[Naruto : Yellow Flash] Chapter 461 - 465

Chapter 461: Negotiations

In the heart of the Rain Village stood an intricately decorated attic, a stark contrast to the simple and utilitarian architecture of the surrounding area. This building was home to the leader of the Rain Village, the legendary demigod, Hanzo.

The streets were unusually quiet, save for the faint rustling of robes brushing against the wet ground. Two figures, clad in wide black cloaks, moved swiftly through the village. Their towering stature set them apart from the Rain Village’s citizens, drawing cautious glances from the few who dared to watch.

As they neared the village center, the streets became eerily empty.

"Shhh," one civilian whispered, pulling their child inside. "Outsiders at the demigod’s doorstep never bring good news."

Without warning, a Rain Village ninja materialized before the cloaked figures. His eyes assessed them with a measured calmness.

"Follow me," he said curtly, vanishing as suddenly as he had appeared. The two figures exchanged glances before silently following his lead.

"Lord Hanzo, the guests have arrived." The Rain Ninja knelt respectfully outside a reinforced door within the grand attic.

"Understood," a deep, authoritative voice responded from inside.

As the Rain Ninja disappeared into the shadows, Hanzo’s voice echoed again, this time louder. "Enter."

The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit room and a figure seated at its center. Hanzo’s presence was imposing, even as he sat quietly. His half-mask concealed his expression, leaving only his piercing eyes visible.

The two cloaked figures stepped inside. One of them, his patience evidently thinner, was the first to speak.

"Lord Hanzo, what do you make of our proposal?" he asked, his voice laced with an undertone of arrogance.

Hanzo’s gaze turned to him, icy and unyielding. "When your master is here in person, should you really be the one doing the talking?"

"You—" The man bristled but fell silent when the other placed a steady hand on his shoulder.

"Hahaha, as expected of the demigod of the Rain Village," came the second figure’s rumbling laugh as he removed his hood, revealing a weathered face darkened by years of battle.

It was the Third Raikage.

"You’ve come in person," Hanzo remarked, his voice carrying both amusement and wariness. "A bold move. Aren’t you worried that someone might exploit your absence to attack the Cloud Village?"

The Third Raikage’s smile was faint but dangerous. "That’s none of your concern, Hanzo. What matters is whether you’ll accept our offer."

Hanzo leaned back slightly, his tone unimpressed. "My Rain Village has long declined. We lack the strength to meddle in the affairs of the five great nations."

"You underestimate your own importance," the Third Raikage countered. "Konoha has dispersed much of its forces to fight on three fronts. Your Rain Village sits at a key strategic point. With your help, we could break Konoha’s defenses and open a path into the Land of Fire."

Hanzo’s expression remained unreadable behind his mask. "The Third Hokage has stationed troops along the border with my Land of Rain. And Konoha’s Yellow Flash is a factor you haven’t accounted for."

At the mention of Minato Namikaze, the Third Raikage’s confident façade faltered slightly. His brow furrowed as he suppressed a flash of irritation.

"Are you, a demigod, afraid of Konoha’s young hero?" the Raikage challenged, attempting to regain control of the conversation.

Hanzo chuckled, his laughter low and cold. "Afraid? Hardly. But I’ve survived in the ninja world long enough to know the difference between recklessness and calculated risk. If you want my cooperation, you’ll need to offer more than bravado."

The Third Raikage’s eyes narrowed, but he relented, acknowledging Hanzo’s position of power. "If you assist us in breaking through to the Land of Fire, the Rock and Cloud villages will provide the Rain Village with substantial resources. Food, medical supplies, weapons—whatever you need. And once we secure parts of the Land of Fire, you’ll receive a share of the spoils."

Hanzo’s gaze hardened. He knew better than anyone how promises made in war were often discarded once victory was achieved. Still, the Rain Village was in dire straits, and the resources being offered were sorely needed.

"Generous," Hanzo murmured. "But even so, the risks are great. And I suspect you know that."

The Third Raikage’s smile returned, colder this time. "We both know you don’t have many options, Hanzo. Refuse us, and Konoha will see you as a threat. They’ll focus their resources on neutralizing you before the four great nations can. Your neutrality will mean nothing."

