Another four days had passed.
During this time, Minato tried numerous methods to get Shindai to summon the Ninja Hawk, but every attempt ended in failure without exception.
This left Minato puzzled and he even wondered whether Shindai had already known the intelligence reports were fake.
But seeing the innocent look of confusion in Shindai's eyes, Minato was certain he genuinely didn't know the reports were fake.
Then why wouldn't Shindai want to send the information back to Sunagakure?
Now, Jiraiya had taken the place beside Minato.
In fact, it had changed three days ago.
Because Tsunade suspected Shindai was tricking them, she almost stormed into his tent to punch him.
Fortunately, Minato stopped her in time. To prevent Tsunade from possibly causing real harm to Shindai, Minato asked a mobile Jiraiya to help out.
However, both Minato and Jiraiya had tried multiple times as well, yet Shindai remained indifferent, almost driving Minato to frustration.
Jiraiya narrowed his eyes at Shindai's distant tent and seriously said to Minato, "Minato, let's give that brat a real shock."
Minato curiously asked, "What kind of shock?"
"Just go with what I say. Follow me!"
The same place, the same people.
Jiraiya dramatically said to Minato, "Minato, I just received top-secret intel—Kirigakure is making a major move! They're planning a surprise attack on Sunagakure, apparently within half a month's time!"
Minato feigned surprise and replied, "If Sunagakure isn't ready, they could suffer heavy losses!"
Jiraiya sighed, "Exactly. If they never learn about this intelligence report, they're done for."
Jiraiya and Minato alternated lines, discussing how dangerous Sunagakure's situation supposedly was.
Inside the tent, Shindai covered his mouth, looking rather pained.
But this pain came from holding back laughter.
Kirigakure attacking Sunagakure?
Had the Third Mizukage gone senile? Why would they even attack such a barren place like Sunagakure? What could possibly be the point?
Just to taste sand?
Everyone in the shinobi world knew how poor Sunagakure was.
Even if the surprise attack succeeded, what benefit would there be?
Truly, only Sunagakure ever launched attacks—because there was absolutely nothing to gain from targeting them.
Sigh, these past few days had been quite comfortable—lying in bed all day while cute medical kunoichi brought him meals.
Although his injuries had long healed—being only superficial—he stubbornly refused to leave, insisting he still had internal wounds. Even the medical kunoichi couldn't take his shameless act anymore.
And so, these past few days finally gave Shindai a chance to relax and read a bit.
Also, every day here he could hear Minato Namikaze and Tsunade Senju, or sometimes Jiraiya, talking about the latest Eight Trigrams news from Sunagakure. It was truly fascinating.
Shindai couldn't help but sigh inwardly, secretly wishing he could remain inside this tent forever.
As expected, Minato and Jiraiya had failed—again.
It was already the sixth day, meaning they only had one more day left.
If Shindai still couldn't summon the Ninja Hawk tomorrow, then even if he did so afterward, there might not be enough time left.
Jiraiya was extremely confused now: "What exactly is going on with that kid? I made it sound so dire—like Sunagakure was on the brink of destruction! Doesn't he care about Sunagakure at all?"
Minato helplessly replied, "According to Aoi's analysis of Shindai's memories, Shindai hardly ever left his tent in Sunagakure, nor did he interact much with others. He probably doesn't have much emotional attachment to Sunagakure."
Minato sighed again, "Now we've got a problem. How do we convince Shindai to summon the Ninja Hawk?"
Jiraiya thought for a moment before suggesting, "Why don't you ask your three students? They've spent way more time with Shindai than you ever have, so they definitely understand him better. Maybe they have a solution."
Minato's eyes lit up as he enthusiastically agreed, "That makes perfect sense!"
Minato and Jiraiya quickly called for Kakashi, Obito, and Rin Nohara.
Minato briefly explained the situation to Kakashi and the others.
Then he asked them, "Kakashi, Obito, Rin—do any of you have good ideas that could convince Shindai to summon the Ninja Hawk?"
The three exchanged glances before replying in unison, "This'll be easy."
Looking at Kakashi's confident trio, Minato reminded them, "I thought it was easy too at first, but we've failed repeatedly since then."
Obito tilted his head, pushing up his goggles as he said, "Sensei, you're going about this all wrong."
Kakashi shot back at Obito, "Stop showing off and help Sensei solve this already!"
Then Kakashi turned to Minato and said, "Leave this to us, Sensei. Come on, Obito, Rin, let's go."
Kakashi's trio immediately headed toward Shindai's tent.
Minato and Jiraiya wanted to see how these three planned to resolve an issue that had troubled them for six days.
Kakashi's group arrived at Shindai's tent.
Seeing the three approach, Shindai happily greeted them, "Yo, come to visit me?"
Kakashi responded seriously, "Shindai, we've got a mission."
Noticing Kakashi's serious expression, Shindai became alert. "Mission? What kind of mission? I'm still injured!"
Still trying to keep his cool, Obito replied, "Relax. We're all good. You're good."
Shindai activated his Byakugan toward Obito. "Great! Just freakin' great!"
Kakashi said grimly, "All four of us have to take part in this mission. It's a formidable task. Fifteen days from now, the four of us will head to the Land of Earth to launch a surprise attack on the Rock ninja unit transporting supplies."
Shindai was stunned, staring blankly at Kakashi. "The four of us? Launch a surprise attack on the Rock ninja unit? What about Lord Minato?"
Kakashi replied, "Lord Minato and his team will draw enemy fire elsewhere. This surprise attack mission only involves the four of us!"
Shindai jumped straight up from his bed, his voice turning shrill. "Have you gone crazy?! The four of us attacking a Rock ninja unit? Aren't we just heading there to die?"
Kakashi looked resolute as he said, "True, this mission carries enormous risk. However, it's all for the sake of Konoha. There's no room for discussion. Get ready, Shindai. We're heading out in fifteen days!"
Kakashi, Obito, and Rin Nohara left Shindai's tent without giving him a chance to speak.
Right now, Shindai was completely numb with shock.
Out of the four of them, only he and Kakashi were somewhat capable. How could their surprise attack possibly succeed against a Rock ninja unit?
We're talking about a full unit, not just a small squad!
A unit would have at least ten trained ninja!
Shindai anxiously paced back and forth inside his tent.
The Land of Earth seemed pretty close to the Land of Wind...
Should he just go AWOL?
Even if he managed to escape, returning home would certainly result in severe punishment from the Third Kazekage.
No good. He should first write a letter to try asking the Third Kazekage to approve ending his undercover mission. If approved, that would be best. If not, he could figure something else out later.
Minato Namikaze and Jiraiya stared with wide eyes, mouths slightly open, as Shindai sneaked out of the tent shortly after Kakashi and the others had left.
Could it really be that simple?
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