[Naruto : Yellow Flash] Chapter 506 - 510

Chapter 506: Turning Defense into Offense

The fierce battle between Konoha and Kirigakure had ended, yet the aftermath rippled through the Hidden Villages like an undercurrent.

Despite the victory, Konoha’s leaders chose to suppress the news for now. The Third Hokage’s earlier declaration to publicize the war was set aside; this was not the time for celebration.

Meanwhile, in the Hidden Mist Village, the news of their crushing defeat made its way back. However, it didn’t reach the upper echelons of the village immediately. Instead, it passed through shadows—straight into the hands of White Zetsu.

Deep underground, White Zetsu delivered the report to his master. The dimly lit chamber was suffused with a sinister aura, an icy pressure that seemed to intensify as Madara Uchiha absorbed the details.

“Hmm.”

Madara exhaled slowly, his face impassive, though his sharp eyes betrayed his thoughts. "Hashirama’s descendants may lack his raw power, but their ingenuity cannot be underestimated."

Madara’s attention shifted to Uchiha Yoruki. That a member of his clan had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan didn’t surprise him. What caught his interest was the unexpected contribution of Tsunade.

Her antidote had turned the tide of the battle. Without it, Yoruki would have been rendered powerless, a mere pawn crushed by superior forces. But with the Mangekyō Sharingan now awakened, the balance of power had shifted dramatically in Konoha’s favor.

Madara’s frown deepened. “The Four-Tails has some potential, but against the Mangekyō, its defeat is inevitable. The three-nation coalition will crumble, and the Cloud front will fall shortly after. The pieces are moving exactly as expected.”

For Madara, the outcome of the war was of little consequence. Konoha’s victories, its losses—none of it mattered to his grand plan.

White Zetsu, ever observant, murmured, “What about Uchiha Obito?”

Madara’s gaze hardened. “Not yet. Let him simmer a little longer.”

Far above, at the Konoha camp on the Fire Country coastline, the tension remained palpable.

In the large central tent, a ripple of chakra marked the sudden arrival of Minato Namikaze, carrying Uchiha Yoruki.

“Thank you for your hard work,” Minato said, his voice calm but filled with genuine respect.

Nawaki stepped forward, clapping a hand on Minato’s shoulder. “We’ve all worked hard. No need to single me out.”

Minato’s usual smile returned, though it faltered when his eyes fell on Yoruki. A mix of emotions flickered across his face—guilt, unease, and a hint of admiration.

Sasori of the Red Sand had been responsible for the poisoning of Konoha’s troops. Minato had once crossed paths with Sasori and failed to eliminate him. That moment of hesitation had cost lives—lives Yoruki had fought to avenge.

As Minato studied Yoruki’s indifferent expression, a faint smile unexpectedly appeared on the Uchiha’s face. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it was there.

Minato blinked, surprised, but quickly composed himself. “The war is urgent. Let’s save the reminiscing for after the battle.”

Yoruki nodded slightly, his crimson eyes steady.

Minato’s announcement stirred the other ninjas in the tent. He placed a hand on Yoruki’s shoulder. “We’re leaving now.”

In an instant, the two vanished, reappearing moments later at another Konoha encampment near the Land of Rain.

Inside the new camp, familiar faces greeted Yoruki. Jiraiya, Hyuga Tenki, Kato Dan, and others turned to look at him. Their expressions ranged from guarded to curious.

It was no secret that many in Konoha viewed the Uchiha with suspicion. Yet, here and now, they were united by a common goal.

After a brief silence, Jiraiya approached Yoruki, his voice uncharacteristically solemn. “We’ve heard about your loss. I’m sorry.”

The mention of Yoruki’s father, killed in the previous battle, hung heavily in the air. Though Yoruki said nothing, the sharpness in his gaze seemed to soften, replaced by something harder to define—resolve, perhaps.

Jiraiya’s tone shifted. “The war on the Land of Rain’s border has dragged on long enough. It’s time to end this.”

Minato nodded. “The enemy is formidable, but if we strike decisively, we can turn the tide.”

