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Minato had reached the same conclusion.
His three juniors, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan, would inevitably stand in Danzo's way.
Given Danzo's methods and his reputation, their chances of survival were slim.
After a moment of thought, Minato reached into his pouch and pulled out several specially made kunai, handing them to Jin.
"Jin, I know this isn't the right time for me to show up there personally, but I still want to do what I can."
"It's not only because Yahiko and the others are Jiraiya-sensei's students. I want to stop Danzo as well."
Minato understood that this was a critical period for his bid to become Hokage.
Leaving the camp now to head for the Land of Rain could easily create unnecessary complications.
But knowing what was about to happen and doing nothing weighed heavily on him.
More importantly, Danzo was not someone to underestimate.
He was the Second Hokage's direct disciple, a veteran tempered by war, and someone who had operated in Konoha's shadows for decades. His foundations ran deep.
This time, Danzo was not acting alone. He had brought Root's elite operatives with him.
Minato was concerned that even Jin might be pushed to his limits.
As a precaution, he gave Jin the special kunai so that he could summon Minato at any time if help was needed.
In Minato's eyes, Jin mattered far more than the Hokage position itself.
If saving Jin's life at a critical moment meant exposing himself and losing the chance to become Hokage, Minato would not hesitate.
Jin understood Minato's intentions.
Although he had no intention of using them, he still accepted the kunai.
"I've already delayed long enough here. It's time for us to part."
"A and the Eight-Tails jinchuriki are in your hands now."
With that, Jin stood up and prepared to leave.
Minato nodded.
"Don't worry. I'll take care of things here. Once we return to camp, I'll ask Santan to alter their memories so your movements remain undiscovered."
Santa's full name was Santa Yamanaka, one of the most capable members of the Yamanaka clan. He specialized in forbidden mental techniques, including reading, altering, and erasing memories, and was one of Minato's trusted followers.
However, Santan was not suited for frontline combat, which was why he usually did not accompany Minato's team.
Jin had never brought up the issue of covering his tracks because he trusted Minato to handle the aftermath properly.
"Everyone, we'll meet again in Konoha."
Jin smiled and waved to Inuzuka Ago and Akimichi Doto before vanishing from the spot in a blur.
Minato stared in the direction Jin had departed, momentarily lost in thought.
Only then did a trace of concern appear in his eyes.
Ago stepped forward and patted Minato on the shoulder.
"Minato, you know Jin's strength."
"Honestly, in a straight fight, I'm not even sure you could take him down."
"There's really nothing to worry about."
Doto nodded in agreement.
"Besides his strength, Jin's mind is just as sharp. He wouldn't act without confidence."
"You're right. I'm overthinking it."
Minato laughed softly and shook his head.
"Take the two of them with you. Clean up the remaining Cloud shinobi bodies. Then we move out."
…
At the same time.
A cloaked figure wearing a cat-faced mask, his entire body concealed, quietly arrived at the Fire Daimyo's estate.
Watching the steady flow of people and the lively, prosperous atmosphere of the daimyo's estate, completely untouched by the scars of war, the cloaked figure let out a quiet sigh and concealed himself, patiently waiting for the right moment.
Only after the sun set and night fell did the cloaked figure finally reveal himself and move toward the palace.
The moment he reached the outer perimeter, faint music and indulgent laughter drifted out from within.
The cloaked figure frowned slightly. Beneath the mask, two points of crimson flickered in his eyes, giving off an eerie glow.
"Two to the east. Three to the north. Two to the south. All jonin-level guards. And a sensory barrier."
With a single glance, he had already mapped out every layer of defense within the palace.
His body blurred into motion, turning into a fleeting shadow. He bypassed every guard with ease and slipped into the Fire Daimyo's private chambers without alerting a single soul.
Several hours later, with the moon hanging high in the sky, the music from the banquet hall finally came to an end.
Reeking of alcohol, the Fire Daimyo was escorted back to his chambers by several attendants.
After some time passed, the attendants helped the daimyo settle in and left two guards behind before filing out one by one.
When the sound of footsteps faded, the cloaked figure moved.
One of the attendants guarding the chamber let out a muffled groan and collapsed unconscious to the floor.
"Who's there."
Almost instantly, two figures vaulted in from outside and positioned themselves in front of the daimyo's bed, staring warily at the cloaked figure standing calmly in the center of the room.
"State your identity, Why have you trespassed into the palace at night."
One of the two, a bald monk, furrowed his brow and demanded an answer.
But that was as far as it went.
The intruder's presence was unfathomable. He had infiltrated the daimyo's chambers without making a sound.
Both men were already drenched in cold sweat. If the cloaked figure had not revealed himself, they would never have known someone like this was hiding so close.
At least the intruder did not appear hostile and had chosen to show himself. Otherwise, neither of them would have escaped blame.
The cloaked figure ignored the monk's questioning and simply stared at the daimyo lying on the bed.
"Enough. Kazuma. Chiriku. Stand down."
At some point, the daimyo had already sat up.
Although his face still carried a faint flush from drinking, his eyes were sharp and clear as he spoke to the two guardians.
It was obvious that the Fire Daimyo, who seemed to spend his days lost in indulgence, was far more perceptive than he appeared.
Kazuma and Chiriku exchanged glances, then each stepped back slightly, though neither relaxed their guard.
The daimyo did not comment further. He turned his gaze to the cloaked figure.
"You have come unannounced in the dead of night. What is it you seek. As long as your request is not excessive, I am willing to accommodate it."
The cloaked figure finally raised a hand, pulling back his hood. He then removed his mask and bowed respectfully.
"Uchiha Shisui greets the Fire Daimyo."
"Uchiha."
The daimyo and his two guardians froze, surprise flashing across their faces.
Shisui said nothing. He simply lifted his head and revealed the crimson three-tomoe Sharingan within his eyes.
"Interesting."
Having confirmed Shisui's identity, a faint ripple of emotion stirred deep within the daimyo's gaze, replaced by clear intrigue.
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~Support with 200 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter
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