[Naruto : Yellow Flash] Chapter 516 - 520

Chapter 516: Alliance Collapses

“Why didn’t you stop Nagato from attacking just now?”
Jiraiya’s voice carried a mixture of frustration and curiosity as he glanced at Minato, his expression shadowed with complexity. He knew Minato’s abilities better than anyone. If the Yellow Flash of Konoha had intervened, Nagato wouldn’t have had the chance to deliberately target Uchiha Yoruki.

In the face of Minato’s unparalleled speed and strategic precision, few could gain the upper hand. Even Uchiha Yoruki, powerful as he was, knew this truth.

Minato, startled by the question, lowered his gaze. His blue eyes softened with hesitation as he responded, “I don’t know how to explain it, Jiraiya-sensei. I… I didn’t want to become their enemy.”

Jiraiya’s brows furrowed. “Is it because they’re my disciples?”

“That’s part of it,” Minato admitted with a weary sigh. “But it’s not the whole reason. Considering the situation, even if I had acted, it wouldn’t have guaranteed a decisive advantage for us.”

Minato’s voice grew quieter, his thoughts turning inward. Nagato’s strength, bolstered by the Rinnegan, was formidable. Though he lacked Uchiha Yoruki’s sheer power, Nagato’s potential made him an unpredictable adversary. Minato had analyzed the situation thoroughly. Even with his precise understanding of the enemy’s tactics, the odds of completely neutralizing threats like Hanzo or Nagato without catastrophic consequences were slim.

Jiraiya, however, wasn’t convinced. His voice took on a darker edge as he said, “Those three have already turned their backs on us. If it were you, Minato, you could’ve ended this.”

“You mean… kill them?” Minato’s tone was sharp, his gaze steady as he met Jiraiya’s eyes.

“Yes,” Jiraiya confirmed grimly.

But Minato shook his head, his voice resolute. “It might be possible with Yahiko or Konan, but I can’t bring myself to kill Nagato. It’s not just because of his connection to you, Sensei. It’s because I see what drives him. Yahiko and Konan mean everything to him. If they were to die by my hand…”

Minato trailed off, his expression tightening. “We would create the most terrifying enemy Konoha has ever faced.”

Jiraiya didn’t interrupt. He knew the weight of Minato’s words. Nagato’s eyes—the legendary Rinnegan—weren’t just a symbol of immense power. They carried the potential for catastrophic destruction. Jiraiya’s thoughts drifted back to Nagato’s childhood, a time when the boy’s uncontrolled emotions had awakened an overwhelming force. It was a memory that haunted him still.

Minato continued, his voice heavy with conviction. “I’d rather pass up this chance than risk creating a nightmare for Konoha. Nagato, with his Rinnegan, might be the child of prophecy that the Great Toad Sage spoke of—the one destined to bring peace to the ninja world.”

Jiraiya’s gaze lingered on Minato, a mixture of doubt and admiration flickering in his eyes. He couldn’t deny the logic in Minato’s words, even if his instincts urged him to act differently.

Minato offered a faint smile, though his tone remained serious. “Your disciples are clever, Sensei. They’re not looking to burn all bridges between the Rain Ninja and Konoha. Instead, they’ve drawn a line between themselves and the three-nation coalition, forcing Hanzo to make a decision.”

Jiraiya’s expression softened slightly, his lips curving into a faint, almost reluctant smile. “If that’s the case, this coalition might fall apart sooner than I thought.”

Minato nodded. “Exactly. Hanzo is no fool. He knows what’s at stake for the Land of Rain. If he wants to protect his position, he’ll have no choice but to abandon this alliance.”

Jiraiya’s shoulders eased, some of his earlier tension dissipating. If Minato’s assessment was correct, then even without a decisive battle, the coalition’s unity was already crumbling.

“You’ve found a way to defuse the tension while preserving Konoha’s position,” Jiraiya remarked, though a shadow of concern lingered in his tone. “Still, those three haven’t yet reached their full potential. They’re walking a dangerous path, and Hanzo won’t appreciate their interference.”

Minato’s smile faded, his expression turning solemn. “True. Even a sapling that stands out too much risks being destroyed by the wind. But this is the path they’ve chosen. It’s not something we can shield them from.”

