Namikaze Minato's expression was grave.
He laid out everything he knew, holding nothing back.
Yes—
That was simply the kind of person he was. Honest, forthright, and never one to lie.
Always bright, warm, cheerful, and confident…
In all of Konoha, he was easily the most well-liked man.
Even against enemies, he never relied on tricks—always facing them head-on.
Uchiha Kai's lips twitched.
After learning the full situation, he couldn't help but gasp in admiration.
Truly worthy of Nara Shikaku—the man's schemes were brilliant!
To so keenly notice the grudge between Ōnoki and the Third Raikage, and then devise such a perfect death trap…
When you can't solve the problem, solve the one who is the problem.
This kind of ploy felt awfully familiar!
He even began to suspect—was the Nara clan full of transmigrators too?
In a world like the shinobi world, where raw power ruled supreme, how else could such schemers exist?
But what really occupied Kai's mind was something else—the supposed "death" of the Third Raikage.
Was this merely a matter of the story returning to its original track?
Or was it just a coincidence?
In the original timeline—
The man had indeed fallen during the Third Great War.
Now, after Kai had wiped out Iwa's elite forces, Konoha immediately popped up, proposing to join forces to bring down Raikage.
Was this "plot armor"?
To be honest, if the shinobi world didn't hide so many old schemers, he wouldn't think too hard about it.
But now?
He couldn't help but wonder—were those hidden old foxes involved in this matter too?
Especially that Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo—
the so-called Sage of Six Paths, lurking in the Pure Land, quietly pulling strings no one could see.
"Kai-kun, what are you thinking?" Minato suddenly asked.
"Do you suspect something's wrong with the plan?"
He looked puzzled, even uneasy.
After all, since he'd finished explaining, Kai had fallen into deep thought.
Knowing Kai's intellect rivaled that of the Nara clan, Minato couldn't help but tense up.
Kai quickly shook his head.
"Oh, nothing. Just thought of something else. There's no problem with this mission."
Only then did Minato let out a relieved breath.
Good—so there was no issue.
Time slipped by.
Two hours later, a shadowy figure crept into the cave.
Both Kai and Minato instantly went on guard.
The next second—
a Konoha shinobi with a forehead protector stepped inside and immediately identified himself.
"Jounin Minato!
I am Aoi Twelve, Root operative.
Third Raikage has already entered the trap. He is now engaged with the Iwa-Konoha coalition forces.
Here are the coordinates."
The Root shinobi spoke curtly, handed Minato a map of the battlefield, and turned to leave without so much as a glance at Kai.
"…," Kai's mouth twitched.
His eyes grew cold as he watched the man depart.
Yes.
If not for the timing being wrong, he'd have killed that bastard right here and now.
"Heh… Root?" Kai sneered.
"How rude. I'm itching to send him on a little trip to the Pure Land."
Minato chuckled wryly.
A trip to the Pure Land? That was a one-way ticket, wasn't it? No return journey.
Still, he understood Kai's animosity toward Root. With a bitter smile, he said:
"Kai-kun, let it go.
I don't like Root or Danzo either, but the operatives are just pawns following orders.
If that agent had shown you respect, Danzo would've executed him himself.
It's not worth it.
Besides—believe me, I'll change all this.
When that time comes, I'll need your help."
Minato spoke earnestly, slipping his declaration in.
He would contend for the Hokage seat, even if it meant competing with the Uchiha.
And if he succeeded, he wanted Kai by his side to build a better Konoha together.
Kai's lips twitched again.
He understood the meaning behind Minato's words, but couldn't help feeling amused.
After all—he'd never intended to run for Hokage in the first place!
But of course, he couldn't say that aloud.
Uchiha's plans weren't something Minato could be allowed to know.
So after a moment's thought, Kai nodded solemnly.
"Minato-nii, I trust you.
If you really do become the Fourth Hokage, the Uchiha will not cause trouble. We'll support any reasonable decision you make.
But as for Hiruzen Sarutobi—please understand.
His actions over the years prove he wants the Uchiha destroyed.
All we seek… is fairness."
"Fairness," Minato repeated, nodding firmly.
"I can't promise favoritism, but if I do become Hokage, I guarantee basic fairness will never be denied."
"Good. Then it's settled," Kai smiled.
After a bit more talking, they set out.
There was still a mission to complete—no time for idle chatter.
This time, Minato didn't use Flying Thunder God.
The battlefield held no marked kunai.
Even so, their speed was incredible.
In just half an hour, they reached their destination.
From a mountain peak, they concealed themselves in the branches of a tall tree, overlooking the battle.
And what they saw made both men's expressions turn grim.
Strong.
Too strong!
The Third Raikage's power was overwhelming.
Even surrounded by countless Iwa and Konoha shinobi, he showed no fear—
Instead, he kept striking again and again.
Each blow cut down dozens of enemies.
And no matter how many jutsu rained down on him, not one could pierce his skin.
The strongest spear—Hell Stab!
The strongest shield—Lightning Style Armor!
He truly deserved his reputation as the mightiest shinobi of this era, second only to Hashirama Senju and Uchiha Madara.
"…He's terrifying," Minato muttered darkly.
"This is going to be a problem.
I've fought the A-B combo before, but the gap between them and Third Raikage is enormous.
He's the man said to have brawled head-on with the Eight-Tails—and actually fought it to a draw!
Against this man… I can't say I have any confidence.
Kai-kun—what about you?"
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