The battle between Minato Namikaze and Hanzo rippled through the ninja world like a thunderclap, shattering the fragile calm that had lingered during the pause in the Third Ninja World War.
What had been a tense stalemate now erupted into chaos. The clash between two legendary figures, the Yellow Flash of Konoha and the Demigod of the Rain Village, was more than just a battle—it was a defining moment that reshaped the balance of power in the ninja world.
News spread like wildfire, igniting fervent discussions among shinobi and Kage alike.
Hanzo's defeat came as a shock. For decades, he had been revered as a figure at the very pinnacle of ninja strength. Even among the top forces of the five great nations, Hanzo stood as a symbol of invincibility, a peerless warrior who could rival the legendary Sannin and White Fang of Konoha.
Yet, Minato had shattered that perception. Hanzo's broken arm, his severely injured salamander, and his desperate retreat painted a stark contrast to the once-invincible demigod.
At first, many dismissed the news as baseless rumor. Surely, the Yellow Flash, as powerful as he was, couldn't have surpassed the legendary Hanzo. But as the Rain Village remained silent, offering no denial or rebuttal, the truth became undeniable.
The ninja world reeled from the revelation.
With Hanzo's defeat, a singular fact emerged: Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash of Konoha, now stood as the strongest ninja in the world.
No Kage could rival him. No village had a champion capable of balancing his overwhelming speed, skill, and power. The realization sent shockwaves through every nation.
For decades, the ninja world had seen many powerful figures rise and fall. Heroes like the Third Hokage, the Demigod Hanzo, the legendary Sannin, and Kumo's A B Combination had left their mark on history. Yet none had dominated their era so completely as Minato did now.
The Yellow Flash had done what even the strongest of his predecessors could not: he stood alone, unmatched, as the pinnacle of the ninja world.
This feat evoked memories of an era long past, when two other names inspired similar awe and fear. Back then, their power was unparalleled, their influence absolute.
Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama.
Deep underground in the Hidden Kirigakure, White Zetsu stood before a hunched, white-haired figure. His report detailed Minato's victory over Hanzo, and the old man's reaction was telling.
A flicker of surprise crossed the face of the legendary Uchiha Madara.
"He defeated Hanzo?" Madara mused, his voice low but tinged with intrigue. "This boy's growth surpasses even my expectations."
His crimson Sharingan glinted in the dim light as his expression turned cold.
"I should have eliminated him earlier, but… that time has passed," Madara muttered, regret mingling with frustration. In the past, dealing with Minato would have been trivial, but his current weakened state made such a task impossible.
White Zetsu shivered at the murderous intent radiating from the old man. Even though he served Madara faithfully, the sight of the infamous Uchiha's fury was enough to unnerve him.
Madara's lips curled into a slight smirk. "But it doesn't matter. Not even he can derail my plan now."
With a flick of his wrist, Madara tossed a scroll to White Zetsu. "We'll tighten our control over the Hidden Kirigakure. Go, make the necessary arrangements."
White Zetsu bowed low, then sank into the ground without another word.
Moments later, in the underground cavern, another figure entered—the Third Mizukage. His brows furrowed as he took in Madara's seated form.
"What do you need from me?" the Mizukage asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
Madara raised his head slowly, revealing a single crimson eye with three rotating magatama. A sinister smile spread across his face.
"It's nothing serious," Madara said, his tone deceptively calm. "I simply need to place a chess piece."
The Mizukage's expression darkened. "Chess piece?"
Boom!
Suddenly, an overwhelming aura surged from Madara, flooding the cavern with an oppressive force.
It wasn't raw strength, but a presence—an aura of absolute authority that only someone who had ruled the battlefield for decades could command.
The Mizukage staggered under the weight of it. Though he was no weakling, the oppressive energy left him trembling.
It was a stark reminder of who Uchiha Madara truly was. Those who had lived during Madara's era knew the terror his name alone inspired.
"You…" the Mizukage growled, retreating instinctively.
Madara's lips curled into a sneer. "Do you think you can escape me?"
With a series of hand seals, Madara activated a barrier technique. Black lines spread across the cavern walls, intertwining to form an impenetrable barrier. The Mizukage's escape route was cut off entirely.
Desperation flashed in the Mizukage's eyes as he turned to face Madara.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet!"
He formed hand seals with blinding speed, unleashing a massive torrent of water in the form of a roaring dragon. The water dragon hurtled toward the barrier, crashing into it with a deafening explosion.
Bang!
The impact sent ripples across the barrier, but it held firm. The Mizukage's face fell.
"This barrier… it blocks out sound and vibrations?" he muttered, despair creeping into his voice. He had hoped to draw the attention of others in the Hidden Kirigakure, but his efforts were futile.
Madara's calm voice echoed through the cavern. "Have you struggled enough?"
==============================================
Support me at p@treon.com/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.
Check out new Fanfic:
A Book of Ice and Fire / Game of Thrones : Magic Network
Marvel : Mutant God
=============================================