Jiraiya sighed, his gaze distant. “The road ahead of them is fraught with danger, and as their teacher, I can only hope they’re prepared for what’s to come.”

Minato’s voice dropped to a murmur. “And then there’s the matter of Nagato’s Rinnegan… Uchiha Yoruki won’t let it rest. But this is a matter too significant for us to decide alone. It’s something the Hokage will have to address.”

The two shinobi exchanged a look, their mutual understanding unspoken yet clear. They nodded and turned to rejoin the main force, the weight of their conversation heavy in the air.

Inside a large, dimly lit tent, the tension was palpable. Hanzo’s eyes, cold and calculating, swept over the three figures before him. His voice, laced with irritation, broke the silence. “Our alliance ends here.”

Rōshi, standing to the side, shrugged indifferently, but the other two—Kitsuchi and the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa—reacted with visible displeasure.

“Are you afraid?” Rōshi sneered, his voice dripping with mockery.

Hanzo’s gaze darkened, but he kept his composure. “I joined this alliance for mutual benefit, nothing more. Now it’s clear that you can’t provide what I need.”

Rasa’s lips curled into a scornful smile. “You’ve gained nothing from this war, yet you’re already retreating. How can you stomach such humiliation?”

Hanzo’s expression hardened. “You misunderstand me. Strength is what truly matters in this world—not reputation. If I continue this farce, I’ll only weaken myself further. I refuse to let your failures drag me down.”

Kitsuchi’s eyes narrowed. “Do you realize the consequences of defying the major ninja villages? You’ll isolate yourself completely.”

Hanzo’s laugh was sharp and humorless. “Do you think I fear you? Look around you. Konoha’s strength has grown too overwhelming. You should worry more about surviving their counterattack than threatening me.”

Anger flickered across the faces of Rasa and Kitsuchi, but before they could retort, Hanzo turned sharply on his heel and strode out of the tent.

Outside, the Rain Ninja awaited him in tense silence. The atmosphere was oppressive, charged with unspoken fear and unease. Hanzo stopped, his piercing gaze sweeping over his subordinates.

“Investigate everything about the Akatsuki organization,” he ordered, his voice icy and commanding. The air seemed to grow colder, his words carrying a foreboding chill.

The Rain Ninja nodded in unison, their movements brisk and deliberate as they dispersed. Hanzo stood alone, his thoughts shrouded in darkness.

Chapter 517: The Allied Forces Retreat

One day later, in the Konoha camp, the atmosphere was tense yet tinged with relief. The faint morning mist hung over the tents, blending with the whispers of shinobi recounting the prior day’s events.

Shibi Aburame, his expression stoic as always, pushed past the flaps of the command tent. Inside, a group of senior shinobi turned their attention to him immediately, their gazes sharp and expectant.

“The armies of the Rock Ninja and Sand Ninja are retreating,” Shibi reported, his voice calm yet carrying an undertone of urgency. “They’ve begun withdrawing from the inner borders of the Land of Rain and are moving toward their respective territories.”

Jiraiya and Minato, positioned at the rear of the tent, exchanged glances. The information was not unexpected, but it carried significant implications.

“Well done, Shibi. Your efforts have been invaluable,” Jiraiya said with a faint smile, though his tone held a weight of contemplation.

Shibi nodded briefly before stepping back, allowing the leaders to deliberate. His insect-controlling abilities had proven indispensable in tracking enemy movements, offering Konoha an edge in intelligence that few could counter.

“Damn it!” Hinata Tenki exclaimed, his fist slamming against the table. “If not for the Akatsuki’s interference, we would’ve secured a decisive victory!”

Uchiha Yoruki, standing silently nearby, frowned slightly at the outburst. His dark eyes flicked toward Minato, who remained calm and composed despite the heated discussion.

Minato’s demeanor was unsettling to some, especially to Yoruki. The lack of immediate explanation from either Minato or Jiraiya regarding Nagato left questions lingering in the air. However, despite the lack of a complete triumph, the retreat of the coalition forces marked a significant turning point.

The war, which had raged for months along the borders of the Land of Rain, was finally easing. For the first time in over half a year, the shinobi of Konoha could breathe a sigh of relief.

