[Naruto : Yellow Flash] Chapter 491 - 495

Chapter 491 Disadvantages

The scorching magma spread over an area of ​​hundreds of meters, making it so that no one dared to set foot in this area.

"Sensei, are you okay?" Minato appeared beside Jiraiya who was retreating.

Jiraiya glanced sideways and said, "Yeah."

After responding lightly, his eyes were once again cast towards the battlefield that had been completely changed, and the shock in his eyes had not yet completely subsided.

At this time, the scattered ninjas from both sides became scattered in formation. After all, the previous scene happened too abruptly, and they had no chance to form an organized retreat.

Everyone showed a look of shock at this, but when the shock faded, both hostile parties were alert and moved closer to their own people.

Somewhere on the battlefield, Kato Dan was surrounded by several Konoha ninjas.

After using the spirit transformation technique, his body became his biggest weakness, so someone had to protect his body.

His eyes, which were originally tightly closed, opened at this moment. He suddenly stood up and thanked the several Konoha ninjas beside him.

Because the range of the lava was almost spreading to the location where Kato Dan's body was.

After returning to his original form, he leaped up, dodged a few times, and met the other person who was rushing towards him.

Kato Dan and Hyuga Tenki gathered, took a look at the battlefield that had changed, and said, "It has come to this point, how should we fight next?"

Such power is obviously beyond the power level of most ninjas.

The current battlefield is also divided into more fragmented parts. If the personnel are further dispersed, the disadvantage will be even more obvious for the Konoha side, which already has fewer people.

"Well, we'll have to see what Minato wants to do about this?"

Kato Dan shook his head helplessly and looked at Minato and Jiraiya who were standing on the edge of the battlefield.

Swish!
Kitsuchi's figure appeared near his own camp, just opposite to Minato and Jiraiya.

He raised his eyes slightly. Because the terrain of the battlefield in front of him was not flat, he could not temporarily perceive the current situation of Rōshi and the others.

Just as he looked over there, he saw gold sand suddenly surging on the lava-covered battlefield.

The gold sand seemed to condense into a gold sand cloud, and then Rōshi and the other two rose up and flew towards their camp.

Rōshi and the others landed in front of Kitsuchi, and the former said directly: "Boy, retreat first."

Among the Iwagakure ninjas, only this old man who dared to glare at the Third Tsuchikage dared to call the current Kitsuchi a kid.

Kitsuchi hesitated a little when he heard this. It seemed that Rōshi's power was stronger than before, and if the battlefield was divided like this, they would have an advantage.

As if knowing what he was thinking, Rōshi said softly: "My body is almost reaching its limit."

The power of the Four Tails that Rōshi could control was several times stronger than before, but when he just got this power, the first thing it eroded was his own mind.

If he had not been a Jinchūriki for decades and his willpower had not been extremely strong, it would be hard to say that he would not be controlled by this power.

Obviously, the purpose of the Four-Tailed Fox lending him its power was not simple.

Moreover, when he was unconscious, the chaotic power also damaged his body. Although he finally regained consciousness in the second stage of tailed beast transformation, his body had already reached its limit.

The reason why he used this super-large-scale lava release ninjutsu was not to attack Minato.

Rōshi naturally wanted to eliminate Minato's mark, but he also wanted to take this opportunity to separate the two parties and wait for an opportunity to retreat

"I know." Kitsuchi straightened his expression and looked sideways. At this time, an Iwa Ninja came to his side and waited for his orders.

"I am forcibly maintaining this state in order to deceive that Minato. Otherwise, I am afraid that I will not be able to escape unscathed today."

After the fight with Minato, even the hot-tempered old Roshi had to admit that this younger ninja of Konoha was indeed extremely powerful.

Even when he, Rasa and Hanzo joined forces, they were unable to defeat him. This kind of strength is already the best in the current ninja world.

"I understand." Kitsuchi nodded after hearing this.

A few minutes later, Jiraiya looked at Minato beside him, frowned slightly, and said: "Boy, your Sage Mode..."

Minato had been in Sage Mode for more than five minutes, and he had also used two extremely energy-consuming ninjutsu during that time. However, the Minato in front of him was still in Sage Mode.

