Published at 17th of September 2024 9:17 am

Chapter 66 The Rise of the Yellow Flash: 4 Bonds Tested in Battle

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Minato’s footsteps were soundless as he moved through the dense forest, leading his team under the cover of night. The wind whistled through the trees, but the atmosphere remained tense, every shadow and rustle of leaves keeping them on edge. In addition to Minato, there were three other shinobi in his squad—an ANBU operative named Kuro, a brilliant strategist named Hiraku, and a talented medical-nin named Ayame. They were an elite team, handpicked for this high-risk mission.

Their objective was simple in theory but deadly in execution: sabotage the supply lines of the Hidden Stone Village, whose forces were rumored to be preparing for a large-scale offensive. This mission, if successful, could cripple the enemy’s war effort and tilt the balance of power in Konoha’s favor. However, the path to victory was fraught with danger, especially when navigating through hostile territory.

As Minato led the team deeper into the wilderness, his senses were heightened. Despite the inherent danger of the mission, his mind couldn’t help but drift back to Kushina. Her words before he left—the way her eyes had softened, her voice trembling just slightly—kept playing in his mind. He had promised her he would come back, and Minato wasn’t one to break his promises.

"Captain," Kuro whispered, breaking Minato’s thoughts. "We’re approaching the rendezvous point. Our scout should be there soon."

Minato nodded, motioning for the team to slow their pace. They were now in the neutral zone, a territory that wasn’t controlled by any village but was frequently patrolled by rogue shinobi and mercenaries. It was the perfect place for an ambush.

The team came to a halt, crouching low in the underbrush. Minato’s eyes scanned the area, every muscle in his body tensed for action. In the distance, a figure appeared, moving swiftly and silently toward them.

"That’s our contact," Hiraku muttered.

The figure, a slim man in dark clothing, moved closer until he was standing just a few feet from Minato’s team. His face was obscured by a mask, and his eyes gleamed in the moonlight.

"Minato Namikaze?" the man asked, his voice low and raspy.

"That’s me," Minato replied, stepping forward slightly. "You’re the scout?"

The man nodded. "The supply caravan is about half a mile ahead. They’re heavily guarded—more than we anticipated. The Stone Village is clearly expecting trouble."

Minato absorbed the information, his mind quickly running through various scenarios. "How many guards?"

"At least a dozen elite shinobi. There’s also a squad of earth-style users stationed around the perimeter. They’re using the terrain to their advantage, creating barriers and traps."

Minato frowned slightly. This mission had just become far more dangerous. The Stone Village’s defensive measures were formidable, but nothing he couldn’t handle. His reputation as the Yellow Flash had spread far and wide, and he knew that the element of surprise was their greatest asset.

"Understood," Minato said. "We’ll approach from the east, using the forest as cover. Hiraku, I want you to take Ayame and flank the enemy from the north. Kuro and I will create a diversion. The goal is to hit them fast and hard—don’t give them time to react."

Hiraku nodded, a confident smirk on his face. "You can count on us, Captain."

The team dispersed, moving with precision and speed. Minato’s heartbeat quickened as the mission began in earnest. Every step brought them closer to the enemy camp, closer to the decisive moment where their skills would be tested.

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As Minato and Kuro moved through the dense foliage, Minato’s mind raced. He had faced tougher odds before, but there was something about this mission that felt different. The air was thick with anticipation, and a strange unease settled in the pit of his stomach.

"We’re in position," Kuro whispered, his voice barely audible.

Minato crouched beside him, peering through the trees at the enemy camp ahead. The supply caravan was there, just as the scout had described. Wagons filled with food, weapons, and medical supplies were lined up in a clearing, surrounded by guards who looked alert and ready for anything.

But they weren’t ready for Minato.

"On my signal," Minato whispered, his fingers already forming the seals for his teleportation jutsu. He glanced at Kuro, who was ready with a handful of kunai dipped in paralysis poison.

"Now."

In an instant, Minato vanished, reappearing in the middle of the enemy camp with a flash of light. The Stone shinobi barely had time to react before he was upon them, moving with blinding speed. His kunai flew through the air, cutting through the first line of defense as if they were paper.

Kuro wasn’t far behind, his kunai finding their targets with deadly accuracy. The guards fell one by one, unable to keep up with the assault. But just as they seemed to gain the upper hand, the ground beneath them rumbled.

"Earth Style: Stone Prison!"

Massive walls of stone erupted from the ground, trapping Minato and Kuro in a narrow enclosure. Minato reacted instantly, throwing a kunai toward the edge of the camp. In a flash, he teleported outside the stone prison, avoiding the trap entirely.

But Kuro wasn’t as lucky.

"Minato!" Kuro’s voice echoed from inside the prison, panic seeping into his usually calm tone.

Without hesitation, Minato threw another kunai, this time embedding it into the stone walls. In a split second, he teleported inside the prison, grabbing Kuro by the arm and teleporting them both to safety.

"Thanks, Captain," Kuro panted, his face pale from the close call.

"Stay sharp," Minato said, his voice steady. "We’re not done yet."

Just as Minato spoke, a new wave of enemy shinobi appeared, surrounding them from all sides. These were elite warriors, their faces set in grim determination. They knew who they were up against.

"You’re the Yellow Flash of Konoha," one of them sneered, stepping forward. "Your speed won’t save you this time."

Minato didn’t respond. His hand tightened around the hilt of his kunai as he prepared for the next wave of attacks. But just before the enemy could strike, a massive explosion erupted from the north side of the camp.

Hiraku and Ayame had made their move.

"Go!" Minato shouted, launching himself into the fray. His body became a blur as he cut through the enemy ranks with unparalleled speed. His kunai, infused with his chakra, sliced through stone and flesh alike, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

Kuro fought alongside him, his movements precise and deadly. Together, they carved a path through the enemy forces, their coordination seamless.

But the battle wasn’t over yet. As Minato dispatched the last of the guards, he sensed a powerful chakra signature approaching from the east. His eyes narrowed as a figure emerged from the shadows.

It was a tall man, clad in the distinctive armor of the Stone Village’s elite forces. His eyes gleamed with malice as he stepped forward, his hands already forming seals for a jutsu.

"You must be Minato Namikaze," the man said, his voice dripping with contempt. "I’ve heard a lot about you. Let’s see if you live up to your reputation."

Minato didn’t waste time with words. He threw a kunai toward the man, but the enemy shinobi was faster than he looked. With a flick of his wrist, the kunai was deflected, embedding itself in a nearby tree.

"Earth Style: Stone Pillar Prison!"

Massive stone pillars shot up from the ground, surrounding Minato on all sides. The enemy shinobi grinned, confident that he had trapped the legendary Yellow Flash.

But Minato was already two steps ahead.

In a flash of light, Minato disappeared, reappearing behind the enemy with a kunai pressed against his throat.

"You’re too slow," Minato said quietly, his voice cold and unyielding.

The enemy shinobi’s eyes widened in shock, but before he could react, Minato knocked him unconscious with a swift strike to the back of the head.

The battle was over.

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As the dust settled, Minato’s team regrouped in the center of the enemy camp. The supply caravan had been destroyed, the mission a resounding success. But as Minato stood amidst the wreckage, his mind was elsewhere.

He thought of Kushina. Of the life he wanted to build with her. And of the enemies lurking in the shadows, waiting for their chance to strike.

This mission was just the beginning. There were greater battles ahead—both on and off the battlefield. Minato knew that his future was uncertain, but he also knew that he would face whatever came his way with the same unwavering determination that had earned him the title of the Yellow Flash.

And no matter what happened, he would always return to Kushina.

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