[Naruto : Yellow Flash] Chapter 511 - 515

Chapter 511: Standpoint

"You must be Minato-san, right? My name is Yahiko!"

Yahiko greeted Minato with a warm smile. Despite being the leader of Akatsuki, he was, in essence, a boy no older than sixteen or seventeen. His voice carried a mix of youthful energy and the weight of responsibility that came with his position.

Minato observed the orange-haired boy, who was shorter than him, standing there with an earnest expression. The sincerity in Yahiko’s smile made it impossible for Minato to feel any hostility.

Although Yahiko had stated earlier that he came to assist Hanzo and the others, Minato bore no grudge. His teacher, Jiraiya, had shown no particular concern for this situation, and Minato wasn’t one to hold animosity without cause.

"I’ve heard Jiraiya-sensei mention you often," Minato replied with a smile of his own. "He speaks highly of you and your group. It seems you’re truly remarkable young people."

Despite his light-hearted tone, the unique markings of Sage Mode on Minato’s face gave him an otherworldly appearance. The oil-like pigmentation, combined with his already striking features, made him look both ethereal and intimidating. Yet, there was a kindness in his gaze that softened his otherwise formidable presence.

Behind Yahiko stood Konan and Nagato, their expressions carefully measured as they observed the "legendary" senior brother that their teacher had been praising when he taught them.

Konoha’s Yellow Flash, a name whispered with awe and dread across the nations, had cemented his reputation during this Third Ninja World War. His exploits—particularly his devastating victory over Iwagakure, where he had reportedly eliminated more than 800 ninjas—were unparalleled.

For Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato, Minato’s name carried a mix of fascination and trepidation. Stories of his speed, precision, and deadly efficiency made him a figure larger than life. However, the man before them, with his gentle demeanor and disarming smile, seemed almost at odds with the fearsome reputation that preceded him.

"You must be Konan and Nagato, right?" Minato asked, his eyes shifting from Yahiko to the two standing behind him.

Konan, the purple-haired kunoichi, stood poised with an air of quiet determination. Beside her, Nagato remained shrouded under the hood of his black robe, his face partially obscured.

With his keen observational skills, Minato noticed the way Nagato’s eyes glimmered faintly under the shadows of the hood. The distinct concentric patterns within his purple irises were unmistakable—the Rinnegan.

Minato felt a flicker of unease ripple through him.

The Rinnegan.

It was a legendary dojutsu, said to belong only to the Sage of Six Paths. The presence of such a power in Nagato’s gaze sent a chill through Minato’s soul.

Within him, the residual will of the Nine-Tailed Fox stirred uneasily.

"Those eyes… they belong to the Sage of Six Paths!" The nine-tail’s voice rumbled in Minato’s mind, trembling with both fear and reverence.

Minato’s expression remained neutral, concealing his inner thoughts as he studied Nagato. He surmised that Nagato was intentionally keeping his power hidden, and Minato respected his discretion. A power like the Rinnegan was not just rare—it was a magnet for danger.

Among the three great dojutsu—Sharingan, Byakugan, and Rinnegan—the latter was in a league of its own. Unlike the Uchiha and Hyuga clans, whose eyes were famed but protected by their prominence, the Rinnegan was the stuff of myths. If the truth of Nagato’s power became known, it would undoubtedly draw the attention of every opportunistic faction in the ninja world.

Minato’s thoughts turned to the Uzumaki clan. Their immense power and unique chakra had once been the envy of other nations, leading to their downfall. The fear and greed of others had united to destroy them.

The realization weighed on Minato. If Nagato’s lineage was Uzumaki, his possession of the Rinnegan would make him a target unlike any other.

While Minato exchanged pleasantries with Yahiko and his group, the atmosphere among the other leaders darkened.

Rasa, Kitsuchi, and Rōshi stood nearby, their expressions grim. Their presence, though formidable, was overshadowed by the dynamic unfolding between Jiraiya’s disciples and Minato.

"Where do these children come from?" Rōshi muttered, his voice laced with irritation as he glanced at Hanzo.

