Likewise, Minato Namikaze quickly realized that his three junior disciples—Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan—would inevitably stand in Shimura Danzō's way.
Given Danzō's methods and capabilities, the three of them would likely face grim odds.
After thinking for a moment, Minato reached into the pouch at his waist and took out several special kunai, handing them to Uchiha Ren.
"Ren, I know it isn't appropriate for me to appear there right now, but I still want to do what I can."
"It's not just because Yahiko and the others are Jiraiya-sensei's students—it's also because I want to stop Elder Danzō's actions."
Minato understood that this was a crucial period in his campaign to become Hokage. If he rashly left his post and went to the Land of Rain, it could easily create unnecessary complications.
But now that he knew about this situation, doing nothing would leave him deeply unsettled.
More importantly, Shimura Danzō was no ordinary opponent.
He was a direct disciple of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, had been tempered through countless battles, and had spent decades operating in the shadows of Konoha, quietly accumulating power.
His foundations were unfathomably deep.
And this time, he had not come alone.
He had brought along elite shinobi from Root.
Minato was worried that even Uchiha Ren might find himself outmatched.
Just in case, Minato gave Ren those special kunai so that Ren could summon him at any moment.
To Minato, Uchiha Ren was far more important than the position of Hokage.
If it came down to it, even if revealing his movements meant losing the Hokage position, he would still do it if it meant saving Ren's life at a critical moment.
Uchiha Ren understood Minato's intentions.
Although he didn't plan to use them, he still accepted the special kunai.
"Alright. I've already stayed here long enough. I should take my leave."
"I'll leave A and the Eight-Tails' jinchūriki to you."
As he spoke, Uchiha Ren stood up, preparing to depart.
Minato nodded.
"Don't worry. I'll handle things here. After we return to camp, I'll ask Santian to modify their memories so your whereabouts won't be exposed."
The Santian Minato mentioned was Yamanaka Santian, one of the most outstanding members of the Yamanaka Clan.
He specialized in soul-based forbidden techniques, capable of reading, modifying, and deleting memories. He was also one of Minato's loyal followers.
However, Santian wasn't particularly skilled in direct combat, so he normally didn't accompany Minato's team on missions.
The reason Uchiha Ren had never brought up the issue of covering his tracks was precisely because he trusted Minato to handle the aftermath.
"Everyone, I'll see you again in Konoha."
Uchiha Ren smiled and waved to Inuzuka Gaku, Akimichi Dōdō, and the others. Then his figure flickered and vanished instantly.
Minato stared in the direction Ren had disappeared.
Only then did a trace of worry appear in his eyes.
Seeing this, Inuzuka Gaku stepped forward and patted Minato on the shoulder.
"Minato, you know Ren's strength."
"Honestly, in a straight fight, I doubt even you could defeat him."
"So there's really nothing to worry about."
Akimichi Dōdō also spoke up.
"Besides his strength, Ren's intelligence is first-rate. I'm sure he wouldn't do anything without confidence."
"You're right. I was worrying too much."
Minato chuckled and shook his head.
"Bring those two along. Dispose of the remaining Kumogakure bodies. Then we'll leave."
At the same time…
A cloaked figure wearing a cat-faced mask and covering every inch of their body had quietly arrived at the Fire Daimyō's residence.
Looking at the bustling streets filled with people—so lively and prosperous that there was no trace of war whatsoever—the cloaked figure sighed softly and concealed himself in the shadows, waiting for the right moment.
Only after sunset, when darkness had fallen, did the figure reveal himself and head toward the royal palace.
Just outside the palace, the cloaked figure heard decadent music and laughter drifting from within.
The figure frowned slightly.
Behind the mask, a pair of eyes flashed with two crimson glints, giving off an eerie aura.
Two on the east side… three to the north… two to the south…
All of them are jōnin-level experts.
Hmm… a sensory barrier?
With just a brief glance, the cloaked figure had already grasped the entire defensive layout of the palace.
His figure flickered, turning into a blur.
Effortlessly avoiding all guards, he slipped into the Fire Daimyō's bedchamber without attracting the slightest attention.
Several hours later, the moon hung high in the sky.
The music and dancing from the banquet hall finally ended.
The Fire Daimyō, looking thoroughly drunk, returned to his bedchamber with the support of several attendants.
After some time, the attendants helped him settle into bed.
Two servants remained behind to stand guard while the others quietly withdrew.
Once the footsteps faded away, the cloaked figure hidden within the chamber suddenly moved.
One of the servants let out a muffled groan and collapsed unconscious onto the floor.
"Who's there?!"
Almost instantly, two figures leapt into the room from outside, landing in front of the Daimyō's bed while staring cautiously at the cloaked figure standing in the center of the chamber.
"Who are you, and why have you trespassed into the palace at night?"
One of them—a bald monk—frowned deeply as he demanded an explanation.
But that was as far as it went.
The cloaked figure's strength was unfathomable.
He had infiltrated the Daimyō's bedchamber without making a sound.
Cold sweat ran down both men's backs.
If the cloaked figure hadn't revealed himself, they might never have noticed someone lurking beside them.
Fortunately, the intruder didn't appear to harbor any hostility.
Otherwise, the two of them would have been impossible to absolve of blame.
The cloaked figure ignored the monk's question entirely and simply stared at the Daimyō lying on the bed.
"Enough. Kazuma, Chiriku—stand down."
The Daimyō, who had been lying in bed, suddenly sat up.
Although his face still carried a faint drunken flush, his eyes were completely clear as he addressed the two guards.
It was obvious that this Fire Daimyō—who appeared to spend his days drowning in pleasure and indulgence—was far more shrewd than he seemed.
Kazuma and Chiriku exchanged a glance.
They each stepped back slightly, though their vigilance did not drop.
The Daimyō paid it no mind and instead looked toward the cloaked figure.
"You've come to visit me in the middle of the night. What is it you want?"
"As long as the request isn't excessive, I'll try to satisfy it."
Upon hearing this, the cloaked figure raised a hand and pulled back his hood.
Then he removed his mask.
He bowed respectfully.
"Uchiha Shisui greets the Daimyō."
"Uchiha?!"
The Daimyō and the two guards were all stunned, their expressions turning uncertain.
Shisui said nothing.
He simply raised his head, revealing the three-tomoe Sharingan glowing scarlet within his eyes.
"Interesting…"
After confirming Shisui's identity, a ripple of emotion flashed deep within the Daimyō's eyes as a look of intrigued amusement appeared on his face.
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