Chapter 131: I Heard You're Fast?
The figure who suddenly materialized was none other than the Third Raikage—hailed as the strongest shinobi of his generation!
The Third Raikage, A, possessed a physique that transcended normal human limits. His powerful frame resembled a masterwork sculpture, radiating overwhelming strength. Thick, dark veins bulged across his body like coiled serpents. His bronze skin contrasted sharply with his pale blonde hair, which stood straight up like steel needles under the stimulation of his Lightning Release chakra.
The kanji for "Lightning" (雷) was tattooed on his right shoulder, and a thick rope belt wrapped around his waist. He wore a sleeveless white haori. Most notably, a lightning-bolt shaped scar marked his chest—a memento from one of his legendary battles.
Among the current Five Kage, the Third Raikage's combat record was undoubtedly the most fearsome. He had once fought the Eight-Tails Gyūki to a standstill in single combat, both combatants reaching complete exhaustion. Legend claimed the beast couldn't even pierce his hide. Combined with his ultimate technique—the Hell Stab—the Third Raikage had earned two titles: "Strongest Spear" and "Strongest Shield."
The Third Raikage's gaze first fell upon his grievously wounded son and Killer B.
Then his dark eyes shifted to Minato Namikaze. He said nothing, yet his presence alone was crushing.
The air itself seemed to crackle with electricity, growing impossibly heavy—like being submerged in deep ocean waters.
Even Minato felt a primal fear stirring in his chest. So this was the legendary strongest Raikage?
The three genin behind him didn't dare even look up, much less face him directly.
Kakashi's pupils contracted, his face draining of color. The suffocating sensation of being prey before a predator made every instinct scream at him to flee. Only his iron will kept him from collapsing on the spot.
Obito and Rin were completely paralyzed, frozen like statues.
Noticing their condition, Minato stepped forward protectively.
"Well done, Yellow Flash of Konoha."
The Third Raikage's rough voice finally broke the oppressive silence, carrying an undercurrent of authority. "I've heard of you. They say you're exceptionally fast. I assume you've mastered the Second Hokage's Flying Thunder God Technique?"
"Why is the Raikage here?" Minato gripped his kunai tightly, every muscle tense.
"An interesting old man visited Kumogakure recently," the Third Raikage said casually, arms crossed. "He told me something worth investigating. So I sent A and B to check it out—never expecting them to nearly die here."
Minato's tension increased. "As Raikage, you should understand that foreign shinobi crossing borders is strictly forbidden. But this situation isn't what it appears—"
"No need to explain, Yellow Flash."
The Third Raikage raised his hand dismissively, his expression calm. "I'm not angry. From your position, I understand your actions."
Minato blinked, surprised that someone who appeared so fierce could be so reasonable.
Then the Raikage's next words made his heart sink.
"However..."
The Third Raikage slowly lowered his hand. Lightning chakra erupted around him, forming a brilliant blue armor. A violent aura surged forth like a tidal wave.
"With my son and B in this condition, it's only natural for me as Raikage to seek retribution, wouldn't you say?"
His blonde hair stood on end as his voice became a growl. "You're a Konoha shinobi. I'm the Raikage of Kumogakure. We both have our duties. Understanding your actions doesn't mean I'll let you walk away."
His meaning was clear: blood for blood.
"Raikage, if you attack here, it will start a war!" Minato warned.
Unlike his son and B, the Third Raikage was a village leader. For him to attack on foreign soil would cause an international incident that could ignite immediate conflict with Konoha!
"I know."
The Third Raikage nodded calmly. "But I don't care. War? If you want it, Kumogakure is ready."
As the second strongest of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, he had every right to such confidence.
Minato's expression darkened. Recalling the reckless border crossing, a terrible thought struck him. "Could it be... you've allied with Iwagakure?!"
"You talk too much."
The Third Raikage took a half-step forward. The moment his foot touched ground, it felt like an earthquake.
BOOM!
The entire area trembled.
In the next instant, Minato and his students vanished via Flying Thunder God, reappearing dozens of meters away. Where they'd stood, the ground erupted in a massive crater, spider-web cracks radiating outward. Debris flew through the air like shrapnel.
"As expected—the Flying Thunder God Technique."
The Third Raikage withdrew his fist from the shattered earth, his eyes tracking Minato's movement. "I've heard the Second Hokage was called the fastest shinobi, but never witnessed it myself. Today, let's test who's truly faster!"
CRASH!
Like thunder tearing across the sky, the Third Raikage shot forward.
Despite Minato using Flying Thunder God first, the Raikage's speed was abnormal. Almost instantly, the lightning-cloaked figure appeared directly behind him.
Minato immediately realized he couldn't fight while protecting the genin.
"Kakashi, take Obito and Rin," he ordered while dodging desperately. "I'll draw the Third Raikage away. You must get this intelligence to the Hokage—Kumogakure has allied with Iwagakure and plans to attack Konoha!"
He threw the three students clear.
Then, making direct contact with the Third Raikage, he activated Flying Thunder God.
Under the genin's horrified gazes, both shinobi vanished, reappearing hundreds of meters away.
"Protecting your students, I see."
Appreciation flickered across the Third Raikage's face. "Commendable. You didn't abandon your subordinates to save yourself."
BOOM!
He charged again, so fast he seemed to tear through space itself, sonic booms echoing in his wake.
Flying Thunder God!
Minato had barely thrown his marked kunai before shifting position.
"Too bad, Yellow Flash." The Third Raikage missed but instantly reversed direction, defying physics entirely. Four fingers thrust forward together. "Back at your previous location, you had multiple kunai as anchor points. Here, you only have one."
"Hell Stab—Four-Finger Nukite!"
Lightning compressed at his fingertips like a blade cutting air.
This was his signature technique—the Strongest Spear!
"No—you're mistaken!"
Minato, suspended mid-air, met his eyes. "I did this intentionally, because..."
The Hell Stab pierced empty air.
The Third Raikage paused, then whirled around to find Minato behind him.
"This is Flying Thunder God: Second Step!"
Minato's left hand gathered a spiraling sphere of chakra, driving it toward the Raikage's back. "Rasengan!"
However—
The Rasengan struck the Lightning Release Armor like hitting solid steel.
Though the spiral force barely penetrated the chakra cloak, it was utterly ineffective against the Third Raikage's superhuman body.
The incomplete Rasengan couldn't breach his defenses.
"Lightning Straight!"
The Third Raikage's hand-blade struck Minato's chest.
CRACK!
Minato coughed blood and flew backward.
"Not bad. I acknowledge you, Yellow Flash."
The Third Raikage stood with crossed arms. "You're one of very few who've broken through my Lightning Release Armor. Perfect that technique of yours, and perhaps you truly could challenge me. But right now—you're still too green."
"The Strongest Shield... lives up to its reputation..."
Minato struggled to remain conscious, then collapsed.
[End of Chapter 131]
Chapter Rewards
500 Power Stones = 1 New Chapter
10 Reviews = 1 New Chapter
Thanks for reading!
20+ advanced chapters available on P1treon: DarkFoxx