The mention of Nagato seemed to trigger something in Rōshi. His instincts as a jinchuriki warned him of the immense chakra radiating from Nagato. A sense of unease lingered, one that he couldn’t quite shake.

Hanzo, too, appeared uneasy. His usually confident demeanor faltered as he realized the depth of the connections between Jiraiya, Minato, and Yahiko’s group.

The leader of Akatsuki was Jiraiya’s apprentice. The weight of this revelation hung heavy over Hanzo. Memories of past defeats—particularly his near-fatal encounter with Minato during the previous war—only exacerbated his discomfort.

Yahiko, however, remained composed. After reuniting with Jiraiya and meeting Minato, he allowed himself a brief moment of nostalgia. Then, his demeanor shifted. The warmth in his expression was replaced by the resolute focus of a leader addressing a matter of grave importance.

"Teacher," Yahiko began, his voice steady yet solemn. "I’ve come here to discuss something with the leader of Konoha’s army."

Jiraiya’s brows furrowed slightly, sensing the gravity of Yahiko’s words. Beside him, Minato’s expression also turned serious.

Though Jiraiya took no offense at Yahiko’s formal tone, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. He understood the burden Yahiko carried and the choices he had made. Yahiko was no longer the orphan he had once mentored—he was a leader now, representing his own people and ideals.

"Go ahead," Jiraiya said, exhaling slowly, his breath visible in the cool air.

Yahiko met Jiraiya’s gaze, his determination unwavering. "I request that Konoha’s forces withdraw from the Land of Rain and cease bringing war to our territory. The civilians here have suffered enough."

A tense silence followed his words.

From the sidelines, Uchiha Yoruki scoffed, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Withdraw? You make it sound as though Konoha is the aggressor here."

His sharp gaze shifted to Hanzo. "If you recall, it was your leader who instigated this conflict, poisoning Konoha’s forces along the border of the Land of Rain. That act alone sparked this war."

Hanzo’s expression darkened as Yoruki’s words hit their mark. The demigod of the ninja world, a title Hanzo wore with pride, now felt like a hollow boast in the face of such accusations.

"And if I may remind you," Yoruki continued, "the subsequent alliance between you, the Sand, and the Rock only proved your desperation. Yet even then, you failed to subdue us."

Minato’s gaze locked onto Hanzo, his usual calm replaced by a cold intensity. "Next time, you may not be so fortunate to escape."

Hanzo, despite his composure, felt a shiver run down his spine. The last encounter with Minato had nearly cost him his life. The threat in Minato’s words was not an idle one.

Yahiko raised his hand slightly, signaling for calm. Though he was young, his leadership qualities shone through in moments like this. Turning to Jiraiya and Minato, he spoke again, his tone measured but resolute.

"We acknowledge our mistakes," Yahiko admitted. "But Konoha once stood as a beacon of peace and diplomacy, guided by the principles of the First Hokage. Has that vision been forgotten? War in the Land of Rain will only bring suffering to those who have already endured more than their share of pain."

Chapter 512: On the Opposite Side

Yahiko’s orange-haired head tilted slightly as he looked at Minato, Jiraiya, and Uchiha Yoruki before him. His sincere, unwavering gaze seemed to pierce through the tension in the air, speaking volumes before his words even reached their ears.

From the quiet conviction in his voice, it wasn’t difficult for the three to understand his true intentions. Yahiko didn’t seek to support Hanzo out of ambition or malice but rather to protect the people of the Land of Rain. His aim was simple yet profound: to shield innocent civilians from the horrors of war.

The Land of Rain had been ravaged during the Second Shinobi World War, a battleground for the three major nations of Fire, Wind, and Earth. The unrelenting clashes had left the small nation in ruins, its lands soaked in blood and its skies heavy with sorrow. Thousands of innocent lives had been lost, leaving behind orphans like Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato, who had grown up amidst the chaos.

Although the three of them had been fortunate enough to survive and find guidance under Jiraiya, not everyone had been so lucky. The scars of war ran deep, carving despair into the hearts of those who had lost their homes, families, and futures.

They understood this pain too well.

