The two major eye techniques of Konoha are the Byakugan and the Sharingan.
Because its methods of attack are more complex, the Sharingan's abilities are generally more unpredictable. Comparing a Three-Tomoe Sharingan to a Byakugan, each has its strengths and weaknesses; however, once you go beyond the Three-Tomoe, the Sharingan is fundamentally superior. The Sharingan possesses a universal path of evolution—a trait the Byakugan lacks.
But the utility of the Byakugan isn't just reflected in individual combat. Its significance in reconnaissance is far greater; in large-scale warfare, it can even be called a weapon of strategic importance. Only the Byakugan can see through an enemy's formations and instantly perceive their latest movements.
The trouble now is that a Byakugan has fallen into the hands of Kirigakure.
In mass engagements, a single Byakugan can be far more effective than a pair of Sharingan—generally speaking, though certain "bug-level" Sharingan are exceptions. Therefore, the Hokage's emphasis on recovering the lost eye isn't just for the sake of the Hyuga clan; if such a weapon is obtained by the enemy, it means a sword that belonged to you has been handed over to your foe.
"Based on the prior mission details of the ambushed Hyuga squad, we can say with almost total certainty that the incident occurred... at the ruins of the Land of Whirlpools," the Third Hokage's voice continued.
"Considering that an elite Hyuga squad was wiped out with almost no resistance, we tentatively judge that the enemy has deployed a medium-scale force or larger, or perhaps an elite squad belonging directly to the Kage."
"Because the Byakugan is of critical importance to Konoha, we have already diverted a portion of shinobi from Orochimaru's front to blockade the coastal waters near the Land of Whirlpools. Currently, it seems the enemy cannot evacuate without alerting us. However, given the enemy's combat power and the pressure along the entire front line, the mission to recover the Byakugan cannot be handled by Orochimaru's forces. Furthermore, sending anything less than elite shinobi into the Land of Whirlpools would be pointless."
The old Land of Whirlpools was just a small island. Considering the surrounding maritime environment, maintaining a blockade was no easy feat. Did Orochimaru have to pull out all of his scouts for this?
"Therefore, I have decided that those of you present will be formed into new squads to enter the Land of Whirlpools for the mission to recover the Byakugan."
As for why they had to go to such lengths to take back a single eye, the Hokage didn't even need to explain.
"It is certain that the enemy is still trapped on the island. However, due to environmental and topographical factors, as well as interference from the enemy's specialized wide-range barrier ninjutsu, the long-distance scouting abilities of the Hyuga clan's Byakugan have been restricted to a degree. To a large extent, the search will rely on your own efforts."
"The mission objective is simple: recover the Byakugan. Proceed immediately. There is no specific time limit for this mission."
In other words, until the item was snatched back, this matter would never end. It meant that if any non-Hyuga possessed the Byakugan, they would face the full wrath of Konoha.
The Hokage's briefing finished quickly, and the mission squads began to divide and assemble. Due to the size of the search area and the number of personnel involved, and considering that all participating shinobi were elites, the squads were formed in pairs to ensure efficiency.
"Yo!"
Soon, Hagoromo saw his partner for this operation. White hair, a mask, young, and eyes that had already completed 70% of their transformation into "dead fish" eyes—Kakashi Hatake.
"Kakashi, I remember you're a Chunin, right?" In such a serious setting, Hagoromo still had the mind to mimic him, his face visibly trying to put on a "dead fish eye" expression.
"Correct," Kakashi replied.
"Didn't they say the enemy's strength is immense and only elite shinobi can handle this? Here's the problem: you're a Chunin, and I'm a Chunin. So, is there actually a so-called 'elite' in this squad?"
Without hesitation, Kakashi pointed at Hagoromo and said, "Word is you have experience completing S-rank missions and have turned down the Jonin promotion exams twice in a row. Theoretically, S-rank missions can only be completed by Elite Jonin. Thus, the Third Hokage clearly counts you as Jonin-level combat power for this mission. Between the two of us, you are the captain."
Hagoromo: "..."
Why was there zero sense of mission, seriousness, or tension in their conversation despite the major task ahead? It was just their personalities. They understood the gravity of the mission, but how they felt inside didn't necessarily have to match what they showed on their faces.
With the current Kakashi, despite the dead fish eyes, he would be absolutely serious and focused once the mission began. Even if Hagoromo went down, Kakashi would persist alone.
"What about Senior Minato? He'd surely have a part in a mission like this, right? Why aren't you two on a team?"
"Minato-sensei is more efficient acting alone..."
True enough, Minato Namikaze was nowhere to be seen. Given his god-like speed, he might have already reached the ruins of the Land of Whirlpools. In fact, he was probably already there.
While Hagoromo and Kakashi were talking nonsense, their hands weren't idle. They collected their mission supplies and gear, then replenished their ninja tools and medicine. The preparation time was only one hour; once time was up, they would set out.
Because they needed to reach the site as fast as possible, shinobi without special means of movement would travel in a group, while those with high-speed methods could depart independently!
Did Hagoromo have a special way to travel? Yes, he did. He had a bird; he could fly.
Using the Summoning Jutsu directly, they would fly to the Land of Whirlpools. Given the seating and passenger capacity of Yatagarasu, it could carry four squads without an issue.
So, while the other shinobi were sprinting, Hagoromo and the others took flight.
Crossing mountains and seas, passing over crowds of people... the bird's wings never stopped. By dawn, the Yatagarasu, flying at maximum speed across half the Land of Fire, delivered the ten of them to the outer seas of the Land of Whirlpools.
Releasing the summoning and recovering a bit of chakra, the ten people divided back into their five squads and began acting independently within their assigned sectors.
Hagoromo and Kakashi basically had to rely on their naked eyes for scouting. Kakashi wasn't a dedicated scout to begin with, and Hagoromo's detection range was largely limited to his line of sight. In an open environment like the sea, it was probably easier to just use one's eyes.
However, the wind and snow were a hindrance.
But, whether they were blessed or cursed, they truly did find an enemy very quickly.
Approaching through the snow, Kakashi pulled out a manual, compared the photo inside with the person's face, and said, "Confirmed. It's a Kirigakure ninja."
Now, it was time for the captain, Hagoromo, to give the order. And he did.
He looked at Kakashi and said:
"Get 'em!"