Hanzo studied the Raikage carefully. The man’s words were harsh, but they carried an undeniable truth. The Rain Village was already isolated and impoverished. Aligning with the four nations could be the only way to secure its survival.

After a long silence, Hanzo finally spoke. "Very well. If the resources you’ve promised arrive as agreed, the Rain Village will assist you. But understand this—if you betray us, you’ll regret ever stepping into my village."

The Third Raikage’s grin widened. "Deal. With the Rain Village’s support, we’ll gather the combined forces of the Rock, Sand, and Cloud villages here. Together, we’ll crush the Land of Fire’s defenses."

Chapter 462: Innocence

Hanzo's expression hardened immediately upon hearing the proposal. Allowing Sand and Rock Ninja troops to march through the Land of Rain posed an immense risk to his nation. If these forces, after subduing Konoha, turned their attention back to the Rain Ninja, the consequences could be catastrophic.

Sensing Hanzo's hesitation, the Third Raikage leaned forward, his tone calm but firm. "Once the front line within the Land of Rain is broken, the armies of the Sand and Rock Ninjas will advance into the Land of Fire’s territory. At that point, all your Rain Ninja need to do is seal off the borders."

The words seemed calculated, each carrying the weight of careful deliberation. The Third Ninja World War had taken its toll. Sand Ninja forces had been thrown into disarray by Minato Namikaze’s ingenious tactics, rendering them incapable of full participation in the war. This had exposed the Sand Ninja’s vulnerabilities, causing other nations to question their strength. The consensus was clear: dividing and conquering the Sand Ninja would not yield significant challenges.

The Third Raikage had meticulously weighed the risks and benefits, ultimately crafting this strategy. To him, the Land of Rain held no strategic value for long-term occupation—its resources were meager, and its geographical advantages limited. Even if the Rain Village fell, it wouldn’t guarantee Konoha’s defeat. A protracted battle awaited, and the Raikage knew better than to overestimate their odds. Victory against Konoha would demand unity and focus, leaving no room for opportunistic strikes against the Rain Ninjas.

Hanzo’s brow furrowed in thought. The reality was clear: if he refused, the Third Raikage could easily rally the Sand and Rock Ninjas to force their way through the Land of Rain. Resistance would only lead to destruction. After a long pause, Hanzo met the Raikage’s gaze, his voice cold. "I hope you will honor your promise."

A faint smile played on the Raikage’s lips. "Of course. A pleasure working with you." Without further ado, he turned and walked away, exuding the air of someone entirely unconcerned with objections.

Outside the Rain Village, the Third Raikage gave a curt command. "Prepare the Heaven's Sending Technique and send me back to the village."

The Cloud Ninja standing beside him nodded. Without hesitation, he formed a series of hand seals, summoning crackling lightning that enveloped the Raikage's imposing figure. The electrical hum grew louder, the air itself vibrating with energy. Even the Raikage, known for his unparalleled resilience, winced slightly as the lightning surged around him.

In a flash, the Third Raikage transformed into a streak of lightning, shooting into the sky and vanishing into the horizon. Watching this, the Cloud Ninja couldn’t help but murmur in awe, "As expected of the Third Raikage”

The Heaven's Sending Technique wasn’t designed for human teleportation. Unlike the Flying Thunder God Technique, it relied on extreme high-speed movement. Ordinary bodies would be shredded by the immense friction. Only someone as durable as the Third Raikage could endure such a feat. With a faint sigh, the Cloud Ninja vanished into the shadows, leaving the Rain Village behind.

Moments later, three figures approached the Rain Village gates, their attire unmistakably marking them as Akatsuki members.

"We’re walking straight into the lion’s den," Nagato warned, his Rinnegan glowing faintly as he surveyed their surroundings. In Hanzo’s eyes, Akatsuki was nothing more than an illegal organization. Their presence here was a provocation.

"Hanzo won’t hesitate to attack us," Konan added, her tone cautious.

Yahiko’s expression remained resolute. "Even so, we must try. The Land of Rain stands at a critical juncture. Turning a blind eye would betray everything Akatsuki stands for."