For Yahiko, his mission to protect the Land of Rain was more than just an ideal; it was a necessity born from his past. Those who had never experienced the destruction of their families and the agony of displacement could never truly comprehend his feelings.

Minato and Uchiha Yoruki, however, were not strangers to loss.

Yoruki, who had recently endured the heart-wrenching pain of losing his father, felt an involuntary flicker of emotion in his otherwise steely gaze. Minato, too, was no stranger to sacrifice. His own wife had once been taken from him, and the burden of sealing the Nine-Tails into his newborn son was a choice that haunted him still.

Yahiko’s plea stirred something within them, a resonance with their own struggles. Yet, Minato’s expression remained calm as he considered the words of the young leader before him.

He thought of the ideals of the First Hokage, who had always advocated for peace and discouraged the invasion of other nations. It was a sentiment rooted in the Warring States Period—a time when life expectancy barely reached thirty years, and chaos reigned supreme. The First Hokage had sought to build a new world where children wouldn’t have to fight on blood-soaked battlefields, but such dreams were difficult to realize.

The reality was that war often forced even the most noble intentions to compromise.

Minato took a deep breath, his azure eyes locking onto Yahiko’s. "You’re right," he began, his voice steady but tinged with sadness. "The First Hokage did say that we should strive for peace and avoid unnecessary conflict."

"But," he continued, his tone growing firmer, "we didn’t choose this war. We didn’t want to fight. But if we don’t act now, our own people—our families—will be the ones suffering. To protect them, we must defeat our enemies."

Yahiko’s expression wavered for a moment, a flicker of hope dashed by Minato’s resolve. Konan and Nagato exchanged glances behind him, their emotions hidden behind calm exteriors, though tension radiated from their every movement.

Yahiko turned his gaze to Hanzo and the others, hoping for a sliver of agreement. Instead, his eyes met the cold, calculating stares of Rasa and his allies.

"If that’s the case," Yahiko began cautiously, "why don’t we both stop? If no one fights, then no one gets hurt."

Minato’s lips curled into a small, humorless smile. Before he could respond, Uchiha Yoruki’s voice cut through the air like a blade.

"What a naive idea," Yoruki muttered, his tone as sharp as the blade in his hand. He slowly raised his right arm, pointing the weapon toward Yahiko and his group. "You should ask them first," he said, his eyes narrowing on Rasa and the others. "Do you think they’re willing to stop?"

Yahiko turned his head, and his heart sank at the sight before him. Rasa’s murderous glare and Rōshi’s impatient scowl made it clear that peace was not an option for them.

Rōshi’s voice, low and disdainful, rumbled through the air. "Kid, if your idea of help is just spouting nonsense, then spare us the speech." His fiery temper burned just beneath the surface, a reflection of the lava release he wielded.

"If you’re intent on fighting," Yahiko countered, his voice steady despite the tension, "do you really think you stand a chance with your current strength?"

Rōshi snorted. "It’s true we’re at a disadvantage now, but do you think we’ll just roll over because of your pretty words? You’re too naive. Konoha has the upper hand, and they’d be fools not to press it. If we retreat now, the other great nations will only regroup and strike back harder."

The harsh truth of Rōshi’s words cut through Yahiko like a blade. Deep down, Yahiko knew he was right. Wars weren’t won or stopped by idealism alone. Yet, Yahiko clung to the hope that there was still a way to avoid further bloodshed.

"Teacher," he said, turning to Jiraiya with a desperate edge to his voice. "Can’t you stop this? Please."

Jiraiya’s eyes softened with regret, but his response was resolute. "Yahiko," he said, his voice heavy with the burden of his position, "this is war. As much as I want to stop the fighting, we cannot let this opportunity slip away. If we let them recover, they’ll return stronger, and the people of the Land of Fire will suffer."

His words carried a finality that left no room for argument. The dignified aura that emanated from him silenced even the whispers of protest in Yahiko’s heart.

"Take your people and leave," Jiraiya said, his tone softening slightly. "I promise you that Konoha will not harm the civilians of the Land of Rain."