This was beyond Jiraiya's expectations.

Upon hearing this, Minato's expression paused slightly. In fact, it seemed that due to the power of the Nine-Tails changing his body, his Sage Mode seemed to become a little different from what Fukasaku described.

This difference is something that even he hasn't fully figured out yet.

Just as he was struggling to explain all this to Jiraiya, Hyuga Tenki flashed in front of the two of them.

"The enemy ninjas seem to be retreating." Hyuga Tenki said.

Jiraiya frowned when he heard that, and Minato's eyes shrank slightly.

"Do we want to stop them?" Hyuga Tenki asked again.

The former cast his gaze towards Minato, who hesitated for a moment before saying, "Let them go, sensei."

“This is the safest approach at this time.”

The master and disciple looked at each other, and Jiraiya shrugged. They had all seen with their own eyes the scale of the impact of Rōshi's use of the power of the tailed beasts. Now that the battlefield has undergone such a big change, who knows what the scene will be like if the fight continues.

What's more, their strength is inherently weaker than that of the opponent. Without the certainty of victory, they have to take the safest approach.

But Minato didn't understand why the Iwagakure ninjas were retreating when they seemed to have the upper hand.

Is he also afraid that it will affect the ninjas in his own camp?

"Then let the troops gather together. Thank you for your hard work." Jiraiya turned to Hyuga Tenki and said, "Thank you for your hard work."

Hyuga Tenki chuckled and rushed out.

However, at this time, Minato was still on guard and did not exit the Sage Mode.

A few minutes later, when the coalition forces of the Iwagakure, Sand Ninja, and Amegakure gradually penetrated deeper into the territory of the Land of Rain, Rōshi, who was at the front of the team, finally felt relieved.

The molten chakra around him dissipated, revealing his true body, and at this moment his entire body was covered with varying degrees of burns.

And then, he fainted.
Before Rōshi lost consciousness, he seemed to hear the chuckle of the four tails in his body.

"If you dare, you can always ask me to lend you strength."

Chapter 492: Successor

The war, waged fiercely on the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rain, reached a temporary halt as the Iwagakure-led three-nation coalition retreated. Though this battle ended inconclusively, the fear it instilled in the hearts of warriors on both sides was undeniable.

The Yellow Flash of Konoha had faced off against three formidable opponents alone, his commanding presence searing an unforgettable image into the minds of thousands of ninjas. On the opposing side, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, Rōshi, demonstrated devastating power, reshaping the very terrain with terrifying ease.

Yet, everyone knew the war was far from over. The forces of Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Amegakure had united with a shared goal, and such an alliance would not rest until victory was absolute.

Despite the retreat of the coalition forces, Konoha’s troops remained stationed on the border. Rōshi's fearsome techniques had drastically transformed the landscape, leaving the area scarred with rivers of molten lava and jagged craters.

A loud crash echoed across the area. Near the warped terrain, torrents of water cascaded down, but this was no natural phenomenon—it was the work of skilled water-style ninjutsu. The ninjas of Konoha were working tirelessly to cool the searing remnants of magma. Though the lava had begun to solidify, its heat, fueled by chakra, lingered dangerously.

The relentless efforts of the Konoha ninjas gradually dispelled the intense heat, but their work was far from over. The once-bright sky dimmed as steam and mist blanketed the area, casting an eerie pall over the land.

A kilometer away, Konoha forces had established a makeshift camp. Initially built to treat the wounded, it now served as the main outpost for their defensive operations. Outside one of the larger tents, Minato Namikaze pulled back the curtain and stepped inside.

The first sight to greet him was Kakashi Hatake, seated at the edge of the tent. The young ninja held a dagger in his hand, his white hair disheveled and marked with faint signs of battle. Despite minor injuries, Kakashi’s chakra flow was steady—he was in no immediate danger.

“Minato-sensei,” Kakashi said, attempting to stand as his teacher entered.

“Rest. You’ve done enough for now,” Minato replied gently, placing a firm hand on Kakashi’s shoulder. Kakashi hesitated before nodding, allowing himself to relax.

