Chapter 165: The Battle for the Eight-Tails!

After Danzo and his group left, Hiruzen Sarutobi returned to the Hokage office. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke, "Shinnosuke, summon Minato for me."

"Understood!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke's voice came from outside the door.

A moment later, Minato Namikaze knocked and entered, "Lord Third Hokage!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly and said, "Iwagakure is already gathering heavy forces, and it's only a matter of time before Kumogakure retreats, so I will expedite the peace talks."

Minato nodded in understanding.

Sarutobi continued, "Because of this, I plan to use the Four-Tails as a bargaining chip for the negotiations with the Iwa-nin."

This was within Minato's expectations, but he still asked, "Will it be handed over as soon as the peace is agreed upon?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi replied, "That depends on the outcome of the negotiations."

"However, to end the war quickly, some concessions are inevitable. Since we already have the One-Tail, releasing the Four-Tails shouldn't have any negative impact on Shuichi."

"When you reach the Kumogakure battlefield, you'll need to explain this to Shuichi and hope he understands the village's predicament."

Minato nodded. "I understand."

Hiruzen then added, "There's something else you need to prepare for, Minato."

"Once the war is over, I will step down as Hokage. At that time, I will nominate you to the Daimyō to become the Fourth Hokage."

Minato was taken aback, "Lord Third Hokage, you're still in your prime. There's no need to step down so soon!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi, at 54, was indeed not considered particularly old. The Third Tsuchikage and Third Mizukage were both older than him.

Hiruzen smiled slightly, "You performed excellently in this war and have grown enough."

"Moreover, when the village fails to gain benefits, the Hokage must take responsibility."

"Besides, while I'm still not too old to act, I can guide you in your early days as Hokage, ensuring a smooth transition."

"This matter is settled. Be prepared, Minato!"

Minato solemnly nodded, "Yes, I understand!"

...

After leaving the Hokage building, Minato walked slowly.

After the brief excitement subsided, he calmed down and thought deeply, "It seems Danzo put pressure on the Third Hokage. Is he using the return of the tailed beasts as an excuse?"

"Come to think of it, it was Shuichi who first proposed returning the tailed beasts to Sunagakure..."

Minato frowned slightly, "If Shuichi can't solve the problem within three years, we'll have to find another way."

"I must make preparations in advance."

"The Tailed Beast experiments..."

...

Three days passed in a flash. After enjoying a brief time of peace at home with Kushina Uzumaki, Minato once again set out on his journey.

This time, he didn't bring Kakashi and his team, but instead led a portion of the reinforcements northward.

As for Kakashi's team, they continued under Kakashi's leadership, heading south to fight against the Mist-nin.

On the Kumogakure battlefield.

"Minato-sensei!"

Seeing Minato, Shuichi's face lit up with joy.

"Shuichi, you've grown a little taller."

Minato smiled as he approached Shuichi and then asked, "How's the battle going?"

Shuichi responded, "We're slightly ahead, but due to a lack of manpower, we can't push further."

Minato saw through the situation, "Shuichi, you haven't shown your full strength yet, have you?"

"If your main body is holding off the A-B combo, there shouldn't be anyone capable of stopping your clones, right?"

Shuichi smiled, "Sensei, you're underestimating the A-B combo. Plus, they've added a Lava Release user, who can transform chakra into rubber. His defense is formidable, whether against Lightning, Fire, or Wind styles."

Minato remained unfazed and asked, "Shuichi, are you planning to capture the Eight-Tails?"

Shuichi's expression grew serious, "It's nearly impossible, but I still have to try."

"Even if we have to return it in the end."

Minato nodded, speaking with determination, "Leave that competitive son of the Third Raikage to me!"

Shuichi grinned, "That was exactly my intention!"

...

An Hour Later

As Shuichi appeared on the front lines, the A-B Combo and Dodai quickly showed up as well.

Everyone had gotten used to these encounters over time.

However, today was clearly different.

Namikaze Minato immediately waved his hand, scattering numerous Flying Thunder God kunai across the battlefield.

The Cloud-nin were all too familiar with this fighting style.

Dodai's eyes narrowed instantly, "That hair color... could it be..."

Not only him, but the other Cloud-nin also noticed it.

"That teleportation technique... Could it be Konoha's Yellow Flash?"

"Dodai, we're in trouble now."

"Should we retreat?"