Nagato and Konan exchanged a brief glance, their protests silenced. Yahiko’s determination was their anchor, and they would follow him without question.

At the gate, a Rain Ninja appeared, his posture wary. Yahiko stepped forward. "Please inform Hanzo that the leader of Akatsuki wishes to discuss urgent matters concerning the Land of Rain."

The Rain Ninja’s expression darkened at the mention of Akatsuki but, after a moment’s hesitation, he retreated into the village to deliver the message.

Inside the Rain Village, Hanzo listened to the report with a derisive sneer. "Akatsuki wants to discuss important matters with me? Naïve fools."

As the Rain Village’s leader, Hanzo had little patience for threats to his authority. Akatsuki’s emergence had not gone unnoticed, but he had dismissed them as insignificant upstarts. The idea of negotiating with them was laughable.

"Arrest them," Hanzo commanded coldly. His subordinate bowed and left to carry out the order.

Outside the village, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan waited in tense silence. The first to sense danger was Nagato. His Rinnegan focused sharply, and his voice rang out. "We’re surrounded!"

In an instant, dozens of Rain Ninjas emerged, encircling them. Yahiko frowned but stood firm. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded.

The Rain Ninjas offered no reply. Instead, a flurry of shurikens and kunai flew toward them.

"Konan!" Yahiko called.

Konan stepped forward, her hands moving gracefully as sheets of paper unfolded from her sleeves. The seemingly delicate paper intercepted the projectiles, deflecting them with surprising force.

The Rain Ninjas weren’t finished. Several completed their hand seals, unleashing a blazing fire jutsu aimed directly at the trio.

"Water Style: Water Wall!" Nagato countered, expelling a torrent of water that surged upward to form a protective barrier. The flames fizzled out upon contact, leaving the three unharmed.

"Hanzo clearly has no intention of meeting us," Nagato observed grimly.

But the Rain Ninjas pressed their attack. More hand seals were formed, and a new wave of offensive jutsu was unleashed. Nagato moved with precision, his fingers weaving faster seals. "Wind Style: Suppress!" A massive gust of wind exploded outward, scattering the attacking Rain Ninjas while ensuring none were seriously harmed.

Yahiko clenched his fists, his expression pained. "We need to retreat," he said at last. He performed his own hand seals, unleashing a high-pressure water jet that pushed back the remaining attackers. "Let’s go!"

Konan and Nagato nodded, and together they made their escape. Though dozens of Rain Ninjas had tried to stop them, their combined skill ensured a clean getaway.

Chapter 463: Hanzo Takes Action

A month had quietly passed since the last significant events of the Third Ninja World War. This unprecedented conflict had now stretched into its second month, with Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and the Kirigakure launching concerted attacks against Konoha. Yet, despite the initial fervor, the battlefield had settled into an uneasy calm.

Everyone knew the war was far from over. The quiet was unnerving, a prelude to something far worse. Unlike the Cold War periods of the First and Second Ninja World Wars, where sporadic skirmishes were common, this time, there was an eerie absence of movement.

The reasons were clear. Konoha was stretched thin, its forces the most depleted since the village's founding. Defending all fronts had pushed its resources and personnel to the brink. Meanwhile, the other nations hesitated, deterred by the growing legend of the "Yellow Flash," Minato Namikaze. Every attempt to bypass Konoha's defenses had ended in disaster. Eight hundred Rock Ninja perished in a failed surprise attack on the Land of Fire, and the elite strike force of one hundred Cloud Ninja was nearly annihilated.

The balance of power was fragile, held together by Konoha’s elite ninjas. Minato's name alone had become a weapon, a deterrent that kept enemy forces at bay. Yet, the tension on the various fronts remained palpable, especially along the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rain.

The western sky above the Land of Rain darkened ominously, its perpetual drizzle soaking the barren landscape. Smoke from distant campfires rose into the damp air, adding to the oppressive atmosphere. Nearly a thousand Konoha ninjas were stationed on this battlefield. At their forefront stood a figure with distinctive white eyes and bulging veins at his temples—Hyuga Tenki, the patriarch of the Hyuga clan.

