Chapter 35: Already Starting to Scheme
A kunai flew in from behind at an astonishing speed, instantly drawing the attention of nearly all the Iwagakure ninja.
However, just as their focus was diverted, a figure suddenly appeared near the kunai.
"Damn! It's the Yellow Flash!!"
Someone immediately recognized Minato Namikaze.
He was a presence that struck fear into their entire force.
The Iwagakure high command had even issued an order: If any ninja encountered Minato Namikaze, they were allowed to abandon their mission and retreat immediately, regardless of the task at hand—without facing any punishment.
That alone showed how deep a psychological shadow Minato had cast upon them.
At this moment, however, Minato had just arrived using the Flying Thunder God Technique and had yet to strike down the Iwagakure ninja.
Suddenly, another barrage of kunai flew in at an even greater speed, instantly killing over a dozen Iwagakure ninja. One shot, one kill!
The unexpected development left the remaining enemies utterly stunned.
They were so shaken that they even forgot to resist.
And before they could recover, another wave of kunai came, eliminating another twenty enemies in an instant.
Everything happened too fast—within a single second, two consecutive waves of kunai attacks had already decimated a large number of enemies.
By the time the third wave of kunai arrived, both the remaining Iwagakure ninja and Minato had finally reacted.
Minato, moving with his Flying Thunder God kunai in hand, swiftly struck down several enemies as he rushed forward.
In an instant, seven or eight Iwagakure ninja had their throats slit.
At the same time, the third wave of kunai from behind finished off the remaining enemies.
As Minato landed, he turned toward the direction the kunai had come from, his heart filled with shock.
He immediately knew who was responsible for the attacks.
Other than Uchiha Dali, who had been following him using the Body Flicker Technique, who else could have such incredible speed and skill?
But what truly shocked Minato was that Uchiha Dali's kunai throws had not only maintained precision over such a long distance but also possessed lethal power.
Two seconds later, Minato finally caught sight of Uchiha Dali, who was chasing after him like a meteor.
His astonishment deepened.
Looking down at the fallen Iwagakure ninja, Minato could clearly see that every enemy had at least one kunai embedded five centimeters deep in their bodies.
Some even had half the kunai, or the entire blade, driven straight into their hearts.
The wounds were still bleeding profusely, and the surrounding flesh had turned a deep purple-black.
This meant the force behind the kunai was immense.
"I really didn't notice before... His arm strength is incredible. No, it's probably more than just brute strength."
"To throw kunai from such a distance with this level of power and precision... There must be a special technique involved."
For the first time, Minato realized that his initial assessment of Uchiha Dali had been an underestimation.
This Uchiha prodigy wasn't just a master of the Body Flicker Technique—there was much more to him.
As Minato studied the fallen enemies, Uchiha Dali had already arrived beside him.
"You actually got ahead of me and took down eight of them first."
Uchiha Dali grinned.
"I'm behind by 475 enemies."
"From now on, I'll be taking this more seriously. You better watch out."
Minato met his gaze and responded, "I welcome the challenge."
Uchiha Dali cracked his knuckles, eager for the contest.
As soon as he finished speaking, Minato pulled out a Flying Thunder God kunai and handed it to him.
"Consider this a gift from me—a token of our new friendship."
Uchiha Dali looked at the kunai in Minato's hand.
The special Flying Thunder God technique formula was still clearly visible on the blade.
"Oh ho, Minato isn't as mild-mannered and harmless as he looks," Uchiha Dali thought to himself.
"Just from his appearance, you'd think he's just a strong yet gentle guy. But in reality, he's got a scheming side to him…"
This Flying Thunder God kunai was marked with a technique formula.
As long as Uchiha Dali carried it, Minato could teleport to him at any time using the Flying Thunder God Technique.
This was the same strategy Minato had used on Obito—placing a Flying Thunder God mark on him.
It was clear Minato was already planning ahead.
However, despite seeing through Minato's intentions, Uchiha Dali didn't refuse.
"Much appreciated."
He casually accepted the kunai.
Then, after searching himself for a bit, he said, "I don't really have anything good to give you in return. Guess I owe you one."
"When this war is over, I'll make it up to you."
After rummaging for a while, he only found some explosive tags, a few kunai, and shuriken. Uchiha Dali chuckled helplessly.
"No worries. From now on, we're both rivals and friends."
"So, where's our next showdown? I've always had my sights set on the Hokage seat—I won't let you take it that easily."
Minato asked with a relaxed smile.
"Iwagakure's forces have completely withdrawn from the Fire Country battlefield. That leaves Sunagakure's troops in the western front and Kumogakure's forces from the Land of Lightning in the northeast."
"Which one do you want to assist?"
Uchiha Dali asked in return.
"That… will depend on the orders from higher-ups."
Minato hesitated before replying.
"Then let's head to the northeastern front. I hear Kumogakure has some strong fighters."
Without waiting for a response, Uchiha Dali turned and began walking toward the northeastern battlefield.
Minato stared at him in surprise.
He had just met this new Uchiha comrade, yet he already found him fascinating.
"He doesn't seem like someone who follows the rules obediently..."
Watching Uchiha Dali's back, Minato pondered.
At the same time, he grew more wary of his ambition to become Hokage.
If an Uchiha were to take the Hokage seat, would it bring prosperity and stability to Konoha—or more conflict and war?
"Besides, the Third Hokage and the other higher-ups would never agree to an Uchiha becoming Hokage..."
Minato sighed and shook his head.
He truly didn't want to get involved in these political struggles.
But if the village ever needed his strength, he wouldn't hesitate.
With that thought, he vanished in a flash, chasing after Uchiha Dali.
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