[Naruto : Yellow Flash] Chapter 576 - 580

Chapter 576: The Third War is Over

The relationship between Minato and the Nine-Tails was complicated—an entanglement of hatred, dependence, and unspoken understanding. They had crossed time and space together, bound by fate for over a decade. Now, despite the history of enmity between them, Minato found himself genuinely grateful to the Nine-Tails.

Deep within his soul, the great beast heard his silent gratitude. Its massive, vertical pupils flickered with a strange light, unreadable yet contemplative.

Minato turned his attention back to the battlefield’s aftermath. "Since the Three-Tails has perished along with its Jinchūriki, how long will it take for it to be resurrected?" he asked.

The beast had fallen within the Land of Fire’s borders. If there was an opportunity, he would not hesitate to capture it. Whether it was to ensure the safety of the civilians or to weaken Kirigakure’s military strength, securing the Three-Tails was a move worth considering.

However, Minato lacked knowledge about the specific conditions and time frame required for a tailed beast’s resurrection. He cast a glance inward, awaiting a response from the Kyuubi.

At first, there was only silence.

Minato wasn't surprised. He didn’t expect the Nine-Tails to be cooperative—especially when it concerned the capture of another tailed beast. The creatures shared a certain kinship, and betrayal was not in their nature.

Yet, to his surprise, the Nine-Tails scoffed almost immediately.

"Hmph. You think I don’t know what you’re scheming?" Its deep, rumbling voice echoed through Minato’s consciousness. "Whether those other fools are dead or alive has nothing to do with me."

Minato remained silent, letting the fox continue.

"The resurrection of a tailed beast isn’t as simple as you imagine," the Nine-Tails explained. "Even if the Three-Tails perished here, its chakra will scatter to avoid being easily captured by humans. It may drift through the world, floating in the ether, searching for a safe place before it reforms."

Minato's brows furrowed slightly. "So you’re saying the Three-Tails itself determines where and when it will be reborn?"

"Precisely," the beast snorted. "If you think you can predict its resurrection and lay a trap, you should abandon that naive idea."

Minato absorbed this new information. It was unexpected, yet it made sense. The tailed beasts had always been shrouded in mystery, and much of their true nature remained unknown to humans. Even as the Fourth Hokage, there were things he was only beginning to understand.

For now, the idea of capturing the Three-Tails was no longer viable. Besides, in the grand scheme of things, the creature’s power, while significant, was not irreplaceable. The real threat lay elsewhere.

His thoughts shifted back to the recent events—Rin’s death, Kakashi’s injuries, and the hidden hand manipulating everything from the shadows. The Wood Release user, the mysterious force behind Kirigakure’s movements… all of these pointed to one unsettling conclusion.

Kirigakure was being controlled.

Minato's sharp blue eyes narrowed. "It looks like I’ll need to visit Kirigakure myself."

But now was not the right time.

The Third Shinobi World War had just ended, and the fragile peace between the five great nations was hanging by a thread. Any rash moves could tip the balance and reignite hostilities. Moreover, whoever was behind this had anticipated that Minato would take notice. This was a calculated act. If he made a move too soon, he could be walking into a trap.

A faint memory surfaced—a night Minato knew all too well. The masked figure, the crimson Sharingan, the chaos that had yet to unfold.

Would he appear in Konoha again?

Minato clenched his fists. Whoever this enemy was, he had already placed them on his list of threats that needed to be eliminated. This battle was inevitable.

Suppressing his thoughts for now, Minato turned away, his gaze falling on the door behind him. He could sense her presence—Kushina. She had been standing there all along, waiting for him.

He wiped the dampness from his cheeks before pushing the door open.

Kushina stood there, her face creased with worry. The tension in her brow softened as their eyes met.

"I'm sorry for making you worry," Minato whispered, his voice carrying both exhaustion and affection.

Kushina shook her head. "No, Minato… it’s your responsibility. I know that." Her voice was gentle but firm. "I know everything."

Minato felt his breath hitch. She always knew. She always understood him better than anyone else.

Nothing had changed between them—neither in the past nor now.