But the scene was grim. Most of the Konoha forces were visibly fatigued, their strength drained. Hyuga Tenki himself crouched low, his breathing uneven. Despite his mastery of the Hyuga clan’s Gentle Fist and taijutsu, his body trembled, seemingly paralyzed. Around him, his comrades exhibited similar symptoms, their movements sluggish and unsteady.

A faint purple mist lingered in the air, its malevolence unmistakable—Hanzo’s poisonous miasma.

Perched atop his salamander, Hanzo gazed down at the struggling Konoha forces with an air of cold detachment. His piercing eyes eventually settled on Hyuga Tenki.

"Your Excellency," Tenki managed through clenched teeth, "why have you attacked Konoha ninjas without provocation? Are you intent on dragging the Land of Rain into this war?"

Hanzo chuckled, a sound devoid of warmth. "Perhaps you should explain why Konoha has stationed nearly a thousand ninjas at my country’s border for months. Do you expect me to believe you harbor no ill intentions?"

Tenki’s voice wavered, though he tried to maintain his composure. "Konoha’s forces have never crossed into Land of Rain territory. This unprovoked attack—"

"I did nothing," Hanzo interrupted, his tone laced with mockery. "It seems my salamander's breath was too much for you to handle. Rest assured, had I unleashed a lethal dose, none of you would be standing here."

The words stung, and Tenki clenched his fists, fury evident in his expression. But there was no rebuttal. Hanzo hadn’t even lifted a finger, yet the Konoha forces were utterly overwhelmed.

This was the man revered as the "demigod" of the ninja world, the same individual who once named the legendary Sannin.

"Go back," Hanzo declared, his voice carrying an undeniable finality. "Tell your Hokage that I, Hanzo of the Salamander, will not tolerate Konoha’s forces at my borders. If you persist, I assure you the next encounter will not be so merciful."

Without waiting for a response, Hanzo turned his salamander around. The massive creature lumbered away, its form gradually vanishing into the rain-soaked horizon.

In Konoha’s war operations room, the Third Hokage sat at the head of the table, his face dark with worry. The news of Hanzo’s actions had arrived quickly, and it was precisely the development he had feared most.

"This Hanzo," the Hokage muttered, his hands gripping the edges of the scroll before him. Though anger flickered in his eyes, it was tempered by a profound sense of caution. Hanzo was one of the few individuals in the ninja world who genuinely unsettled him.

The Sannin were among Konoha's greatest assets, yet even they couldn’t guarantee victory against the leader of the Rain Village. Hanzo’s power was legendary, and the other major nations had clearly persuaded him to act. This single move had shifted the balance of the war, throwing Konoha back into a precarious position.

Utane Koharu and Homura Mitokado, the Hokage’s advisors, sat silently beside him. Their grim expressions mirrored his own.

The Third Hokage sighed heavily. Konoha’s current situation was dire. Their forces were spread thin, barely holding their ground against the four opposing nations. The few elites capable of matching Hanzo—Hatake Sakumo, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru—were already committed to other fronts. And he himself couldn’t move without giving the other Kage a pretext to attack.

That left only one option.

As if on cue, a flicker of light appeared in the room, and a figure materialized before them.

"Hokage-sama," Minato Namikaze greeted respectfully, his golden hair and calm demeanor a reassuring sight. He had been traveling tirelessly between battlefields, ensuring Konoha’s defense held strong.

The Third Hokage wasted no time, tossing the scroll across the table. Minato caught it and began reading, his expression turning contemplative.

When he finished, he looked up, a faint smile on his lips. "It seems the demigod of the ninja world wants to test me. I have no choice but to oblige."

The Hokage’s eyes narrowed. "Are you certain?"

Minato nodded, his tone confident yet measured. "I’ve never faced Hanzo directly, but his reputation precedes him. He is the man who named Jiraiya-sensei and the others as the Sannin. I would be a fool to underestimate him. However," he added, his blue eyes glinting with determination, "I believe I’m ready."

The Third Hokage studied him for a moment, then gave a slow nod. "Even so, be cautious. This confrontation is inevitable, but remember—victory here will come at a price. The other nations will not remain idle."

