger.
"You stay ready. When the time comes, we go together." She made the decision immediately.
In the past, Kushina wasn't allowed to leave Konoha. But now that Minato was Hokage, and although the Third still held most of the real power, restrictions on her movement had been lifted.
After a quick discussion, they agreed to follow Sora's plan. Of all people, they trusted his intelligence the most. Neither of them had the slightest doubt he was doing this for good reason.
As the sun rose and set, another day passed. Sora stretched and stepped out of the hot spring inn, still savoring the memory of the young lady's massage from the night before. If that had happened in Konoha, Kushina would've broken his legs.
With that lingering pleasure fading, Sora headed toward a plain fifteen kilometers west of the city—his designated rendezvous spot he had scouted the previous night.
He even changed into ragged clothes, dressed like a street orphan to avoid being spotted by Black Zetsu.
With his current strength, he couldn't detect Black Zetsu's surveillance, so disguise was his best bet.
When he arrived, the area was still deserted. Sora moved behind a small hill and pulled a blackened bun from his portable space, pretending it was a precious meal, and waited silently for the play to begin.
He didn't have to wait long. Dozens of Kirigakure shinobi soon emerged, chasing after Rin.
The sight nearly made Sora burst out laughing. They looked fierce, but they were all Genin-level—weak as chickens.
"Rin!"
From the nearby forest, a blur shot forward—Kakashi.
He wore a face full of urgency and rage, and even Sora couldn't keep up with his sheer speed.
"Raikiri!"
As he dashed forward, Kakashi's Sharingan spun rapidly in his left eye, while blue lightning crackled in his right hand.
Everywhere he passed, deep grooves carved the ground. In a blink, he charged into the enemy ranks.
The Genin were like watermelons before a knife—over ten fell instantly.
"Damn, there's a hidden boss!" Sora's eyes widened when he spotted a Jonin closing in from afar. That had him breaking out in cold sweat.
He hadn't sensed that one earlier. If the enemy had targeted him instead—
But before he could dwell on it, things on the battlefield changed. Rin stared straight at the Raikiri in Kakashi's hand.
"It's time!"
Sora activated his chakra and directed it into a special kunai through his palm, triggering the Flying Raijin seal.
In an instant, Minato and Kushina appeared before him.
"Save her—now!"
There was no time for explanation. Sora shouted to Minato as Rin leaped toward Kakashi.
Only Minato could make it in time.
Without hesitation, Minato assessed the scene and flashed straight to Kakashi, grabbing his arm to redirect the Raikiri's strike.
With his other hand, he pulled Rin safely.