Mastermind of the Akatsuki

The mention of Minato Namikaze sent a jolt through Kakashi. It all clicked into place.

Their last encounter with Byakuya's group had revealed their identities and even Minato's presence hidden in the shadows. This time, Byakuya not only recognized them but even offered unsolicited help.

Normally, Kakashi would have scoffed at such a proposition, especially from a suspicious group like Byakuya's. However, their current predicament left them with little room for negotiation.

Time was ticking, and Rin's life hung in the balance.

With a heavy heart, Kakashi, as the team leader, accepted Byakuya's offer. United by a desperate cause, the unlikely alliance set off towards the depths of the forest, a temporary truce masking the underlying tension.

As they hurried through the dense foliage, Kakashi finally had a chance to observe Byakuya's team. He recognized Byakuya and Konan from their previous encounter – both formidable ninja. But it was Nagato and Karen who piqued his curiosity.

Their hair and eye colors bore an uncanny resemblance to someone he knew – a nagging sense of familiarity gnawed at him. This feeling intensified when he observed Nagato's keen sensory abilities.

A startling realization dawned on him. Could it be? Weren't those features eerily similar to Minato's wife, Kushina Uzumaki? Was it possible that these two belonged to the Uzumaki clan, just like Minato's wife?

It seemed the demigod leader of the Hidden Rain Village had secretly taken in survivors from the Land of Whirlpools, offering them refuge and a purpose.

Obito, on the other hand, remained oblivious to these underlying currents. Driven by a singular focus on rescuing Rin, he viewed anyone offering assistance as an ally, even the enigmatic Byakuya who barely acknowledged him.

Byakuya, trailing behind the group, remained lost in thought.

While encountering Kakashi and Obito near the Kannabi Bridge was an unexpected wrinkle, his decision to join their rescue mission was a calculated one.

Byakuya's intervention wasn't about completely changing Obito's fate. He understood the butterfly effect – a small change could ripple outwards, creating unforeseen consequences. His goal was more nuanced.

Firstly, he hoped to delay Obito's "accidental" burial. Byakuya wasn't sure if Madara planned it or if it was a random event, but delaying it could disrupt Madara's timeline. This bought Byakuya more time to potentially influence Obito before his descent into darkness.

Secondly, there was the question of loyalty. Was Madara's rescue of Obito a pre-meditated scheme, or a spur-of-the-moment decision? By delaying the burial, Byakuya could observe Madara's actions and gain valuable intel.

Anyway, the current Obito was a lot cuter.

Obito, fueled by youthful passion and a singular goal, was far less dangerous than the calculating Obito wielding the Kamui technique. Byakuya saw him as a potential recruit, not a threat to be eliminated. After all, a disgruntled Obito might be more receptive to joining Akatsuki in the future.

Half an hour later, the combined team arrived at the Iwagakure hideout. Obito, ever the impulsive one, lunged towards the entrance, but Byakuya stopped him with a calm hand.

"Hold on, Uchiha kid," Byakuya said, his voice betraying none of his inner calculations. "Don't be so reckless. We have no idea what awaits us inside – traps, ambushes, who knows what."

Kakashi echoed Byakuya's sentiment. "The Rain ninja captain is right, Obito. You need to control your eagerness."

Byakuya corrected Kakashi. "Just call me Byakuya."

Turning to Nagato, he inquired, "Can you give us a headcount, Nagato? How many ninja are inside?"

Nagato closed his eyes, focusing his senses. "Three. Two with chakra levels comparable to Kakashi here. The other has very weak chakra, likely your teammate."

A slight pause, then Nagato added, "There are also traps set up within the cave, but I can't discern their nature."

Kakashi narrowed his eyes, but knew this wasn't the time to dwell on Nagato's abilities. The intel was clear – a trap designed specifically for him and Obito.

Accepting Byakuya's help, as risky as it seemed, might have just saved them from a brutal ambush.

