vncnus Chapter 308 The Second Hokage Strikes
Chapter 308 The Second Hokage Strikes
"I must get to Kushina immediately!"
Upon receiving Kyosuke's message, Minato Namikaze couldn't stay a moment longer and was about to set off immediately.
Inside the office, the Third Hokage saw this and wanted to persuade Minato Namikaze to prioritize the bigger picture, but then he thought of his son Asuma.
If given the chance, the Third Hokage would definitely go to save his son. Now that Minato Namikaze is saving his wife and son, how can he be stopped?
Moreover, Kushina was the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki. If something unexpected happened and Konoha lost control of the Nine-Tails, both internally and externally, it would be thrown into turmoil, and it might even cause another bloodbath.
The Third Hokage stood up from the sofa, his gaze resolute, and said, "I'll go with you. While we're still strong, let's fight a good battle. Now that the enemy has discovered Kushina, they certainly won't let this go easily. They might even set a trap along the way."
There's one more thing the third generation didn't say: if the enemy isn't strong, or if they don't have any other backup plans, they'll just have made a wasted trip without any losses.
Minato Namikaze was somewhat surprised. He thought the Third Hokage would stay in Konoha, since some people in the village were not exactly peaceful.
Upon hearing the Third Hokage's words, Minato Namikaze asked with some doubt, "What about the village?"
The Third Hokage waved his right hand and said confidently, "Homura and Koharu aren't senile yet; they can protect Konoha."
Minato Namikaze nodded and immediately made arrangements.
The matter was of great importance, so the two quickly gathered four subordinates: Hyuga Hizashi, Aburame Shiguro, Akimichi Tou, and Nara Suzaku.
Some of Konoha's strongmen are on missions outside Konoha, some hold important positions in Konoha and cannot be easily transferred, and some are under Danzo or belong to the Uchiha clan. Minato Namikaze is not very familiar with them.
The four people selected are both capable and loyal.
Akimichi Tou was once a member of Minato Namikaze's team, and they cooperated very well during the war.
Hyuga Hizashi was also Minato Namikaze's subordinate. During the war with the Sand Village, Hyuga Hizashi initially didn't like Minato Namikaze, but was later won over by Minato's strength and charisma. The two now have a very good relationship.
Aburame Shiguro and Nara Suzaku were not well known to Minato Namikaze at first, but they were recommended by the Third Hokage and their strength was guaranteed.
Several tens of minutes later, the six people quickly left Konoha.
During this time, Danzo had been sending people to monitor Minato Namikaze. Although Danzo's subordinates dared not approach because of Hyuga Hizashi, they still managed to determine Minato's general direction.
"Oh, so it's in the north."
Danzo opened a map of the Land of Fire and began to observe the area north of Konoha, searching for a suitable place along the direction Minato Namikaze had traveled.
"First, places that are too far away are ruled out, as providing support would be too inconvenient. Second, places with ninja patrols or frequent traffic are ruled out, as they would be too easy to expose. Finally, places near residential areas are ruled out, as an accident involving the Nine-Tails would cause a large number of casualties."
Taking all factors into account, Danzo's finger slid slightly across the map, drawing an ellipse.
"So you're here. Immediately notify the Akatsuki; it's their turn to act!"
"Yes!"
Watching his subordinates' departing figures, Danzo felt a surge of anticipation.
"I never expected that Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze would go together. If only they could die..."
Soon, Yahiko received the information.
"Tsk tsk tsk, with two generations of Hokage personally leading the team, I have no confidence in stopping them."
Mi Shou shook his head like a rattle-drum, indicating that the task was too difficult.
Kakuzu chimed in, "We're under too much pressure and need to increase our fighting strength."
Yahiko glanced at the others, considering who should team up with Kakuzu.
Nagato can be ruled out; he was the main force suppressing Kurama.
Yahiko himself also had to rule out the possibility that something unexpected might happen when Nagato sealed the Nine-Tails for the first time, and Yahiko had to protect Nagato.
Sasori should also be ruled out, as he has a very strong desire to kill Kakashi.
Tetsuka should also be ruled out. His Sharingan also has the ability to suppress the Nine-Tails. If something goes wrong when Nagato seals the Nine-Tails, Tetsuka is the backup plan.
Moreover, according to Danzo's intelligence, among the Konoha ninja protecting Kushina, there were two Uchiha clan ninjas, both of whom had awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan.
Tie Huo could easily suppress the two of them with his Mangekyou Sharingan.
So, only the final choice remains.
Yahiko's gaze fell on Orochimaru.
"Mr. Orochimaru, I'll have to trouble you this time."
Everyone looked at Orochimaru and thought he was a perfect fit.
Orochimaru has a deep understanding of the Konoha ninja and can provide information to Yasukuni and Kakuzu.
Orochimaru did not refuse, but instead chuckled in a low voice.
"Hehe, I didn't expect to face the old man so soon. I'm really looking forward to it."
Orochimaru still harbors some resentment towards the Third Hokage. With the help of Yamori and Kakuzu, Orochimaru is preparing for a major battle, hoping to kill Minato Namikaze and make the Third Hokage realize his past mistakes!
The group immediately took action. Yahiko led the team towards Kushina's location, while Orochimaru and his two companions intercepted Minato Namikaze and the others.
As time passed and the sun was about to set, Minato Namikaze's squad was advancing along the riverbank when Hizashi Hyuga spotted the enemy with his Byakugan.
"There are three enemies in the West. Hmm, one of them is Orochimaru! Another one has twisted black lines all over his body, and the last one possesses a massive amount of chakra!"
"Orochimaru, is this your revenge?"
Upon hearing Orochimaru's name, the Third Hokage felt a complex mix of emotions, but he made up his mind that he would show no mercy this time.
Minato Namikaze and the others stopped and assumed fighting stances.
Hyuga Hizashi uses his Byakugan to search his surroundings, guarding against enemy traps or ambushes.
Shiro Aburame manipulates the insects to hide in some corners, quietly lurking.
Akimichi Tou stood before everyone, gripping an iron bar in both hands, ready to block the enemy.
Suzaku Nara kept moving his pupils, analyzing the surrounding terrain and searching for shadows of all sizes.
Minato Namikaze took out a scroll and summoned a row of specially made kunai imprinted with the Flying Thunder God Technique formula, then shot the kunai into different environments around him.
After waiting quietly for a moment, the enemy appeared.
Orochimaru stood in front, with Yasuo and Kakuzu on either side. When the three saw Minato Namikaze and the others who were waiting in full battle, they began to bluff.
"Tsk tsk tsk, I never expected to meet two Hokage-samas. What an honor!"
Mikami made a sarcastic remark, then looked at Hyuga Hizashi, pointed to the Sharingan in his left eye socket with his right hand, and said with a smile, "Your Sharingan from Konoha is very useful. I was just about to get a Byakugan to use."
Their mission was to intercept Minato Namikaze's reinforcements, and every bit of time they could buy them was precious. So, Yamori, who didn't like to waste time, started talking nonsense.
Orochimaru and Kakuzu were both cunning and shrewd, so they naturally understood what Mikami meant.
Orochimaru revealed a sinister smile and deliberately explained to Mikami, "You're probably going to be disappointed. He's Hyuga Hizashi, a branch family member of the Hyuga clan. In the Hyuga clan, branch family members are just tools. They're marked with the Caged Bird Seal from a young age. Even if you capture him, you won't have a chance to steal the Byakugan."
Mi Shou looked regretful and tilted his head, saying, "I see. Then let's just kill them."