His blue eyes flickered with emotion as he stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her. Kushina responded instantly, holding him tightly.

"You’re not alone in this," she murmured against his shoulder. "Whatever happened with Obito and Rin… it’s not your fault. You did everything you could."

Minato opened his mouth to speak, but Kushina cut him off.

"I know what you're thinking," she whispered. "You blame yourself, don’t you? You feel guilty."

Minato remained silent.

"But I want you to know that no matter what happens, you’re not alone. Let me bear this with you. Okay?"

Her voice wavered slightly, emotions threatening to spill over. Minato felt her grip tighten around him.

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, letting the warmth of her presence ground him.

Finally, he let out a slow breath and whispered, "I understand. Thank you."

The news of the Third Raikage’s death spread quickly, sending ripples throughout the ninja world.

Kumo’s forces, who had been engaged with Konoha on various battlefields, withdrew as soon as the confirmation reached them. They knew that continuing the war any further was a lost cause.

The Third Shinobi World War, which had raged for over half a year, had finally come to an end.

It was Konoha’s absolute victory.

But there was no celebration.

The returning Konoha forces were met with solemnity rather than joy. Too many had perished. Too many names had been carved into stone.

A few days after the war ended, Konoha’s memorial monument was updated, bearing the names of those who had sacrificed their lives for their village.

On this day, the Third Hokage led a silent procession. Dozens of shinobi stood before the black stone tablet, heads bowed in mourning.

Among them stood Minato, Kushina, Might Guy, Shisui, and the Hyuga brothers, Hiashi and Hizashi. Each of them gazed upon different names—names that carried personal meaning, names of comrades lost to war.

Kakashi, having just been discharged from the hospital, arrived with his father, Sakumo, and his mother, Suzuka.

His silver-haired head tilted upward as his sharp gaze settled on two familiar names.

Uchiha Obito, Nohara Rin.

His fingers curled into tight fists at his sides.

Sensing his distress, Minato placed a reassuring hand on his student’s shoulder. Kakashi lifted his head, meeting his teacher’s gaze. Within those blue eyes was an emotion Kakashi couldn’t quite decipher.

Kushina, standing beside them, quietly reached for Minato’s hand.

Minato looked around him—at the people who meant the world to him.

A silent promise formed in his heart.

No matter who you are… I won’t let you hurt them again.

The war had ended, but for Minato, the real battle had only just begun.

Unbeknownst to the grieving village, a lone figure stood atop a stone pillar, silently observing Konoha from above.

Clad in a black cloak, his presence went unnoticed. From this vantage point, his scarlet eyes peered through a mask, watching the village below.

A slow, mocking chuckle echoed in his mind.

"What a pitiful sight. All they can do now is cling to their dead and mourn."

"What’s the point in preserving a village like this… a world like this?"

His fingers twitched slightly, and before long, the space around him twisted and distorted. A spiraling vortex formed, swallowing him whole.

In the next instant, he was gone.

Chapter 577: Kakashi’s Heart Knot

The Third Shinobi World War had finally ended with Konoha’s victory.

Though this war lasted about eight months—shorter than the previous one—it was the most intense and large-scale conflict among the three Shinobi Wars. The battles were brutal, and many powerful shinobi from different nations had emerged, displaying their strength and talents.

However, the most renowned figure of this war was undoubtedly Konoha’s Yellow Flash, Namikaze Minato. His exploits had spread across the ninja world, striking fear into enemies and earning the admiration of allies.

But Minato was not the only Konoha shinobi to gain recognition. Other powerful figures had risen to prominence, proving themselves in the flames of war. Among them were his peers, whose fame gradually spread beyond the Land of Fire.

The legendary Ino-Shika-Chō formation, consisting of Akimichi Chōza, Nara Shikaku, and Yamanaka Inoichi, played a crucial role in tactical warfare, their seamless coordination turning the tide of many battles. Minato himself had recommended them for high-level missions, earning them great prestige.

There was also Uchiha Yoruki and Nawaki, whose battle prowess left a deep impression on both allies and enemies. And although Aburame Shibi lacked the sheer combat strength of the others, his exceptional intelligence-gathering skills had proven vital on numerous occasions.

