[Naruto : Yellow Flash] Chapter 456 - 460

Chapter 456: The Name of Yellow Flash!

Sand Village, atop the Kazekage Building, the Fourth Kazekage stood alone, gazing out over his village. The wind brushed against him, carrying the faint whispers of the desert. As the leader of Sunagakure, he had ascended to the position of Kazekage at a young age, full of ambition and determination to secure the best for his people in the ongoing war between Konoha and the other great nations.

But reality had not been kind to him.

Defeated by Konoha, forced to release Shukaku, the One-Tail, and now left to search for the rampaging beast—it was a sequence of failures that gnawed at his authority. Without the unwavering support of Chiyo, the elders of Sunagakure would have long since moved against him. His position as Kazekage was a fragile balance, supported by reputation but undermined by his youth and lack of a solid foundation.

Swish!

A Sand Ninja suddenly appeared behind him, kneeling with urgency. "Lord Kazekage, urgent news from the front lines!"

Rasa turned sharply, a flicker of hope flashing in his eyes. Perhaps the tides of war had shifted in favor of the allies. "Speak," he commanded, his tone steady.

The Sand Ninja began his report. "Konoha’s forces have clashed with both the Kumogakure and Kirigakure armies. Both sides suffered heavy casualties, with hundreds killed or wounded."

Rasa nodded, his expression calm. Such losses were expected. Even with Namikaze Minato in the mix, the superior numbers of the allied nations meant Konoha would face attrition. The Hidden Mist Village had sent the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, while Kumogakure had deployed A and their elite forces. Even Konoha’s formidable defenses would struggle against such concentrated power.

"And the Iwagakure forces?" he inquired, his tone sharpening.

The messenger hesitated, his expression uneasy. The unusual pause caught Rasa’s attention.

"In the battle at the Land of Grass," the ninja began, his voice faltering, "casualties on both sides were comparable. However… Kōdo of the Iwagakure ordered a sudden retreat. The Iwagakure forces ceased their offensive."

"What?!" Rasa’s eyes widened in disbelief. "They outnumbered Konoha two to one! How could this happen?"

The Sand Ninja shifted nervously before continuing. "It seems Iwagakure had dispatched over 800 ninja to infiltrate the Land of Fire, bypassing the main battlefield to threaten Konoha directly."

Rasa’s brows furrowed. This strategy was bold and logical—a direct threat to Konoha would force the Hokage to pull back forces from other fronts.

"But… all 800 Iwagakure ninjas were eliminated by Konoha’s Yellow Flash, Namikaze Minato."

The name hit Rasa like a hammer. "Namikaze Minato?!" he exclaimed, his composure slipping as he stood frozen in shock. Memories of his own defeat at the hands of the Yellow Flash flooded back, a reminder of the crushing inevitability of Minato’s power.

The messenger observed Rasa carefully, knowing how deeply the Kazekage’s pride had been wounded in their previous encounter. Rasa remained silent for a long moment before finally muttering, "I understand."

He had faced Minato before and knew firsthand the terror he inspired. A small part of him even admired the man. If anyone could achieve such an impossible feat, it was Namikaze Minato.

In Kumogakure, the news was received with mixed reactions. While the devastation wrought by Minato was shocking, there was also relief—Minato had not appeared on their front lines again. C’s foresight in urging the Raikage to issue a retreat-on-sight order for Namikaze Minato now seemed more justified than ever.

But the Third Raikage’s expression darkened. The Yellow Flash had single-handedly turned what should have been a decisive victory for the allied nations into a series of crushing defeats. This war, meant to humble Konoha, had instead brought heavy losses to their forces, and Minato was the linchpin of Konoha’s resilience.

Despite his frustration, the Third Raikage knew one thing: the war could not end here. The allied nations’ reputations were at stake, and retreating now would only make them a laughingstock.

Meanwhile, in Iwagakure, silence filled the conference room. The elders and commanders sat stiffly, their gazes lowered as the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, floated mid-air, reading the battle report with grim determination.

After a long silence, Ōnoki sighed. "Pass down my orders," he said, his voice heavy. "All Iwagakure ninjas, regardless of the mission, must abandon it and flee immediately if they encounter Konoha’s Yellow Flash, Namikaze Minato."

The room stirred at his words. For a proud village like Iwagakure, issuing such an order was a bitter pill to swallow. But after seeing the reports, no one dared to argue. The devastation Minato had wrought left no doubt—such precautions were necessary.

"How do we fight this war now?" one of the senior advisors muttered, his voice laced with despair.