Jiraiya explained their plan, his voice steady. “We’ve been on the defensive for far too long. It’s time to go on the offensive and crush the three-nation coalition.”

The other ninjas listened intently. Their faces bore the marks of exhaustion, but as Jiraiya spoke, something changed. The hope of a decisive victory rekindled their fighting spirits.

Jiraiya continued, “We’ve delayed this long to ensure our timing is perfect. If we can strike before the coalition reacts, they’ll have no choice but to retreat—or be destroyed.”

Minato turned to Yoruki. “Our numbers are still against us. The key to victory will be taking out their leaders quickly.”

He paused, his eyes narrowing. “If you can hold off one of their strongest, I’ll handle the others.”

Minato’s confidence was unshakable. He had faced impossible odds before and emerged victorious. In his mind, this battle was no different.

Yoruki studied Minato for a moment. His lips curled into a faint smile as the Sharingan in his eyes spun. The three tomoe morphed into the intricate, flame-like patterns of the Mangekyō.

“Let’s see who defeats their target first,” Yoruki said, his voice carrying a rare note of confidence.

Chapter 507: Nine-Tailed Fox's Reminder

Confident laughter echoed through the large tent, drawing the attention of everyone present.

Uchiha Yoruki stood at the center of the gathering, his demeanor calm yet exuding a quiet intensity. Although his arrogance had tempered over the years, his pride remained unshakable. A shinobi of his caliber had earned that pride, and even in the presence of Konoha’s famed Yellow Flash, Minato Namikaze, Yoruki would not falter.

For Yoruki, Minato was more than just a rival. Their history stretched back to their Academy days over a decade ago. Both had risen to prominence, their paths intertwined yet often opposing.

Minato’s sharp gaze flickered to Yoruki, noticing the flame-like patterns of the Mangekyō Sharingan swirling in his eyes. A strange unease crept into Minato’s chest. That same eye power had been wielded by the masked man who had controlled the Nine-Tailed Fox on that fateful night.

As Minato’s thoughts raced, the patterns in Yoruki’s eyes rotated subtly, and an inexplicable sensation bloomed in his heart. Yoruki frowned, sensing something unusual, his gaze locking onto Minato.

For a brief moment, their eyes met, and Minato felt an odd tremor in his soul. Acting swiftly, he averted his gaze, breaking the connection.

What was that?

Both men wrestled with the strange sensation in silence, their expressions betraying none of their thoughts.

“Now that the battle plan is in place,” Minato said, his tone even but distracted, “let’s move forward with preparations.”

Jiraiya blinked at Minato’s sudden shift but nodded. “Understood.”

“I have something to attend to,” Minato added, his figure vanishing before anyone could respond.

“He never stops, does he?” Hyuga Tenki sighed, his voice tinged with admiration.

The others nodded in agreement. Minato carried the weight of this war on his shoulders, his determination unwavering even in the face of relentless challenges.

Meanwhile, Yoruki stood silently, the patterns in his eyes gradually fading. Yet, his brow remained furrowed. What was that feeling just now?

In his private quarters, Minato reappeared, his normally composed expression shadowed by unease.

Deep within his soul, the remnants of the Nine-Tailed Fox stirred. The creature’s vertical pupils narrowed, reflecting its wariness.

“This eye power…”

The Nine-Tails, a being of immense pride and malice, rarely initiated conversations with Minato. But now, it spoke, its tone uncharacteristically serious.

“Fourth Hokage, I must warn you. If you wish to keep your secret, do not meet the eyes of that Uchiha boy again.”

Minato’s golden brows furrowed as he regarded the fox’s image within his consciousness.

The Nine-Tails continued, “That power—his Mangekyō Sharingan—can pierce deeper than you realize. If you aren’t careful, he will uncover everything.”

The weight of the warning settled heavily in Minato’s mind. Can the Mangekyō Sharingan truly reach so deeply?

Minato’s thoughts turned to the history of the Sharingan. Decades ago, Uchiha Madara had wielded its power to bend the Nine-Tails to his will during his legendary battle with the First Hokage. More recently, the masked man had used a similar technique to unleash the Nine-Tails on Konoha.

