Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 123: The Death of Minato (Part 1)

"Minato" snorted coldly. "What do you think?"

With that, his figure vanished in an instant, attacking like a bolt of lightning.

A Rasengan appeared in his hand, aimed directly at one of the enemy's chests.

Simultaneously, another "Minato" appeared next to him and swiftly carried Yahiko away.

However, the figure struck by the Rasengan didn't get blasted back; instead, it dissipated like a shadow.

The lack of any resistance made Jiraiya's expression shift. He immediately used his Lion Mane Technique to sweep away the remaining enemies, revealing his true form as he reverted back to his original appearance. Shaking his head, he muttered in frustration, "They were all clones. Konan isn't here either. It's clear they have no intention of engaging us directly."

"Of course. While we pride ourselves on our skills, we're not confident enough to take on the Fourth Hokage and one of the Sannin simultaneously."

The Xuanyuan Group appeared like phantoms on a high cliff, looking down at them.

"Fourth Hokage, prove you're the real one and not just a clone. Otherwise, this kid dies."

Minato frowned and glanced at the unconscious Yahiko in his arms.

He had already checked—Yahiko's breathing was growing weaker. Poison!

The shadowy figure chuckled darkly. "He has five minutes left to live. If you think you can find a medical ninja and craft an antidote in that time, feel free to ignore our condition."

But that was impossible.

This poison had been purchased from the upper ranks of Sunagakure through the underground black market. Even the legendary Tsunade, one of the Sannin, couldn't create an antidote within such a short time frame.

Rasa himself could vouch for that.

Minato's gaze darkened. Under Jiraiya's worried look, he dispelled the Shadow Clone.

Moments later, the real Minato stepped into the cavern.

Knowing full well it was a trap, they had sent Shadow Clones to scout first. Jiraiya, who had transformed into him earlier, was also just a clone.

The plan had been to use the clones to rescue Konan and Yahiko or at least probe the enemy's techniques.

But the Xuanyuan Group, as one of the underground black market's top bounty hunter groups, clearly hadn't let their guard down. They left no obvious openings.

Under the gaze of the five Xuanyuan members, Minato silently took out a kunai and made a small cut on his arm. Blood flowed, proving he was the real one.

"Excellent," the Xuanyuan leader said, pulling out a vial of medicine and smirking.

"Come and take it, Fourth Hokage! Don't worry, it's the real antidote. After all, you know what we want. We won't let you use the Flying Raijin to escape. As long as you follow our steps, those two kids won't die."

To kill the Fourth Hokage, they first had to seal away his Flying Raijin technique.

Using hostages might be a despicable tactic, but it was effective!

"Where's Konan?" Jiraiya's Shadow Clone asked grimly.

"She's elsewhere. She's also been poisoned. This is the only vial of antidote I have. If you want to save her, you'll need to visit two other locations. Friendly reminder—those places are also guarded by other bounty hunters."

The Xuanyuan leader casually pointed in two directions and said coldly,

"Of course, you could stay here and defeat us first, but I'm confident we can delay you long enough. If you run out of time, don't regret it later."

Hidden in the shadows, Hyuga Fuji's expression turned cold. He realized they had already detected his presence, ready to counter any genjutsu he used to take control of the group.

Meanwhile, Jiraiya emerged from another direction, his face colder than ever as he stared at the Xuanyuan members.

"You despicable scum."

"Don't be so self-righteous. How are the Five Great Shinobi Villages any different from us? You're just state-sponsored assassination groups funded by the major nations. Killing targets on missions is no different from the underground bounty system. The only reason you look justifiable is because the rules are set by the Five Great Nations."

The Xuanyuan leader's cold words made Jiraiya want to retort, but Minato shook his head. "We don't have time to discuss this."

Then Minato fixed his gaze on the Xuanyuan Group. "How can I be sure what you're saying is true?"

"Do you have any other options?"

The Xuanyuan leader smirked and asked, "Do you expect the Demi-God of Amegakure to help you? Or do you think the other Kage will stand united with Konoha?"

"Or… will you just watch that woman die?"

Jiraiya's killing intent surged as his bloodlust filled the cavern, his eyes turning red as he glared at the Xuanyuan Group. "If Konan dies, I'll make sure you all accompany her to the grave!"

"Terrifying," the shadowy figure murmured, shrugging. "So, are you giving up on that woman?"

Jiraiya remained silent, his gaze locked onto them.

They hadn't fully uncovered the Xuanyuan Group's abilities. Allowing Minato to face them alone was too dangerous.

But Konan…

As Jiraiya hesitated, Minato suddenly spoke. "Sensei, you and Hyuga Fuji will go. I'll stay and retrieve this antidote."

Hyuga Fuji was stunned. "Minato-sama, you—"

"This is an order from the Hokage. Don't you trust me?"

Minato gave a gentle smile, using his authority as Hokage to leave no room for argument. Jiraiya and Hyuga Fuji could only stiffly comply and leave the cavern.

As Hyuga Fuji passed by, Minato whispered, "If it's hopeless, prioritize your own safety."

Minato and Jiraiya couldn't abandon Konan and Yahiko.

Whether it was their relationship or the guilt of dragging them into this, Minato wanted to save them no matter what.

But the enemy was clearly well-prepared.

If all three of them fell here, Konoha would suffer massive losses, its strength diminished by at least a third.

As a disciple, he couldn't voice this to his teacher.

But as Hokage, it was his duty to preserve Konoha's strength.

Hyuga Fuji nodded silently and left the cavern with Jiraiya, though Jiraiya didn't dispel his Shadow Clone. The Xuanyuan Group didn't seem to care.

Minato used the Flying Raijin to send Yahiko to Nagato outside the cave, then turned back to the Xuanyuan Group with a dark expression.

Nagato's decision to stay out of the cave due to his limited strength was correct. The five before him were each as strong as members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

But even so, they wouldn't be enough to stop him!

With a flick of his hand, Minato hurled a Flying Raijin kunai at the five. His figure vanished in an instant.

Jiraiya's Shadow Clone charged at one of them simultaneously.

One member of the Xuanyuan Group intercepted the clone, while the others used their kunai to deflect the Flying Raijin kunai.

In that brief moment, a kunai infused with wind chakra silently pierced through the chest of one Xuanyuan member.

But Minato, now standing behind the Xuanyuan Group, frowned.

Something felt wrong—it was a water clone.

"Water Release: Water Prison Technique!"

The pierced figure turned into a sphere of water, attempting to trap Minato, but he easily escaped using the Flying Raijin.

Abandoning his initial plan to take one out first, Minato appeared before the Xuanyuan leader holding the antidote.

The leader smirked eerily.

As long as the antidote remained in their hands, Minato wouldn't risk long-range attacks, fearing the vial would shatter in the chaos.

But in close combat, even with Flying Raijin, the Fourth Hokage wouldn't go unchallenged.

At this range, the Xuanyuan leader wouldn't miss.

Just as Minato snatched the antidote and his Rasengan closed in on the leader, the dim cave suddenly lit up with blinding light.

The noise was deafening, the intense brightness stealing Minato's vision.

At the same time, an icy sensation pierced deep into his body.

(Chapter End)

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