Kakashi Masters All Elements, Rewrites the Ninja World for Rin!

"Chief Chōza, Uncle Dai's stable now. He can be moved to the rear med unit for long-term treatment."

"With proper care, he'll be back on his feet for civilian life."

"But… he won't be returning to the battlefield. Not as a ninja."

Kakashi pulled his hands away from the Healing Jutsu and glanced up at Akimichi Chōza, his tone unusually serious.

"I'm trusting you with this—please handle his military merits, bounty, and retirement paperwork."

Chōza nodded solemnly. "You got it. Dai's a village hero. He'll be treated like one—leave the rest to me."

With that reassurance, Kakashi pulled out a sealing scroll and unsealed a medical stretcher. He gently lifted Might Dai onto it before dispersing Katsuyu.

"Alright… he's in your care now."

Kakashi stood, brushing dust from his gloves, and added, "Now, if you'll excuse me—I've got a friend to rescue."

"No."

Chōza's rejection was immediate. "Chief Fugaku has direct command of this front. You're under his orders now—you can't act on your own."

Kakashi sighed like someone who'd heard this a hundred times already. "That's nice. But when a shinobi is outside the village walls, he follows his own blade."

"My mind's made up. I'll take full responsibility when I return—scolding, demotion, maybe even latrine duty. But Rin's out there."

He said it flatly, yet his voice held a steel edge. His lone visible eye locked with Chōza's, unblinking.

"...Kakashi."

Chōza's voice softened.

He remembered the boy well. Minato's student—famous already for his stoic brilliance—and someone he'd once worked a mission with. Part of him wanted to stop the kid, protect him even.

But Chōza wasn't in control here. He was just support, brought in with a few other Jōnin to help the Uchiha clan hold the line. The Third Hokage had sent them here, knowing the Mist-nin would be too much for even the Uchiha to handle alone.

Still, all orders came from Fugaku Uchiha.

"You should trust the Search & Rescue unit. They'll bring your teammate back—"

"No, they won't. Not fast enough."

Kakashi cut in, his voice cool but edged with biting sarcasm.

"I left a Flying Thunder God mark on Rin. I've been tracking it. She's already on the sea. Probably being served terrible seafood somewhere en route to Kirigakure."

Chōza stiffened. "...They're taking her back to the Land of Water? Why would they kidnap a medical-nin—?"

"Well, I don't think they just wanted a traveling doctor, if that's what you're thinking. Pretty sure they're not inviting her to tea and war stories."

Kakashi's tone turned dry. "And call me paranoid, but my gut says it's something way more sinister."

He didn't elaborate further, but the shadows in his expression spoke volumes.

Rin had been captured to become the Three-Tails' Jinchūriki, a walking time bomb designed to rip through Konoha from the inside. She wasn't just bait—she was the weapon.

"Then I'll go too, Kakashi-senpai!"

Chōza turned in surprise to see Shisui Uchiha step forward.

"Since I've temporarily joined Minato-sensei's squad in Obito-nii's place, this is part of my duty."

He added, "Besides, if Mist is up to something like this, it's better we find out now rather than during another ambush on our front lines."

Chōza exhaled slowly. He understood the political undertones well.

The Third Hokage assigning Shisui to Minato was a move to promote Minato's influence. And Fugaku using Shisui publicly helped soften the growing distrust toward the Uchiha.

Shisui was perfect—loyal, capable, and brilliant. Him volunteering like this? A move Chōza couldn't publicly oppose.

"...Fine. I'll report this directly to Chief Fugaku. Just don't go charging in blind."

"Thanks, Chief."

Kakashi gave a curt nod of gratitude. Internally, he was already preparing for the jump.

As for Shisui, Kakashi appreciated the backup. Three-tomoe Sharingan, Body Flicker... useful tools, especially against whatever Mist had waiting.

"Kakashi, I want to come too!"

Guy stepped forward, fists clenched, desperation in his eyes.

Kakashi turned, his voice gentler this time. "I appreciate the sentiment, Guy."

"But this isn't on you. Rin made her choice to protect the squad. You? You ran to get help. That was the smart call."

"Besides, your dad's condition... he needs you now. He may not say it, but trust me, he's thinking it."

"But—"

"No buts, Guy."

Kakashi's tone suddenly snapped with clarity. "You're not a Jōnin yet. We're heading into a full-scale enemy nation. If you came, you'd be—how do I put this gently—kindling with good intentions."

"You want to help? Then train. Get stronger. So next time, I won't have to say this again."

Guy looked like he'd just swallowed a kunai. His head bowed low, fists shaking.

Then, suddenly, he lunged forward and hugged Kakashi tight.

"Kakashi, you better come back alive!"

"...I don't plan on dying today," Kakashi muttered, patting his shoulder. "There's still paperwork waiting. The horror."

He turned to Shisui. His expression reset—focused, determined.

"Let's move."

Shisui nodded. "Right. We've secured a few of Mist's transport ships. I'll take you there now."

Kakashi's boots struck the ground as he stepped forward. His chakra flared. The hunt was on.

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To be continued...