Minato’s gaze shifted toward the far side of the tent. There, Obito Uchiha stood silently by Rin Nohara’s side, his eyes fixed on her with unwavering concern. He seemed unaware of Minato’s presence, wholly absorbed in watching over her.

Minato’s expression softened, but there was a flicker of something deeper—concern, perhaps even unease. The war had forced unimaginable challenges upon them all, and Obito had risen to meet one such challenge in a way that stunned even Minato.

According to the war statistics delivered to him earlier, Obito had managed to defeat a Jonin from the enemy forces—a feat unexpected from someone of his current rank. Though Obito’s progress had been steady under Minato’s tutelage, his skills had only recently surpassed those of an average Chunin.

What truly astonished Minato was the revelation that Obito had awakened his Sharingan during the battle. Not only that, but his Sharingan manifested with two magatama immediately upon activation. Such an occurrence was unprecedented, even among the most prodigious Uchiha.

Minato, well-versed in the clan’s history and its legendary dojutsu, could recall no record of such an event. Even Uchiha Yoruki, regarded as a genius of his generation, had awakened his Sharingan with just a single magatama.

What made Obito so unique? The question lingered as Minato quietly observed him.

“Obito,” Kakashi called, but Minato gently motioned for him to stop.

“Let him be,” Minato said softly, his gaze briefly settling on Rin before he disappeared in a flash of yellow light.

News of the battle and Obito’s Sharingan awakening soon reached Konoha, though the war’s urgency left little room for celebration among the village’s leadership. Within the Uchiha clan, however, the event stirred intense interest.

The activation of the Sharingan, even at its most basic level, was a cause for pride among the Uchiha. Each new pair of Sharingan carried the potential for evolution, and Obito’s double-magatama awakening was unlike anything the clan had seen before. Unfortunately, with many of the clan’s elites deployed to the front lines near Kirigakure, the initial excitement gradually faded.

Deep underground, in the shadows of an ancient hideout, Uchiha Madara sat in silence. His frail, withered form rested against a stone wall, his breathing shallow and labored. Yet his presence radiated an indomitable aura.

In the dim light, White Zetsu emerged from the ground, his distinctive pitcher-plant-like form taking shape.

“You’ve returned,” Madara said, his voice barely audible yet commanding. “What’s the situation?”

“The coalition of Iwagakure, Amegakure, and Sunagakure clashed with Konoha on the border,” White Zetsu began, recounting the battle in meticulous detail. He spoke of Minato Namikaze’s extraordinary feats, holding his own against Hanzo, the Fourth Kazekage, and the Four-Tails Jinchuriki simultaneously.

Madara’s brow furrowed slightly as he absorbed the information. The young man he had once dismissed had grown into a formidable warrior—one capable of holding his own against legends.

“There’s one more thing you’ll find interesting,” White Zetsu added, a sly smile creeping across his face.

“Don’t keep me waiting,” Madara said, a faint chuckle escaping his lips.

“In this battle, a boy named Uchiha Obito awakened his Sharingan,” White Zetsu revealed. “And when his eyes opened, they already had two magatama.”

Madara’s frail hands trembled as he processed the news. Even as the most powerful Uchiha in history, he had never witnessed an awakening of this kind.

White Zetsu continued, “You were looking for a successor, weren’t you? Perhaps this boy is a better choice than the one you previously selected. Uchiha Obito is also a disciple of Minato Namikaze.”

Chapter 493: Darkness Gradually Revealed

"Oh?"
Madara’s rasping voice, like the groan of ancient wood, broke the stillness. The hunched, frail figure that had seemed lifeless moments before stirred, his head lifting slightly. His deep-set eyes, clouded yet piercing, gleamed faintly in the dim light of the cavern.

White Zetsu, ever vigilant, recognized the spark of interest in Madara’s gaze. Having served the old Uchiha for years, Zetsu understood his moods with uncanny precision. When Madara’s eyes narrowed even a fraction, it meant only one thing: he wanted more information.

Zetsu wasted no time. “This Uchiha Obito,” he began, “is part of Minato Namikaze’s first team of fresh graduates. His teammates are Hatake Kakashi and Nohara Rin.”