It makes sense that the Nine-Tails would both hate and fear this power.

Minato’s unease grew. On the one hand, Yoruki’s newfound ability was a boon for Konoha—an advantage that could turn the tide against formidable enemies like Roshi and his Four-Tails. On the other hand, Yoruki’s Mangekyō Sharingan posed a direct threat to Minato’s greatest secret.

The brief moment of shared unease between them in the tent had not been a coincidence. Yoruki had felt something, just as Minato had. And while Yoruki’s mastery of his Mangekyō Sharingan was still developing, it was only a matter of time before he unlocked its full potential.

From now on, I must avoid direct eye contact with him.

Minato closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to steady himself. When he opened them again, his resolve had hardened.

“Bang!”

With a quick series of hand seals, two shadow clones appeared beside him and immediately vanished, dispatched to attend to other tasks.

With his mind clear, Minato reappeared in the large tent, where Jiraiya and the others awaited him.

“You’re back,” Jiraiya said, his voice light but carrying an undercurrent of curiosity.

Minato nodded, his composure fully restored. “The troops are nearly assembled?”

“Yes,” Jiraiya confirmed. “We’re ready to move out on your command.”

Minato’s gaze swept across the room, his sharp eyes meeting the determination etched on every face. Though he wasn’t officially the commander of the operation, his leadership had become the cornerstone of Konoha’s efforts. Even Jiraiya deferred to him now.

Minato’s voice was calm yet carried an undeniable authority. “Let’s go.”

As his words fell, the atmosphere in the tent shifted. A palpable resolve filled the air, and the gathered shinobi rose to their feet.

Yoruki’s eyes narrowed slightly as he observed the scene. He was no stranger to commanding respect, but the reverence Minato inspired was something else entirely. Even Jiraiya, Minato’s former teacher, seemed to hold him in awe.

Still, Yoruki couldn’t deny that the admiration was earned. Minato had proven himself time and again on the battlefield, defeating both legendary veterans and rising stars alike. His name alone struck fear into the hearts of Konoha’s enemies.

The Yellow Flash of Konoha…

Despite his pride, Yoruki felt a flicker of envy. Even with the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan, he doubted he could defeat Minato in a straightforward battle. Yet, that thought only fueled the fire within him.

I’ll surpass you, Minato. Just wait.

Lost in their thoughts, the shinobi stepped outside the tent, where over 2,000 Konoha ninjas stood assembled in perfect order.

Jiraiya and Minato exchanged a knowing glance, both smiling faintly.

“Move out!”

Minato’s command rang clear, and in an instant, his golden figure darted forward, leading the charge.

Yoruki followed close behind, a flash of black trailing the yellow light. One by one, the shinobi moved, their collective will driving them forward.

Their mission was clear.

To turn defense into offense. To strike first and defeat the coalition forces of the Three Great Nations.

Chapter 508: The War Begins!

The Cliff Valley, nestled deep within the Land of Rain, was one of its rare steep terrains. Towering cliffs stretched tens of meters high on either side, while the narrow road between them spanned no more than five meters across.

This natural chokepoint served as a stronghold for the coalition forces of Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and the Hidden Rain. The Iwa and Sand ninja occupied opposing cliff sides, their positions fortified, while the Rain ninja guarded the valley's entrance leading further into the Land of Rain.

The terrain favored the defenders; any assault would have to contend with the narrow pass and the high vantage points of the enemy. It was, in every sense, a fortress.

At the top of one cliff, within the Iwa camp’s main tent, the leaders of the coalition gathered. Kitsuchi, the formidable son of the Third Tsuchikage, handed a scroll to Hanzo of the Salamander, his expression grave.

“This just arrived from the village,” Kitsuchi said, his voice low.

Hanzo took the scroll, quickly scanning its contents. His sharp eyes narrowed as he read the name that had caused Kirigakure’s downfall.

“Mangekyō Sharingan,” Hanzo muttered, the words heavy with foreboding.