Ōnoki didn’t reply immediately. His eyes drifted to the window, his thoughts returning to a time long past. He remembered another Konoha ninja, one who had once brought Iwagakure to its knees. The fear that man had instilled in Ōnoki’s heart was now mirrored in Minato’s actions.

In the Land of Rain, perpetual drizzle shrouded the land in gray. Inside a small cave, a flickering fire cast dancing shadows on the walls. Three young figures gathered around the flames, their conversation punctuated by the occasional crackle of wood.

Konan returned from the cave entrance, her short purple hair damp from the rain. She carried a small parcel of supplies, which Yahiko took with a nod of gratitude.

Nagato, his orange hair glowing in the firelight, leaned forward with interest. "What did you hear this time, Konan?"

A faint smile tugged at her lips. "The war is turning into chaos," she began. "The four great nations have all suffered heavy casualties in their attempts to overwhelm Konoha."

Yahiko’s calm demeanor shifted to one of curiosity. "And the reason?"

Konan’s voice took on a note of pride as she answered, "Because of one man. His name is becoming a nightmare to the four nations."

"Who is it?" Nagato asked, his expression serious.

Konan looked at them both, her eyes glinting with a mix of admiration and disbelief. "The Yellow Flash of Konoha, Namikaze Minato."

Chapter 457: Akatsuki

"Yellow Flash... Namikaze Minato?!"

Yahiko and Nagato exchanged stunned glances. Their expressions reflected a mix of disbelief and amazement as they processed Konan's words. Yahiko was the first to break the silence, turning to Konan with a sense of urgency. "Minato? Could it be the disciple that Jiraiya-sensei always mentioned—our senior brother?"

Konan nodded solemnly. "Yes. Konoha's Yellow Flash. He has already become a figure of legend in this war."

She began recounting Minato’s accomplishments, her tone steady but tinged with awe. "First, he defeated the Fourth Kazekage on the Sand Shinobi front, forcing Sunagakure to release Shukaku, the One-Tail, and retreat in defeat.

On the Kumogakure front, Minato fought alone against both A and Killer B, leading Konoha's troops to deal significant damage to their surprise attack force.

"Because of his extraordinary speed and blond hair, the leaders of the great nations now refer to him as the Yellow Flash of Konoha. He’s become a nightmare for the enemy forces."

Konan’s voice softened slightly, a hint of disbelief creeping into her words. "Recently, during the Rock Ninja’s campaign in the Land of Grass, Minato eliminated more than 800 Iwagakure ninja who were preparing to launch a surprise attack on Konoha. This forced Iwagakure to issue an unprecedented order to all its ninjas:

"No matter the mission or the number of allies, abandon the task and retreat immediately if you encounter Konoha's Yellow Flash.'

"Kumogakure has issued the same order. They would rather flee than risk engaging him."

Yahiko and Nagato sat in stunned silence, the firelight casting flickering shadows across their faces.

After a moment, Yahiko broke the silence with a sigh, glancing at Nagato. "No wonder Jiraiya-sensei always called his first disciple a rare genius. To have achieved such feats…"

Nagato nodded quietly, his piercing gaze fixed on the flames, while Konan continued.

"This Third Ninja World War," she said, "has been the most intense conflict since the founding of the ninja villages. And yet, Minato Namikaze has single-handedly turned the tide, transforming an unfavorable situation for Konoha into an outright advantage."

Her words carried weight, and for a brief moment, the three of them let the reality of Minato's achievements sink in.

But Yahiko’s expression darkened, and he spoke in a somber tone. "This… is troublesome."

Konan frowned. "Why? Konoha has taken the initiative in this war, and the other nations are hesitating to act for fear of suffering further losses. If things continue this way, the war could end soon."

Yahiko shook his head. "It’s not that simple. The other four nations are called the Great Ninja Villages for a reason. They didn’t reach this point by being weak or passive."

Konan’s eyes trembled slightly. "What do you mean?"

Yahiko explained, "The Third Ninja World War began because the other nations saw Konoha growing too strong after the previous war. The disappearance of the Third Kazekage was just an excuse.

But now, with Minato Namikaze’s rise, the imbalance of power has grown even more pronounced. Konoha is becoming a dominant force. Do you think the other nations will quietly accept being reduced to supporting roles?"

"No," Nagato interjected, his voice heavy. "They’ll resist with everything they have. The war will only escalate."

Yahiko clenched his fists, his eyes hardening. "And when that happens, the Rain Country will inevitably become a battlefield again."