Dodai looked serious as he addressed A, "A, we should pull back for now. The person next to Shuichi must be his teacher, Namikaze Minato, the Yellow Flash who also uses that teleportation technique."

A's gaze landed on Namikaze Minato. "The same teleportation technique... This is the guy who single-handedly completed the mission to reclaim the Nine-Tails back then."

"Now I definitely have to face him, and it's best to settle things once and for all."

Killer B chimed in, "Don't worry, with Big Bro and me here, there won't be any issues! Fool! You fool!"

Even if they couldn't win, they wouldn't let their morale drop. The A-B Combo had never run from a fight since their debut.

Besides, they had become fully accustomed to this teleportation technique over time.

A then commanded, "Dodai, take some people and stall that Uchiha and the troublesome woman."

Dodai nodded reluctantly.

"Now… Charge!"

Electricity crackled around A's body as he rushed straight toward Namikaze Minato.

As he moved, Shuichi activated his Fire Release Chakra Mode. His body soared into the air, purple lotus flowers blooming around him as he cut through the sky, aiming directly at the Eight-Tails, Killer B.

At the same time, Uchiha Shisui and Asuka also rushed forward.

Dodai immediately led two Cloud-nin to intercept them.

Meanwhile, other Konoha and Cloud ninjas engaged in battle, all subconsciously steering clear of the center of the battlefield.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

A series of chakra-covered tails lashed out toward Shuichi like spears, attempting to pierce him.

Shuichi, with his full strength unleashed, danced through the air like a blue-violet butterfly, deftly avoiding the tails. Then, he activated his technique, Fire Nether Chains.

Clang, clang!

Chains shot out, coiling around the flailing tails, binding them tightly. The Tailed Beast Chakra on the tails began to crumble and dissipate bit by bit.

At this moment, Killer B had already entered a partial Tailed Beast form. He opened his mouth and fired a Tailed Beast Bomb straight at the airborne Shuichi.

Shuichi raised his left hand, and a sealing formula spread outward from his palm. As the Tailed Beast Bomb reached him, space around it warped, and the bomb vanished without a trace.

"B, this guy is hiding more power! As I suspected, both the One-Tail and Four-Tails are inside him. He's even more dangerous than before!"

Gyūki, the Eight-Tails, bellowed in warning.

This was a move that Shuichi had never revealed before.

"I get it!"

"But I won't let him succeed. Those chains won't be enough to bind me, ya fool!"

Killer B roared, pulling with all his might, yanking Shuichi toward him, determined to crush him.

Just as Shuichi transferred the Tailed Beast Bomb, he created two shadow clones.

One shadow clone used the Fire Nether Chains to bind Gyūki's tails, while the other clone shot toward Killer B. Just as Killer B was about to strike the clone with his massive, Tailed Beast-enhanced hand, the Fire Nether Chains activated again, binding his limbs and head.

"Damn it!"

Killer B found himself unable to move.

"Leave it to me!"

Gyūki immediately took control, opening his mouth as another Tailed Beast Bomb quickly formed, aimed directly at Shuichi. At the same time, his immense strength surged, causing the chains binding him to rattle as if they might break at any moment.

"As expected of the Eight-Tails."

Shuichi's true body appeared next to his shadow clones. Raising his hand, he once again transferred the Tailed Beast Bomb. In an instant, he appeared on top of Gyūki's head.

Spirit Transformation Jutsu!

Demonic Realm – Palace of Memories!

Both the struggling Eight-Tails and Killer B were instantly drawn into an illusion.

This genjutsu was another ability Shuichi had kept hidden all this time.

Unlike Iwa-nin, the Cloud-nin had not received any intelligence from Sunagakure about Shuichi. They believed he relied on sealing chains to capture Tailed Beasts.

But in reality, the key to Shuichi's success in capturing the One-Tail and Four-Tails was his genjutsu.

With both Gyūki and Killer B under his control, Shuichi's two shadow clones immediately began extracting the Eight-Tails' chakra.

However, the Eight-Tails' chakra was much stronger than that of the Four-Tails, making the extraction process far more difficult.

On the other side of the battlefield, A and Dodai were shocked to see Killer B being controlled. They immediately tried to abandon their current fights and rush to help.

"A, your opponent is me!"

Namikaze Minato's figure appeared in front of A, thrusting a Rasengan toward him.