Seated nearby, Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, and Rōshi, the jinchūriki of the Four-Tails, glanced at the scroll. Their reactions mirrored Hanzo’s.

The report detailed the collapse of the Kirigakure front. The Seven Ninja Swordsmen, once symbols of terror, had been decimated, with only three surviving. The turning point of the battle? Uchiha Yoruki’s awakening of the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Though many had forgotten the full extent of its power, these veteran leaders understood its significance. The Mangekyō Sharingan was a legendary tool of destruction, capable of altering the tide of any battle.

Hanzo’s face darkened. “If this report is accurate, the balance of this war has been shattered.”

The coalition had invested heavily in this campaign. Hanzo himself had committed most of the Rain Village’s elite, yet months of effort had only resulted in a bloody stalemate. Now, with the news of Konoha’s growing strength, the fragile equilibrium was collapsing.

Unbeknownst to them, the lag in communication between the fronts had created a small but critical window. While the coalition discussed the implications of Yoruki’s power, Konoha had already moved.

High above the valley, sentries patrolled the cliffs, their sharp eyes scanning for any signs of intruders.

Swish!

Two streaks of light—one golden, the other black—suddenly appeared at the valley’s entrance.

“Enemies spotted!” shouted a perceptive ninja, his voice ringing out across the cliffs.

The alarm spread rapidly, and the defenders moved into action. But before they could organize a proper response, the intruders split off, each streaking toward the opposing cliffs with blinding speed.

The golden figure raced up one cliffside, leaving a glowing trail in its wake. The sentries barely had time to react before they were struck down, their bodies crumpling one after another.

On the opposite cliff, a black shadow moved with a burning intensity, carving through the defenders. Though not as fast as the golden figure, the shadow's strikes were precise and unrelenting, leaving flames in its wake.

Within moments, the golden light reached the top of the Sand ninja's cliff. The defenders barely registered the arrival of Namikaze Minato, the Yellow Flash of Konoha, before his kunai flashed, cutting through their ranks.

On the Iwa side, the situation was no less dire. As the black shadow neared the top, several Iwa shinobi leaped into action, their eyes widening in recognition.

“Namikaze Minato!?” one exclaimed in shock.

But their attention was quickly drawn to the figure beside him—a man whose flaming sword cleaved the air with devastating precision.

Uchiha Yoruki’s blazing blade met Hanzo’s sword in a deafening clash. Sparks erupted as the two exchanged blows, the intensity of their fight commanding the attention of all nearby.

Hanzo’s sharp eyes caught the fiery pattern in Yoruki’s scarlet Mangekyō Sharingan. His thoughts raced as he processed the magnitude of his opponent’s power.

“The Mangekyō…” Hanzo muttered under his breath, steeling himself for the fight.

Beside him, Rasa wasted no time. With a wave of his hand, waves of shimmering gold sand surged toward Yoruki, their layered defenses formidable.

Blood trickled from Yoruki’s left eye as he summoned the full power of his dojutsu. Scarlet chakra erupted around him, forming a brilliant sword of energy.

“Rekka no Ken!”

The crimson blade slashed downward, cutting effortlessly through the gold sand’s defenses. The technique, imbued with the essence of the Mangekyō Sharingan, could sever nearly anything in its path.

Kitsuchi prepared to join the fight but was interrupted as Minato appeared beside him, a kunai flashing toward his chest. Startled, Kitsuchi abandoned his jutsu and leaped back, unwilling to face Minato in close combat.

Meanwhile, Rōshi hesitated, sensing a powerful presence emanating from Yoruki’s Mangekyō Sharingan.

“Those eyes…” the Four-Tails murmured within Rōshi’s mind, its tone uncharacteristically anxious. “Rōshi, leave now!”

But Rōshi ignored the warning. Lava chakra surged around him, coating his body in molten armor. With a roar, he unleashed a barrage of magma balls at Minato, forcing the latter to slow his advance.

The molten projectiles crashed into the cliffside, igniting tents and scattering debris. Taking advantage of the chaos, Kitsuchi widened the gap between himself and Minato, breathing heavily as he reassessed the battlefield.