Konan’s expression darkened as she grasped the implications. "Why? The Rain Village isn’t one of the Five Great Nations."

"That’s precisely why," Yahiko replied. "Our location makes us vulnerable. The Rain Country sits at the crossroads of the Land of Fire, Earth, and Wind. If the Sand and Rock Ninja were to ally, the Rain Country would become their staging ground for an attack on Konoha.

"Even without an alliance, we have Hanzo the Salamander—a force the other nations see as a valuable asset. If the other villages win his support, it would strengthen their chances in the war.

"And they’ve already tried," Yahiko added grimly. "Kumogakure has approached Hanzo multiple times, according to our intelligence."

Nagato and Konan exchanged uneasy glances. The Rain Village had already suffered greatly during the Second Ninja World War, paying a bloody price for becoming a battlefield between the major powers. The thought of history repeating itself was almost unbearable.

"The Rain Country is in a precarious position," Konan murmured. "If we refuse to help, we’ll anger one side. If we do help, we’ll make enemies of the other."

Yahiko’s gaze burned with determination. "We can’t let ourselves be used as pawns again. The only way to change our fate is to grow stronger. That’s why I created Akatsuki—to bring true peace to the Rain Village and stop the cycle of tragedy."

He stood abruptly, grabbing his ninja sword and driving it into the ground with a sharp clang. "We must act, and we must act now."

Nagato and Konan nodded firmly, their leader’s conviction reigniting their resolve. Yahiko turned to Nagato, his voice softening.

"Jiraiya-sensei once said that you possess incredible power, Nagato. He believed that if used properly, you could surpass even Minato Namikaze."

Nagato’s crimson hair glowed in the firelight as Yahiko’s gaze fixed on his eyes—eyes unlike any other.

They were a deep, vibrant purple, with concentric rings rippling outward from the pupils. They radiated an aura of mystery and power, as if they held the secrets of the universe itself.

These were the fabled Rinnegan, the legendary eyes of the Sage of Six Paths.

Yahiko’s voice was resolute. "With those eyes, you can change the world. We’ll make sure of it."

Chapter 458: Return to the Village

A month passed slowly.

During this time, the name of Konoha's Yellow Flash echoed throughout the ninja world, surpassing the renown of Konoha’s Three Legendary Sannin, the White Fang, and even drawing comparisons to the Third Hokage and the Demigod Hanzo. None of them had ever forced the great ninja nations to issue orders that humiliated their villages so profoundly.

The fierce offensives launched by Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure against Konoha ended with staggering losses for Iwagakure. In response, the three nations withdrew their forces, setting up defensive camps and halting further attacks. While this signaled a temporary truce, it was clear the war was far from over. Each village nursed its wounds but refused to concede defeat, unwilling to let their sacrifices turn into a boost for Konoha’s rising prestige.

In the Land of Grass, at the Konoha camp, life continued with a tense sense of purpose. Minato spent the past month shuttling between the various fronts, ensuring Konoha's defenses remained strong. On the coastline battlefield in the Land of Fire, Nawaki’s impressive Water Release techniques earned him recognition, adding to Konoha’s growing roster of rising stars.

But none could match the fame of Konoha’s Yellow Flash. Whether it was Uchiha Yoruki, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, or Nawaki, all their achievements were eclipsed by Minato’s legendary deeds.

In the Konoha camp, Jiraiya held a scroll in his hand, freshly delivered from the village. A sly grin spread across his face as he handed it to Minato.

"Take a look at this," he said.

Minato raised an eyebrow and took the scroll, reading it carefully. After a moment, he placed it back on the table, his expression calm as always.

"It’s been a month," Jiraiya said, leaning back with a chuckle. "Half the orders from the village are just people singing your praises. Honestly, as your teacher, I’ve never been so proud—or so outshone. You’ve surpassed me in every way."

Minato gave a small smile. "Sensei, you’re one of the Three Legendary Sannin. Your name is known across the ninja world. There’s no need to downplay your accomplishments."

Jiraiya laughed heartily. "Yeah, but I was never called a Yellow Flash or issued a 'run-on-sight' order. Face it, kid, you’re the new star around here."

The two shared a laugh, their camaraderie evident. As much as Jiraiya joked, he felt immense pride in his student’s growth and achievements. For Minato, who held his sensei in the highest regard, the lighthearted exchange was a rare moment of respite.

"Alright," Jiraiya said after a pause. "The Third Hokage has ordered you to return to the village. With the Rock Ninja reeling from their losses, they won’t be making any major moves for now. You’ve more than earned a break."

