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Chapter 162: Attack of the Rock Ninja Troops!
🕑 Added 2025-01-24 16:21:51 +0000 UTCNamikaze Minato's decision to press on through the night was decisive, but it had unforeseen consequences. While he prioritized avoiding detection by Iwa ninjas, he underestimated the toll that continuous travel would take on his young team.
Unlike Minato, who was an experienced and seasoned ninja, Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Obito, and Nohara Rin were still children. The prolonged journey under the cover of darkness quickly drained their physical and mental strength.
"Minato-sensei, can we take a break?" Rin asked, her voice faint as she gasped for air. "I can't go any further."
Minato halted immediately and appeared beside Rin in an instant. Her pale complexion and unsteady footing told him everything he needed to know—pushing forward was no longer an option.
"We'll rest here for a while," Minato said decisively. "Kakashi, Obito, keep watch. I'll set up traps."
Minato handed Kakashi a special three-pronged kunai before disappearing into the night, moving to secure the perimeter.
While Minato worked, Kakashi moved to a vantage point to stay alert, while Obito took the opportunity to sit beside Rin, offering her water and some words of comfort.
"Minato-sensei is really in a hurry," Obito muttered, glancing at the dark forest around them. "It wouldn't hurt to take proper breaks. If we run into trouble like this, it could be a disaster."
"Kakashi's right, though," Rin said weakly. "The Iwa ninja we encountered earlier might not have gotten the chance to report our location. It's important to keep moving."
Obito frowned but didn't argue. Kakashi, standing a short distance away, added in a stern tone, "We need to be vigilant. The mission and our survival depend on it."
Unbeknownst to the three, an Iwa ninja skilled in camouflage had been observing them from the shadows. The figure, blending perfectly into the rocky surroundings, silently moved closer under the cover of night.
"Earth-Style: Hiding Like a Mole Technique!"
The Iwa ninja sank into the ground, moving unseen beneath Kakashi's position. His kunai gleamed in the faint moonlight as he prepared to strike.
Suddenly, the Iwa ninja emerged from the ground, aiming his blade directly at Kakashi's throat.
"Who's there?!" Kakashi shouted, reacting just in time to dodge the fatal blow. The kunai narrowly grazed his neck, leaving a shallow cut.
Kakashi countered immediately, grabbing the attacker's arm and leaping into the air. He aimed a powerful kick at the Iwa ninja's chest.
"Earth-Style: Hardening Technique!"
The Iwa ninja's body stiffened like stone, absorbing Kakashi's kick without flinching. He retaliated with an elbow strike, forcing Kakashi to release his grip and fall back.
Kakashi tumbled to the ground but quickly recovered, rolling into a defensive stance.
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"
Obito's voice rang out as a massive fireball shot toward the Iwa ninja. The explosion illuminated the forest, igniting nearby trees in a blaze of heat and light.
When the flames subsided, the Iwa ninja was nowhere to be seen. The ground was scorched, but no body remained.
"Did I get him?" Obito asked, his excitement evident. "I think I did it, Kakashi!"
Kakashi remained cautious, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "I doubt it. He probably escaped."
Before they could deliberate further, Minato reappeared, his expression calm but serious. "What happened?" he asked, glancing at the scorched ground.
Obito puffed out his chest, eager to take credit. "We were attacked by an Iwa ninja, but I took care of him!"
Kakashi rolled his eyes, interjecting, "The enemy likely escaped. We can't let our guard down."
Minato nodded, his demeanor unchanged. "I don't sense any enemy presence now, so it's safe to rest for a few hours. We'll move out at dawn."
Though Minato's words were reassuring, his instincts told him otherwise. The subtle sensation of being watched hadn't left him. He suspected the Iwa ninja was still nearby, observing and waiting for an opportunity. Minato decided to feign ignorance to lull the enemy into a false sense of security.
If the enemy attacked again, Minato was confident he could eliminate them before they posed a serious threat.
The night passed uneventfully. Minato remained on high alert, but the Iwa ninja made no further moves. By dawn, Minato's unease had only grown. The enemy's restraint likely meant they were waiting for reinforcements or had other plans in motion.
Aware of the potential danger, Minato secretly sent a message to the Konoha stronghold in the Land of Wind, requesting backup.
Meanwhile, deep within the Land of Earth, Roshi and Kitsuchi mobilized a large Iwa force upon receiving a critical report. Their scouts had identified Namikaze Minato, the Golden Flash of Konoha, traveling through the Land of Birds with only three young ninjas in tow.
Realizing the opportunity to eliminate one of Konoha's greatest assets, Roshi and Kitsuchi quickly assembled their troops, leaving command of other fronts to subordinates. Their forces advanced rapidly toward Minato's last known location.
Back at the Konoha stronghold, Uzumaki Raiden received word of Minato's message. Initially, he dispatched Hyuga Hizashi and six chunin to assist. However, upon learning of Iwa's large-scale mobilization, Raiden recognized the gravity of the situation.
"This isn't just an ambush," Raiden said, his tone grave. "They're targeting Minato directly."
Without hesitation, Raiden rallied a significant portion of his forces, leading them out of the stronghold to intercept the Iwa army and support Minato's team.
As the two forces converged, the stage was set for a pivotal battle, with Namikaze Minato and his young team caught in the crossfire of an imminent clash between Konoha and Iwagakure.
(End of Chapter)