Minato’s smile faded into a thoughtful expression. "I understand. And even if I succeed, this temporary peace will not last. The war will undoubtedly escalate once more."

Chapter 464: Yellow Flash vs. Demigod

After Minato finished speaking, the Third Hokage's expression darkened further. He knew Hanzo’s actions were a calculated test of Konoha’s rising star, the "Yellow Flash." However, the implications ran deeper—Hanzo’s involvement in the war threatened to escalate the conflict beyond control. Even if Minato proved stronger, the demigod of the ninja world wouldn’t back down easily. The situation for Konoha was bound to grow more precarious.

Minato’s thoughts mirrored the Hokage’s concerns. History… he mused silently, a shadow of unease crossing his face. The trajectory of the Third Ninja World War had diverged significantly from what he remembered. Hanzo’s participation was an unforeseen complication. His actions on the battlefield, while ensuring Konoha’s dominance, had inadvertently united the four rival nations into a cohesive opposition.

Minato couldn’t determine whether his influence had truly benefited Konoha or simply amplified the challenges it faced. Yet, there was no turning back. History was a current he could only navigate, not control.

Through the brief insights he’d gleaned from his future son, Naruto, Minato knew that Konoha would ultimately emerge victorious. Before his rebirth, he had led his village to triumph in this war. Now, with his enhanced strength and foresight, the outcome seemed assured. But that certainty did little to alleviate the weight pressing on his shoulders.

The Third Hokage’s hand landed firmly on Minato’s shoulder, breaking his reverie. His tone carried an uncharacteristic edge of steel. "Don’t hold back, Minato."

Minato met the Hokage’s gaze and nodded. The resolve in the older man’s eyes was mirrored in his own. If Hanzo had chosen to test Konoha, then Minato would ensure the Rain Village’s leader understood the strength of the Yellow Flash.

Without another word, Minato vanished in a blur of light, leaving the Hokage and his advisors in contemplative silence.

Minato’s first destination wasn’t the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rain, but rather the Cloud Ninja front, where Tsunade was stationed. He sought her expertise in dealing with Hanzo’s infamous poison.

Tsunade, who had fought Hanzo during the Second Ninja World War, had developed a special antidote specifically designed to counter the salamander’s poison mist. When she learned of Minato’s impending confrontation with Hanzo, her expression turned grave. Orochimaru and Hatake Sakumo, both present at the front, exchanged concerned glances.

The memory of Hanzo’s overwhelming power during the previous war lingered in their minds. His dominance had left a deep impression, and even though their own strength had grown significantly since then, they couldn’t help but feel apprehensive. Minato, however, remained composed.

Tsunade handed him a sealed case of antidotes, her brow furrowed. "Be careful, Minato. Hanzo is not a foe to be taken lightly. He’s unlike anything you’ve faced before."

Minato nodded, his gratitude evident. "Thank you, Tsunade-senpai. I’ll return safely."

As Minato prepared to leave, Orochimaru’s sharp voice cut through the air. "I’m curious to see how this unfolds. A battle between the so-called demigod and the Yellow Flash… it’ll be one for the history books."

Minato offered a faint smile before vanishing in another flash of light.

At the border of the Land of Rain, the Konoha army camp was abuzz with tension. The soldiers stationed there, led by Hyuga Tenki, had endured Hanzo’s wrath once before. His previous attack had left them demoralized, and the sight of the Rain Village leader’s forces still cast a long shadow over their confidence.

When Minato appeared on the front lines for the first time during this war, his arrival sparked a wave of hope. The Yellow Flash, whose name struck fear into the hearts of the five great nations, was a beacon of reassurance. Even the usually stoic Hyuga Tenki couldn’t hide his relief.

Minato addressed the gathered troops with calm authority. "We will protect this front. Trust in our strength and remain vigilant. Hanzo may be formidable, but we are Konoha. Remember that."

The soldiers straightened their backs, their spirits lifting as Minato’s words sank in. They watched him prepare, their hopes pinned on the man whose reputation had become a legend.

As dusk settled over the battlefield, the skies darkened, the perpetual rain of the Land of Rain intensifying. From the distant horizon, a colossal figure emerged, shrouded in mist and shadow. Drops of rain glistened on the scales of the enormous salamander, and atop it sat Hanzo, his commanding presence radiating across the field.

