As dark clouds gathered over Iwagakure and Sunagakure descended into chaos, Hanzō of Amegakure stared at the intelligence in his hand, his eyes wide.
"A single person annihilated hundreds of Iwa shinobi, and both the Tsuchikage and Kazekage are dead or injured? Are you certain this information is accurate?"
His subordinate nodded. "Yes, Lord Hanzō. I saw it with my own eyes. The news should spread soon."
Hanzō glanced at the report, then at the declaration of war he had just drafted against Konoha, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure. He fell into deep contemplation.
After a long silence, he suddenly picked up his brush and scribbled out the impassioned words on the declaration. He then tore the document into shreds and tossed it into the trash bin.
Only then did he exhale in relief, as if a great burden had been lifted.
What a joke!
If Konoha had such combat power, why not reveal it sooner?
Are they treating me like a dog?
Remembering Konoha's previous request for an alliance, Hanzō's expression darkened.
Fortunately, he had been too proud to make a move at the time. Otherwise, the Third Kazekage wouldn't have been the one to die—it would have been Hanzō himself.
Looking back now, Hanzō suddenly realized how arrogant he had been.
Konoha, as the invaded party, only wanted to keep the war from crossing their borders.
If he had simply agreed back then, Konoha's strength would have been more than enough to push the front lines into the Land of Wind. Why had he let a matter of pride cause everyone to lose face?
It wasn't that Hanzō had been a coward. Minato's abilities were simply unfathomable.
According to the intelligence, this young man had instantly defeated both the Tsuchikage and the Kazekage with speed that left them no time to react.
This reminded Hanzō of the Flying Thunder God Technique.
But the Flying Thunder God Technique required Flying Thunder God Marks to activate. Even Hanzō could think of at least three countermeasures—how could the Tsuchikage and Kazekage not have anticipated this?
Yet they had still inexplicably lost!
This proved that Minato wasn't using the Flying Thunder God Technique at all. He possessed some unique instant movement ability that was no less effective.
"Konoha always produces such exceptional talents..." Hanzō sighed softly.
A trusted subordinate beside him looked worried. "Lord Hanzō, what should we do next?"
"What's the rush?" Hanzō scoffed. "We have no real conflict with Konoha, just minor friction. Besides, they were the ones who invaded the Land of Rain first."
"Don't they claim to champion peace? Spread the word—make sure the entire Shinobi World knows as quickly as possible about Konoha ninja running rampant, burning, killing, and plundering within the Land of Rain!"
If I can't beat you, I can at least make you miserable, right?
For Ninja Villages, reputation was everything.
The fact that Konoha and Sunagakure had clashed within the Land of Rain was undeniable.
Therefore, all the losses suffered by the Land of Rain would naturally be blamed on Konoha!
Let them try to defend themselves—how many would believe them?
By sheer coincidence, Hanzō had somehow taken the lead in waging a war of public opinion!
Minato remained completely unaware of this.
After the news of their crushing defeat of Iwa's vanguard and the killing of the Third Kazekage reached the village, he quickly received orders from the Third Hokage to return for rest and regroup.
"R-return to the village?"
Nawaki was full of resentment, his face contorted with bitterness. "We're going back to the village already? Can't we stay a few more days? I haven't even participated in a proper battle!"
"Iwa just sent envoys to negotiate peace, and Sunagakure is in complete chaos," Minato said with a wry smile. "There's no fighting on the front lines for now. Why stay here and let ourselves rot?"
"Besides, didn't Teacher also not participate in any battles?"
"Exactly!"
Tsunade raised her hand and tapped Nawaki on the back of the head. "Is war really such a good thing?"
To be honest, if he weren't the First Hokage's grandson and under Minato's protection, she would never have let Nawaki come to such a dangerous place as the front lines.
"Of course I know that, but I want to prove myself—"
Nawaki's face fell. "Minato could kill the Kazekage at eight years old. I'm three years older than him, and I haven't even had a chance to fight."
"Who said that? You've been helping out in the Medical Corps these past few days, and you've earned the respect of many people," Minato reassured him. "Besides, at our age, just being on the front lines is already quite remarkable."
"That's true. If anything, I'm the one who hasn't done anything at all," Mikoto added in agreement.
"Hmm... Alright, I suppose you have a point."
Nawaki pursed his lips, finding their reasoning sound.
I can't compare to a monster like Minato, but can't I at least hold my own against others my age?
After all, Konoha was nowhere near the dire situation of the original Third Shinobi War, where even children were forced onto the battlefield.
The personnel stationed at the front lines during this period were the village's core strength.
For a mere graduate like him to be able to contribute here was already a matter of great honor.
"Are we the only ones returning to the village this time?" Minato asked Tsunade, having just learned the news from her.
Tsunade shook her head. "I'm going back too, along with some injured ninjas. The fighting on the front lines has ended, and everyone needs a proper rest and recovery."
"As for the front lines, the Advisor and Orochimaru will remain here. There's no need to worry."
"Understood," Minato nodded. He had asked specifically about Tsunade.
If she hadn't returned to the village, he wouldn't have felt at ease going back himself.
Tsunade clearly sensed his concern, and a warmth spread through her heart.
In the small log cabin, the fire crackled. Everyone packed their meager belongings, sealed them with the Material Sealing Technique into scrolls, and joined the main group on the road back to the village.
Due to the presence of injured ninjas, the group moved at a glacial pace.
Tsunade took charge of leading the procession, while combat-capable ninjas like Minato were assigned to the periphery of the main group, responsible for maintaining vigilance.
Minato and Mikoto walked at the end of the procession, side by side. Mikoto's mood seemed slightly subdued.
"Minato—" Mikoto suddenly spoke. "What are you going to do about Kushina?"
"I'll tell her the truth." Minato gently squeezed Mikoto's hand, his voice calm yet firm. "I'll confess everything between us. I don't plan to hide it, because concealment and avoidance will only make things worse."
"Aren't you afraid she'll be angry?" Mikoto's voice tightened slightly as she felt the warmth of Minato's palm.
"Not afraid." Minato shook his head, thinking seriously. "If she's angry, I can appease her. I'm only afraid she won't agree."
"What? Is that your plan?" Mikoto chuckled. "And what if she doesn't agree?"
"Hmm—" Minato frowned, his face twisted with indecision. "Do you think she'll agree if I kneel and beg her?"
"Given how confident you sounded earlier, I thought you had some brilliant solution." Mikoto was speechless for a moment, then sighed helplessly.
She glanced at their intertwined hands, pursed her lips, and a complex mix of emotions surged within her: sweetness, anxiety, guilt—and a faint sense of anticipation.
"Then... I'll talk to her properly too. After all, I was the one who ran off first—"
Minato: "—"
Given your status, won't that just sound like a provocation?
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