It was thanks to these outstanding shinobi that Konoha not only survived the war but emerged victorious.

However, war always had two sides—light and shadow.

For every hero that emerged, another had fallen.

Konoha had gained recognition, but it had also suffered tremendous losses. Many brave shinobi had perished, sacrificing themselves for the village. Might Duy, Hyūga Tenki, Kato Dan… These were just a few among countless names etched in history.

They, too, were heroes.

And yet, for those left behind, the wounds of war did not heal so easily.

Evening – The Seventh Training Ground

A pale moon hung in the sky as the gentle rustling of leaves echoed in the vast training ground. Somewhere deep within the dense forest, a white-haired boy lay motionless on the ground, unconscious from sheer exhaustion.

Sweat soaked his forehead, his body trembling slightly. His brows furrowed as his mind was trapped in turmoil.

(Kakashi…)

Dark memories plagued his thoughts.

Rin's face, frozen in despair, appeared before him—again and again.

Her lips, once full of life, were now tinged with the deep red of her own blood. Her expression, once so warm, had turned still and empty.

Her eyes… had lost all light.

"Why!?"

A strangled growl echoed in his mind.

Why had it come to this?

Why had Rin chosen to die by his hands?

Sakumo had explained to him before—Rin had chosen to die. She believed she was weaker than Kakashi and did not want to become a burden to him. Rather than risking the danger she posed to the village, she had made the ultimate sacrifice.

But Kakashi refused to accept it.

His mind screamed in protest. It shouldn’t have happened this way!

No matter what, he should have protected her.

If he had been stronger…

If he had been faster…

If he had been just a little more powerful, perhaps she wouldn’t have needed to make that choice.

"Huuhh…!"

Kakashi gasped, his body jerking upright. His breath came in ragged, heavy pants, and sweat dripped from his temples.

But the world around him was different from where he had collapsed.

He was no longer in the training ground.

Instead, he found himself in his own home.

"Kakashi, are you okay?"

A soft, worried voice called to him.

Beside his bed, Suzuka, his mother, looked down at him with concern.

His eyes remained unfocused, lost in thought.

"Mom…" he murmured, barely registering her presence.

Suzuka’s heart ached. As a mother, seeing her son in such turmoil was unbearable. But she knew—this pain, this burden—was something only he could overcome.

Moments later, the door to the room creaked open.

Sakumo Hatake stepped inside.

He observed Kakashi with a solemn gaze before speaking, "Pushing yourself like this will only harm your body. You can’t keep doing this."

There was a flicker of hesitation in his tone. Ever since Kakashi had been discharged from the hospital, he had been training relentlessly—so much so that his body could no longer keep up.

Sakumo knew why.

Kakashi believed he was too weak.

He resented his own powerlessness.

But this kind of reckless training wouldn’t make him stronger—it would only break him.

Kakashi's grip tightened around the blanket covering him.

"No," he whispered hoarsely. "I can’t stop now. I need strength… I can’t afford to be lazy anymore."

His fingernails dug into the fabric.

If only he had been stronger… Rin and Obito wouldn’t have…

At his age, Kakashi was already an exceptional shinobi—one of the most talented of his generation. But that didn’t matter to him.

In his eyes, he was still weak.

He had heard stories of Minato Sensei at his age—how he had been able to turn the tides of battle, rescuing comrades and achieving feats that earned him the title of Yellow Flash.

But what had Kakashi done?

He had failed to protect the people he loved.

"Obito…" his voice wavered.

"I'm sorry."

He had learned from Shisui that Obito had died saving him and Rin from Kirigakure’s forces. He had thrown himself into battle against impossible odds—all to ensure their escape.

And Kakashi had survived.

Obito had not.

A Mother’s Worry

Seeing the turmoil in her son’s eyes, Suzuka turned to Sakumo with pleading concern.

"I can’t just sit by and watch him destroy himself like this," she whispered.

Sakumo’s expression darkened. He understood his wife’s feelings, but Kakashi was too deep in his grief. No words could pull him from it.

"Minato came to see me earlier," Sakumo said. "He thinks he can help Kakashi."