Minato nodded. "Then I’ll head back. Take care, Sensei."

Upon arriving in Konoha, Minato first appeared outside his home. But his thoughts drew him elsewhere, and in an instant, he vanished again, reappearing at the entrance to the Hokage Building.

The guards at the door blinked in surprise, their eyes widening as they realized who had arrived.

"Minato-sama! You’ve returned!"

Their voices trembled with excitement. Before the war, Minato was already highly respected within the village. But now, as the Yellow Flash whose name dominated the ninja world, his status bordered on reverence.

Minato gave them a warm smile. "Thank you for your hard work," he said, nodding politely before striding inside.

As Minato walked through the corridors of the Hokage Building, people turned to stare, their faces lighting up with admiration. Many stopped to bow or offer their greetings, their respect palpable. Minato acknowledged each of them with a calm nod, his humility unshaken despite the overwhelming recognition.

Entering the Hokage’s office, he stopped before the Third Hokage’s desk and bowed slightly. "Hokage-sama, I’ve returned."

The Third Hokage looked up, his eyes softening as he took in the sight of Minato. Rising from his chair, he walked over and placed a hand on Minato’s shoulder.

"Good, good, good!" he said, his voice brimming with warmth. "You’ve worked hard, Minato. You’ve done more for Konoha than I could have ever asked."

Minato straightened, his expression modest. "It’s my duty as a Konoha ninja," he replied. "The war isn’t over yet, and many of my comrades are still on the battlefield. I can’t claim to have worked harder than anyone else."

The Third Hokage smiled knowingly. Minato’s humility was one of the traits he admired most. Despite his unparalleled achievements, Minato remained as grounded as ever.

"You’ve grown into an extraordinary shinobi," the Hokage said, his tone thoughtful. "I saw the potential in you long ago, but even I couldn’t have predicted this. You’ve surpassed all expectations."

The Third Hokage asked Minato about the details of the ongoing war, listening intently to his reports. However, as the conversation turned to future strategies, the Hokage raised a hand.

"I already know enough for now," he said with a kind smile. "You’ve done more than your share. Go home, Minato. Rest. We’ll discuss the rest later."

Minato hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."

As Minato left the office, the Third Hokage watched him go, his eyes filled with pride and hope. Glancing at the portraits of the First and Second Hokage on the wall, he murmured softly, "Hashirama-sama, Tobirama-sama, when this war ends, I will entrust Konoha’s future to him. He’ll lead our village to heights we’ve never seen before."

Back at his home, Minato appeared outside the door. Before he could take another step, a familiar figure burst out, throwing herself into his arms.

"Kushina…"

Minato caught her easily, holding her close as the tension of the battlefield melted away. Her warmth and presence filled the emptiness he hadn’t realized he was carrying.

"I’m back," he whispered, his deep blue eyes softening as he rested his chin gently atop her head.

Chapter 459: Talent

"Mm!"

Kushina sighed softly as she rested her head against Minato’s chest, her cheek pressing against his uniform.

"It must have been so hard for you all this time," she murmured, her voice filled with quiet concern.

Minato’s name, Konoha’s Yellow Flash, was now known across the ninja world, a title spoken with both awe and fear. But every time Kushina heard news of his feats, her heart trembled.

His opponents in recent battles—the Fourth Kazekage, Yotsuki Ai, and Killer B—were among the most powerful shinobi of their time. Each encounter was a clash not only of skill but of raw power. Even the beasts they controlled, the Eight-Tails and One-Tail, were kin to the Nine-Tails sealed within her. No matter how strong Minato was, Kushina knew the risks he faced.

To the world, Minato was a hero. But to Kushina, he was the man she loved, and every victory was paid for with danger and sacrifice.

Her words, simple yet heartfelt, struck a chord deep within Minato. His steady demeanor wavered for just a moment as a tremor passed through him.

The ninja world might celebrate his achievements, but none of that mattered to Minato. All he wanted was to end the war, protect Konoha, and return to the person who meant the most to him.

"I know," Minato replied softly, his voice warm. "You’ve had your burdens to bear too."

The war’s weight was immense, suffocating even the strongest ninja. But Minato knew Kushina had faced her own struggles in the village, shouldering fears and responsibilities as he fought on the front lines.

Kushina stepped back, her eyes shining as she offered him a small smile. "It’s not easy to have you home, even for a little while. You should rest."

Minato nodded, and together they walked into their home.