Since the outbreak of the Third Ninja World War, Konoha had faced relentless attacks from the four major ninja villages. Yet, time and time again, they had repelled these assaults, shifting the balance of power steadily in their favor.

“Send the information back to the village,” Jiraiya instructed, exhaling a long breath that seemed to carry the weight of the battlefield. He turned to Minato, who nodded in silent agreement.

“This intelligence needs to be delivered personally,” Minato added. “There are details that only Sensei and I are privy to, and it’s crucial the Third Hokage receives them directly.”

Half a day later, the report reached Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. Alone in his office, he read the scroll with a solemn expression. The faint glow of the evening sun filtered through the window, casting long shadows over the desk.

Hiruzen took a deep draw from his pipe, the smoke curling lazily in the air as he processed the gravity of the situation. “The Akatsuki organization… and the Rinnegan,” he murmured, his voice barely audible in the quiet room.

Jiraiya had previously informed him about Nagato and the events in the Land of Rain. Over the years, Hiruzen had made attempts to gather information on the Rinnegan, but Hanzo’s control over the region had kept many secrets well hidden. The revelation that Jiraiya’s former students had formed an organization capable of disrupting the war’s dynamics was both surprising and alarming.

Their actions had hindered Konoha’s counterattack, making it clear that the Akatsuki could not be ignored. By conventional standards, they would be added to Konoha’s red list as a high-priority threat. Yet, Minato’s cautious notes in the report gave Hiruzen pause.

“If the Land of Rain becomes fully aligned with the enemy, the consequences could be catastrophic,” Hiruzen muttered. Hanzo’s presence alone was enough to warrant vigilance, but the addition of Nagato and his Rinnegan posed an unprecedented risk.

Summoning the Anbu, Hiruzen instructed them to notify Konoha’s high-ranking officials for an immediate meeting.

Inside the operations meeting room, the air was heavy with tension as Hiruzen detailed the latest developments.

“The sudden emergence of the Akatsuki has significantly altered the situation,” Hiruzen began. His voice was steady, though a flicker of unease passed through the room. “In addition to their interference, we now face the potential threat of Nagato’s Rinnegan.”

Homura Mitokado and Utane Koharu, seated at the table, exchanged grave looks. Koharu was the first to speak. “Regardless of their origins, we must investigate the Akatsuki thoroughly once this war concludes. Leaving such an organization unchecked is a risk we cannot afford.”

Hiruzen nodded, his tone resolute. “Agreed. For now, however, we must focus on the immediate threats. I am assigning Jiraiya to lead the defense of the Land of Grass. Iwagakure has established a supply line there, and we cannot allow them to gain a foothold.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping the room. “We will also strengthen the defense around Mount Kikyo in the Land of Rivers and maintain a presence along the Land of Fire’s coastline. Hyuga Tenki and Kato Dan will take over the coastline defenses, while the Uchiha clan will be reassigned to other critical positions.”

The advisors nodded in agreement, though Homura Mitokado added cautiously, “While this strategy is sound, we must remain vigilant. The enemy may yet attempt a simultaneous assault, as they did during the First Ninja World War.”

Hiruzen’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Preparations are already underway. Minato’s leadership has been instrumental thus far, and I trust he will continue to deliver results.”

As the discussion continued, Danzo Shimura remained silent, his expression dark and contemplative. The mention of Minato’s growing influence only deepened the shadows in his eyes.

Back at the Root headquarters, the atmosphere was as cold and foreboding as ever. Danzo stood in the dimly lit chamber, his gaze fixed on the figure kneeling before him.

“Send operatives into the Land of Rain,” Danzo ordered, his voice low and sharp. “I want every detail about this so-called Akatsuki organization. Use whatever means necessary.”

The operative bowed and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Danzo alone with his thoughts.

Chapter 518: The Last Power

The war at the border of the Land of Rain had reached its inevitable conclusion. With the collapse of the three-nation coalition, Konoha stood as the clear victor, though the battle had left scars on all sides. Shinobi from every village had fallen, and while Konoha emerged with an upper hand, the victory was hard-earned.

Across all fronts, Konoha’s forces were far from idle. The campfires that once illuminated the battlefield had been replaced by the hurried movements of ninja preparing for redeployment. The tension was palpable, each shinobi understanding what lay ahead.

