ꜱʜᴀᴅᴏᴡꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍɪꜱᴛ | ᴛᴇɴᴛᴇɴ ꜰꜰ|

Chapter 93

Team Kakashi, joined by Kiba, Hinata, and Shino, gathered together for their briefing atop the quiet forest clearing. The air was tense, thick with the gravity of their mission. Kakashi's voice cut through the stillness as he laid out their objective.

"All right," Kakashi began, scanning the group with a steady gaze. "Our primary mission is to locate Itachi Uchiha and take him into custody. The Akatsuki has been collecting the tailed beasts, and they're likely after Naruto and the Nine-Tails next."

Ugetsu, standing beside Kakashi, adjusted his white cloak and pulled the hood over his head. His piercing blue eyes glinted under the shadow of his hood as he listened intently.

Kakashi continued, "According to intel from Jiraiya, Itachi may have already infiltrated the Land of Fire. He's likely heading towards Konoha, and Sasuke may be close by, pursuing him."

Naruto's eyes widened with determination. "Then I'll definitely find Sasuke! I'll bring him back, no matter what!"

Yamato, ever the voice of caution, placed a steadying hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Let's take it one step at a time, Naruto. We need to stay focused."

Kakashi nodded in agreement. "We'll search systematically, covering a five-kilometer radius around our starting point. If we find nothing, we'll move and search the next area. We'll keep at it until we track him down."

Sakura's face showed a hint of concern. "Five kilometers? If we spread out that much, we won't be able to use our communication units. And if we're split up, it could be dangerous..."

Yamato intervened, reassuring her. "Try not to worry, Sakura. We'll manage."

Kakashi, taking note of her concern, made a series of quick hand signs, slamming his palm on the ground. A plume of smoke erupted, and when it cleared, his seven ninja hounds stood at attention, tails wagging slightly.

Pakkun, the small pug, looked up at them with his usual serious expression. "Our voices carry farther than your comm units. Plus, our noses can detect any threats."

Naruto grinned, thrilled to see Pakkun. "Pakkun! Long time no see!"

Kakashi explained the patrol layout, assigning two ninja hounds to each member for added security. "To be on the safe side, each of you will have two hounds with you."

Ugetsu looked around, noticing that no hounds had approached him. With a slight pout, he muttered, "Guess I smell too much like a cat. Mochi's scent must be all over me."

Sakura stifled a laugh, glancing over at him with a gentle smile. The hounds, meanwhile, took up positions by the other shinobi, each team member now equipped with a set of keen senses by their side.

"What about me?" Naruto asked, glancing around, mildly confused by his exclusion from the group assignments.

Kakashi regarded him seriously. "As the Jinchuriki, you're a prime target for the Akatsuki. You'll have additional backup—Yamato, and a sensory type, Hinata."

Hinata's cheeks flushed as she met Naruto's gaze. "I-It's good to be working with you, Naruto."

"Yeah," Naruto replied, giving her a confident grin.

Kiba chuckled, looking around at his own loyal companion, Akamaru. "Kakashi and I already have our own partners, so we'll each handle things with one dog."

"Ready and eager!" Kiba declared, his grin broadening.

Sakura gestured at Ugetsu, who still stood quietly by the edge of the group, visibly left out. "Aren't you forgetting someone, Sensei?"

"Oh, right." Kakashi's eye curved into a small smile. "Ugetsu, you're with me and Pakkun."

Ugetsu's pout turned into a look of satisfaction as he approached Kakashi's side, his steps quiet but filled with a subtle confidence. Kakashi gave him a nod, and Pakkun settled on his shoulder, eyeing Ugetsu with a small bark of approval.