Chapter 67: Chapter 67: Persuasion, the Blooming Flame Flower!
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"Even if it's an S-rank classified mission, we should still be given basic information. Otherwise, how are we supposed to effectively carry out our support role?" Kurama Sanyō questioned, confused.
Shūichi Hoshita responded, "It's because we're positioned right along their retreat route!"
Minato Namikaze nodded. "Shūichi is right."
He explained further, "Since we can't pinpoint the exact time of their retreat, we must remain vigilant at all times."
"Additionally, while we've already drawn some of Sunagakure's attention, we can't let them focus on us constantly."
"So, we'll need to split into two groups."
"Shūichi and I will form Group A, responsible for diverting Sunagakure's attention. Shisui and Sanyō, you two will stay here. Shūichi, leave a shadow clone behind, and make sure to inform us immediately if anything happens."
The three nodded in agreement.
Such a plan was only feasible because Minato had the Flying Thunder God technique.
After making preparations and leaving behind a shadow clone, Shūichi and Minato boldly set off.
As expected, it didn't take long before Minato sensed they were being followed by Sunagakure ninja.
Pakura and Rasa were among them.
Without paying any attention to the Sunagakure squad trailing them, Shūichi and Minato continued on their path.
"What are those two trying to do?"
"This direction… could they be heading towards the village-guarded mine?" Pakura couldn't make sense of Shūichi and Minato's movements.
Rasa was equally puzzled. "Perhaps they're just returning the favor, an eye for an eye."
Pakura scoffed. "I think Konoha sent them with ulterior motives. They're probably still bitter about the last outcome."
Rasa's expression darkened. "We've already made concessions."
"If Konoha keeps pushing, I don't think the Third Kazekage would hesitate to go to war. Even the Daimyo wouldn't oppose it."
Pakura nodded, then sneered, "It's a shame that Hanzō backed down… The so-called 'Demi-God of the Shinobi World' has grown soft."
...
"This mountain should do."
Minato Namikaze stood atop the mountain, looking out at the distant mine, which was guarded by Sunagakure.
Shūichi Hoshita glanced at the illuminated mine across the way, still lit even in the dark of night, and then said, "Sensei, I'll go look for a water source."
Minato nodded in agreement.
Shūichi turned and left, quickly finding a waterfall and a pool. The two of them then set up camp by the waterfall.
From their observation point in the distance, Rasa and Pakura exchanged puzzled glances.
Afterward, they retreated to the mine. Rasa stayed behind to keep watch, while Pakura left to report the situation to Chiyo.
The night passed without incident.
The next morning, Shūichi followed the stream to catch some fish and unknowingly arrived at a small lake. The lake was adorned with many water lotuses, which were quite beautiful.
After catching a few fish, Shūichi was about to head back when he suddenly turned to look again at the multilayered petals of the water lotuses.
"Water lotuses... with multiple petals..."
His eyes lit up with excitement, eager to test something out immediately.
Taking a deep breath to calm his impulse, he returned to the waterfall with the fish in hand.
While having fish soup, Shūichi asked, "Sensei, what do you think this mission is about?"
Minato didn't answer directly but instead said, "Although we forced the Land of Rivers and Sunagakure to back down last time, the fact remains that the Land of Rivers is leaning toward Sunagakure."
Shūichi nodded. "That's a matter of interest."
"Konoha is stronger than Sunagakure, which is why the Land of Rivers sided with us after breaking away from Amegakure. But now, with Sunagakure offering better benefits, they've naturally shifted their allegiance."
The key lies with the two Magnet Release users in Sunagakure: the Third Kazekage and Rasa.
According to Shūichi's knowledge, Rasa manipulates gold dust.
But if he can control gold dust, there's no reason he can't control iron sand as well.
Why, then, is Rasa known for manipulating gold dust in the ninja world, distinguishing himself from the Third Kazekage, who uses iron sand?
Perhaps it's due to changes in his environment or personal circumstances.
But either way, while the Fourth Kazekage later mined gold dust in the desert to alleviate Sunagakure's financial problems, it makes perfect sense that the Third Kazekage is now using Magnet Release to prospect for minerals.
