Ryouji Takeuchi, standing nearby, lifted his head abruptly after hearing Veigar's words. His bright eyes reflected gratitude as he quickly bowed in thanks.
"Thank you, thank you!"
At this moment, words failed Ryouji Takeuchi—only gratitude remained.
Minato Namikaze then turned to Kakashi Hatake. Seeing Kakashi give a slight nod, Minato addressed Ryouji Takeuchi,
"Ryouji-san, our entire team has agreed to your request."
"I will personally head to Yamago Village to complete the mission assignment."
"In the meantime, my two students will protect you and escort you back to the village safely."
Hearing Minato's direct confirmation, Ryouji Takeuchi bowed again, deeply moved.
"Thank you!"
"Lord Minato, then I'll leave everything in your hands."
Minato responded calmly, "I'm just fulfilling your request—no need for thanks."
He then turned to Veigar and Kakashi,
"I'm leaving the protection and escort mission of Ryouji-san to you two."
"Understood!" Veigar and Kakashi responded in unison.
Giving them a brief nod, Minato turned back to Ryouji Takeuchi.
"Ryouji-san, I'll be waiting for your safe arrival in the village."
With that, he vanished instantly using the Teleportation Jutsu, his speed ensuring he would reach the mission site before dawn.
With Minato gone, only Veigar, Kakashi, and Ryouji Takeuchi remained in the camp.
Kakashi turned to Ryouji and reassured him,
"Ryouji-san, Minato-sensei has already set off. Rest assured, we will get you back safely."
"Please rest now. We have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow, and we need to reunite with Minato-sensei as soon as possible."
Once again, Ryouji Takeuchi bowed to them both, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Thank you. I'm really troubling you both."
Veigar and Kakashi nodded silently. Ryouji then turned and entered his tent to rest.
Under the vast night sky, Veigar felt a faint sense of unease.
After discussing the night watch rotation and travel plans with Kakashi, he, too, returned to his tent to rest.
Meanwhile, as Minato sped through the darkness, he instinctively glanced back toward the camp.
He murmured to himself,
"Do your best, Kakashi… and you too, Veigar."
His departure was more than just a tactical choice—it was a test for them.
Or rather, a test primarily for Kakashi Hatake.
Despite being only six years old, Kakashi had already become a Chūnin. His combat ability, execution, and tactical intellect were outstanding, but he still lacked experience in handling interpersonal matters.
Furthermore, he hadn't undertaken many missions as a Genin, and even as a Chūnin, he had yet to lead a team or complete a mission independently. This was the perfect opportunity for him.
In the silent night, the distant chirping of insects filled the air. Without Minato nearby, Kakashi concealed himself among the tree branches, suppressing his presence as he remained on high alert.
Late into the night, Veigar stirred from his sleep. As he stepped out of his tent, ready to take over the night watch from Kakashi, something caught his attention—glowing green eyes appearing in the darkness surrounding the camp.
The wolves had come!
Veigar's mind instantly connected the eerie lights to a pack of wild wolves—social predators that roamed the forests.
At the same time, Kakashi, hidden in the treetops, also noticed the wolves silently creeping closer.
In the wilderness, beyond venomous insects and other threats, nocturnal hunters like wolves, tigers, and leopards were the real dangers.
Kakashi leapt down from the treetops and landed beside Veigar.
"Veigar, go protect Ryouji-san."
His intent was clear—he would handle the wolves while Veigar ensured Ryouji Takeuchi wasn't caught in an ambush.
But before Kakashi could make a move, Veigar stepped forward, standing in front of him.
"Kakashi, leave the wolves to me."
"This is my first mission outside the village—I'm not going to let it be an easy win."
Kakashi wasn't entirely sure what "easy win" implied, but he could tell Veigar wanted to leave a strong impression from his first mission.
"I was the same way, back then…" Kakashi thought, recalling his own early experiences.
After a brief pause, he nodded.
"Alright, I'll leave it to you."
With that, Kakashi shifted instantly, positioning himself in front of Ryouji Takeuchi's tent. He sharpened his senses, staying vigilant for any unexpected movements.
As for Veigar's ability to handle the wolves?
Kakashi had no doubt.
If Veigar couldn't deal with a pack of wild wolves, he wouldn't deserve his reputation as a prodigy on par with Kakashi himself.
In Kakashi's mind, Veigar was an equal in both strength and talent.
The flickering fire cast dancing shadows, illuminating the approaching wolf pack as they emerged from the forest, led by their alpha wolf.
"One, two, three…"
Veigar silently counted.
Seventeen in total.
And that didn't rule out the possibility of more hiding in the darkness, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
"Awooooo—!"
The massive alpha wolf raised its head and howled.
Immediately, the pack sprang into action, surging toward Veigar in a coordinated assault.
At the same time, Veigar moved.
He drew the ninjatō from his back and dashed straight toward the alpha wolf, unfazed by the oncoming pack.
The greatest difference between humans and beasts?
Superior intelligence.
Veigar's blade moved with blinding speed, slicing through the throats of the charging wolves.
Fresh, hot blood sprayed into the night air.
In half a breath's time, four wolves lay motionless at Veigar's feet.
Yet, instead of fear, the scent of blood only inflamed the remaining wolves, making them even more feral.
Baring their fangs, they lunged at Veigar from all directions.
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