Madara’s brow furrowed slightly at the mention of Kakashi. “Hatake Kakashi? Is that the son of Sakumo Hatake?”

“Yes,” Zetsu replied. “Kakashi’s reputation has grown rapidly. He and Shisui Uchiha are considered the most talented young ninjas in Konoha today.”

Madara let out a faint, dismissive grunt. “Talented, perhaps. But the world has never lacked so-called geniuses. Most burn brightly for a time before fading into obscurity.”

His words carried the weight of centuries of observation. In the world of shinobi, talent was but a fleeting phenomenon, as transient as cherry blossoms in spring. To Madara, only those with unyielding will and extraordinary purpose could rise above the countless prodigies who faltered before reaching greatness.

Zetsu continued, undeterred by Madara’s disdain. “Obito, on the other hand, is a far cry from a prodigy. Among his team, Kakashi is the undisputed star, and even Nohara Rin has surpassed Obito in many respects. She trained directly under Tsunade, mastering advanced medical ninjutsu.”

Madara’s thin lips curved into a faint smile. This stark contrast made Obito’s recent accomplishments all the more intriguing. Talent, as Madara had often said, was an unreliable measure of a person’s true potential.

“Fascinating,” Madara murmured, his tone laced with dry amusement. “Despite his mediocrity, Obito has achieved something no Uchiha before him ever has: awakening a double-magatama Sharingan upon activation. A remarkable anomaly.”

He leaned back, his frail body sinking into the throne-like stone seat that seemed almost a part of him. His mind raced, contemplating the implications of such a rare occurrence. The Sharingan was no mere tool—it was the very essence of the Uchiha clan, a manifestation of their pride, pain, and ambition.

“What do we know about the circumstances of his awakening?” Madara asked, his voice taking on a sharper edge.

Zetsu nodded, prepared for the question. “While I lack precise details, the general account is clear. During a skirmish, Nohara Rin was gravely injured by an enemy ninja. Witnessing this, Obito flew into a rage, and in his desperation, he awakened the Sharingan.”

Madara’s eyes narrowed. “And the enemy?”

“A Jonin from Sunagakure,” Zetsu replied. “Before Obito engaged him, the Jonin had already battled Hatake Kakashi, sustaining injuries but emerging victorious. The Jonin then turned his focus to Rin, wounding her in the process. It was this act that pushed Obito over the edge, driving him to kill the Jonin.”

Madara’s fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest of his chair, the sound echoing faintly in the cavern. By all accounts, a newly awakened Sharingan—even with two magatama—should not have been enough to defeat a seasoned Jonin. Something extraordinary must have occurred in that moment of desperation.

For a long while, silence enveloped the chamber. Zetsu, accustomed to Madara’s extended contemplations, waited patiently, his form motionless as if carved from the shadows.

Finally, Madara spoke. “You’ve done well, Zetsu,” he said, his voice tinged with rare approval. “This boy, Uchiha Obito… he may prove more valuable than I anticipated.”

“What of the one you originally chose as your successor?” Zetsu asked cautiously.

Madara’s expression turned cold. “His will is too rigid, too stubborn to mold. Keeping him alive serves no purpose, and his presence may only complicate matters. If he cannot serve my plans, then he will vanish from this world.”

Zetsu’s face remained impassive, though his mind raced. “Shall we have Kirigakure send reinforcements to the front lines? The presence of Senju Nawaki has created a stalemate in the war.”

At the mention of Senju Nawaki, Madara’s composure faltered for a brief moment. His fingers tightened ever so slightly, betraying a flicker of emotion. Senju Nawaki was not the source of his agitation—it was the legacy he represented. As the grandson of Hashirama Senju, the man Madara had once called both friend and rival, Senju Nawaki carried the bloodline that had forever intertwined with his own destiny.

“No,” Madara said after a moment, his voice regaining its usual steadiness. “Kirigakure’s forces are reserved for a greater purpose. Let Konoha’s enemies weaken them further. The time for direct action has not yet come.”

“Then what shall we do?” Zetsu asked, his tone betraying genuine curiosity.