This was no ordinary battle. This was the calm before the storm, the prelude to the final decisive clash that would end the Third Ninja World War.

Among the chaos of preparation, whispers of a new and mysterious player—the Akatsuki organization—began to circulate. Their interference in the Land of Rain had shifted the tide of battle, forcing even the most seasoned strategists to reevaluate their plans. Yet, despite their newfound prominence, the nations had little time to focus on the enigmatic group. Konoha’s rapid and decisive movements made one thing abundantly clear: the final stage of the war was upon them, and there was no turning back.

Cloud Village, Land of Lightning

In the Cloud Village, the combat meeting room was shrouded in tension. The air was thick with unease as the Third Raikage stood at the head of the table, his imposing frame casting long shadows over the world map before him. His sharp, battle-hardened eyes traced the lines of the map, his mind running through countless strategies.

Several months earlier, he had placed his faith in Hanzo of the Rain Village. The plan was straightforward: with Hanzo’s support, the coalition of Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and Amegakure would breach the Land of Rain and open a path into the Land of Fire. It was meant to be the turning point of the war.

But reality had shattered that vision.

The coalition forces had been halted, not by sheer numbers, but by the brilliance of one man: Namikaze Minato. Known as Konoha’s Yellow Flash, Minato had taken on the combined might of three nations and neutralized their advantage with unmatched speed, precision, and strategy.

Adding to the Raikage’s frustration was the catastrophic defeat of Kirigakure. Their attempt to attack Konoha’s coastline had ended in disaster, with more than half of their elite forces wiped out. The name of another Konoha ninja, a wielder of the Mangekyō Sharingan, had begun to spread, further cementing Konoha’s growing dominance.

The Third Raikage clenched his fists, his voice low and firm. “It seems I must meet this Namikaze Minato in person.”

The council members seated around the table exchanged uneasy glances. One of them, a senior Cloud Ninja, finally spoke, his voice laced with concern. “Lord Raikage, is that wise? If you leave the village to join the front lines, we risk exposing ourselves to Iwagakure. Their intentions have never been trustworthy.”

The Raikage’s stern gaze shifted to the speaker. “I am well aware of the risks. But look at the situation. With Konoha’s current strength, do we truly have the luxury of holding back? Every moment we hesitate, Konoha grows stronger.”

The room fell silent as his words sank in. Each member of the council knew the truth of his statement, though admitting it aloud felt like acknowledging their defeat.

“Even Ohnoki and Chiyo understand the stakes,” the Raikage continued. “If they wish to preserve what remains of their dignity, they will make the same choice as me. The four great nations cannot afford to lose this war, not just for our survival, but for our pride as shinobi.”

The weight of his words settled over the room. The thought of defeat was unbearable. It wasn’t just about casualties or resources—it was about their legacy. If Konoha emerged victorious, the shame of the four great nations would echo through history.

Sunagakure, Land of Wind

In the heart of the Sand Village, Elder Chiyo sat in the dimly lit hall, her once-bright eyes dulled by years of loss and hardship. The Third Ninja World War had left its mark on her, and the weight of the village’s struggles was etched into the lines on her face.

Sunagakure had been unique among the great villages during this war. Unlike the other nations, where the Kage took direct command, Chiyo had overseen the village while the young Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, led their forces in the field. It was a deliberate arrangement, meant to build Rasa’s reputation.

But things hadn’t gone as planned. Rasa’s inexperience had led to two significant defeats, both at the hands of Namikaze Minato. Each failure had further solidified Konoha’s dominance and left Sunagakure struggling to maintain its position.

For Chiyo, the name Minato brought back bitter memories. He was the man responsible for her daughter-in-law’s death during the last war, and alongside the legendary Konoha White Fang, he had caused the death of her only son. Her grandson, Sasori, had abandoned the village in his quest for vengeance, leaving her with a void that no amount of victory could fill.

A Sand Ninja burst into the hall, his breath labored. “Elder Chiyo! Lord Kazekage and his forces have entered the River Country.”

Chiyo’s eyes sharpened, the grief in her expression replaced by a cold determination. The time for mourning had passed. Now, only action remained.

Iwagakure, Land of Earth

In Iwagakure, the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, hovered midair in the conference room, his small frame belying the authority he commanded. From his vantage point, he could see the bustling activity of the village below, shinobi moving with purpose as they prepared for the battles to come.

