Minato Namikaze's arrival was like a shot of adrenaline for the Konoha Allied Forces.
The reputation of the "yellow flash" was by no means exaggerated. His Flying Thunder God Technique dominated the battlefield, and wherever he went, the Kirigakure Ninjas would tremble with fear.
Coupled with the elite squad led by Uchiha Xia Yin, which moved like a sharp blade for hit-and-run raids, the two complemented each other perfectly, one direct and one unconventional. Within a single month, they heavily damaged three large-scale Hidden Mist offensives. Even a raid personally led by Yagura was forced back by their combined efforts.
The Hidden Mist Village was thoroughly terrified.
Minato's speed and explosive power, combined with Xia Yin's terrifying Chakra and bizarre Genjutsu, allowed them to witness the true combat power of the Konoha Allied Forces.
They had originally intended to make a desperate final gamble during the transition of power while the Third Mizukage was gravely ill. However, under the suppression of these two top-tier powerhouses, the Hidden Mist not only failed to break through the defensive line but also lost several Jonin and a large number of Chunin, causing their morale to plummet to rock bottom.
In the short term, the Hidden Mist completely reined in its offensive, only occasionally sending out small patrol teams to test the waters. The battlefield fell into a rare state of tranquility.
The wounded in the camp were able to recuperate in peace, and supplies were continuously replenished from the rear. The Konoha Allied Forces finally welcomed a moment of respite.
Much of the gloom on Uchiha Fugaku's face vanished. The partnership between Minato and Xia Yin gave him hope for ending the war.
He even approached Xia Yin privately, proposing to strengthen their coordination and jointly advance a counter-offensive plan.
Xia Yin agreed on the surface, but he had his own calculations in mind—he wished for the war to drag on a bit longer so that the Hidden Mist's Three-Tails Seal plan would proceed as scheduled, ensuring Obito's descent into darkness fell precisely into his own chess game.
Nara Shikaku remained steady as always. He knew that the Hidden Mist's calm was only temporary; with Yagura's ascension imminent, the threat of the Three-Tails had never disappeared.
While arranging for the Allied Forces to reinforce the defensive line, he closely monitored the movements of the Hidden Mist Village and simultaneously sent intelligence back to Konoha, requesting follow-up support.
However, there is never true peace in the Ninja World.
Two months later, an urgent military report arrived from the Hidden Cloud Village battlefield, shattering the tranquility of the Hidden Mist front like a thunderclap—the Fourth Raikage of Kumogakure, A, along with his younger brother, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki Killer Bee, had launched a fierce attack on Konoha at the border battlefield!
Raikage A's Lightning Release Taijutsu was peerlessly powerful, with both speed and strength at the top tier.
As the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer Bee's Tailed Beast Ball possessed destructive power sufficient to destroy heaven and earth. The two of them together were arguably one of the most terrifying combinations in the Ninja World.
Although Jiraiya, who was responsible for guarding the Hidden Cloud front, was powerful, he ultimately found it difficult to simultaneously contend with two Tailed Beast-level powerhouses. The ninjas under his command suffered heavy casualties, and the defensive line was retreating step by step, forcing him to send an emergency request for help to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
When the news reached Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi was caught in a dilemma.
The situation on the Hidden Mist front had just stabilized. If he redeployed Minato to the Hidden Cloud, Xia Yin and Fugaku alone might not be able to hold the line if the Hidden Mist launched another fierce assault.
But the situation on the Hidden Cloud front was even more critical. Jiraiya could not hold out much longer. Once the defensive line collapsed, the Hidden Cloud army would drive straight in, and Konoha would face the desperate situation of being attacked from two sides.
"Minato must go," Hiruzen Sarutobi finally decided through clenched teeth. "The Hidden Mist has been scared off and won't dare to act rashly in the short term. But if the Hidden Cloud isn't contained, the consequences will be unimaginable."