Yahiko’s shoulders sagged as the weight of Jiraiya’s words settled over him. The man who had once been his teacher, his guide, now stood firmly on the opposite side.

Behind Yahiko, Konan’s lips parted as if to protest, but she hesitated, her resistance giving way to sorrow. Nagato clenched his fists beneath the folds of his robe, his trembling betraying the storm of emotions within.

The air grew thick with tension, and the world seemed to hold its breath as everyone awaited Yahiko’s next move.

Finally, he exhaled a soft sigh, his brow unfurrowing as his expression shifted to one of resolve.

"Konan, Nagato," he said quietly, glancing back at his comrades. "I’m sorry."

The two looked at him, their eyes wide with understanding.

"If it comes to it," Yahiko continued, "you two should leave. Live to fight another day."

Konan’s initial resistance melted into calm acceptance. "You’re the leader of Akatsuki," she said, her voice steady. "Whatever you decide, we’ll follow without hesitation."

Nagato’s fists tightened further, his voice firm despite the turmoil inside. "I’ve told you before, Yahiko. What you want to do is what I want to do."

The three of them stepped forward, bowing deeply to Jiraiya, their teacher. With each movement, the weight of their decision became clear.

When they straightened, Yahiko’s gaze was steely as he looked into Jiraiya’s eyes one final time.

"If this is how it must be," Yahiko said, his voice unwavering, "then we have no choice but to stand on Hanzo’s side. We cannot allow foreign ninjas to endanger the people of the Land of Rain."

Chapter 513: Nagato's Strength

"I understands."

Jiraiya’s voice was calm, but the weight in his tone was unmistakable. His eyes remained fixed on Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato, his expression resolute, though his heart undoubtedly ached.

Minato stood silently beside his teacher, glancing at him briefly. He knew Jiraiya better than most and understood that beneath his composed exterior, a storm of emotions brewed. Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato weren’t just new enemies—they were Jiraiya’s students, his responsibility, and in many ways, his family.

Yet, circumstances had forced them all to take opposing sides.

Minato’s gaze shifted to the three young leaders. They too wore masks of determination, though the weight of their choice was evident in the tension in their posture. Like Jiraiya, they were caught between personal ties and the duty to protect their people.

As the conversation ended, the atmosphere grew heavy with anticipation. On the opposite side, Hanzo and the other leaders watched intently, their expressions darkening.

"Are these three kids here to die?" Hanzo thought to himself, his brow furrowing.

Rōshi, standing nearby, crossed his arms, his expression betraying his unease. He could sense Nagato’s chakra—a vast, imposing energy that seemed far too powerful for someone so young. The others, including Rasa, were less perceptive, dismissing Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato as mere children who had wandered into a battle they couldn’t hope to survive.

Hanzo’s thoughts were more pragmatic. While he acknowledged Akatsuki’s growing influence in the Land of Rain, he doubted that its young leaders could contend with the likes of Jiraiya, Minato, and Uchiha Yoruki.

But Minato, standing among his allies, thought otherwise.

"Don’t underestimate the enemy," Minato said softly, his words directed at Uchiha Yoruki.

Yoruki turned to Minato, surprised by the warning. His trust in Minato’s judgment outweighed his doubts, and he gave a curt nod.

In an instant, Yoruki moved.

Swish!

The air seemed to ripple as Yoruki surged forward, his Mangekyō Sharingan blazing with intensity. He began forming seals, preparing to unleash his attack.

"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"

Before Yoruki could complete his jutsu, a surge of water erupted from the mist. Nagato had stepped forward, his movements almost imperceptibly quick, and countered with a powerful water dragon that roared through the air.

Yoruki’s eyes narrowed as he adjusted his stance. The sudden attack had caught him off guard—not only because of its speed but also because of its precision. Nagato hadn’t just reacted to his movements; he had anticipated them.

"So fast!" Yoruki thought, his heart pounding.

The water dragon struck with immense force, its serpentine form weaving through the battlefield with unnatural grace. Even without a large body of water nearby, Nagato’s jutsu carried a power that rivaled techniques performed under optimal conditions.

Yoruki quickly countered.