“Tsuchikage-sama,” a subordinate said, bowing deeply. “Lord Kitsuchi and his forces have returned to the Land of Grass. They await your orders.”

Ōnoki’s gaze remained fixed on the horizon for a moment before he turned to face the room. His expression was unreadable, but his tone carried the weight of finality. “From this point forward, I will take personal command of our operations.”

The room fell into stunned silence. It was rare for Ōnoki to take such a direct role, and his decision underscored the gravity of the situation.

In his mind, memories of past battles stirred. He thought of Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, and the countless times their paths had crossed on the battlefield. “Hiruzen,” Ōnoki murmured under his breath, his voice a mix of nostalgia and resolve. “How many years has it been since we last stood against each other?”

Chapter 519 Before the Fight

After about half a year of relentless conflict and strategic maneuvering, the Third Ninja World War was nearing its climactic final battle. The tension that gripped the ninja world was palpable, like the stillness before a devastating storm.

Sunagakure, Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure—four great powers that had faced one defeat after another—were unwilling to admit defeat. Unyielding, they marshaled their remaining forces, sending their most formidable warriors to various fronts in a desperate bid to turn the tide.

This was their last gambit, a show of power that would either cement their dominance or consign them to ruin. Among these forces were the Kages of the major ninja nations, leaders whose strength and reputation could shape the course of history.

While the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, was relatively young and untested, the others were legends in their own right. The Third Hokage, hailed as a ninja hero, stood on equal footing with the demigod Hanzo. Opposing him were the indomitable Third Tsuchikage and the indestructible Third Raikage.

In a contest of strength, it was difficult to say who among them held the upper hand.

The war had reached a fever pitch. Even the leaders of nations, once content to issue orders from the safety of their capitals, could no longer remain idle.

News of their movements spread like wildfire, sparking shock and awe across the ninja world. The magnitude of this development eclipsed even the sensation caused by Minato Namikaze's astonishing victory over Hanzo.

The stage was set for a war that would forever alter the balance of power.

As the world braced for the inevitable clash, far from the bustling battlefields, in a shadowy subterranean lair, whispers of the war filtered through the darkness. Amid the gloom, a hunchbacked old man listened, his face slowly curling into a sinister smile. To him, the movements of the Kages were mere ripples in a pond—trivial disturbances in the grand scheme of his plans.

In his mind, the only one worthy of his attention was a young ninja in Konoha.

"Konoha has begun gathering all ninjas under the age of fifteen along the coastline of the Land of Fire," White Zetsu reported, his voice echoing faintly in the cavernous space. "Among them are Uchiha Obito and Hatake Kakashi."

Madara Uchiha's eyes narrowed slightly. His voice, though soft, carried an undeniable authority. "Ah, Sarutobi Hiruzen... Truly a student of Hashirama and Tobirama. Even with the war reaching its zenith, he still clings to the notion of preserving the 'spark' of Konoha's future."

Konoha faced enemies on four fronts, yet the Hidden Mist Village seemed to pose the least threat. The loss of four of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist in a battle where Uchiha Yoruki awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan had left Kirigakure crippled.

Subsequent attacks orchestrated by Uchiha Fugaku had only worsened their plight. With their forces weakened, the Kirigakure front was deemed the safest, making it the logical choice for safeguarding Konoha's young ninjas.

"Chiyo of Sunagakure, the Third Raikage of Kumogakure, and the Third Tsuchikage of Iwagakure are all moving toward the battlefield. What about Kirigakure?" White Zetsu inquired, his tone curious.

Madara's lips curled into a faint smirk. "The true Third Mizukage is dead. While the impostor can mimic his appearance and chakra signature, he lacks his strength. Kirigakure is of no concern. All we need to do is ensure their forces are not utterly annihilated."

Pausing briefly, he added, "Now that the one I need is within reach, the next phase of my plan can begin."

"And the other major nations?" White Zetsu pressed.

"Let them clash. There is no turning back for them now. This war will not end until one side is completely crushed." Madara's voice was tinged with cold amusement, as though he relished the chaos unfolding across the lands.

White Zetsu nodded in agreement before shifting topics. "Hanzo and Danzo have been focusing on the Akatsuki organization, gathering intelligence about their movements."