After taking a long shower to wash away the grime and blood of countless battles, Minato emerged in a fresh set of ninja attire. Though the war had momentarily quieted, the possibility of renewed conflict loomed large. Minato needed to be ready to rejoin the battlefield at a moment’s notice.

As he sat in their living room, the warm smell of cooking filled the house. Kushina was busy preparing lunch, the atmosphere lighter and more peaceful than Minato had felt in weeks.

"I'm going to the Uchiha compound to pick up Itachi," Kushina said as she worked. "Mikoto asked me to look after him while she’s away. You haven’t seen him in a while, have you?"

Minato smiled at the thought of the young Uchiha boy. Both he and Kushina were fond of Itachi, whose intelligence and maturity belied his age.

"Don’t worry about it," Minato said, gently placing a hand on Kushina’s shoulder. "I’ll go. You stay and finish cooking. I’ll bring him back soon."

Before Kushina could protest, Minato vanished in a flicker of yellow light.

Within moments, Minato appeared at the gate of the Uchiha compound. Two guards stood at their posts, one of them a young teenager who immediately stepped forward, his tone sharp and laced with arrogance.

"This is the Uchiha clan’s territory. Outsiders are not allowed to enter."

Minato chuckled lightly, his calm demeanor unshaken. But before the boy could press further, the older guard beside him quickly intervened.

"Minato-sama, you’re back!"

The elder guard’s respectful tone stunned the younger one, who froze as he realized who was standing before him.

"Yellow Flash... Minato Namikaze?" the boy murmured, his eyes wide as they darted to Minato’s golden hair and calm, confident presence.

Minato smiled kindly. "Mikoto asked Kushina to look after Itachi while she’s away. I’m here to bring him home for lunch."

The younger guard stiffened, his earlier bravado replaced by awe. "O-of course, Minato-sama!"

The elder guard quickly added, "Please, let us fetch Itachi for you—"

Minato shook his head gently. "That’s not necessary. I’ll find him myself, if that’s alright with you?"

The two guards exchanged glances before nodding. Before they could even finish, a flash of yellow light marked Minato’s disappearance.

Minato reappeared outside the Uchiha residence, his senses quickly pinpointing Itachi’s presence in the courtyard.

There, a small figure stood with a black cloth tied around his eyes. Targets were scattered around the courtyard, and in his tiny hands, the young boy gripped several shuriken.

With a smooth motion, Itachi threw the shuriken.

Swish, swish, swish!

The sound of metal slicing through the air filled the space. Of the six shuriken, four hit their marks, while the remaining two fell short.

Minato’s eyes narrowed in surprise. The two stray shuriken had missed only because of Itachi’s lack of physical strength. If the boy had been stronger, all six would have struck their targets.

He’s only two years old… and blindfolded.

Minato watched as Itachi calmly removed the black cloth from his eyes, his small hands forming seals with an ease that belied his age. A faint ripple of chakra emanated from his tiny frame.

"Already refining chakra?" Minato murmured, his heart stirring with admiration.

The only child Minato had ever seen begin chakra refinement at such a young age was Kakashi, his prodigious student. Kakashi had set an unprecedented record at the academy, one later matched only by Uchiha Shisui.

And now, here was Itachi—barely two years old—already displaying a level of talent that rivaled or even surpassed them.

Minato’s gaze softened as he watched the boy practice, his movements deliberate and focused. Itachi’s potential was extraordinary, a shining beacon of promise for the future of the Uchiha clan.

"Fugaku and Mikoto must be proud," Minato thought, a small smile forming on his lips.

Chapter 460: The Jinchūriki Who Left the Village

At his tender age, Itachi’s physical body and meridians were still developing, leaving him unable to fully condense chakra. The combination of physical and spiritual energy required for chakra formation was a feat beyond most children, yet Itachi had already begun the process, showing signs of exceptional talent.

"Itachi, long time no see."

Minato appeared before him in a flicker of yellow light, his warm smile softening the moment.

Startled, Itachi opened his eyes and, upon recognizing the voice, allowed a smile to spread across his young, delicate face.

"Uncle Minato, it’s you?"

Even at his age, Itachi had heard the growing tales of Minato’s exploits on the battlefield.

"Kushina sent me to pick you up. She’s missed you a lot," Minato said, reaching out to gently ruffle Itachi’s hair.

Itachi nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "If Uncle Minato is back in the village, that must mean the other ninja nations have retreated for now, right?"

Minato’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Did someone from the clan tell you that?"

Shaking his head, Itachi replied, "No, I haven’t seen many clan members recently. But if you’ve returned to the village, it must mean the fighting has slowed down."

