The atmosphere in Konoha's combat meeting room was tense. Seated around the table were several high-ranking officials, including Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. Their expressions were grim as they reviewed the latest updates on the battlefield.
Despite their vast experience in previous ninja wars, this current conflict with the Cloud Ninja weighed heavily on their minds.
The Cloud Village, renowned for the raw power and discipline of its shinobi, was the strongest among the five great nations in terms of combat readiness. Their elite forces included the prodigious A, son of the Third Raikage, and the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, Killer B—both unparalleled in speed and raw strength.
No matter how skilled Konoha's shinobi were, the odds of completely repelling such a force were slim. Even with Hatake Sakumo, Tsunade, and Orochimaru leading the counterattack, the Cloud Ninja's advantage in brute force and speed posed a significant threat.
"Even if our elite forces hold the line, the Cloud's surprise attack force could pull the frontlines to the border of the Land of Fire," Koharu murmured, her voice heavy with worry.
The Third Hokage nodded solemnly. "If that happens, and if the other nations—Sand, Stone, and Mist—coordinate their attacks, Konoha will face unimaginable pressure. We'd be fighting on three fronts."
The room fell silent. Even Mitokado Homura, who often played devil's advocate, had nothing to add.
Swish!
A sudden flash of yellow light filled the room, breaking the tense silence. When it faded, Namikaze Minato stood in a corner, his appearance bloodstained and battle-worn. The stench of blood clung to him, a testament to the carnage he had unleashed on the battlefield.
All eyes turned to him, and for a brief moment, the grim expressions of the Konoha elders softened.
"How is the war progressing?" the Third Hokage asked, his voice tinged with a faint hope.
Minato straightened his posture, his tone steady and confident. "The Cloud Ninja surprise attack force of several hundred has been neutralized. Aside from their strongest members—A and Killer B—less than a dozen remain."
The room erupted in a flurry of reactions.
Mitokado Homura leaned forward, his voice tinged with urgency. "And our casualties?"
Minato's expression remained stoic as he replied. "Eleven of our shinobi were killed. Orochimaru-senpai was injured but has been stabilized by Tsunade-senpai."
For a moment, the room was stunned into silence. The Third Hokage and the other elders stared at Minato, their faces betraying a mix of disbelief and astonishment.
"Eleven casualties…?" Koharu murmured, her voice barely audible. "Against hundreds of the Cloud's elite?"
Even Danzo Shimura, seated quietly in the corner, could not hide his surprise. His sharp eyes, usually filled with suspicion, were wide with shock.
The Third Hokage broke the silence, his tone filled with restrained excitement. "Explain the details of the battle, Minato."
Minato nodded and recounted the events with precision. He described the initial confrontation with A jr and Killer B, their overwhelming speed and power, and the coordinated assault of the Cloud Ninja forces. But it was his own decisive actions that turned the tide.
When he described how he had used the Flying Thunder God Technique to systematically dismantle the Cloud Ninja ranks, the elders exchanged glances, their disbelief giving way to admiration.
"Under siege by A and Killer B, you still managed to eliminate dozens of elite Cloud Ninja?" Mitokado Homura asked, his voice tinged with awe.
Minato's modest demeanor surfaced as he scratched the back of his head. "It wasn't easy. I relied heavily on the Flying Thunder God Technique and exploited their weaknesses."
At the mention of the Flying Thunder God Technique, a ripple of emotion passed through the elders. The technique, created by the Second Hokage, was legendary, but few could master its intricacies.
The Third Hokage's expression softened, but his voice carried weight. "Your strength has surpassed mine, Minato."
Minato's eyes widened slightly, his usual composure momentarily faltering. "Hokage-sama, I wouldn't say that. The Flying Thunder God Technique made the difference. It's not about my strength."
"Flying Thunder God…" Koharu whispered, her tone reverent.
The memories of the Second Hokage's sacrifice resurfaced in the minds of the elders. Decades ago, he had used the technique to protect his disciples, sacrificing himself so they could escape. Now, Minato had mastered and refined the technique, wielding it to devastating effect.
"He has not only inherited the Flying Thunder God Technique but improved it," the Third Hokage said, his voice steady. "To teleport hundreds of people across such distances… even the Second Hokage couldn't do that."
The room grew quiet again, each elder processing the implications of Sarutobi's words.
Minato, sensing their reverie, straightened and spoke. "Hokage-sama, I still need to return the remaining Konoha forces to their assigned battlefields. With your permission, I'll take my leave."
The Third Hokage nodded. "Go, Minato. And… well done."
Minato's figure blurred, disappearing in a flash of light.
For a moment, the meeting room was silent once more. Then Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses and spoke. "Sarutobi, you were right to teach him the Flying Thunder God Technique."
The Third Hokage allowed a faint smile to touch his lips. "He has become a shinobi who surpasses even the Second Hokage. Not only has he mastered the technique, but he has made it his own. He embodies Konoha's future."
Utatane Koharu nodded in agreement. "Minato's victories are unlike anything we've seen before. But more than that, the morale of Konoha's forces will soar when they hear of his achievements."
The Third Hokage's expression turned serious. "Indeed. That's why we must inform the village and the troops of these victories immediately. Minato wouldn't want to boast, but Konoha needs this now more than ever. Let the communication team spread the news—both of the Sand Ninja and Cloud Ninja defeats."
Koharu and Homura exchanged determined glances. "Understood."
As Minato returned to the battlefield, he reflected on the day's events. He had fought for Konoha, for his comrades, and for the ideals he believed in. Yet, the blood on his hands weighed heavily.
He knew the war was far from over. The strength he had shown today would be tested again and again in the battles to come. But for now, his focus was clear: to protect his village and its people.
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