Madara’s lips curled into a faint, sardonic smile. “Do not forget, Konoha and Minato Namikaze already have another adversary. The boy’s potential may yet serve as the key to tipping the scales in our favor. For now, we observe and wait. When the moment is right, the world will tremble before the true power of the Uchiha.”

Chapter 494: Leisurely

The Land of Sound.
A country bordering the Land of Fire, yet one without a ninja village. Despite its proximity to the tumultuous Land of Fire, its geographical position had spared it from involvement in the Third Ninja World War. Amid the widespread chaos, this small nation enjoyed an unusual peace.

Deep in the forested mountains of the Land of Sound lay a concealed cave. From the outside, it appeared utterly ordinary, with no distinguishing features to catch the eye. Yet, within its shadowy depths, the scene was anything but mundane.

The interior of the cave was a trove of equipment and instruments, their precise arrangement a testament to their owner's meticulous nature. Tools, wires, and components of all kinds were scattered about, while runic prohibitions lined the cave walls. These protective seals effectively masked the cave’s activities from any prying eyes or ears beyond its rocky confines.

At the heart of the cavern, a slender red-haired figure was hunched over a workbench. He worked tirelessly, his deft fingers manipulating puppet parts with precision. Suddenly, the faintest vibration traveled through a thin wire strung across the cave, causing a small bell to chime softly.

The figure turned abruptly, revealing a strikingly handsome face. His crimson eyebrows furrowed in suspicion, and his intense gaze betrayed an alertness that was second nature to him.

"Someone's here," Sasori muttered under his breath.

This was the deep forest of the Land of Sound, a place teeming with dangerous beasts that kept ordinary people far away. The only individuals capable of reaching this hidden haven were skilled ninjas.

Sasori, a notorious S-rank criminal and wanted by the Village Hidden in the Sand, knew he couldn’t afford carelessness. He set aside the puppet limb he had been working on, donned a dark, flowing robe, and quickly moved toward the cave's entrance.

Positioning himself high within the dense canopy of trees, Sasori concealed his presence. Moments later, an unfamiliar figure stumbled into view. The man was clad in the distinctive attire of an Iwagakure ninja, though his movements were labored and unsteady.

"What is an Iwagakure shinobi doing here?" Sasori's narrowed eyes gleamed with curiosity and suspicion.

Observing from his perch, Sasori noticed the subtle signs of poisoning—the awkward gait, the slight tremors in the man's limbs, and the sheen of sweat on his face. The ninja had clearly triggered one of the traps laced with Sasori’s specialized toxin.

Sure enough, the man's movements slowed further until his legs buckled, and he collapsed against a tree. His lifeless body slumped to the forest floor, and as he fell, a scroll slipped from his grasp.

In a blur of motion, Sasori appeared beside the fallen ninja. His sharp eyes immediately locked onto the scroll.

"A battle report?" Sasori mused, picking it up. The intricate seals on the scroll intended to safeguard its contents posed no challenge to someone of his skill.

Unfurling the scroll, Sasori scanned its contents. As his eyes darted across the parchment, his normally impassive face contorted with disbelief.

"This... can't be true," he murmured, gripping the scroll tightly.

The words on the page detailed a shocking turn of events.

"Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash of Konoha, defeated Hanzo the Salamander, the legendary demigod of the Rain Village."

Sasori's hands trembled slightly as he read on. Half a month ago, the combined forces of the Sand Village, Rain Village, and Stone Village had launched a massive assault on the Land of Fire, with thousands of ninja participating in the battle. Yet, Konoha had dealt them a devastating blow.

Minato Namikaze had single-handedly faced Hanzo, the Fourth Kazekage Rasa, and the Four-Tails Jinchuriki Roshi. Against all odds, Konoha’s forces, despite being outnumbered, had forced the alliance of three nations to retreat.

Sasori's mind raced. How could one man accomplish such a feat? He had crossed paths with Minato before and had firsthand knowledge of the man's extraordinary abilities. But to defeat Hanzo, a man regarded as a pinnacle of the ninja world? And to turn back an entire coalition?

"Impossible," Sasori whispered, shaking his head. Yet the battle report left no room for doubt.

This revelation sent ripples through his thoughts. The Rain Village, which had maintained its neutrality, was now embroiled in the war. The fragile alliances between major nations were shifting rapidly, and Minato Namikaze’s name seemed to instill both fear and respect across the shinobi world.