Suzuka’s eyes widened slightly. "Where is he now?"

"He went to see the Sandaime. He had something confidential to discuss before coming back."

Suzuka hesitated, then nodded.

If there was anyone Kakashi would listen to, it was Minato Namikaze.

Hokage’s Office

The Third Hokage listened intently as Minato finished his report.

A deep frown creased the old man’s face.

The implications of Minato’s words were alarming—Kirigakure, one of the Five Great Nations, might be under external control.

Silence stretched between them as Hiruzen processed the gravity of the situation.

The evidence was there.

Minato’s infiltration had revealed a barrier trap, set up by an unknown party.

Hyūga clansmen had gone missing near the Hidden Mist front.

Mysterious monsters had attacked the Konoha army.

The Third Mizukage had been behaving abnormally, and had not been seen publicly since the Five Kage Summit.

Everything pointed to a hidden hand manipulating Kirigakure from the shadows.

Hiruzen's hands trembled slightly as he exhaled.

"No… it’s impossible…" he muttered under his breath.

Yet deep down, he already knew he truth.

It was the same answer Minato had reached.

The only person who could have done this…

The only man who could control an entire village from the shadows…

Uchiha Madara.

Chapter 578: The Position of Hokage

Uchiha Madara.

A name that once shook the foundations of the ninja world. This man, who co-founded the Hidden Leaf Village alongside the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, had left a legacy that was both legendary and feared. Despite being instrumental in Konoha’s creation, he ultimately turned against the village, choosing the path of rebellion.

His final clash with the First Hokage at the Valley of the End was the stuff of legends. Even though Hashirama was hailed as the "God of Shinobi," he could only claim victory over Madara after an exhausting battle that pushed both warriors to their absolute limits. In the end, Hashirama emerged victorious, and the world believed that Uchiha Madara had perished that day.

This tale wasn’t just folklore; it was history, well-documented and passed down through generations. Every shinobi in Konoha knew of it, and so did the wider ninja world. Yet, while many regarded it as a closed chapter of the past, the three Hokage present before Minato today had truly lived through that era.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, had been the disciple of both the First and Second Hokage. While he had not personally witnessed the legendary battle at the Valley of the End, he was well aware of its significance. He also knew for certain that after Madara’s supposed death, Hashirama had personally retrieved the Uchiha’s body and ensured that it was laid to rest in Konoha.

That fact was unquestionable.

And yet…

The enemy they now faced operated in the shadows, possessing not only profound knowledge of the Uzumaki clan’s sealing techniques but also an intimate understanding of Konoha itself. This mysterious figure had demonstrated the power to manipulate unknown creatures—beings with strength rivaling the Tailed Beasts. He had infiltrated the Hidden Mist Village and even controlled its leadership, becoming the Third Mizukage.

Such capabilities narrowed the list of suspects considerably.

For the Third Hokage, there was only one name that fit the description.

Uchiha Madara.

But that was impossible. Madara had been dead for decades.

The thought troubled Hiruzen deeply. He furrowed his brows and turned to Minato. “What do you think?”

Minato’s expression was grave. “I think that no matter who this person is, he won’t stop now. He has invested too much into his plan.”

Hiruzen nodded in agreement. Konoha’s strength was at an all-time high, but that didn’t mean they were invincible. The enemy had already demonstrated the ability to manipulate creatures as powerful as the Tailed Beasts. While Konoha’s forces could counter such threats in direct combat, a surprise attack on the village itself would be devastating.

Ordinary spies couldn’t slip past Konoha’s defenses, but this enemy could suppress the Hyuga clan’s Byakugan, move unnoticed within their borders, and had even kidnapped Kushina Uzumaki—the village’s Jinchūriki—without raising an alarm. That was a level of infiltration that should not have been possible.

They had to remain vigilant.

“So, are you suggesting that what happened to Kakashi and Nohara Rin wasn’t just an accident?” Hiruzen asked, his voice solemn. He took a deep breath, as if bracing himself for the implications.

Minato nodded. “When I arrived at the scene, the man who had eliminated dozens of Kirigakure shinobi and ANBU had barely left. His presence was deliberate.”

