As he gazed at Minato's calm expression, the Third Raikage wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his heart sinking slowly.
Normally, even the most talented youth should be limited by their age and physical constitution.
Before this battle, he had always believed Minato's invincibility stemmed from his overwhelming speed. But after taking that punch, his perspective had shifted.
That monstrous strength had nearly torn off the top of his skull.
Without the Lightning Release Armor, that single punch could have blown his head off!
Yet even so, he refused to yield to his opponent!
Zzzzz—
A violent crackling of electricity filled the air as the Third Raikage's aura intensified.
He refused to believe Minato could sustain this speed and power indefinitely. As for endurance and willpower, he had never bowed to anyone in all these years!
After all, he was the one who had single-handedly challenged and defeated the wild Eight-Tails!
Since Hell Thrust proved ineffective, they would settle this like men—a brutal, bare-knuckle brawl.
"Gyaaaaaah!"
The Third Raikage's pale gold hair stood on end as surging Chakra coursed through his body, making his muscles bulge even further.
At first glance, Minato thought he'd transformed into a Super Saiyan.
Boom!
In the next instant, the Third Raikage flickered before Minato, his speed no less astonishing than his earlier Hell Thrust.
"Ora!"
The Third Raikage threw a punch, his massive fist hurtling toward Minato's head.
Minato twisted his head and countered with a sidekick that landed heavily on the Raikage's knee and thigh.
The Third Raikage staggered slightly before slashing at Minato's neck with a hand blade.
Minato retreated to the very edge of his reach, evading the strike, only to see the Raikage's towering figure lurch forward, his fists blurring into a flurry of punches.
"Ora ora ora ora!"
Minato's eyelids twitched as his hands danced, deflecting the Raikage's relentless assault.
Seeing Minato retreat, the Third Raikage assumed he feared getting injured.
Little did he know that Minato was only worried about revealing his elemental transformation.
This reckless, all-out assault was so fast that even with his reflexes, Minato couldn't guarantee he wouldn't make a mistake—unless he used his Sharingan.
"Impressive Taijutsu, boy!" the Third Raikage said admiringly. "But you shouldn't hesitate like that. The best defense is a good offense!"
"Then I'll do as you say!"
Hearing this, Minato blocked the Third Raikage's Righteous Thunder: Silent Rage Thunder Axe, then lunged forward with a punch that sent the Raikage flying backward.
The Third Raikage adjusted his stance mid-air and, the moment he landed, saw three tri-pronged kunai flying at him in a triangular formation.
Flying Thunder God Technique!
He's finally using it?
The Third Raikage locked his gaze onto the three kunai, his body tensing, ready to counterattack the moment Minato reappeared.
But in the next instant, Minato materialized directly in front of him.
Not the Flying Thunder God Technique?
The Third Raikage felt utterly tricked, but it was too late to react. He could only watch as Minato's foot slammed into his chest, sending him flying backward.
Before the Raikage could even hit the ground, Minato reappeared behind him, kicking him back into the air.
Minato became a blur of golden light, flashing repeatedly across the battlefield as he sent the Third Raikage flying again and again, forcing him to remain suspended in the air for an extended period.
"Dad!!"
The dark-skinned youth in the crowd watched his father being brutally pummeled without any ability to retaliate, tears welling in his eyes.
Minato caught a glimpse of the boy in his peripheral vision as he flashed above the Third Raikage once more. With a devastating downward kick, he slammed the Raikage toward the earth. The terrifying force cracked the surrounding ground, creating a spiderweb of fissures that spread for hundreds of meters.
Floating in the air, Minato pointed at the Third Raikage, who was gasping for breath in the crater below.
A blinding laser beam streaked in a straight line, piercing directly through the Raikage's chest.
"Lord Raikage!"
The Kumogakure ninjas watching the battle cried out in horror. They rushed forward, forming layer upon layer of shields around their leader. Their eyes glared at Minato in the air, ready to engage in combat at a moment's notice.
"Dad! Dad, are you okay?! Dad!"
The future Fourth Raikage's eyes widened, tears streaming down his face.
Cough—
The Third Raikage coughed up a mouthful of blood, forcing himself to sit up. "I'm fine! Everyone, back off!"
"It seems your authority is far greater than the Third Mizukage's," Minato observed, watching the reluctant crowd retreat below. He slowly descended before the Third Raikage.
"I lost..." The Third Raikage wiped the blood from his lips. Medical Ninjas behind him were already treating his wounds. "Thank you for showing restraint. What do you want?"
"Two Tailed Beasts from your village," Minato replied calmly.
"That's impossible! We can give you the Tailed Beasts, but extracting them will kill the Jinchūriki. I can't betray my brothers." The Third Raikage refused without hesitation. "If you insist, we'll fight to the last man, even if it means sacrificing every life in Kumogakure!"
"That's fine. Just take me to them. I have a way," Minato said calmly. "I respect loyalty and brotherhood, but that doesn't mean I'll abandon my principles."
"...I understand." The Third Raikage sighed. "The two Jinchūriki are currently on a turtle island overseas. If you don't mind, you can stay in Kumogakure for a few days while I send for them."
Though he could have sent Minato directly, he worried about potential complications during the journey.
Minato nodded. This saved him the trouble of traveling.
The Third Raikage, supported by his subordinates, returned to the village, while Minato stepped into Kumogakure.
Cone-shaped peaks rose in every direction, most buildings perched atop their summits. Suspended bridges and walkways connected the peaks, creating a more imposing and spectacular vista than Konoha.
"Lord Minato, please follow me," said Dodai, a young ninja wearing a peculiar hat, responsible for receiving Minato.
Minato followed him to a peak-top building, not far from Kumogakure's Raikage Tower.
"I'm in the room next door. If you need anything during your stay, don't hesitate to ask," Dodai said politely. "Meals will be delivered daily at fixed times."
"No need. I'll handle my own meals," Minato replied, shaking his head. While he wasn't afraid of being poisoned, it would only cause unnecessary trouble. He just wanted to resolve the matter quickly.
"I understand," Dodai nodded slightly, naturally understanding Minato's concerns.
Meanwhile, at Kumogakure's hospital:
The Third Raikage lay propped up in bed, while a dark-skinned youth sat beside him, tears streaming down his face.
"Damn that bastard! One day, I'll personally—"
"Idiot!"
With a thunderous crash, the Third Raikage punched the youth, embedding him in the wall.
Don't even think about it!
Only those who had fought Minato themselves could truly comprehend the terrifying extent of his power!
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