Sasori quickly buried the body of the Iwagakure ninja, disposing of any evidence that could betray his location. Packing his belongings hastily, he prepared to leave the forest.

Unbeknownst to Sasori, however, the lifeless corpse he had buried began to transform. The Iwagakure ninja’s form dissolved, revealing a pure white, plant-like body beneath. Moments later, the ground wriggled unnaturally, and a figure emerged, dragging the "corpse" into the shadows.

The figure was White Zetsu. With a sly grin, he carried out his task, eventually returning to an underground lair where an elderly man sat waiting.

Madara Uchiha, his hair stark white yet his eyes burning with ambition, glanced at White Zetsu.

"Did everything go as planned?" Madara inquired, his voice calm but commanding.

White Zetsu nodded enthusiastically. "It was even easier than expected. Sasori fell for the bait completely. After reading the battle report, he didn’t even question the authenticity of my clone."

Madara smirked, his lips curling with satisfaction. "As I thought. The mention of Minato Namikaze alone was enough to shatter his composure."

White Zetsu continued, "He’s already left the forest. Judging by his reaction, he’ll waste no time seeking more information about the war."

Madara’s eyes glimmered with a mix of amusement and calculation. "Good. Let him dig deeper. The more he learns about Konoha’s might and Minato’s reputation, the more his hatred will grow. He will move against them, and in doing so, serve our purposes."

White Zetsu tilted his head curiously. "But Sasori’s enemy is Minato Namikaze. Even if he joins the war, won’t he focus on the Land of Rain rather than Uchiha Yoruki?"

Madara chuckled, his weathered face betraying no concern. "Sasori’s movements are inconsequential. What matters is the spread of chaos. With every piece we move, the great nations edge closer to their downfall."

Chapter 495: Restrictions

The border between the Lands of Fire and Rain stretched under a grim and cloud-filled sky, where tension simmered and battle lines blurred.

Boom!
A thunderous explosion shattered the oppressive silence, and a faint red light surged across the horizon, casting a crimson hue over the battlefield.

Crash!
As the red glow subsided, a wave of golden sand rose, swirling like an ocean tempest. The glittering grains coalesced into an enormous golden hand that lunged forward, reaching for its target with terrifying precision.

Swish!
A streak of yellow light tore through the air, evading the grasp of the golden hand with an almost mocking speed.

Zheng!
In the blink of an eye, a blade of wind extended from a specially crafted kunai. The weapon, shimmering with razor-sharp precision, sliced through the advancing wave of gold sand, scattering its form into harmless granules.

Minato Namikaze, the legendary Yellow Flash of Konoha, moved with unparalleled grace, his expression calm but focused. As the remnants of the sand wave dissipated, another figure charged toward him, wielding a samurai sword encased in a swirling wind blade.

Clang!
The weapons collided with a clash that sent sparks flying. The wind blades on both sides tore at one another, creating a momentary standoff before the combatants separated.

"Gold Dust Shuriken!"
"Lava Style : Magma Orb!"

Two simultaneous cries pierced the battlefield as shurikens made of glittering gold dust and blazing orbs of molten magma hurtled toward Minato from opposing directions.

Minato glanced briefly to his left and right, analyzing the attacks with his ever-sharp instincts. With a sudden burst of chakra-infused strength, he shoved his opponent away and launched himself backward.

Shhh!
The two attacks collided mid-air, their opposing elements reacting violently. The intense heat of the magma melted the golden shurikens, leaving behind a cloud of steam that momentarily obscured the battlefield.

Minato landed several meters away, his sharp brown eyes scanning the three figures now standing together across the ruined field. His gaze carried a rare hint of solemnity.

Among the trio were Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, whose mastery of Gold Dust was renowned across the ninja world; Roshi, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, his body radiating with fiery chakra; and Hanzo the Salamander, the feared demigod of the Rain Village.

The four ninja clashed again in a violent blur of motion, their speed creating streaks of color that seemed to blend into the stormy sky.