Rōshi’s defiance only enraged the Four-Tails further.

“Fool! If you don’t retreat, we’ll both perish!”

Rōshi remained steadfast, his determination unshaken. “If you want to survive, then lend me your power. Running isn’t an option.”

The Four-Tails growled in frustration but relented. Firelight flared in its eyes as it poured its chakra into Rōshi, transforming him further. Behind him, four blazing tails of fire emerged, radiating intense heat and malice.

Chapter 509: Third Party

As the four fiery tails formed behind Rōshi, a suffocating heat radiated outward, distorting the air with visible ripples. Within a ten-meter radius, the intense temperature made the very ground unbearable, as rocks began to crack and melt under the oppressive heat. The atmosphere was stifling, and the coalition forces nearby felt the sheer power emanating from Rōshi’s transformed state.

Swish!

Rōshi’s molten gaze locked onto Uchiha Yoruki, who stood poised a short distance away. The fiery chakra tails writhed behind him, alive with destructive energy. Without hesitation, two of the tails lashed out, whipping through the air like molten tendrils, aimed directly at Yoruki.

But Yoruki remained composed, his Mangekyō Sharingan spinning with eerie precision. The flame-like patterns reflected the unflinching calm of a shinobi who had faced countless deadly encounters. With a subtle motion, he sidestepped the attack as though predicting its trajectory. His body blurred into a streak of black light, effortlessly evading the molten tails that left molten craters in their wake.

Hanzo, standing nearby, seized the opening and lunged with his sword, aiming for Yoruki’s exposed side. But Yoruki’s heightened senses caught the movement, and he twisted out of range. His figure flickered again, vanishing entirely from Hanzo’s strike zone.

“Boom!”

Rōshi’s fiery tails struck the ground, pulverizing it with tremendous force. Molten rock splattered across the battlefield, and the ground where Yoruki had stood was reduced to a pool of glowing magma. The fiery destruction spread outward, creating an intimidating barrier of superheated ground.

Above the chaos, Yoruki’s Rekka no Ken materialized in the air, its crimson blade glowing with a deadly aura. The weapon hovered for a moment before darting toward Rōshi with blinding speed, aiming for his head.

Rōshi reacted instantly, his remaining two fiery tails surging upward. Lava chakra gathered at their tips, forming claw-like extensions that intercepted the sword.

“Zheng!”

The sword clashed against the magma claws, slicing through them with a sharp metallic screech. The claws disintegrated, unable to withstand the blade’s cutting force. Rōshi’s eyes widened in alarm as he leapt backward, narrowly evading the blade as it sliced through the air mere centimeters from his face.

Elsewhere on the battlefield, Kitsuchi and Rasa coordinated their attacks.

“Earth Style: Earth Spear!”

Massive stone lances erupted from the ground, streaking toward Minato and Jiraiya with deadly precision.

“Gold Dust Wave!”

Rasa’s voice rang out as shimmering waves of gold dust surged forward, merging with Kitsuchi’s assault into an overwhelming offensive that threatened to consume everything in its path.

The combined attack roared toward its targets, but Minato remained unfazed. With a flick of his wrist, he grabbed Jiraiya’s arm.

Swish!

In an instant, the two disappeared, reappearing unharmed beside Yoruki.

Yoruki glanced at Minato, his Mangekyō Sharingan analyzing the blonde shinobi’s movements. Despite the Sharingan’s enhanced perception, Minato’s use of the Flying Thunder God Technique was nearly imperceptible. Each teleportation was flawless, leaving no trace for even Yoruki’s eyes to follow.

For a moment, Yoruki’s thoughts turned inward. Even with the Mangekyō, his movements are impossible to predict entirely. This is the power of the Yellow Flash.

Jiraiya, standing nearby, surveyed the terrain. His eyes narrowed as he assessed the narrow valley below.

“This terrain gives the enemy a massive advantage,” Jiraiya muttered, his tone laced with frustration. “Even if we break through, our forces will be bottlenecked in the valley. Thousands of shinobi entering such a confined space is nothing short of a death sentence.”