"Fire Style: Great Dragon Fire Technique!"

He formed seals in rapid succession, exhaling a torrent of flames that coalesced into a fiery dragon. The two elemental forces collided with a deafening roar, creating a cloud of steam that enveloped the battlefield.

Minato watched the exchange intently, his expression a mix of admiration and caution. "Nagato’s no ordinary shinobi," he murmured, his gaze shifting between the young man and Yoruki.

The mist that rose from the clash obscured the field, but Yoruki’s Sharingan cut through the haze effortlessly.

"Lightning Style: Ground lightning!"

Nagato’s voice echoed through the fog, followed by a crackling wave of electricity that surged across the ground. The arcs of lightning illuminated the battlefield, forcing Yoruki to leap back as the attack threatened to overwhelm him.

"What a powerful lightning jutsu," Yoruki muttered, impressed despite himself. He steadied his stance, gripping the hilt of his sword as he prepared his next move.

With a swift motion, Yoruki drove his blade into the ground.

"Fire Style: Flame Formation!"

Flames erupted from the blade, spreading in a circular pattern around Yoruki. The fire created a barrier that clashed violently with the encroaching lightning, the two forces exploding in a shower of sparks and embers.

Nagato remained calm amidst the chaos. His black-robed figure moved like a shadow, blending seamlessly into the mist.

Yoruki narrowed his eyes, his Sharingan searching for any sign of movement.

"I found you!"

A silhouette emerged from the haze, and Yoruki wasted no time, rushing toward it with his sword raised. His Mangekyō Sharingan spun, the flame-like patterns within its scarlet depths flaring with power.

"Earth Style: Earth Flow Wall!"

Nagato’s voice rang out again, and the ground beneath Yoruki’s feet trembled. Four massive walls of earth rose around him, forming an imposing barrier that momentarily cut off his path.

"Tch, this kid’s no joke," Yoruki muttered.

Nagato’s mastery of multiple chakra natures was becoming increasingly evident. Water, lightning, earth—each technique was executed with a level of skill that suggested years of experience rather than the youthfulness Nagato’s appearance betrayed.

"Let’s see how your defenses hold up," Yoruki growled, his left eye glowing ominously.

"Rekka no Ken!"

A fiery red light burst from his eye, manifesting as an ethereal blade that descended upon the earthen walls with devastating force. The barrier crumbled under the onslaught, shards of rock scattering in all directions.

But Nagato was already prepared.

"Wind Style: Wind Slash!"

Dozens of razor-sharp wind blades sliced through the mist, targeting Yoruki with surgical precision. The wind howled as the blades closed in, leaving Yoruki with little room to maneuver.

"This kid’s chakra control is insane," Yoruki thought, his respect for Nagato growing despite their clash.

Yoruki countered with a swift series of strikes from his flaming blade.

"Uchiha Style: Explosion Flame Dance!"

The fiery arcs collided with the wind blades, creating a dazzling display of light and heat. The battlefield erupted in chaos, the mist thickening as elemental forces clashed violently.

In the midst of the pandemonium, Nagato moved again. His black-robed figure blurred as he closed the distance between himself and Yoruki.

"Where is he?!" Yoruki’s Sharingan scanned the area, but for the first time, he couldn’t predict his opponent’s movements.

Nagato’s speed was overwhelming. By the time Yoruki sensed his presence, Nagato was already upon him.

Under the black robe hood that covered his face, a pair of strange eyes suddenly looked over, and at this moment, the swirling patterns in Uchiha Yoruki's pupils suddenly solidified!

Chapter 514: Dojutsu Power Suppression

"Swish!"

The patterns within Uchiha Yoruki’s Mangekyō Sharingan solidified abruptly, and a powerful spiritual pressure descended upon him. His brain throbbed as though struck by an invisible force, sending waves of dizziness through his senses. His body trembled uncontrollably, and the Rekka no Ken—the flaming blade conjured by his Mangekyo technique—vanished in an instant.

For a brief moment, Yoruki felt utterly overwhelmed.