Hundreds of meters away, onlookers from both camps watched in awe. Ninja squads from the Land of Fire and the Three-Nation Alliance stood at a standstill, their gazes fixed on the titanic battle unfolding before them.

In the Konoha camp, Hyuga Tenki, a seasoned jonin, sighed as he observed the ongoing duel. "They’ve been fighting for months now, and still no clear winner," he muttered.

Two months had passed since the initial confrontation between Konoha’s forces and the allied armies of the Rain, Sand, and Stone Villages. What began as a large-scale war involving thousands of ninja had gradually devolved into a series of skirmishes between the leaders of each side.

The destruction wrought by these battles was immense. The once-rolling hills of the battlefield had been reduced to a jagged, cratered basin, a testament to the sheer power of the combatants.

Minato, facing three formidable adversaries at once, found himself in an unenviable position. Even with his unparalleled speed and skill, defeating such opponents entirely seemed a near-impossible task.

Boom!
Nearby, another clash of titans shook the earth. Jiraiya, one of Konoha’s legendary Sannin, faced off against Kitsuchi, the Stone Village’s formidable earth-style master. Their powerful techniques collided, causing the ground to quake violently.

Meanwhile, Minato’s battle raged on. Though Hanzo and Rasa bore tattered clothing and showed signs of fatigue, they remained steadfast. The three allied leaders fought with a grim determination, knowing that without their combined efforts, Minato would overwhelm them individually.

Despite their teamwork, it was clear that Minato held the upper hand. His mastery of the Flying Raijin technique and his keen strategic mind allowed him to evade their deadliest attacks while delivering devastating counterstrikes.

Hanzo’s brow furrowed as he exchanged a glance with Rasa and Roshi. The grim realization that they were at a disadvantage, even with superior numbers, weighed heavily on them.

Minato, on the other hand, assessed the situation with cold calculation. His eyes lingered on Roshi, whose body radiated with the raw power of the Four-Tails.

"If only I had more time to prepare the sealing technique," Minato thought, his mind racing. With a properly executed seal, he could temporarily suppress the tailed beast’s power within Roshi. But setting up such a technique required precious seconds, and Hanzo’s relentless pressure left no opening.

Hanzo’s experience as a seasoned warrior proved invaluable. His sharp instincts and deep understanding of battle tactics consistently thwarted Minato’s attempts to gain the upper hand decisively.

As the battle wore on, a voice echoed in Minato’s mind, breaking through his focus.

"If it’s truly hopeless, you could release the seal," the voice suggested.

"No," Minato responded firmly, cutting off the thought before it could take root.

"Releasing the seal would grant you the full power of the Nine-Tails," the voice reasoned. "With that strength, you could easily match Roshi’s power."

"But at what cost?" Minato countered. He knew the truth. If he broke the seal, the remaining fragment of his consciousness and that of the Nine-Tails would vanish forever, leaving him to bear the burden of this immense power alone.

"My existence no longer matters," the voice continued, tinged with a note of resignation. "You’ve already surpassed the person I once was. Your actions have altered the fate of many. As long as you protect her... and the village... what does it matter if I disappear?"

Minato clenched his fists, his heart pounding. "No," he whispered aloud, his resolve unwavering. "No one should disappear so easily. The future is still uncertain. You haven’t fulfilled her wish yet—to see Naruto grow up, to see him live a happy life. So you can’t disappear, not yet."

A surge of emotion passed between them, unspoken yet deeply felt.

The brief exchange in consciousness spanned only a fraction of a second. When Minato’s attention returned to the battlefield, he noticed a change in his opponents’ demeanor.

"Retreat!" Hanzo barked suddenly, his voice sharp with frustration. Without waiting for a response, he turned and sprinted toward his camp.

Bang!
Flares shot into the sky from the allied army’s position, signaling a coordinated withdrawal. Kitsuchi, engaged in combat with Jiraiya, broke away and used a powerful earth-style technique to create a smokescreen.

Jiraiya, recognizing the signal, refrained from pursuing.

One by one, the allied forces regrouped under Hanzo’s leadership and retreated into the dim horizon.

Minato watched them disappear, his expression thoughtful. The battle at the border of the Lands of Fire and Rain had reached yet another stalemate.