His matter-of-fact tone left Minato momentarily speechless. For a boy so young, Itachi’s understanding of war and strategy was astonishing. Most children his age barely comprehended the basics of the ninja world, yet Itachi had already deduced battlefield movements with ease.

After a pause, Minato smiled gently. "Let’s go. Kushina is waiting for us."

But as he led Itachi away, Minato couldn’t shake his amazement at the boy’s keen insight and intelligence.

At Minato’s house, laughter filled the air as Minato, Kushina, and Itachi sat around the dining table.

"What do the One-Tail and Eight-Tails look like?" Kushina asked, her curiosity piqued. Having once glimpsed the Nine-Tails within her, she wondered how the other tailed beasts compared.

Minato chuckled as he twirled his chopsticks, thinking. "The One-Tail looks like a raccoon, with purple markings all over its body. As for the Eight-Tails, I’ve only seen parts of it during battle, but it seems like a cross between a bull and an octopus."

"A raccoon and an octopus?" Kushina’s eyes widened as she tried to imagine the strange creatures.

Itachi, unfamiliar with the concept of tailed beasts, watched them both in silence, his small hands gesturing as he tried to piece together the descriptions.

Suddenly, Kushina’s lips curled in a slight pout. "Why can the Eight-Tails’ Jinchūriki fight on the battlefield, but I can’t?"

Minato cast a quick glance at Itachi, a hint of concern in his eyes. The fact that Kushina was a Jinchūriki was a carefully guarded secret, and she had let it slip.

"Jinchūriki?" Itachi repeated, tilting his head in confusion. Despite his intelligence, he was still too young to grasp the concept.

Realizing her mistake, Kushina covered her mouth, her wide eyes darting between Minato and Itachi.

Minato quickly stepped in. "The Eight-Tails’ Jinchūriki has learned to control the power of the tailed beast within him. He’s turned it into an ally, which is completely different from most Jinchūriki."

Kushina’s hand unconsciously rested on her abdomen, her thoughts swirling. The idea of the Nine-Tails as an ally was so far removed from her reality.

The Nine-Tails, sealed within her, was a swirling mass of hatred and rage. Even with the strongest seals, its malevolence often seeped into her consciousness, a constant reminder of its presence.

"Why can he do it?" she murmured softly, her expression distant.

Minato reached out, placing a reassuring hand over hers. "Not everyone can reach that level of control, but it’s not impossible. It takes time, understanding, and trust."

Meanwhile, at Root Headquarters, Danzo sat in his dimly lit chamber, listening to the report from his subordinates.

"Minato Namikaze went to the Uchiha compound," the Root operative reported, his voice trembling slightly.

Danzo’s lips curled into a faint smile. "Did he discover you?"

The operative bowed his head. "Yes. I couldn’t avoid his detection."

Chuckling, Danzo leaned back in his chair. "Even 800 Iwagakure ninjas couldn’t escape his perception. Did you think you could fare better?"

The operative remained silent, accepting the rebuke.

"Minato’s presence in the village is a blessing in times of war," Danzo mused. "But his connection to the Uchiha... That could become a problem."

In the barren expanse of the Desert, an old man with flaming red hair approached the gates of Iwagakure.

The guards stationed at the entrance eyed him warily, their hands gripping their weapons.

"Who are you?" one demanded.

The old man smirked, his gaze sharp. "Tell that old man Onoki that Roshi is back."

The guards stiffened, their eyes narrowing. "How dare you address the Tsuchikage-sama like that!"

But one of them hurriedly ran into the village to deliver the message.

In Iwagakure’s meeting room, Onoki floated above the ground, addressing the gathered council. Suddenly, the doors burst open, and the red-haired man strode in.

"Old man, you’re still alive?" Roshi sneered, his tone dripping with disdain.

The room erupted into murmurs, the council members aghast at the blatant disrespect.

But Onoki merely chuckled. "I could say the same to you. After all these years, I thought you’d finally died."

The tension in the room thickened as Roshi shrugged nonchalantly. "I said I’d never return while you were still Tsuchikage. But with the state of this village, I had no choice. If I didn’t, how many more of our youth would die under your leadership?"

Onoki’s smile faded slightly, but he nodded. "You’re right. The Rock Ninja need you... and the power you wield."

Roshi’s expression softened, though only slightly. "I haven’t mastered it entirely, but I can control enough."

As he spoke, his eyes glowed faintly, a fiery hue reminiscent of molten lava.