The core issue remains: in the absence of an all-out war, eliminating the daimyo of the Land of Rivers, who currently favors Sunagakure, seems like the best option for Konoha—or rather, the most likely choice for the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
As for the argument that killing the daimyo would have too big of an impact, the Land of Rivers is just a small nation and doesn't enjoy the privileges of the Five Great Nations.
And Shūichi remembered that in the original story, the Third Tsuchikage hired the Akatsuki to stage coups in many small countries!
So, would Sunagakure anticipate that the daimyo of the Land of Rivers is in danger? Shūichi thought it was inevitable.
After all, as one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, they were well aware of these tactics.
"Sensei, if this mission fails, everything the village has worked to reclaim will be lost," Shūichi said.
Minato nodded, then smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, the Third Hokage must have considered this carefully. The person chosen to carry out the mission will be someone extremely reliable."
Shūichi pondered this and realized why the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, would send Sakumo Hatake on this mission instead of the more ruthless Orochimaru.
"It seems that Chiyo is stationed at the daimyo's residence in the Land of Rivers."
"To deal with a powerful puppet master, a high-speed, high-attack ninja like Sakumo Hatake is indeed the best choice."
...
At the Daimyo's Residence in the Land of Rivers
Pakura met with Chiyo and reported the situation in full detail.
Chiyo frowned upon hearing it. "The Yellow Flash..."
After a moment of thought, she immediately gave an order: "Return at once. Minato Namikaze's target might be Rasa."
Pakura was taken aback. "Rasa?"
"Because of his Magnet Release?"
"But the Third Kazekage... Could Konoha be planning to assassinate the Third Kazekage?"
Chiyo shook her head. "The Third Kazekage is in the village; we don't need to worry about him. Now go!"
Pakura nodded and quickly left.
After she was gone, Chiyo's younger brother, Ebizō, asked, "Sister, do you really think Konoha would target Rasa and the Third Kazekage?"
Chiyo replied, "If Rasa is attacked, it confirms that someone is trying to assassinate the Third Kazekage."
"However, the Third Hokage likely doesn't have the resolve for such a bold move."
"The last Shinobi World War ended not too long ago, and the new generation hasn't matured yet."
Ebizō's expression grew serious. "So, Konoha's most likely target is the Daimyo. They will definitely come."
Chiyo responded calmly, "We'll find out soon enough. This was expected, wasn't it? If we were in their position, we would make the same decision."
"But we can't afford to be careless regarding the Third Kazekage. Send someone back to the village immediately to ensure he remains vigilant."
Ebizō nodded and quickly set off to make the necessary arrangements.
...
After breakfast, Shūichi Hoshita and Minato Namikaze stood at the mountain peak, gazing across at the mine on the opposite side.
As they observed, Shūichi asked, "Minato-sensei, by showing up here, is there a chance that Sunagakure might think we're planning to take action against the Magnet Release user, Rasa? Or even attempt to target the Third Kazekage?"
Minato paused for a moment; he hadn't considered that angle. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had been very clear about avoiding large-scale conflict. Otherwise, after gaining the upper hand last time, they would have pushed to completely take over the Land of Rivers, leaving the Daimyo with no room to waver.
After thinking it over, Minato replied tactfully, "There is indeed that possibility, but I believe Sunagakure is well aware of the Third Hokage's stance."
In other words, Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't dare make a move against the Third Kazekage. Killing the Kazekage would drive Sunagakure into a frenzy, especially given that the current Third Kazekage is reputed to be the strongest Kazekage with high esteem.
Besides, assassinating a Kage is no simple task. Right now, Konoha likely doesn't have anyone capable of such a feat.
Shūichi, still watching the distant mine, smiled and said, "So, if we were to make a move against Rasa now, wouldn't that send a signal to Sunagakure?"
"That we intend to take down Rasa, and also the Third Kazekage, to leave Sunagakure without any Magnet Release users?"
Minato was startled by the idea, then quickly realized what Shūichi was suggesting. "If we did that, it could easily lead to war between the two villages."
But as he processed Shūichi's intent, Minato added, "So, you're suggesting we attack now, to send Sunagakure a false signal, confuse the enemy, and lead them to misjudge our true intentions, thereby reducing the difficulty of the other mission."
Shūichi nodded. "Exactly."
"However, as you said, Sensei, there is some risk involved. And, we haven't received any authorization from the village."