Minato’s expression remained calm, but his furrowed brow betrayed his concern. “Hanzo and the others planned their position well. They’ve left themselves three escape routes. Even if we defeat the guards and push them back, pursuing them into the valley would be nearly impossible.”

Yoruki nodded, his expression darkening. “Then we have no choice. We need to focus all our efforts on the four leaders in front of us. If we can eliminate one of them, the coalition will lose its cohesion.”

His words carried a weight that silenced the group. The four figures opposing them—Hanzo, Rasa, Kitsuchi, and Rōshi—were not just formidable shinobi. They were icons of their respective villages, their strength and leadership vital to the war effort.

“You little brat!” Hanzo’s voice boomed, his expression hardening. The other leaders shared his sentiment. They knew the truth of Yoruki’s words but refused to acknowledge the possibility of their own downfall.

The air grew tense as both sides prepared for the next clash.

Minato’s hands moved in a blur, forming seals with practiced speed. At the same time, a shadow clone sitting cross-legged in a distant location vanished, transferring its accumulated chakra to him.

Orange pigmentation spread around Minato’s eyes as Sage Mode activated. His azure blue eyes turned to sharp, brown vertical slits, radiating immense power. The shift in his presence was palpable, a sudden spike in energy that rippled across the battlefield.

Rōshi’s molten gaze narrowed as the Four-Tails stirred within him.

“That chakra…” the beast growled, its voice filled with unease. “Be wary of him. That power is dangerous.”

Rōshi ignored the warning, his focus unwavering. The fiery tails behind him burned brighter, their molten energy surging as he prepared to counter.

But before Minato could act, his Sage Mode-enhanced senses detected something new. A massive chakra signature appeared at the edge of his awareness, foreign yet unmistakably powerful.

“Who’s there?” Minato murmured, his sharp eyes narrowing.

His question was answered moments later.

From the valley entrance, a group of figures emerged, their presence both ominous and commanding. Clad in wide black cloaks adorned with red cloud patterns, they strode forward with unhurried confidence, their movements as deliberate as they were foreboding.

Chapter 510: Disciples Meet

“Who are you?”

The Rain Ninjas’ voices were tense, their eyes fixed warily on the group of black-robed figures that had materialized near the valley’s entrance. Distracted by the ongoing battle between Hanzo, Minato, and the others, they hadn’t noticed how these intruders had approached undetected.

The tension in the air grew thicker as the leader of the cloaked figures stepped forward. With deliberate slowness, he reached up and lowered the hood of his black robe, revealing a young man with sharp features and piercing eyes.

“You can inform Hanzo,” the man began, his voice calm but firm, “that we, Akatsuki, are here to help.”

It was Yahiko.

The Rain Ninjas exchanged uncertain glances. The name “Akatsuki” was well known in the Land of Rain. Recently, their organization had risen to prominence, spreading its ideals of peace and resistance against oppression. Yahiko himself was no stranger to Rain Village either—though his last encounter with Hanzo had ended in a violent ambush, forcing him and his companions to flee.

The leader of the Rain Ninja hesitated before nodding to one of his subordinates. “Go inform Lord Hanzo.”

Swish!

A single ninja darted away, heading swiftly toward the cliff where Hanzo and the others were engaged.

On the cliff, Minato’s brows furrowed as his heightened senses detected an immense chakra presence near the valley’s entrance. The sheer magnitude of it was startling—far greater than anything he had felt before.

Even Rōshi, empowered by his Four-Tails chakra, paled in comparison to this presence. What truly unsettled Minato, however, was the peculiar familiarity of the chakra’s signature. It wasn’t just powerful; it bore a striking resemblance to Kushina’s chakra—wild, raw, and yet layered with something unique.

“Minato, what’s wrong?”

Jiraiya’s voice broke through his thoughts. The elder shinobi had been preparing for their next move but noticed Minato’s sudden distraction.