Hiruzen’s frown deepened. “You think you were lured there on purpose?”

Minato clenched his fists. “Yes. The fact that I was able to find the location so quickly wasn’t a coincidence. Someone had deliberately placed one of my Flying Thunder God kunai nearby.”

The Third Hokage’s expression darkened. “So someone wanted you to arrive just after the attack? But if this enemy manipulated Kirigakure into hunting Kakashi and Rin, only to then eliminate the pursuers before you arrived—what was the goal?”

It didn’t make sense.

Minato remained silent for a moment, his thoughts racing.

“Forget the enemy’s intentions for now,” he finally said. “What I don’t understand the most is Rin’s suicide.”

His voice was heavy, filled with a sorrow that he struggled to contain.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t believe Rin would sacrifice herself for Kakashi. That possibility existed. But Minato knew that the situation was far more complex. Everything about that event had been orchestrated.

Someone had forced Rin’s hand.

“You shouldn’t blame yourself too much,” Hiruzen said, his voice carrying a weight of experience. “The dead are already gone.”

But Minato couldn’t simply accept that. He had been entrusted with Kakashi, Obito, and Rin’s well-being. And yet, he had failed to protect them.

“Kakashi is still blaming himself for Rin’s death,” Minato admitted. “Before I came here, I visited the Hatake clan estate. In the past few days, Kakashi has collapsed multiple times from overtraining.”

Hiruzen sighed. “That boy…”

Minato’s gaze sharpened. “I can’t let him destroy himself over a guilt that isn’t his to bear. That’s why I want to tell him part of the truth.”

Hiruzen studied Minato carefully. “That would mean revealing classified information.”

“I know,” Minato said firmly. “But if I don’t, Kakashi might never recover.”

The Third Hokage was silent for a long moment. Then, to Minato’s surprise, he chuckled.

“Surprised?” Hiruzen asked, seeing Minato’s reaction.

Minato blinked. “You agreed faster than I expected.”

Hiruzen smiled knowingly. “Kakashi may still be young, but he has already grown into a fine shinobi. For the sake of the village’s future, we must guide him, not let him drown in his regrets.”

Then, his expression changed. His tone became more serious as he shifted the conversation. “Besides, I have already made my decision.”

Hiruzen stood up from his seat and turned to the window, his gaze sweeping over the village. The sight of Konoha, bathed in the afternoon sun, seemed to fill him with nostalgia. After a brief pause, he spoke again.

“I have decided to entrust Kakashi’s future—and the future of Konoha—to you.”

Minato’s breath caught in his throat. His heartbeat quickened.

Hiruzen turned back toward him, his expression resolute.

“I am stepping down. The position of Hokage belongs to you, Minato.”

Even though Minato had already held the title of Fourth Hokage once in his previous life, hearing those words again still shook him.

Becoming Hokage had been his dream since childhood. But it was never just his own ambition.

It had been Kushina’s dream for him as well.

And it had been Obito’s dream.

Minato clenched his fists. This time, he would not allow history to repeat itself. He would not let Konoha—or those he loved—suffer as they had before.

The title of Hokage had once been both his duty and his burden. It had cost him his life.

But now, it was his new beginning.

Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash, would take on the mantle once more.

Not just as a protector of the village—

But as its leader.

In the name of the Fourth Hokage!

Chapter 579: The Truth

Seeing the flicker of emotion in Minato’s eyes, the Third Hokage let out a small chuckle.

As he observed the young man before him, he felt an immense sense of relief. It reassured him that the decision he had made over a decade ago—to entrust Minato to Jiraiya—had been the right one.

Even without his intervention, Minato’s extraordinary talent would have propelled him to greatness. He would have undoubtedly distinguished himself through the rigorous ninja trials and the battles of war. But under Jiraiya’s guidance, he had flourished beyond anyone’s expectations.

At the astonishing age of eleven, Minato had developed an S-rank jutsu, something unheard of for a child of his age.

Jiraiya had once told the Third Hokage, "Minato is the most gifted shinobi in history."

Hiruzen had wholeheartedly agreed.

