Chapter 20: Realization – Kakashi as Bait?
Uchiha Kei frowned. This… was actually a pretty good idea.
Kakashi's name was well-known, and his strength wasn't to be underestimated. Using his chakra to create shadow clones and lure the enemy wasn't a difficult task for him.
So, if Kakashi went as the bait and successfully drew Iwa-nin's attention, they'd likely reinforce the area. With Hyuga Ayaka's assistance, they could exploit a weakness in their defenses and break through to Kannabi Bridge—ideally, before Kakashi was captured or killed.
But the risk was immense. This was essentially a suicide mission. The odds of surviving were nearly zero.
Kei stared seriously at Kakashi. For a moment, he realized that he truly couldn't compare to him. The kind of mental fortitude Kakashi possessed… Kei didn't have that.
At first, Kei hadn't really understood what people in this world meant by "capacity" or kiryō. It was something often mentioned in the early stages of Naruto, but rarely brought up later. Now, however, he was starting to get it.
It wasn't just about strength. It was spirit. Determination. The sheer will to bear a burden.
Take Minato Namikaze, for example—the future Fourth Hokage. He sealed the Nine-Tails inside his newborn son. With his intellect, did he not foresee the hardships Naruto would face?
Maybe he had no other choice. He and Kushina were dying, and Naruto, as an Uzumaki, had the ideal body for it.
But what if it wasn't just necessity? What if it was all part of a plan? One final move before death?
If that were true, then sealing the fox inside Naruto wasn't just to protect the village—but also to forge his son's destiny. To leave behind a legacy of survival and strength.
It's a bit of a conspiracy theory, but in this world, Kei had grown used to such things.
Still, if we're talking about kiryō, then Itachi Uchiha's capacity was perhaps the most terrifying of all.
For the sake of Konoha, he collaborated with the power-hungry Danzo and even with the shadowy Akatsuki, whose allegiance was murky at best.
To protect his younger brother and preserve the Uchiha bloodline, he abandoned a clan doomed to fail in their attempted coup. He even killed his parents with his own hands and bore the hatred of an entire village.
To ensure Sasuke's growth, he constantly tormented and traumatized his beloved brother—turning him into a vessel of hatred. And in doing so, gave Sasuke the resolve to one day kill him and awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan.
He watched, emotionless, as Sasuke ran to Orochimaru, knowing full well that his brother was gambling with death.
Itachi predicted Sasuke's remorse and despair after learning the truth, but still chose to carry all the pain and lies to his grave.
He even planted Shisui's Kotoamatsukami besides Naruto, using it as a failsafe in case Sasuke fell into darkness. He embedded Amaterasu into Sasuke's eye, preparing for any future threat.
If not for the chaos Obito brought and a string of coincidences, Itachi's plan might have gone off without a hitch. It was flawless.
As a fellow Uchiha, Kei found Itachi infuriating. He even wondered if the man was insane.
But Kei couldn't help admiring that kind of ruthlessness. Compared to him, Kei still felt like a person. Itachi? He'd transcended that.
And now, even Kakashi was showing a kind of kiryō. One that allowed him to face death head-on for the mission.
Maybe it was for the village. Maybe it was atonement.
But it was powerful. And it shook Kei, just a little.
He fell into silence, weighing the plan's feasibility. Meanwhile, Kakashi walked up and pressed one of Minato's special kunai into Kei's hand.
"Sensei said to use this in an emergency. The frontlines are… well, you'll understand. I'm leaving Rin to you," Kakashi said flatly. "Don't let anything happen to her. I'm counting on you, Kei."
"Don't, Kakashi! Please don't!" Rin, having recovered from the shock, cried out hysterically.
"I'm sorry, Rin," Kakashi replied, calm and composed. "I have a duty to fulfill. I may not be able to protect you anymore… but you must live. That's my last request."
"…I understand, Kakashi." Kei took the kunai and gave him a nod. "I'll protect her. And if needed, I'll use this to have Minato-sensei evacuate her."
Maybe it was Kei's promise, but Kakashi gave a small smile—just a sliver of one—then turned and walked out of the cave.
Thanks to Ayaka's reconnaissance, they already knew the direction with the lightest guard. Even if Kakashi suspected it was a trap, he'd still go.
Kei watched his retreating figure, then glanced at the kunai in his hand, his expression becoming distant.
Kakashi was heading to his death. If the plan worked, great. If not—well, Kei liked Kakashi as a character, but that didn't mean he was willing to die for him.
He'd mourn his death… but he'd choose his own life over Kakashi's every time.
Still, something felt off.
If they could think of this strategy, why couldn't Iwa-nin?
What if this was exactly what Iwa wanted? What if there was something even worse waiting?
With that thought, Kei picked up the map and studied it. Fortunately, he'd been a liberal arts student in his past life, so he could understand geography.
But after a few minutes, he looked up with a grim face.
No clues. The map was terrible. Most of the minor routes weren't even labeled properly.
Finally, Kei gritted his teeth and made a terrifying decision—one that even frightened himself.
"Everyone, get ready. We're following Kakashi."
"…Following him?" Both Ayaka and Kenta looked stunned. "Are you insane? He went to be bait! That was his decision. You want us to attack head-on now?!"
"Are you the crazy one, or am I?" Kei narrowed his eyes and sneered. "If we could think of this plan, don't you think Iwa could too? Don't assume their tactics are dumb. They just underestimated the Cloud's vengeance and Konoha's resolve!"
"They let us see that gap in their lines on purpose. Which means they might have guessed our next move."
"I have a plan."
"A plan? You mean a suicide plan?" Ayaka snapped.
"…Want me to kill you now?" Kei's voice turned icy. "You have two choices. One: follow orders. Two: go join your dead clan members."
[Note: Kiryō = Quality.]