Chapter 18

                                    

                                          
"We're about to reach the Tenchi Bridge." said Minato, who had stopped with his team at the nearby lake and crouched down. From there, he pulled out a section of the world map to show their exact location.
"We are here. The other ninja from Konoha are in this area." Minato spoke and pointed to the Forest of Crows, which lay to the east of the Tenchi Bridge. "Iwagakure is to the northwest of the bridge. And right between their realm and the bridge is a river that they cross."
Those present nodded understandingly. So Iwagakure could easily cross the water to get into their territory. "So they can also attack from the north, where the rest of us are." Kakashi stated immediately.
"Exactly, but our goal is not to go north." Minato stated again. "And that's where Shika comes in." the jonin smiled at the girl, who was able to come up with something good after their first meeting.
"My first choice would have been to destroy the Tenchi Bridge. But that would break the connection to Amegakure, which is holding back on everything at the moment. So we can't afford their hatred." Shika addressed the fact and simply took out her map, which she had placed over Minato's.
"We move northwest, exactly where the river is. It will be enough if we make ourselves known in that vicinity and lure Iwagakure there. They'll have to regroup if we set some traps with letter bombs as a distraction." Shika continued, pointing to the circled areas with her finger.
"So that means the other teams of us will have a little more freedom, as some opponents will join us. We can set a larger trap here in the middle. A small explosion will be enough to collapse the cliffs and send the shinobi into the water. Then our shinobi will use their earth jutsu to build a safe wall."
"And what if no one can do such a jutsu?" Rin asked cautiously. "They can. As far as I know, there is a colorful mixture of all chakra elements." Shika replied, having read up on all the shinobi the night before.
"We'll lay the traps here...here...here and here." , the Nara continued. "There will definitely be opponents, which is why I suggest setting the traps separately. Kakashi is the offensive fighter. That's why Rin should go with you, since she knows about medicine."
"What?! Why not me?!" Obito grumbled. "Because you don't think about your attacks." Shika said in response, looking slightly angry. She had received this information from Minato, who had gone over the division with her.
"Sensei Minato can set the traps on his own. And you will come with me, Obito." Already a little offended, Obito crossed his arms. "Why with you?" he wanted to know.
"Because I can't do any real nin-jutsus. My jutsus only work with shadows, so I need someone who can attack. So you with your fire jutsus." Shika clarified immediately. A slight smile crossed Minato's lips. Shika had really thought everything through.
"Our meeting point will be here after we have the attention of Iwagakure." , the Nara explained her plan further and placed her finger on the center of the path.
"If a trap doesn't work, dodge to the right. No matter where you're coming from. Iwagakure shouldn't have spread out in this area."
"How do you know that?" asked Kakashi, who really liked the plan but still had some doubts. The Nara looked at her counterpart briefly before raising her finger.
"Even on this path, I have seen chakra threads that are limited to the left side. They all run in the same direction and would give a signal if one of us were to turn there. The Tenchi Bridge was definitely avoided."
Kakashi blinked several times. He hadn't been able to see those traps at all. How could Shika have known before they had even been here? "I advise you to avoid fights, Kakashi." Shika addressed him directly. 
"Well, let's do what Shika said. I'm sure this tactic will work. Avoid fighting and gather at your destination." Minato nodded to the girl before standing up. "Don't forget what our goal is. Stay calm and think before you act."
The group nodded to their sensei. They all had to listen to him anyway, no matter what the plan was. If he was sure that Shika's plan would work, then they should go through with it.