He immediately ordered Minato to set out at once and use the Flying Thunder God Technique to reinforce the Hidden Cloud battlefield.
When the urgent scroll arrived at the Hidden Mist front, Minato was discussing follow-up operational plans with Xia Yin, Shikaku, and Fugaku.
After unfurling the scroll and reading its contents, Minato's expression instantly became solemn. He looked at everyone and said in a heavy tone, "The Hidden Cloud battlefield is in an emergency. Master Jiraiya is struggling alone. Hokage-sama has ordered me to go and support him immediately."
"What?!" Uchiha Fugaku stood up abruptly, his face full of unbelievable worry. "Lord Minato, if you leave, the Hidden Mist will surely make a comeback! The defensive line we worked so hard to stabilize will likely collapse again!"
Nara Shikaku also furrowed his brows and said in a deep voice, "Lord Minato, this is a matter of great importance. Should we request further instructions from Hokage-sama? The Hidden Mist's Yagura is ambitious, and the threat of the Three-Tails has not been resolved. Once you leave, the pressure on the front line will increase dramatically."
Minato shook his head, a flash of determination in his eyes. "The Hidden Cloud battlefield cannot wait. Master Jiraiya could be in trouble at any moment. Rest assured, I will resolve the conflict at the Hidden Cloud as quickly as possible and return to support you."
He looked at Xia Yin, his tone carrying a sense of entrustment. "Lord Xia Yin, I'll leave the Hidden Mist front in your hands during this time."
Xia Yin was secretly delighted, yet his face remained as calm as still water. He merely nodded slightly. "Rest assured, Lord Minato. With me here, the Hidden Mist won't be able to stir up any significant trouble."
His tone was flat, yet it exuded absolute confidence. Minato's departure was exactly the opportunity he had been waiting for. Without the deterrent of Minato, the Hidden Mist would surely accelerate the Three-Tails Seal plan, and he could then reap the benefits of the situation.
"Thank you." Minato gave him a deep look. He felt increasingly wary of this mysterious and powerful Uchiha Ninja, but he had no choice but to trust him.
He turned to look at Kakashi and Rin. "Kakashi, Rin, you stay here to assist Lord Xia Yin and Clan Chief Fugaku in the defense. Remember, no matter what situation you encounter, you must prioritize the big picture."
"Yes, Minato-sensei!" Kakashi and Rin replied in unison.
Kakashi's face remained expressionless, but his heart felt heavy—after Minato left, he would have to shoulder more responsibility.
Meanwhile, Rin's eyes were full of worry, both for Minato's safety and for the possibility of another fierce assault from the Hidden Mist.
That afternoon, Minato activated the Flying Thunder God Formula in the center of the camp.
Golden Chakra light enveloped him, forming a dazzling pillar of light.
"Take care, everyone." Minato's voice echoed as his figure gradually transformed into a golden stream of light, vanishing from the spot instantly.
As the residual power of the Flying Thunder God Technique dissipated, the camp fell into silence.
Everyone understood that Minato's departure meant the tranquility of the Hidden Mist front was about to be shattered.
Uchiha Fugaku's expression was solemn to the extreme. He looked at Xia Yin with a hint of urgency in his tone. "Xia Yin, Lord Minato has left. We must strengthen the defensive line immediately! That fellow Yagura will certainly not let this opportunity pass!"
"What's the rush?" Xia Yin spoke indifferently. "The Hidden Mist was just scared off. Even if they know Minato has left, they'll have to test the waters first. We just need to follow the procedures and hold the line."
He paused, a glint of calculation flashing in his eyes. "Besides, some things were meant to end anyway."
His gaze swept past the camp, looking toward the direction of the Hidden Mist Village.
Minato's departure was like unlocking the shackles that bound Yagura.
The Third Mizukage's lifespan should have reached its end, and Yagura has likely already taken power. Next will be the Three-Tails Seal and Rin Nohara's tragedy.
And he was already prepared...
Advance chapter available on pãtrêon Got1808