"Hanzo is here!"

The murmur spread through the Konoha camp like wildfire. The memories of their last encounter resurfaced, filling the soldiers with dread. Many of them became visibly anxious, their movements frantic as the Rain Village leader’s ominous figure loomed closer.

Minato, however, remained unfazed. Standing beside Hyuga Tenki, he watched Hanzo’s approach with a steady gaze. His voice was calm but resolute. "Since this demigod came alone, I will face him myself."

Hyuga Tenki studied the younger ninja for a moment, pride swelling in his chest. The boy he once knew had grown into a man of unparalleled strength and resolve.

"Be careful," Tenki said quietly.

Minato nodded with a small smile before vanishing in a flash of light.

Minato reappeared on the border, just meters away from crossing into Land of Rain territory. He stood alone, the rain drenching his golden hair as he faced the towering salamander and its rider.

Hanzo’s piercing gaze swept over him. "So, you are Minato Namikaze," he said, his tone laced with authority. From atop the salamander, he looked down at Minato like a king addressing a subject.

Minato inclined his head respectfully. "That’s correct, Hanzo-san."

The use of the honorific surprised Hanzo. He had expected arrogance or bravado, yet Minato’s demeanor was composed and polite. Hanzo’s initial traces of disdain faded. This wasn’t the reaction of an ordinary young ninja.

"The Three Sannin of Konoha impressed me in the past, but I never expected Jiraiya to have such an exceptional student," Hanzo remarked, his voice even.

"Your reputation precedes you, Hanzo-san," Minato replied evenly. "But I must ask—what does it mean for someone of your stature to attack Konoha’s forces without provocation?"

Hanzo’s expression darkened. "Your village has stationed thousands of troops at my borders for months. I merely offered a warning."

"A warning?" Minato’s blue eyes narrowed. "Konoha has not crossed into Land of Rain territory. Defending our homeland is our duty as shinobi, but your actions were far beyond what could be considered reasonable."

Hanzo snorted, his tone sharp. "And what authority do you have to question me? If your Hokage has an issue, he can come speak to me himself!"

Minato’s gaze hardened. "If that’s how you see it, Hanzo-san, then I have no choice but to match my strength against the demigod of the ninja world."

The tension between them was palpable. Their chakra flared, colliding in the rain-soaked air, creating a pressure that reverberated across the battlefield. From the Konoha camp, soldiers watched with a mixture of awe and trepidation.

The Yellow Flash of Konoha versus the demigod of the ninja world. This clash between two legendary figures would become a battle for the ages.

Chapter 465: Confrontation

The gazes of Minato and Hanzo locked, their unspoken challenge vibrating in the air. The tension built steadily, and in an instant, their eyes froze—sharp and unwavering.

Without warning, the massive salamander beneath Hanzo raised its enormous front paw, aiming to crush Minato.

"Boom!"

The paw struck the ground with an earth-shaking force, sending mud, water, and shards of stone flying in all directions. The ground beneath cracked under the sheer weight of the attack.

Hanzo's expression stiffened as his sharp eyes scanned the battlefield. His heart skipped a beat.

So fast!

The salamander’s strike had landed, but Minato’s figure had vanished. Hanzo hadn’t even caught a glimpse of the blonde ninja’s movement.

Despite his own mastery of instant movement, renowned across the ninja world, Hanzo realized Minato’s speed was beyond what he had anticipated.

Without hesitation, Hanzo pressed his feet slightly into the salamander’s back. The massive creature responded with uncanny agility, leaping into the air, its colossal form defying its size. Its tail swung down with devastating force, targeting Minato’s reappeared figure below.

Minato’s sapphire eyes flashed with intrigue as he observed the coordination between Hanzo and his summoning beast.

The stories don’t do him justice. This level of synergy is exceptional.

Hanzo had earned the title "Hanzo of the Salamander " for good reason. Few in the ninja world possessed such harmony with their summons. The only other person Minato could think of who approached this level of mastery was the Third Hokage with his summon, Enma.