Time and again, Minato had surpassed expectations, proving himself in ways no one had foreseen. The Third Hokage had nurtured him with great care. And when Minato was still a teenager, he had personally assigned him an important mission commissioned by Fujiwara Takuji, the vice president of the Fire Country’s Chamber of Commerce. That mission had paved the way for Minato’s political standing.

Talent alone wasn't enough to become Hokage—one also needed connections and political backing. The Third Hokage had foreseen this, ensuring that Minato wasn’t just a formidable ninja but also a leader with influence.

At the time, however, Hiruzen had only considered him one of several possible successors. Among his students, there had been another genius, a prodigy who had once been the brightest among them all.

But Minato had outshone even him.

After the Third Great Ninja War, Minato’s reputation had eclipsed that of even Hiruzen himself.

His strength, fame, and prestige were unparalleled.

In today’s Konoha, there was no one else who could rival him for the position of Hokage.

Hiruzen’s expression turned solemn as he looked Minato in the eye.

"So, are you willing to take on the title of Hokage?" he asked, his voice steady. "To inherit the will of our predecessors and protect the Hidden Leaf Village?"

Minato took a deep breath, calming his emotions. Then, with unwavering resolve, he answered:

"Of course. I will give everything—even my life—for Konoha."

“Good. Very good!”

Hearing Minato’s firm answer, the Third Hokage’s hands trembled slightly with emotion.

He turned his gaze upward, looking at the two framed portraits hanging from the ceiling—one of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and the other of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.

"Lord First… Lord Second…" he murmured. "I have finally lived up to your expectations."

"I have found a successor—one stronger than me, both in power and in will!"

Hiruzen had taken on the mantle of Hokage when the Second Hokage had sacrificed himself to protect them during the First Great Ninja War. Since then, he had dedicated decades of his life to Konoha, working tirelessly to shape the village into the powerhouse it had become.

Through his leadership, Konoha had produced some of the greatest shinobi of their era—the Three Sannin, the White Fang, Uchiha Yoruki, Senju Nawaki… and, of course, Minato.

Though his achievements could not compare to those of the First Hokage, who had built Konoha from the ground up during a time of constant war, Hiruzen knew in his heart that he had honored the title of Hokage.

He collected his thoughts and turned back to Minato.

"Tomorrow," he said, "I will summon the village’s elite Jonin to formally discuss your nomination as Hokage."

Although he was the current Hokage, he alone could not appoint a successor. The elite Jonin of Konoha had to approve the decision, and then the Fire Daimyo and the politicians of the Fire Nation would make the final confirmation.

But considering Minato’s overwhelming strength, his military achievements, and the respect he commanded, there was no doubt that the nomination would pass.

"Yes, sir!" Minato responded firmly.

Then, bowing deeply, he added with heartfelt sincerity, "Hokage-sama, thank you for your dedication and hard work over the years!"

This was not a simple formality—it was a genuine expression of gratitude from the depths of Minato’s heart.

"Haha… It has been a hard journey," Hiruzen admitted, laughing lightly. "Little one, I hope you’re prepared for the burden that comes with this title."

Minato smiled. "I am."

The two men shared a knowing look before parting ways.

As Minato stepped out of the Hokage’s office, he activated his sensory abilities, pinpointing Kakashi’s location within moments.

With a mere thought, he disappeared from the doorway in a yellow flash—and reappeared at Training Ground Seven.

There, he found Kakashi relentlessly practicing his taijutsu.

But something was off.

His movements were sluggish, his stance unsteady. He was forcing himself through sheer willpower, despite his body's clear exhaustion.

"Stop," Minato called out, his voice firm. "You're only destroying your body at this rate."

Kakashi’s movements came to an abrupt halt at the familiar voice.

"Minato-sensei…"

He turned to face his teacher, his lifeless, haunted eyes reflecting the torment within.

Minato sighed. "Even if you punish yourself like this, do you really think it would make Rin happy?"

At the mention of her name, Kakashi visibly flinched. His lips trembled, his hands clenching into fists.

"Rin…"

"I know you feel responsible for what happened," Minato continued. "But there are things you need to know. You weren’t the only one caught in this web… We were all manipulated."