Minato hesitated for a moment before responding, his voice low. “There’s… something unusual near the valley’s entrance. A chakra presence unlike anything I’ve felt before.”

Before Jiraiya could press further, a Rain Ninja appeared behind Hanzo, bowing low as he delivered his message.

“Master Hanzo, the Akatsuki have arrived outside the valley,” the Rain Ninja reported.

Hanzo’s sharp gaze turned toward his subordinate. “Akatsuki? What are they doing here?”

“They claim they’re here to help,” the ninja replied hesitantly.

Hanzo’s eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering across his face.

The exchange did not go unnoticed. Minato, Jiraiya, and Uchiha Yoruki overheard the name “Akatsuki,” though it was unfamiliar to them.

“Reinforcements for Hanzo?” Jiraiya muttered, his expression darkening.

“Unlikely,” Minato countered. Hanzo’s reaction suggested he hadn’t expected their arrival. “If they were truly his allies, he wouldn’t look so surprised.”

Jiraiya nodded thoughtfully. “Then who are they, and why are they here?”

“Whoever they are,” Yoruki interjected, his voice sharp, “they’re powerful. Minato’s chakra sense isn’t often mistaken.”

Despite his frustration, Yoruki deferred to Minato’s judgment when the latter advised caution.

Hanzo, meanwhile, made his decision. “Bring their leader to me,” he ordered the Rain Ninja.

The subordinate bowed and vanished to relay the command.

Minutes later, the sound of swift movement reached the battlefield as three figures ascended the cliff. Minato, Jiraiya, and Yoruki turned their attention to the newcomers.

As the trio approached, Jiraiya’s eyes widened in recognition. His voice trembled slightly as he called out, “Yahiko… Konan?”

Hearing their names, Yahiko and Konan stopped momentarily, their gazes meeting Jiraiya’s.

“Sensei,” Yahiko said, his voice betraying a mix of surprise and emotion.

Minato glanced at Jiraiya, realizing the significance of the moment. He recalled stories his mentor had shared about three war orphans he had trained during the Second Ninja World War. These were the very names he had heard before—Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato.

“Do you know these people?” Yoruki asked, his tone wary.

Jiraiya nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the approaching trio. “They’re my former students. Orphans from the Land of Rain. I trained them after the last war.”

Minato’s eyes shifted to the third figure, whose face remained obscured by a black hood. Yet the immense chakra emanating from him was unmistakable.

“That chakra,” Minato thought, his mind racing. Jiraiya had mentioned that among the three orphans was a child blessed with the legendary Rinnegan, a dojutsu said to rival the Sharingan and Byakugan in power.

“Is that Nagato?” Minato murmured under his breath, his gaze narrowing.

Yahiko, Konan, and the hooded figure finally reached the cliff’s summit, standing before Hanzo and the others. The atmosphere grew tense as all eyes turned to them.

Hanzo’s expression darkened. “What are you doing here?” he demanded.

“We’re here to help,” Yahiko replied evenly, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of unease. Hanzo’s betrayal during their last encounter had left scars, both physical and emotional.

“And how do you propose to help?” Hanzo pressed, his tone laced with suspicion.

Instead of answering, Yahiko turned his attention away from Hanzo. His eyes scanned the battlefield until they landed on Jiraiya. A rare smile broke across his face.

“Sensei … it’s been a long time,” Yahiko said, his voice trembling slightly with emotion.

Beside him, Konan’s typically stoic expression softened as she added, “Teacher… you haven’t changed.”

The hooded figure spoke last, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. “Sensei.”

Jiraiya’s gaze swept over the three figures before him. They had grown so much since he last saw them—no longer children but seasoned warriors, shaped by the harsh realities of the Land of Rain.

“You’ve all grown,” Jiraiya said softly, his voice filled with a mix of pride and sorrow. “Yahiko, Konan… Nagato. It’s good to see you again.”

Nagato remained silent, his face hidden, but his chakra seemed to pulse in acknowledgment.

Jiraiya turned to Minato, a faint smile on his lips. “Minato, these three are the ones I told you about. My students during the last war.”