A crossed his arms to block it.

Boom!

A was sent flying, but after rolling on the ground a few times, he quickly got back up and charged toward Killer B again.

Swish!

Namikaze Minato once again appeared in front of him, blocking his path.

"Damn it…"

A furiously charged again.

...

On the Other Side

Meanwhile, Dodai was also anxious but managed to stay composed, using his Lava Release to hold his ground against Uchiha Shisui.

In contrast, another Cloud-nin had already been defeated by Asuka, who immediately made her way to the top of the Eight-Tails and used the Adamantine Sealing Chains to bind it, allowing Shuichi's shadow clones to fully focus on extracting the Eight-Tails' chakra.

Time passed bit by bit.

The chakra of the Eight-Tails was being drawn out little by little, while A remained unable to break through Namikaze Minato's blockade, and Dodai couldn't overcome Uchiha Shisui either.

Unfortunately, less than 15 minutes later, Cloud-nin reinforcements arrived.

Atop the Eight-Tails, Shuichi opened his eyes and said to Asuka, "Retreat!"

Asuka nodded and immediately withdrew the Adamantine Sealing Chains before pulling back.

Shuichi then created clones to intercept the incoming Cloud-nin while leaping down from the Eight-Tails, joining his shadow clones in the struggle for control.

Moments later, the Eight-Tails and Killer B finally broke free from Shuichi's spirit clone's illusion, regaining control of their bodies.

At that point, Shuichi had only managed to extract one-fifth of the Eight-Tails' chakra.

"I'm not that easy to deal with, you fool, idiot!"

Killer B struggled fiercely, but even so, Shuichi continued to pull the Eight-Tails' chakra out bit by bit.

The Eight-Tails, however, was still bound by the Fire Nether Chains, making it difficult to unleash its full power.

"B, I'll use that move. Be ready to break free from his seal!"

The Eight-Tails bellowed.

Killer B nodded instantly, "Got it!"

In the next moment, the chakra that Shuichi had been extracting snapped, and what he pulled into his body was just an octopus tentacle instead.

Substitution with a Severed Tail!

Roar!

The Eight-Tails let out a thunderous roar, shattering the chains.

Shuichi immediately vanished, reappearing beside Asuka.

Almost simultaneously, Namikaze Minato and Uchiha Shisui also withdrew.

The other Konoha and Cloud-nin halted their engagements as well, each side retreating to face off from a distance.

A flashed over to Killer B's side, "B, are you alright?"

Having reverted from his Tailed Beast state, Killer B was panting heavily, "I'm fine, big bro."

"That guy tried to take Eight-O, but he didn't succeed, you fool, idiot!"

Dodai, with a grave expression, remarked, "I didn't expect his genjutsu to be even stronger than that Uchiha's."

Because of his previous experience dealing with the Uchiha, he had managed to avoid falling under Uchiha Shisui's genjutsu. However, he couldn't break Shisui's teleportation technique either.

"No wonder he managed to capture both the One-Tail and the Four-Tails. That kind of combination is just too strong."

Dodai sighed in frustration before calling out, "A, we should retreat!"

This time, A nodded without hesitation. Although he was competitive and eager for revenge, he knew continuing would risk Killer B losing the Eight-Tails.

"Retreat!"

A led the Cloud-nin in retreat, and Shuichi's team didn't pursue.

Namikaze Minato, looking a bit tired, approached Shuichi and asked, "Shuichi, how did it go?"

Shuichi shook his head, "To fully extract the Eight-Tails, I would need at least one or two hours of uninterrupted time."

His Spirit Transformation Jutsu was enough to trap Killer B and the Eight-Tails in an illusion, but extracting the Eight-Tails' chakra required a lengthy process.

He estimated that even an hour wouldn't be enough, as the Eight-Tails' chakra was far too immense.

Namikaze Minato nodded, "It seems we won't be able to capture it."

"With the situation as it is, the Cloud-nin won't allow the Eight-Tails' jinchuriki to act alone anymore."

Shuichi agreed but wasn't disappointed. There would be future opportunities.

This time, extracting one-fifth of the Eight-Tails' chakra was still quite an achievement. Although it didn't contain the Eight-Tails' consciousness and would be consumed once used, it was enough for research purposes.

Plus, the experimental base was still nurturing the horn of the Eight-Tails, and this chakra could be used to feed it.

...

In the following days, