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The stability and small joys in the rear were merely fantasies of this era.
The battlefield at the front, the desperate struggle, the bloody and fiery slaughter, that was the true nature of the Ninja World.
When Namikaze Minato was in the Village, he had heard people say similar things, but he had never felt them deeply.
It wasn't until now, when he was urgently pulled to the battlefield after a brief one-day trip with Kushina in the Village, that he suddenly understood the feelings of those who spoke such words.
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—!"
Flying Kunai continuously weaved through the lush, dense forest, precisely scattering in a three-point formation towards the center of the crowd ahead.
The Cloud Ninja, maintaining a standard formation and charging forward, instinctively tried to dodge the moment they detected the sound of the Kunai cutting through the air. Only one Jonin, whose strength was exceptionally outstanding, accurately caught the different styles of the multiple Kunai.
Almost subconsciously, he suddenly squeezed a slightly sharp shout from his throat:
"Be careful! It's the Yellow—!"
The sound hadn't fully escaped his throat yet, and the faces of the Cloud Ninja following him still showed a hint of confusion as they observed their surroundings.
A golden, meteor-like figure suddenly shot out from a spot in the forest.
"Flying Thunder God Technique!"
His figure flashed, instantly surpassing the range of everyone's blurred vision. Even the most skilled Cloud Jonin only had time to assume a defensive posture instinctively.
Namikaze Minato almost completely closed his eyes, relying solely on his Chakra sensing range to clearly mark the position, posture, movement speed, and surrounding obstacles of every Cloud Ninja in his mind.
At this moment, after long periods of battlefield Sharpening, his application of the Flying Thunder God Technique had long exceeded ordinary people's imagination.
Even with only this vague perception, every movement of the Cloud Ninja in the field appeared as clear as a 3D model in his mind.
The super-high-speed calculations made his brain feel vaguely swollen.
However, the speed and power unleashed by this were equally formidable.
The moment the trident-style Kunai swept past the Cloud Ninja with super-high relative speed.
Namikaze Minato's figure flashed in a sprint, raising his blade and arm.
The Cloud Ninja's instinctively raised blade in front of him was deflected by a tiny gap with this subtle touch.
This single line of emptiness was enough to accommodate the tip of the Kunai blade Namikaze Minato extended forward.
As their figures rushed past each other with inertia, they brushed shoulders.
One of the trident's blade tips deeply penetrated the Cloud Ninja's neck, effortlessly severing his carotid artery and windpipe.
The trident Kunai continued to fly forward, and Namikaze Minato's figure appeared like a ghost beside each person, each time using the smallest possible inertia and movement to plunge the Ninja tool in his hand into the opponent's vital points.
Carotid artery, heart, lungs, temples, kidneys, windpipe…
Even for the most skilled medical Ninja in anatomy, Namikaze Minato's slaughter feast, which lasted less than a second in total, was a thorough and exhilarating dissection of human vital points, harvesting all life in sight in an extremely vivid and impactful manner.
Most of these Cloud Ninja, who were only at the Chunin or Genin level, were proficient in Taijutsu, had practiced swordsmanship for many years, and possessed incredibly strong, rock-like bodies. But all of this was nothing in front of this seemingly slender Konoha Ninja.
It was merely the instant of a passing brush.
"Puff, puff, puff—"
Several Kunai all fell to the ground, deeply embedded in the soil.
Namikaze Minato's figure landed almost simultaneously, his body pausing slightly, alleviating the subtle pressure brought by the high-speed calculations in his brain and the synchronized movements of his body.
Compared to that, the amount of Chakra consumed by the Flying Thunder God Technique was the smallest part of this entire process.
However, in just that instant.
The Cloud Jonin opposite landed, stretched out his hand, and stroked a deep bloodstain left on his cheek.
If it weren't for his almost instinctive Lightning Release defense Ninjutsu, which barely blocked the tip of that man's blade...
In that instant, his neck would have been easily sliced open like tofu.
That's right!
The others!?
The Cloud Jonin had just recovered from his shock, but then, as if suddenly remembering something, he immediately turned his head to look behind him.
"Bang, bang, bang—"
What reached his ears was a continuous series of heavy thuds.
The Cloud Jonin stared in astonishment at the scene before him.
The dozen or so living subordinates who had just been following him had all silently lost their lives in mid-air. Each of them had their vital points severed with a bewildered expression, leaving this world in an utterly helpless and inexplicable state.
Most of them probably didn't understand what kind of attack they had been subjected to until they died.
The only thing they might have known was likely the momentary sharp pain from their final wound.
The shock of seeing bodies that were alive moments ago suddenly falling to the ground like raindrops was something ordinary people found completely indescribable.
The moment he saw this scene, the Cloud Jonin didn't even have time for a thought of fear to arise in his heart.
The only thing that filled his entire being was a sigh for his inevitable fate.
He looked at the overly young, blond figure behind him and said calmly:
"Are you the Yellow Flash of Konoha, Namikaze Minato?"
"What an incredible fellow."
"Such exquisite Flying Thunder God Technique, even the Second Hokage of Konoha back then was probably only this good, right?"
"A man like you, and you're not even the strongest among the new generation?"
Namikaze Minato also calmly turned his head, seemingly not caring much about the extreme resentment and suppressed hatred hidden beneath the man's tone, his voice almost devoid of any fluctuation:
"Ah, that's right."
"That strongest of the new generation is countless times more powerful than someone of my level."
"Therefore, Kumogakure's defeat is already destined."
"Even so, will you still continue to resist?"
These words, so indifferent that they barely conveyed any emotion, seemed to instantly enrage the Cloud Jonin opposite him. His eyes suddenly turned completely red, filled with lightning-like bloodshot veins, and he roared loudly:
"Kumogakure has no Ninja who surrender!"
The moment this declaration fell, a violent burst of lightning suddenly erupted from the surface of his body. His speed, strength, and defense all increased several times over in a short period due to the stimulation of the lightning.
The blade in his hand glowed with an intense light.
"Lightning Release: Lightning Blade!"
The next moment, with a 'bang', the soil beneath his feet splattered with fine dust, and his figure, hugging the ground, transformed into a winding, slender snake-like streak of lightning. It traversed the hundred-meter distance at a speed completely imperceptible to the naked eye, and the blade in his hand fiercely slashed down towards the young man in front of him.
Angle, timing, technique, subsequent combo moves—
In just a flash, his mind had perfectly constructed all possible resistance the opponent could make under normal circumstances.
If judged solely by his current Ninjutsu, this man in front of him was absolutely worthy of the Jonin title.
However, the one he encountered at this moment was no ordinary Ninja.
Almost at the instant his figure shot out, Namikaze Minato, as if casually scattering them, threw several Kunai onto the ground in front of him.
The Cloud Jonin's pupils suddenly constricted.
Flying Thunder God?
From which direction would he attack?
Just this instant of thought immediately made his sword-swinging motion hesitate for a moment.
Within this extremely short period of time.
Namikaze Minato's figure suddenly vanished, appearing inverted on a tree trunk behind the opponent, his eyes fixed on the Cloud Jonin's figure, his Chakra perception completely locking onto him.
Not only that, but a constantly rotating spherical mass of Chakra suddenly appeared in his hand.
Faintly, one could also detect a hint of an inconspicuous, twisting motion integrated within it.
It was just extremely subtle.
When he flashed again, he had already appeared behind the Cloud Jonin, who was still in a charging posture.
The trident-style Kunai even maintained its relatively static spinning posture.
Namikaze Minato, however, had already assumed a twisting stance.
In his mind, he almost subconsciously recalled his first encounter with Sawara Kiri, that exhibition match, scene after scene in that empty underground space.
It was as if he was enveloped by a layer of his shadow.
Just like this very moment.
"Rasengan!!"
With a sudden roar, the twisting motion slammed the attack, which had gathered a large amount of Chakra, into the back of this unknown Cloud Jonin, completely shaking his strong, muscular body into the ground, which shattered like a rock, sending out ripples that distorted and spread.
Almost the instant the Rasengan touched the Cloud Ninja, the Jonin's expression distorted, and his figure behind him showed a spatial distortion completely different from previous Rasengan.
This was not the rotational force inherent to the Rasengan itself, but a distortion of the material itself, originating from the spatial dimension.
Neither the Lightning Release Chakra defense wrapped around him nor his own strong body offered the slightest resistance.
In just an instant, his entire body was completely torn apart.
"Boom—!"
An explosive sound, accompanied by a surging spray of blood mist, immediately ended the life of the person in front of him.
Namikaze Minato leaped out of the crater, gasping for breath.
He lowered his head and saw the slightly distorted skin in the center of his palm, which was now radiating a slight tearing pain.
Seeing this, he couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh:
"As expected, was I too reckless?"
Minato, unlike his son, was naturally meticulous and cautious.
Long before this Ninjutsu was used in actual combat, he had already successfully completed many experiments with great care.
However, he had originally thought the Ninjutsu had largely taken shape, but now, using it in actual combat, he suddenly discovered some of its inherent limitations, which made him feel a bit down.
"Trying to incorporate spatial attributes into the Rasengan is indeed too difficult."
"Or, should I start experimenting by incorporating Lightning Release Chakra attributes first?"
Namikaze Minato had many thoughts on his mind, but none of them included pride after single-handedly killing an entire squad of Cloud Ninja.
He had seen too high and too far, and his vision alone was no longer limited by these small fry.
If Uchiha Megumi merely wanted to keep up with Sawara Kiri, then Namikaze Minato's initial thought was how to surpass him.
However, it seemed this goal was still too distant for now.
Facing this reality, how could Namikaze Minato, with his pride, not sigh?
Just as he was thinking this, a familiar voice suddenly sounded in his ear.
"Minato-sama!"
From the Yamanaka Ninja in the rear command post, an anxious shout came through the Body of Mind and Heart Transmission Technique: "The Third Raikage is attacking again! Sakumo-sama has already led his unit forward; please hurry over!"
"Again?"
Namikaze Minato frowned tightly, but his voice remained steady, without any hesitation:
"I understand, I'll be there now."
However, after his words fell, he still couldn't help but furrow his brows and turn to look in the direction of the front lines.
This was the third time this week.
With their current strength, they simply couldn't stop a surprise attack from a powerhouse of the Third Raikage's caliber.
But the rear, just like when they were on the Land of Wind front lines, consistently showed no intention of sending more powerhouses as reinforcement.
Even Kiri-kun...
Namikaze Minato thought, and couldn't help but recall his own identity.
He was Jiraiya's direct disciple, the current Third Hokage's grand-disciple, and a natural candidate for the Hokage lineage.
But, those guys really were...
"Sigh."
Finally, it turned into a long sigh, and he quickly rushed to the front lines to provide support.
"Again?"
Looking at the girl standing at the entrance of the Senju Residence, Sawara Yuki had just opened the door a crack when she immediately tried to close it.
Her previous experience of being cornered against a wall was still vivid, making Yuki harbor a considerable grudge against Uchiha Megumi. Seeing her now, she couldn't even be bothered to listen to her.
She would absolutely not give up Kiri!
However, how could Yuki's meager strength compare to Megumi's?
After rigorous training, Uchiha Megumi had not only improved her Ninjutsu and Genjutsu; her physical training had almost never stopped, and she was even extremely proficient in Crimson Blade techniques.
The girl simply pushed the large door with one hand, forcing Yuki inside to constantly retreat, and she strode into the house as if she were returning to her own home.
Then, she saw Sawara Kiri in the courtyard, leisurely settling himself into a lounge chair with a relaxed expression.
"Oh, it's Megumi?"
Sawara Kiri was also startled to see the newcomer and subconsciously glanced at her head.
The light blue halo remained there, showing no change.
"Uchiha Megumi's Inner Demon (Middle Layer)"
"Details: That damned woman, if, if only I also had the strength to keep up with Kiri."
