In the barren desert of the Land of Wing, the air vibrated with tension.
Boom!
A deafening explosion sent waves of sand cascading through the air.
"Damn humans!"
A shriek of rage and malice echoed across the desolate landscape. At its source was a monstrous figure—a massive, ochre-colored beast streaked with purple patterns.
One-Tail, Shukaku.
The mighty tailed beast thrashed violently, its body bound by golden chains formed from sand manipulated by the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa.
A squad of Sand Ninjas surrounded the beast, their faces tense with determination. One of them rushed to Rasa's side.
"Kazekage-sama, are you alright?"
Rasa waved him off, his gaze fixed on the writhing form of Shukaku. "I'm fine. Focus on the seal. We can't let this creature escape again!"
The hunt for Shukaku had stretched on for three grueling months. Despite the combined efforts of the Sand Village, the beast's cunning and raw power had resulted in heavy losses. Nearly a hundred Sand Ninjas had perished in the pursuit.
"Yes, sir!"
Dozens of Sand Ninjas moved into position, forming intricate hand seals. Their chakra surged, creating a palpable tension in the air.
A kunoichi with short hair stepped forward, her expression heavy with resolve.
"Seal!"
The coordinated voices of the Sand Ninjas reverberated as a brilliant light enveloped Shukaku.
"Damn it! Damn it!"
Shukaku roared, its wild, hate-filled eyes locking onto the kunoichi. She was the new vessel, the cage meant to contain it.
The sealing process reached its peak, and with a final Instant Step, Shukaku's massive form vanished.
Purple lines crawled across the kunoichi's face, her eyes becoming blank as the tailed beast's essence fused with her.
"Quickly, stabilize her!"
A Sand Ninja rushed forward, pressing a talisman to her forehead. The glowing seal suppressed the beast's influence, causing the lines on her face to fade. Her eyes returned to normal before she collapsed, unconscious.
Rasa sighed deeply. Shukaku had been secured, but the strain on the vessel was evident.
"She won't be able to fully suppress Shukaku," Rasa muttered. "But this seal should hold for a few years at least."
Rasa's expression hardened as he turned to one of the Sand Ninjas.
"Send word to the Cloud Ninja and Rain Village. Inform them that the Sand Village army will soon march."
"Understood!"
Two Sand Ninjas dashed off in opposite directions.
Rasa clenched his fists, his golden eyes burning with resolve.
"Konoha… Minato Namikaze… don't think I've forgotten the humiliation you dealt me."
Meanwhile, in Konoha's operations room, the Third Hokage and several senior advisors gathered around a large map, their faces grim.
The Land of Rain was the focal point, sandwiched between the major nations of Wind, Fire, and Earth.
Swish!
Minato suddenly appeared, his arrival drawing all eyes. His face was serious as he delivered his report.
"The Rock Ninjas have established a full supply line in the Land of Grass. According to Aburame Shibi's reconnaissance, most of their forces are now moving toward the Land of Rain. Their leader, Kitsuchi, has already left their main camp."
The Third Hokage nodded, his brows furrowed.
"We've received similar news about the Sand Village. They've re-sealed Shukaku and are now mobilizing their forces toward the Land of Rain."
Minato's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening. He had expected the Sand Village to retaliate after their previous defeat, but this confirmation solidified his concerns.
"Their intentions are clear," Minato said. "The Rock Ninja and Sand Ninja plan to join forces, with the Rain Ninja likely joining them. This will be a coordinated strike."
He hesitated for a moment before adding, "If I had eliminated Hanzo during our last encounter, this situation wouldn't be as dire."
The room fell silent at Minato's words. His acknowledgment carried a weight that unsettled even Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
To defeat Hanzo, the Demigod of the Ninja World, was already a feat that surpassed imagination. To kill him outright was another matter entirely.
But there was no doubt in their minds: Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash, truly possessed the ability to do so.
The Third Hokage broke the silence. "We can't afford to delay. The forces we currently have at the Rain Village border won't be able to withstand an assault from these three nations."
Minato nodded. The Third Hokage's next words were direct.
"You used the Flying Thunder God Technique to transport 500 shinobi at once before. Could you manage a larger number this time?"
Minato smiled faintly. "If needed, I can bring back the entire force stationed in the Land of Grass."
The Third Hokage considered this, his expression thoughtful. "We can't leave the Grass border unguarded. 500 shinobi will hold the line there. Bring the rest, including him, back to Konoha immediately."
"Understood."
With that, Minato disappeared, vanishing in a Yellow Flash.
The Third Hokage turned to his advisors.
"The enemy's forces are too concentrated this time. We'll need to divert resources from within the village itself."
He raised his voice. "Send for the Anbu."
An Anbu operative appeared instantly, kneeling before him.
"Draw out 80% of the Anbu forces. Prepare them for deployment to the Land of Rain border."
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