With the element of surprise still in their favor, Kakashi, the young Jonin, formulated a plan for a swift attack. He and Obito charged into the underground cavern, Byakuya and his team following close behind.

Emerging into the dimly lit cave, they found themselves face-to-face with two Iwagakure Jonin, Kakkō and Taiseki. The sight of Obito's Sharingan sent a jolt of excitement through them, a cruel smile spreading across their lips.

For Iwagakure, Rin, the Konohagakure medical-nin, was definitely a target. While important, she wasn't as valuable as Kakashi. After all, this young prodigy, who became a jonin at the tender age of twelve, was on track to become the next Konoha White Fang, a prospect that sent shivers down Iwagakure's spine.

Obito, though not quite on Kakashi's level, was still a genius Uchiha with a pair of threatening double tomoe Sharingan. Taking out these future elite jonin now seemed like a smart move.

Just as Kakkō and Taiseki prepared to make their move, Byakuya and his crew materialized before them. The sight of the Rain Village forehead protectors instantly wiped the smugness off their faces. This wasn't part of the plan. Why were the Rain Ninja interfering in a fight between Konoha and Iwagakure?

"Hey…" Kakkō started to speak, but his words were cut short by Kakashi and Obito's sudden attack.

Obito tossed a kunai as a distraction, then flew through a series of hand signs. His chest puffed out as a concentrated ball of fire erupted from his mouth.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"

The inferno slammed into the ground in the distance, illuminating the cavernous space with a flickering orange glow. By the weak light, Kakashi spotted Rin, bound and helpless in the corner. The situation called for a daring rescue, and with the advantage of numbers, it seemed like the best course of action.

Taiseki, however, saw right through Kakashi's plan. With the Instant Body Technique, he vanished in a blur, only to reappear directly in front of Kakashi. The short sword in his hand flashed coldly, effectively engaging Kakashi in close combat, successfully pinning him down.

Witnessing both Kakashi and Obito struggling, Byakuya gave a quick signal, prompting Nagato and his team to join the fray.

Byakuya strode calmly towards Rin, stopping beside her. With a flick of his wrist, he used a kunai to sever the ropes binding her. He then peeled away the tape and eye mask that obscured her vision, studying the girl who captivated Obito's heart.

Rin's appearance was delicate, radiating the innocent charm of a girl next door. One could easily see why she was Obito's ideal, his pure white moonlight.

Byakuya couldn't believe that such innocent girl would cause Obito to wage a world war. Women sure are something. Well, still better excuse than failing in art exam.

Regaining her sight, Rin froze for a moment before registering the scene before her. Kakashi and Obito were locked in combat in the distance.

Panic surged through her, and she blurted out a warning, "Stay back! There are detonating tags underneath me! If I move, they'll explode!"

But Byakuya was already scooping her up before she could finish her sentence. In that same instant, the detonating tags beneath Rin detonated with a deafening roar, engulfing both of them in a fiery inferno.

Witnessing the explosion, Kakashi and Obito were rooted to the spot in utter shock. Even Nagato and Karen couldn't help but display a flicker of worry on their faces.

Only Konan remained impassive. As a master of paper ninjutsu, she was well aware of Byakuya's escape technique.

Kakkō and Taiseki seized the opportunity to launch an assault. After easily dodging their attacks, they taunted with cruel laughter, "The Rain Village boy and the Konoha medic are probably nothing but ash now!"

Obito's eyes blazed crimson with rage. He activated his Sharingan, ready to unleash a genjutsu.

Kakkō, however, wasn't interested in giving him the chance. In a flash, he appeared beside Obito and delivered a powerful kick, sending him sprawling.

Obito, fueled by grief and vengeance for Rin, struggled to his feet, determined to make them pay.

Just then, the smoke and dust from the explosion settled, revealing two figures emerging from the haze unharmed. Byakuya still held Rin in his arms, carrying her bridal-style.