Madara's expression darkened slightly. "Then we must accelerate our plans." His gaze shifted to the massive, grotesque form of the Gedo Statue looming in the shadows. "Nagato will soon begin to harness the power of my Rinnegan. It is only a matter of time."

Meanwhile, Konoha's forces continued their strategic adjustments across multiple fronts. At the heart of their efforts was Minato Namikaze. With his mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique, Minato became a vital asset, able to traverse battlefields in an instant.

His presence drastically bolstered Konoha's response capabilities, and his exploits earned him a growing reputation as the Yellow Flash.

On the border between Konoha and Iwagakure in the Land of Grass, tensions simmered. Jiraiya clashed repeatedly with Yellow Earth, yet neither side initiated a full-scale assault. Both forces seemed to be waiting for their trump cards to arrive.

Farther south, in the borderlands between the Land of Rivers and the Land of Wind, Konoha's forces, led by Tsunade and Orochimaru, faced off against the Fourth Kazekage's troops.

Initial skirmishes ended with the Kazekage retreating into the desert, exploiting the terrain to neutralize Konoha's numerical advantage.

Reinforcements soon arrived in the form of Elder Chiyo, setting the stage for a fierce showdown between the old and new generations of kunoichi.

On the Cloud Ninja front, Minato monitored the situation closely. The arrival of the Third Raikage was like a thunderclap, both figuratively and literally.

As the imposing figure descended into the Cloud Ninja camp with blinding speed and electrifying intensity, it became clear that the Raikage's strength was unparalleled.

"Father," A greeted respectfully, his voice steady but tinged with reverence.

"Lord Raikage!" others echoed, their tones ranging from awe to admiration.

The Third Raikage surveyed his surroundings briefly before issuing his command. "Report Konoha's current status and prepare for an offensive."

Without another word, he strode into the command tent, his presence radiating an aura of raw power and determination.

In Konoha's camp, Minato sensed the Third Raikage's arrival from afar. The violent surge of chakra was impossible to miss, even at a distance. His keen mind analyzed the situation quickly.

"So, the Third Raikage is finally here," Minato murmured. His gaze sharpened as he considered the implications. The sheer speed of the Raikage's arrival was astonishing. Most ninja would have been torn apart by the force of such rapid movement. It was a testament to the Raikage's unparalleled physical prowess—his ability to endure what would destroy others.

"Did you sense something?" a calm voice interrupted his thoughts. It was Hatake Sakumo, the White Fang of Konoha, standing beside him with his signature short sword at the ready.

Minato turned to his senior with a resolute expression. "Sakumo-senpai, prepare for battle. The Third Raikage has arrived."

Chapter 520: The Third Raikage

At the border of the Moon Country, tension crackled like a brewing storm. The forces of Konoha and Kumogakure were gathering their strength, each side preparing for the inevitable clash. The air was heavy with anticipation, the kind that precedes the chaos of battle.

As the Konoha camp finalized its defenses, a sudden movement broke the stillness. From the direction of the Cloud Ninja camp, several figures surged forward, their movements swift and deliberate.

“They’re on the move already? Impatient as ever,” Minato Namikaze murmured, his tone calm but his gaze sharp. Standing beside him, Hatake Sakumo nodded in agreement.

Minato’s senses were already active, his unparalleled perception picking up the distinct signatures of powerful chakras rapidly approaching. “It seems we’ll need to intercept them, Sakumo-senpai,” Minato added, his voice steady despite the urgency of the situation.

Sakumo, ever the seasoned warrior, issued quick instructions to the gathered ninjas before stepping out of the tent with Minato. Together, they headed toward the mountain path where the approaching enemies were likely to emerge.

Meanwhile, deep in the winding trails of the mountain, the Cloud Ninja team pressed forward. Their leader, the imposing Third Raikage, moved with the precision of a veteran warrior. His eyes, sharp as a hawk’s, scanned the horizon.

“Namikaze Minato and Hatake Sakumo are coming,” one of the ninjas reported, his voice tinged with both respect and unease.

“Where?” The Third Raikage’s voice was a low rumble, commanding immediate attention.

Ahead of them, Killer B pointed out the direction, his expression uncharacteristically serious.