His vision blurred, and his knees buckled slightly, but just as quickly, his instincts kicked in. The patterns in his Sharingan began to spin again, countering the oppressive force that bore down on him. Within seconds, he regained control, shaking off the debilitating effect, though his body was drenched in cold sweat.

Nagato, standing a short distance away, took several steps back, his own body trembling as he steadied himself.

"Those eyes…" Yoruki thought, his breath ragged. "And that feeling just now! What in the world was that?"

Yoruki looked up, but Nagato had already withdrawn, retreating into the mist with calculated precision. He prepared to give chase, but a sharp, searing pain erupted in his eyes. His vision momentarily blackened, and he instinctively pressed his palms against his face, letting out a muffled grunt as he staggered backward.

"How is it?" Minato’s voice cut through the tension, his tone calm but concerned as he watched Yoruki retreat toward him.

Yoruki lowered his hands, ignoring Minato’s question. His scarlet eyes, now free of the Mangekyō’s flame-like patterns, narrowed as he turned his attention to Jiraiya.

"Did you teach that kid all those ninjutsu?" Yoruki demanded, his voice sharp with accusation.

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow, surprised by the question.

"He used four types of ninjutsu in rapid succession—water, lightning, earth, and wind. And each one was executed with extraordinary precision," Yoruki continued, his tone tinged with frustration. "His skill surpasses even yours."

Jiraiya didn’t deny the claim. "Nagato mastered all five chakra natures by the time he was ten," he said simply. "He’s far stronger than I was at his age."

"Doesn’t matter," Yoruki muttered, wincing as the pain in his eyes flared again. Gritting his teeth, he added, "Does that kid also have a dojutsu? Some kind of bloodline limit for his eyes?"

The mention of Nagato’s eyes caused a subtle shift in Jiraiya’s demeanor. Though he tried to maintain a neutral expression, the slight hesitation in his response didn’t escape Yoruki’s notice.

"You’re avoiding the question," Yoruki said coldly.

Before Jiraiya could respond, Minato intervened. "What’s wrong, Yoruki?" he asked, attempting to redirect the conversation.

Yoruki’s lips pressed into a thin line, and his black pupils flashed scarlet once more. The magatama spun within his Sharingan, but the fire-like Mangekyō patterns refused to emerge.

"I can’t raise my Sharingan to Mangekyō state right now," he admitted, his voice low and tense.

Both Minato and Jiraiya exchanged concerned glances. They knew the gravity of Yoruki’s statement. The Mangekyō Sharingan was a source of immense power, and for it to be suppressed so effectively spoke volumes about the opponent they faced.

"This… is the power of the Rinnegan," Minato murmured, his voice tinged with awe and unease.

The legendary dojutsu, said to be possessed only by the Sage of Six Paths, had lived up to its fearsome reputation.

After a moment of silence, Minato spoke again. "We should leave," he said, his tone firm.

"No!" Yoruki snapped, his frustration boiling over. "If we retreat now, we’ll lose the chance to deal a decisive blow to the coalition forces. Do you think they’ll give us another opportunity like this?"

Minato’s expression softened, though his resolve remained unchanged. "Without your Mangekyō Sharingan, your combat strength is halved," he explained. "If we push forward recklessly in this state, we’ll only endanger ourselves."

Jiraiya placed a hand on Yoruki’s shoulder. "Minato’s right," he said gently. "Your eyes need time to recover. Once they do, we can plan a counterattack. For now, we need to regroup."

Yoruki clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he weighed his options. He hated the idea of retreating, especially when victory seemed so close. But the pain in his eyes and the lingering sense of unease convinced him that Minato and Jiraiya were right.

"Fine," he said reluctantly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Minato nodded and placed his hands on Jiraiya and Yoruki. His Sage Mode faded, and the markings on his face disappeared as he prepared to teleport them to safety.

As the mist around them began to clear, Minato’s eyes narrowed. "They’ve blocked my perception," he muttered. He couldn’t sense the chakra of Nagato, Yahiko, or Konan anymore.

"Smart move," he murmured with a faint smile. A moment later, the three Konoha shinobi disappeared in a flash.