Had the increase in her strength still not satisfied her?
Sawara Kiri rose from the lounge chair and pointed towards the house:
"If there's something, come inside first and we can talk."
"Mhm."
Uchiha Megumi also entered without a hint of formality, even striding into the room as if somewhat impatient.
Behind her, Sawara Yuki, seeing this, quickly scurried over in a panic, trying to stop this bad woman:
"Wait a minute! Kiri!"
"You don't know what kind of bad person she is!"
"Don't let this guy into our house, Kiba—!"
Sawara Kiri helplessly reached out and ruffled Yuki's head twice:
"Don't worry, Megumi must be here for something important."
"Besides, aren't you here watching?"
Yuki stared intently at the bad woman's back and whispered, "What good is me watching? I can't beat her. That guy might even get more excited."
"What?"
"Nothing! Hurry up and finish talking so she can leave!" Yuki immediately turned her head away, pretending she hadn't spoken, "It'll be too late to prepare lunch soon."
"Yes yes"
Once inside the room, the girl knelt on the floor, looking at him with earnest eyes:
"Kiri."
"I came this time because I want to ask you for a way to become stronger."
As she spoke, the girl's voice seemed to carry a hint of a sigh: "Recently, after returning to the Village, I originally wanted to ask the elders in my clan about how to awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan."
"But, according to the method the elders described, I probably won't be able to awaken the Mangekyo in my entire life."
"However, my pupil power is sufficient."
Because during their time as a team, Megumi had already told Sawara Kiri many secrets related to the Sharingan. Moreover, he had personally witnessed the appearance of the Mangekyo during the confrontation with Uchiha Hikari, so there was no need to conceal it.
Naturally, she also fully disclosed her training process since returning.
Sawara Kiri initially had an attitude of expectation.
But upon hearing the part about 'pupil power being sufficient, it's just the method that's unsuitable,' cold sweat suddenly poured down his forehead.
No, no?
You only awakened the Three Tomoe Sharingan around the time the war ended, right?
Sawara Kiri quickly reviewed their recent interactions, confirming that he hadn't caused Miss Megumi any mental stimulation, and there was absolutely no opportunity for her to evolve from Two Tomoe to Mangekyo in one go, like Obito in later generations. His heart rate unconsciously sped up.
I was careless!
He had originally thought it would take Miss Megumi some more time to advance to the Mangekyo Sharingan.
Who would have thought her talent in this area was so extraordinary?
Then why were you only at Two Tomoe when you were fifteen or sixteen before?
'No.'
'This path is too dangerous for Megumi.'
'I must make her find a way to switch tracks.'
Sawara Kiri discovered his previous oversight, so he naturally had to find a way to make up for it.
The achievements Miss Megumi could attain in the future were clear as day, forcing him to be careful.
In a world as subjective as Naruto, you can never imagine what kind of monster an extreme yandere can become from a dead last.
At this moment, his brain spun rapidly, intently staring at the girl in front of him.
Yuki, on the other hand, looked at her askance, finding her displeasing no matter how she looked, and grumbled discontentedly:
"Honestly!"
"Is this the attitude of someone asking for help?"
"Such an important matter, and she came empty-handed..."
Upon hearing this, Miss Uchiha Megumi, sitting opposite, seemed to suddenly understand something. A hint of realization appeared on her usually cool and indifferent delicate face, and she nodded slightly:
"I understand."
"As long as Kiri is willing to teach me how to become stronger, I am willing to pay any price."
As the girl spoke, she began to take off her top.
No time to lose!!
Yuki beside her immediately pounced, desperately holding down her clothes:
"Who, who, who told you to pay such a price?!"
"Put your clothes back on!"
However, Uchiha Megumi's attitude was exceptionally firm only at such times:
"If it's Kiri, it's absolutely no problem!"
Yuki shouted, "We have a problem here!"
Finally, Sawara Kiri suddenly clasped his hands together, as if he had thought of something, and asked:
"Megumi."
"Are you interested in learning Sealing Techniques?"
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