In a flash, lightning surged across the Third Raikage’s body, forming a dense armor of crackling energy. Unlike the brighter lightning of his subordinates, his was a dark, almost ominous hue—a testament to the sheer concentration and potency of his chakra. It wasn’t a sign of weakness but rather of raw, condensed power that defied ordinary comprehension.

With a burst of speed, the Third Raikage shot forward, his acceleration shaking the very air. The other Cloud Ninjas, their own lightning armor activated, followed closely. Killer B, wrapped in the substantial red aura of his tailed beast cloak, was no less impressive, his movements fluid and powerful.

At the forefront, A demonstrated his superior speed, surging ahead of even his father. The four figures carved a path through the mountains like bolts of living lightning.

As they neared the end of the trail, a glint of blue light appeared in the distance. A kunai streaked toward them, crackling with faint arcs of lightning.

The sight of the weapon caused A, Killer B, and the others to tense reflexively. Memories of past encounters with Minato flashed through their minds—encounters that had left an indelible impression.

The Third Raikage, however, was unfazed. With a single, decisive motion, he swung his fist toward the incoming kunai. But before his punch connected, a figure materialized beside the weapon, his azure eyes gleaming with calm intensity.

“Flying Thunder God Killing Technique!” Minato’s voice rang out as wind chakra condensed around the kunai, forming a razor-sharp blade. With lightning speed, he slashed at the Third Raikage’s chest.

The wind blade struck the dark lightning armor but shattered upon impact, dissipating into harmless fragments of energy. Minato’s pupils narrowed in surprise. Despite the wind chakra’s natural advantage over lightning, his attack hadn’t even left a scratch on the Raikage’s formidable defense.

“So this is the famed absolute defense of the Third Raikage…” Minato thought, his mind racing.

The Raikage wasted no time counterattacking. His fist, imbued with devastating power, swung toward Minato with deadly precision.

At the same moment, A and Killer B flanked Minato, their attacks converging from both sides. The synchronized assault left no room for error.

But Minato remained composed. With a flash of light, he vanished from their midst, reappearing a safe distance away.

“Flying Thunder God Technique…” the Third Raikage muttered, his voice carrying a hint of grudging admiration. He, along with A and Killer B, paused momentarily, their eyes locking onto Minato’s new position.

From the shadows, Hatake Sakumo stepped forward, his presence calm yet commanding. “What incredible chakra,” he remarked, his sharp instincts picking up on the overwhelming energy radiating from the Third Raikage.

Minato nodded slightly. “The Raikage’s chakra is immense, rivaling that of the tailed beasts. His physical strength and resilience make him an opponent unlike any other.”

Despite his admiration, Minato’s mind remained focused. He knew that the Third Raikage’s strength wasn’t just a rumor—it was a reality he now faced head-on.

“Konoha’s White Fang, Hatake Sakumo,” the Third Raikage said, his deep voice echoing across the battlefield. Though he acknowledged Sakumo, his gaze quickly shifted back to Minato. The brief skirmish had confirmed Minato’s reputation as the Yellow Flash—a warrior whose speed and precision were unparalleled.

Minato, in turn, recognized the gravity of the situation. Facing the combined might of the Third Raikage, A, Killer B, and their lightning-clad ally was a challenge even greater than his previous battles against Hanzo and other powerful foes.

The Third Raikage’s eyes narrowed. “Your speed is impressive, Namikaze Minato. But I wonder… can it match my defense?”

His words were laced with a quiet fury. Though he respected Minato’s abilities, he was not one to tolerate being underestimated.

Minato’s heart pounded as he prepared for what was to come. He knew that the advantage of speed he often relied on would be less effective against opponents who could match or even rival his swiftness.

Taking a deep breath, Minato began forming hand seals. Natural energy surged into his body, his connection to the environment amplifying his strength. His azure eyes took on a distinct orange hue, signaling the activation of Sage Mode.

“Be careful! His chakra has increased again!” Killer B exclaimed, his voice carrying a note of urgency.

Minato’s body moved in a blur, his enhanced speed and power making him a blur of motion. His first strike, a powerful punch infused with natural energy, shot toward the Third Raikage.

The Raikage’s response was immediate. Raising his right arm, he extended his fingers, dark lightning surging around them