Land of Lightning.
This was Minato's first time setting foot on this land.
If one disregarded a few exceptional individuals, the Land of Lightning's national strength was actually on par with the Land of Fire.
While it lacked the vast forests and natural resources of the Land of Fire, it was far from barren and possessed rich mineral deposits that the Land of Fire lacked.
Furthermore, the Land of Lightning placed particular emphasis on maritime trade, making its economy equally robust.
Combined with Kumogakure's aggressive approach, they exerted far greater control over their neighboring allies than the Land of Fire did.
After landing, Minato inquired about the direction to Kumogakure and set off immediately.
He had no desire to linger outside; if not for the need to gather Tailed Beast Chakra, he would have returned to Konoha long ago.
After all, his relationships with Kushina and Mikoto had just been solidified, making it the perfect opportunity to seize the moment and nurture their bonds.
If Kirigakure hadn't suddenly stirred up this mess, he would never have wasted his time on such matters.
Since he had rarely left Konoha, and was now here as a rogue ninja, he might as well gather all the Tailed Beast Chakra. Otherwise, once he returned to Konoha as a Konoha Ninja, some things would become inconvenient to do.
Before Minato could even reach Kumogakure, he was discovered by the Kumogakure Anbu stationed outside the village.
Swish, swish, swish—
Several shuriken landed in the ground before him, and four figures blocked his path.
"Yellow Flash of Konoha, what business do you have in Kumogakure?"
"I've defected from my village."
Minato cut straight to the point, pointing at the slashed Konoha forehead protector on his forehead. "Actually, Kumogakure shares some responsibility for this. I've come specifically to return the favor."
The four Anbu exchanged glances. One of them swiftly sprinted toward Kumogakure, leaving the remaining three.
"There may be a misunderstanding. Please remain calm, sir. We've already sent someone to summon the Raikage."
"There's no misunderstanding," Minato said, shaking his head with a wry smile. "If Kirigakure was the instigator of this pressure, then Kumogakure was the organizer. Sunagakure and Iwagakure were willing participants. Not a single one of these four villages is innocent."
The leader of the Anbu team drew his long blade, his eyes fixed warily on Minato. "So, that means there's no room for negotiation?"
"Negotiation?" Minato's smile faded. "Since when did you get the impression I was here to negotiate?"
"Attack!" the team leader roared. The three Anbu members charged at Minato simultaneously.
Minato sidestepped slightly. A flash of golden light erupted at his feet as he kicked the Anbu team leader flying backward with a resounding thud.
He spun around, his hands clamping down on the skulls of the remaining two Anbu members. With a forceful motion, he slammed their heads against the ground.
Thud!
"Impressive, Kumogakure," Minato murmured, looking down at the two unconscious ninja at his feet. "To remain silent after such a blow..."
He then turned his gaze toward the Anbu ninja desperately fleeing toward Kumogakure, presumably to report the incident. Instead of pursuing, he began walking slowly in the same direction, his pace unhurried.
As he approached the gates of Kumogakure, the ninja of the village were, as expected, poised for battle.
The Third Raikage, a towering figure, stood at the forefront of the crowd, his solemn gaze fixed on Namikaze Minato. Behind him stood a half-height jar.
The Third Raikage's subordinate had golden ropes wrapped around his arm, holding a strangely shaped iron sword in his hand and a red gourd on his back.
Six Paths Ninja Tools...
Minato scoffed inwardly. So they really brought out those things.
"How are Apoi and the others?" the Third Raikage asked without preamble upon seeing Minato.
"Who's that?" Minato tilted his head slightly.
"The ninja leader who was tasked with stopping you."
"They're alive, but they'll likely be unconscious for a long time."
Minato calmly observed the Third Raikage, seemingly ignoring the jar behind him. "Should we discuss the grievances between us now?"
The Third Raikage's face darkened, but considering Minato's strength, he suppressed his anger and explained, "This was Kirigakure's doing."
"I know. The Third Mizukage is dead. I killed him."
Minato nodded. As his words fell, the crowd erupted in a clamor.
The Third Raikage's heart sank. "So you came for me?"
"You caused me so much trouble. You can either apologize or take a beating. Which will it be?"
Minato's tone was gentle, yet his words showed no respect for the Third Raikage.
However, the Third Raikage responded without hesitation, "In that case, we apologize. This was Kumogakure's fault, and it won't happen again."
Minato: "???"
"..."
Before Minato could reply, the Third Raikage continued in a deep voice, "If you want compensation, we can negotiate!"
Wait, this isn't right...
Minato was momentarily speechless. The Third Raikage's straightforwardness left him utterly bewildered.
Seeing Minato's silence, a flicker of something unusual crossed the Third Raikage's eyes. "Well? Namikaze Minato, give me a straight answer!"
So he was planning to ambush me with the Amber Purifying Jar after all...
A smirk tugged at Minato's lips. "Alright."
The moment the word left his mouth, the Third Raikage could no longer suppress his grin. A powerful, irresistible force surged from the half-human-sized jar behind him, enveloping Minato.
Minato instinctively tried to activate the Flying Thunder God Technique, but the overwhelming force prevented him from channeling even a sliver of Chakra!
In the blink of an eye, he was sucked into the Amber Purifying Jar.
Thud!
A nearby ninja swiftly sealed the jar. The Third Raikage roared, "Sensor Ninja!"
"Here!"
A Sensor Ninja stepped forward.
"Are you sure that was his true body?" the Third Raikage asked urgently.
"His chakra reserves are immense, no weaker than yours, Lord Raikage. It should be his true body," the Sensor Ninja nodded.
"What if his chakra reserves far exceed yours?"
An untimely voice suddenly reached their ears. The Third Raikage turned to see another Minato sitting demurely atop the lid of the Amber Purifying Jar.
The Third Raikage's face darkened. He knew he'd been tricked.
The one they'd just sucked in was merely a clone!
What horrified him most was that, according to his subordinates' sensors, even a single one of this kid's clones possessed chakra reserves comparable to his own!
"..."
Watching Minato's composed demeanor, the Third Raikage dared not make a rash move.
The fact that he dared to sit here so brazenly meant either this was a clone, or he possessed absolute confidence!
Or perhaps both, but that was too terrifying to contemplate.
As the Third Raikage's mind raced, behind Minato, a Jonin's eyes flashed with murderous intent.
He suddenly drew his sword and slashed at Minato's nape!
"You've exposed a weakness! Namikaze Minato!"
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