But Minato’s confidence didn’t waver.

No matter how strong their coordination, this salamander doesn’t have the speed to match me.

"Instant Step!"

With a subtle shift of his body, Minato avoided the incoming tail strike. To the Konoha ninjas watching from afar, his movement seemed to blur, like a streak of light bending at impossible angles.

"Boom!"

The salamander’s tail smashed into the ground, sending another tremor through the battlefield and leaving behind a wide fissure.

The massive creature let out a guttural sound, almost a growl, as it prepared for its next move. Hanzo, perched atop its back, remained vigilant, his piercing gaze scanning for Minato’s next move.

Suddenly, the air around Hanzo buzzed as multiple kunai, each shimmering with electric blue light, flew toward him.

"Swish, swish, swish!"

The kunai cut through the rain-soaked air, their trajectory precise and unrelenting. Hanzo’s sharp eyes quickly noticed the marks engraved on them.

Flying Thunder God kunai!

Without hesitation, Hanzo’s figure blurred as he sidestepped the projectiles, his movements fluid and calculated. Yet as the kunai flew past him, a flicker of light materialized in their path.

"Flying Thunder God Slash!"

Minato appeared, his special kunai already slashing toward Hanzo with deadly precision.

"Clang!"

A metallic ring echoed as Hanzo’s samurai sword met Minato’s kunai. Sparks illuminated the rain between them, their weapons locked in a test of strength and speed.

"So, this is the Second Hokage’s technique," Hanzo muttered, his voice carrying a hint of admiration.

Despite his composed demeanor, Hanzo was impressed. As a veteran of countless battles, he recognized the technique immediately. It was the Flying Thunder God Slash—a devastating derivative of the legendary Second Hokage’s Flying Thunder God Technique. The Second Hokage had once used it to severely injure Izuna Uchiha, one of the strongest warriors of the Uchiha clan and wielder of the Mangekyo Sharingan.

However, Hanzo wasn’t just impressed by the technique itself. It was Minato’s execution that truly stood out.

To master such a technique at his age… remarkable.

Hanzo’s body shifted, breaking the weapon lock as he prepared for Minato’s follow-up.

Minato’s movements were seamless. In one fluid motion, he flipped his kunai and prepared to strike again. This time, he let go of the kunai with his left hand, a swirl of blue chakra forming in his palm.

"Rasengan!"

The chakra sphere crackled with power, glowing against the gloom of the rainy battlefield. Minato lunged, aiming the Rasengan at Hanzo’s torso.

Hanzo’s reaction was instantaneous. He released the chain in his left hand, pulling hard on the sickle hidden beneath his robes.

"Boom!"

The Rasengan connected with the sickle, knocking it away with a burst of force. Seizing the moment, Hanzo leaped backward, putting distance between them.

His chain recoiled, and with a deft movement, Hanzo caught the sickle in one hand while sheathing his katana with the other. The twin weapons—a sickle and axe—were now firmly in his grip, their sharp edges gleaming ominously.

Hanzo’s eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation.

I can’t hold back. Against this opponent, hesitation is death.

Minato’s speed and precision left no room for error. Hanzo knew that every second counted. Minato could close the gap and land a decisive blow before most ninjas even realized what was happening.

No wonder the Rock Ninja and Cloud Ninja fear him. His reputation as the Yellow Flash is well-earned.

Hanzo’s thoughts turned to the many strategies devised by the other nations to counter the Flying Thunder God Technique. Though formidable, the technique wasn’t invincible. Its greatest weakness was its reliance on marked coordinates for teleportation.

But Minato wasn’t just a ninja who relied on one jutsu. His understanding of his own weaknesses and ability to compensate for them made him a truly formidable opponent.

This boy is no ordinary prodigy. He’s a monster.

Hanzo’s mind raced as he recalled his previous battles against Konoha’s elite. Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru—the famed Sannin—had struggled to challenge him during the Second Ninja World War. Yet Minato, at such a young age, had already surpassed them in some ways.

And he doesn’t even have a bloodline limit or a special lineage… just sheer talent and skill.

Despite himself, Hanzo couldn’t help but feel a flicker of respect for the young shinobi standing before him.