Kakashi’s breath hitched. "What…?"

Minato took a step closer, his expression serious.

"I still don’t have all the answers, but I can tell you this: What happened that day was not a coincidence. Someone orchestrated everything, from beginning to end."

He proceeded to explain his theories—the deliberate placement of his Flying Thunder God kunai, the strange actions of the Kirigakure forces, and the timing of everything leading up to Rin’s death.

By the time he finished, Kakashi was shaking. His breathing had become ragged.

"You’re telling me… someone led you there on purpose?" he asked in disbelief. "That—That can’t be possible!"

Minato’s gaze didn’t waver. "It is. And now, I need to know—how exactly did you and Rin escape Kirigakure’s custody?"

Kakashi’s response was immediate.

"A Kirigakure ANBU named Mei Terumi helped us escape."

Minato's eyes widened slightly at the name, then he chuckled.

"Mei Terumi, huh? So she’s already joined the ANBU…"

Kakashi blinked. "You… know her?"

Minato nodded. "Years ago, I encountered her in Kirigakure. If my memory is correct, she should be around fourteen now. To have already joined the ANBU at that age… She must be quite gifted."

Kakashi hesitated, then asked, "So… she wasn’t lying to us?"

Minato’s expression darkened.

No—Mei Terumi wasn't the problem. The real issue was why she had been watching over Kakashi and Rin in the first place.

Then, a chilling realization struck him.

"If Mei Terumi was the one assigned to guard you two… then it means that person in the shadows planned for her to be there."

Kakashi’s eyes widened. "What…?"

His mind reeled, and then, everything clicked.

"You mean—letting Mei Terumi guard Rin and me was part of someone’s plan?"

Minato nodded gravely.

"Yes. We were all being manipulated from the very beginning."

Chapter 580: Not a Person

"Yeah."

Minato nodded, his expression serious. The one orchestrating this grand scheme had clearly anticipated his past connection with Mei Terumi.

They must have known that once Mei Terumi realized Kakashi and Rin were his students, she would help them escape without hesitation.

This was why only Kakashi and Rin had been captured.

Everything had been planned from the very beginning.

The forest around them had grown silent once more, save for the rustling of leaves in the cool night breeze. Both Minato and Kakashi stood in deep contemplation, the weight of the truth settling over them like an oppressive fog.

The longer Minato thought, the more certain he became.

The Kirigakure forces had been locked in battle with Konoha’s troops along the coastline of the Land of Fire for some time.

But then, monsters with power comparable to the Tailed Beasts had suddenly been released upon the battlefield. The attack had been brutal—if Might Duy hadn’t sacrificed himself by unlocking the Eight Gates, their forces would have been annihilated.

Even so, Kirigakure had sent even more reinforcements, overwhelming Fugaku and the other Konoha forces, allowing Kirigakure’s shinobi to sneak deep into the Land of Fire’s territory.

At the same time, Minato had been deliberately lured to Kakashi and Rin’s location, right as they had managed to escape.

Minato’s pupils contracted sharply.

Everything—everything—had revolved around him, Kakashi, and Rin.

And, crucially, the attack on the coastline had occurred not long after Minato had killed the Third Raikage on the Kumo front.

There was only one conclusion.

Whoever was behind this needed to delay Konoha's rescue operation for Kakashi and Rin.

It was all part of an elaborate design. But why? What was the true objective behind all these events?

And then—the Three-Tails.

The sudden memory of the chakra he had sensed sent a chill down Minato’s spine.

“Could it be…?”

His eyes snapped toward Kakashi.

“When you and Rin were captured,” Minato asked urgently, “were you imprisoned together the entire time?”

Kakashi shook his head. “No. There was a period where we were separated.”

Minato’s gaze darkened. “Did Kirigakure interrogate you?”

Kakashi hesitated, then furrowed his brows. “No. That’s what felt strange. They never asked us anything. It didn’t make sense to capture us if they weren’t going to interrogate us…”

As Kakashi spoke, the pieces clicked into place for Minato.

His chaotic doubts from before suddenly aligned.