Nagato exhaled a deep breath, his shoulders sagging as the tension left his body. He leaned against Yahiko and Konan for support, his legs trembling from exertion.

"They really left?" Rōshi muttered, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at Nagato. A flicker of fear crossed his face as he replayed the events in his mind.

Nagato chuckled softly, his voice low and hoarse. "Let’s go," he said simply.

Yahiko nodded, motioning for the group to retreat. The Akatsuki leaders paid no attention to Hanzo and the others as they departed, their focus solely on regrouping.

Hanzo, however, stood frozen in place, his expression grim. His eyes burned with anger as he watched Yahiko and his companions disappear into the distance.

Several miles away, within the depths of a cave, the Akatsuki members gathered. Yahiko instructed the others to rest while he and Konan tended to Nagato in the innermost chamber.

The dim light of a bonfire illuminated Nagato’s face as he removed his hood. Blood trickled from the corners of his eyes, staining his pale skin.

"Nagato, your eyes…" Konan’s voice wavered with concern as she took out a cloth and gently wiped away the blood.

Yahiko knelt beside Nagato, his eyes filled with worry. "Even with the Rinnegan… you’re hurt," he said, his voice trembling. "What kind of power could do this to you?"

Nagato closed his eyes, leaning back against the cave wall. "That man’s Sharingan… it wasn’t ordinary," he said quietly.

"Could it have been the Mangekyō Sharingan?" Yahiko asked, his tone thoughtful. As the leader of Akatsuki, he had access to a network of intelligence and had heard of the legendary dojutsu.

Nagato nodded faintly. "It’s likely," he said. "His eyes carried a power far beyond the standard Sharingan."

"Uchiha Yoruki," Yahiko murmured. "He’s known across the ninja world for his prowess. If he’s here, it means something has changed on the Hidden Mist battlefield."

Konan’s brow furrowed as she considered the implications. "Perhaps Konoha gained the upper hand there," she said. "It would explain their sudden offensive against the allied forces."

Nagato opened his eyes, the swirling patterns of the Rinnegan glimmering faintly in the firelight. "His Mangekyō Sharingan must have awakened recently," he said. "If it were fully matured, I wouldn’t have been able to suppress it with the Rinnegan."

Chapter 515: Real Thoughts

"Even you’re no match for him?"

Yahiko’s expression shifted as he processed Nagato’s words. Among the three of them, Nagato was unquestionably the strongest. For him to admit that he could only suppress Uchiha Yoruki temporarily with the Rinnegan spoke volumes about their opponent’s power.

Nagato frowned, his eyes narrowing slightly. "He’s incredibly fast," he said, his voice low and measured. "If it weren’t for the Rinnegan, I wouldn’t have been able to keep up with his movements."

He glanced at Yahiko and Konan, his gaze steady but tinged with concern. "Even though I managed to suppress his Mangekyō Sharingan this time, it was only because he didn’t know about the Rinnegan. If we face him again, and he’s prepared, the same strategy won’t work."

The weight of his words hung heavily in the air.

Yahiko sighed deeply, running a hand through his orange hair. "Our strength… it’s still not enough," he admitted. Though their abilities were remarkable for their age, it was clear they weren’t yet ready to challenge ninja of that caliber in direct combat.

Konan, standing beside Yahiko, frowned as she studied her two companions. "This mission was far too risky," she said, her voice carrying a note of reprimand. "You know as well as I do that Hanzo won’t be grateful for what you’ve done. Instead, he’ll see us as a threat and try to eliminate us."

Yahiko met her gaze, his expression calm but resolute. "If we hadn’t intervened," he said, "the Land of Rain would’ve been dragged into a full-scale war. Our people would’ve been caught in the crossfire. I couldn’t let that happen."

Konan fell silent, though her lips pressed into a thin line of disapproval. She understood Yahiko’s motivations, but that didn’t make his decisions any less dangerous.

"Even so," she said after a moment, her tone softening, "from what I’ve seen today, Brother Minato isn’t as ruthless as the rumors claim."

