After Minato finished speaking, the Third Hokage's expression darkened further. He knew Hanzo's actions were a calculated test of Konoha's rising star, the "Yellow Flash." However, the implications ran deeper—Hanzo's involvement in the war threatened to escalate the conflict beyond control. Even if Minato proved stronger, the demigod of the ninja world wouldn't back down easily. The situation for Konoha was bound to grow more precarious.
Minato's thoughts mirrored the Hokage's concerns. History… he mused silently, a shadow of unease crossing his face. The trajectory of the Third Ninja World War had diverged significantly from what he remembered. Hanzo's participation was an unforeseen complication. His actions on the battlefield, while ensuring Konoha's dominance, had inadvertently united the four rival nations into a cohesive opposition.
Minato couldn't determine whether his influence had truly benefited Konoha or simply amplified the challenges it faced. Yet, there was no turning back. History was a current he could only navigate, not control.
Through the brief insights he'd gleaned from his future son, Naruto, Minato knew that Konoha would ultimately emerge victorious. Before his rebirth, he had led his village to triumph in this war. Now, with his enhanced strength and foresight, the outcome seemed assured. But that certainty did little to alleviate the weight pressing on his shoulders.
The Third Hokage's hand landed firmly on Minato's shoulder, breaking his reverie. His tone carried an uncharacteristic edge of steel. "Don't hold back, Minato."
Minato met the Hokage's gaze and nodded. The resolve in the older man's eyes was mirrored in his own. If Hanzo had chosen to test Konoha, then Minato would ensure the Rain Village's leader understood the strength of the Yellow Flash.
Without another word, Minato vanished in a blur of light, leaving the Hokage and his advisors in contemplative silence.
Minato's first destination wasn't the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rain, but rather the Cloud Ninja front, where Tsunade was stationed. He sought her expertise in dealing with Hanzo's infamous poison.
Tsunade, who had fought Hanzo during the Second Ninja World War, had developed a special antidote specifically designed to counter the salamander's poison mist. When she learned of Minato's impending confrontation with Hanzo, her expression turned grave. Orochimaru and Hatake Sakumo, both present at the front, exchanged concerned glances.
The memory of Hanzo's overwhelming power during the previous war lingered in their minds. His dominance had left a deep impression, and even though their own strength had grown significantly since then, they couldn't help but feel apprehensive. Minato, however, remained composed.
Tsunade handed him a sealed case of antidotes, her brow furrowed. "Be careful, Minato. Hanzo is not a foe to be taken lightly. He's unlike anything you've faced before."
Minato nodded, his gratitude evident. "Thank you, Tsunade-senpai. I'll return safely."
As Minato prepared to leave, Orochimaru's sharp voice cut through the air. "I'm curious to see how this unfolds. A battle between the so-called demigod and the Yellow Flash… it'll be one for the history books."
Minato offered a faint smile before vanishing in another flash of light.
At the border of the Land of Rain, the Konoha army camp was abuzz with tension. The soldiers stationed there, led by Hyuga Tenki, had endured Hanzo's wrath once before. His previous attack had left them demoralized, and the sight of the Rain Village leader's forces still cast a long shadow over their confidence.
When Minato appeared on the front lines for the first time during this war, his arrival sparked a wave of hope. The Yellow Flash, whose name struck fear into the hearts of the five great nations, was a beacon of reassurance. Even the usually stoic Hyuga Tenki couldn't hide his relief.
Minato addressed the gathered troops with calm authority. "We will protect this front. Trust in our strength and remain vigilant. Hanzo may be formidable, but we are Konoha. Remember that."
The soldiers straightened their backs, their spirits lifting as Minato's words sank in. They watched him prepare, their hopes pinned on the man whose reputation had become a legend.
As dusk settled over the battlefield, the skies darkened, the perpetual rain of the Land of Rain intensifying. From the distant horizon, a colossal figure emerged, shrouded in mist and shadow. Drops of rain glistened on the scales of the enormous salamander, and atop it sat Hanzo, his commanding presence radiating across the field.
"Hanzo is here!"
The murmur spread through the Konoha camp like wildfire. The memories of their last encounter resurfaced, filling the soldiers with dread. Many of them became visibly anxious, their movements frantic as the Rain Village leader's ominous figure loomed closer.
Minato, however, remained unfazed. Standing beside Hyuga Tenki, he watched Hanzo's approach with a steady gaze. His voice was calm but resolute. "Since this demigod came alone, I will face him myself."
Hyuga Tenki studied the younger ninja for a moment, pride swelling in his chest. The boy he once knew had grown into a man of unparalleled strength and resolve.
"Be careful," Tenki said quietly.
Minato nodded with a small smile before vanishing in a flash of light.
Minato reappeared on the border, just meters away from crossing into Land of Rain territory. He stood alone, the rain drenching his golden hair as he faced the towering salamander and its rider.
Hanzo's piercing gaze swept over him. "So, you are Minato Namikaze," he said, his tone laced with authority. From atop the salamander, he looked down at Minato like a king addressing a subject.
Minato inclined his head respectfully. "That's correct, Hanzo-san."
The use of the honorific surprised Hanzo. He had expected arrogance or bravado, yet Minato's demeanor was composed and polite. Hanzo's initial traces of disdain faded. This wasn't the reaction of an ordinary young ninja.
"The Three Sannin of Konoha impressed me in the past, but I never expected Jiraiya to have such an exceptional student," Hanzo remarked, his voice even.
"Your reputation precedes you, Hanzo-san," Minato replied evenly. "But I must ask—what does it mean for someone of your stature to attack Konoha's forces without provocation?"
Hanzo's expression darkened. "Your village has stationed thousands of troops at my borders for months. I merely offered a warning."
"A warning?" Minato's blue eyes narrowed. "Konoha has not crossed into Land of Rain territory. Defending our homeland is our duty as shinobi, but your actions were far beyond what could be considered reasonable."
Hanzo snorted, his tone sharp. "And what authority do you have to question me? If your Hokage has an issue, he can come speak to me himself!"
Minato's gaze hardened. "If that's how you see it, Hanzo-san, then I have no choice but to match my strength against the demigod of the ninja world."
The tension between them was palpable. Their chakra flared, colliding in the rain-soaked air, creating a pressure that reverberated across the battlefield. From the Konoha camp, soldiers watched with a mixture of awe and trepidation.
The Yellow Flash of Konoha versus the demigod of the ninja world. This clash between two legendary figures would become a battle for the ages.
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