Minato fell into deep thought, but he quickly made a decision and smiled. "Let's go with your plan, Shūichi. If anything goes wrong, I'll take responsibility."
Shūichi responded without hesitation, "Of course, we'll take responsibility together. We're a team, after all!"
Minato's smile broadened, but then he grew serious. "I'll handle Rasa. You take care of the other Sunagakure shinobi, just keep them occupied!"
Shūichi nodded solemnly. "Understood!"
Then he smiled again. "I'd like to show you a new technique I've been working on, Sensei."
Minato returned the smile. "I'm looking forward to it!"
With that, Minato vanished.
Shūichi immediately followed suit, disappearing into the forest as he headed straight for the Sunagakure shinobi guarding the mine.
As they moved, the alert Sunagakure shinobi quickly noticed the threat.
Amidst shouts, Rasa and Madai led a squad to intercept them.
Seeing Minato charging forward, Rasa immediately called out, "Leave Minato Namikaze to me!"
As soon as he finished speaking, iron sand morphed into countless senbon, forming a dense cloud that enveloped Minato.
Minato responded by scattering a large number of Flying Thunder God kunai.
Madai quickly warned, "Don't go near those kunai!"
"Spread out!"
Before the words finished, Minato had already vanished, avoiding Rasa's attack, and kicked a Sunagakure shinobi before they could react.
Rasa's next attack arrived, but Minato disappeared again.
The other Sunagakure shinobi dispersed, while Madai moved to assist Rasa, trying to corner Minato.
Just then, Shūichi arrived.
Standing on a tree branch, Shūichi completed his hand seals and clapped his hands together with a "snap."
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!
Wind Release: Gale Palm!
The hand seals were for the Wind Release, while the Great Fireball Technique required none.
After inhaling deeply, Shūichi puffed out his chest and cheeks, then exhaled sharply.
A line of fire shot out first, but it was quickly followed by a roaring blaze, creating a fearsome firestorm that surged forward.
Wind and Fire Combination Jutsu!
The three Sunagakure shinobi who had been on guard against Shūichi quickly performed their own jutsu in response, though they had been caught off guard.
Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!
The collision of air currents caused a massive explosion, tearing through the surrounding vegetation and sending up clouds of dust.
Shūichi then formed more hand seals and executed the Dance of the Crescent Moon, sending two fire clones charging into the swirling dust.
Unlike the original technique, these were not Shadow Clones but Fire Release Clones.
Moments later, as the dust settled, the three Sunagakure shinobi were seen retreating in the face of Shūichi's clones.
Rasa shouted, "Madai, I can handle things here!"
Madai immediately rushed towards Shūichi.
If he didn't, the others might be wiped out.
That kid, Shūichi Hoshita, had extraordinary close-combat skills, rivaling those of a Special Jōnin.
As Madai sprinted forward, he started forming hand seals.
But Shūichi wasn't about to let him unleash a large-scale Wind Release jutsu. A swift Fire Release: Fireball Technique interrupted Madai, forcing him to use Wind Release chakra to blow out the flames on his body.
Madai abandoned the idea of using long-range Wind Release jutsu and closed in, engaging Shūichi's two clones in close combat.
Outnumbered four to two, with one of the opponents being a seasoned Jōnin, Shūichi's clones quickly found themselves at a disadvantage.
Soon, one of Shūichi's Fire Release clones found itself in an inescapable position, about to be struck by Madai's attack.
But just as Madai's strike was about to land, the Fire Release clone suddenly transformed into a blooming fire flower.
Madai's pupils dilated, and his ninja instincts screamed danger. He instantly used the Body Flicker Technique to retreat, shouting, "Scatter!"
Before the words had fully left his mouth, the orange-red fire flower exploded, blossoming into a brilliant flare.
Boom!
With the explosion, the three Sunagakure shinobi were sent flying by the intense flames, screaming in agony.
Even Madai, who had retreated as quickly as possible, was blown away by the shockwave. He scrambled to his feet, looking down at his severely burned arms, sweat dripping from his forehead.
If he hadn't reacted in time...
Madai glanced over at his three companions, only to see blood pouring from their noses and mouths, their bodies covered in severe burns.
They were no longer even capable of screaming.
(End of Chapter)
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