Kirigakure had made Rin the Three-Tails’ Jinchūriki.

Then, they had deliberately allowed her and Kakashi to escape, all while their forces were launching an assault on Konoha’s camp. The goal was clear—they wanted to ensure that Rin and Kakashi couldn’t rejoin Konoha’s main forces.

The only path left for the two of them to take was…

To return to Konoha itself.

And if the Three-Tails inside Rin lost control the moment they reached the village—

Minato’s breath hitched.

At that time, no one in Konoha would have been able to stop it.

Rin must have realized this. She must have sensed the beast within her, understood the enemy’s true intentions—and that was why she had chosen to die.

Not because she was trying to help Kakashi escape.

But because she was protecting the village.

The weight of the revelation struck Minato like a hammer to the chest.

His heart twisted painfully.

How hopeless must Rin have felt in that moment?

A kind and gentle girl—forced to choose death to save her home.

And yet, there were still unanswered questions.

Why had the enemy gone to such lengths to lure Minato himself to that battlefield?

And who had used Wood Release to kill dozens of Kirigakure shinobi that day?

Finally—where was Rin’s body?

Only Kirigakure would have taken the corpse of a Jinchūriki.

But all the Kirigakure ninjas involved in the operation had been wiped out.

So who had taken her body?

"Damn it… Who is behind all this?!"

Kakashi’s voice shook with rage as his fists clenched.

If Minato-sensei was right, then Rin’s death had never been an accident.

It had all been engineered.

If not for that person—if not for their schemes—Rin would still be alive.

He turned toward Minato, his single exposed eye burning with frustration and fury. But Minato only shook his head.

He still didn’t know the true identity of their enemy.

"How… How could this happen?" Kakashi muttered, his breath ragged. "Even you—even you, Minato-sensei, were caught in their trap!"

If even Minato, one of the strongest shinobi in the world, had been outmaneuvered, then what kind of enemy were they up against?

How powerful was this ghost in the shadows?

Minato lowered his gaze. "I don’t know who they are yet, Kakashi…"

Then, his voice hardened.

"But I promise you—I will find that person. I will make them pay for what they’ve done to Rin."

His usual warmth was gone, replaced by an icy murderous intent.

The masked man who had attacked Konoha, the one behind this elaborate scheme—whether they were the same person or not, they would both die.

"No."

Kakashi met Minato’s gaze directly, his body trembling not from fear—but from determination.

"This isn’t your responsibility alone, Minato-sensei."

His voice was steady, despite the storm raging within him.

"I won’t let them get away with this either!"

Minato’s expression softened slightly.

He placed a hand on Kakashi’s shoulder.

"If that’s the case, Kakashi," he said gently, "then you can’t continue like this."

Kakashi clenched his jaw. "No. I have to train harder. I’m still too weak."

The one behind this had even been able to manipulate Minato Namikaze.

What chance did he—a mere Jonin—have against such an enemy?

But Minato shook his head. "I told you these things not so that you would burden yourself with hatred."

"If we only act out of revenge," he continued, "we go against Rin’s will."

Kakashi’s lips parted slightly.

"If Rin were still alive, do you think she would be happy to see you like this?"

The question hit Kakashi like a kunai to the chest.

"No…" he murmured.

Rin had always been kind. She had always put others before herself.

She would never have wanted them to be consumed by hatred.

Minato placed more pressure on Kakashi’s shoulder.

"Don’t betray Rin’s memory by turning away from who you are. If you truly want to honor her, then live."

Kakashi’s fingers trembled. He closed his eyes, recalling memories of Rin—her smile, her warmth, her unwavering belief in her friends.

Finally, he opened his eyes and nodded firmly.

"I understand… Minato-sensei."

The flicker of determination had returned.

Minato smiled in relief.

The night grew darker, the sky swallowed by shadow.

Far away, in a dense, unknown forest, a whirlpool of space twisted violently—

A masked man emerged from the distortion.

A voice whispered beside him.

"Your mastery of those eyes is improving."

The man’s scarlet eyes glowed under his mask.

He had arrived.

And then—

A flurry of black kunai shot toward him from the depths of the cave.