For those unfamiliar with Minato Namikaze, the tales of the Yellow Flash of Konoha painted a fearsome picture: a merciless killer whose speed left no survivors. Yet, the man they had met today didn’t fit that image.

Yahiko nodded slowly, acknowledging her point.

"Then why not ally with Konoha?" Konan pressed. "Don’t you trust Jiraiya-sensei? He’s the one who taught us how to survive in this world. He treated us like family."

Yahiko’s jaw tightened, and his voice rose slightly as he replied. "Of course, I trust Jiraiya-sensei!" he said, his frustration evident. "But neither he nor Minato represents Konoha’s leadership. To the Land of Rain, they’re still outsiders. Enemies."

His gaze hardened, a spark of determination igniting in his eyes. "No matter what kind of man Hanzo is, he’s been the leader of Amegakure for decades. He’s protected this land, however imperfectly. I can’t betray him to side with foreign forces."

Konan and Nagato exchanged glances, their expressions heavy with conflict.

Yahiko continued, his voice firm. "If we want to change the Land of Rain, we can’t rely on outsiders to do it for us. We need to surpass Hanzo’s power and take control of our own destiny."

The weight of his words settled over the group. Konan let out a quiet sigh, her frustration giving way to resignation. "Easier said than done," she murmured. "Hanzo was once one of the strongest shinobi in the world. Only Minato has managed to overshadow him in recent years."

Yahiko’s gaze shifted to Nagato, his expression softening. "We might not have the power to challenge him yet," he said, "but Nagato does."

Nagato looked up, startled by the confidence in Yahiko’s voice.

"Jiraiya-sensei once told us that the Rinnegan could bring about great change in the ninja world," Yahiko said. "That change could lead to peace—or destruction. Nagato, your power is the key."

Nagato remained silent, his thoughts swirling.

Konan’s eyes softened as she turned to Yahiko. "I just don’t want to see you two in danger again," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

"I know," Yahiko replied gently. He placed a reassuring hand on Nagato’s shoulder, his smile warm despite the gravity of their situation.

"Nagato," he said, "you’re the hope that can bring peace to this world. You need to have your own ideas, your own dreams—not just follow mine."

Nagato blinked in surprise, caught off guard by Yahiko’s words.

"But," Yahiko added with a chuckle, "I’m glad your dream aligns with mine. Let me be the bridge to peace—the one who shows you the way."

Nagato’s expression softened, and he nodded. "What’s our next move?" he asked.

Yahiko’s gaze grew thoughtful. "For now, we focus on protecting the Land of Rain from further devastation," he said. "We can’t directly oppose Konoha again, not yet. But I believe Hanzo understands the situation now."

Konan frowned. "Do you think Hanzo will change his approach?"

Yahiko’s lips curled into a faint smile. "He may not trust us, but he’ll see the Triple Alliance for what it is: a temporary coalition with no future. It won’t hold together for long."

In a forest to the east of the Cliff Valley, Minato, Jiraiya, and Uchiha Yoruki appeared amidst the shadows of towering trees. Around them, more than two thousand Konoha shinobi lay in wait, hidden among the foliage.

Hyuga Tenki approached, his Byakugan scanning the surroundings. "What happened?" he asked, his tone urgent.

"I’ll explain later," Minato said calmly. His focus shifted to Yoruki, whose suppressed Mangekyō Sharingan still concerned him.

Yoruki, however, was not interested in waiting. "What the deal with that guy before?" he demanded, his voice sharp. "You two obviously know something about him."

Minato exchanged a glance with Jiraiya before turning back to Yoruki. "There are things I can’t explain right now," he said. "For now, let’s regroup."

Yoruki’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t press further.

Kato Dan, who stood nearby, looked surprised. "We’re retreating?" he asked.

"Yes," Minato replied. "Something unexpected happened."

Under Minato and Jiraiya’s orders, the Konoha forces began to withdraw, moving deeper into the forest. Yoruki led the front, while Minato and Jiraiya stayed at the rear, maintaining a slight distance from the main group.

As they walked, Minato turned to his teacher. "Those students of yours," he said with a small smile, "they’re no ordinary kids. They’ve managed to force us to retreat—."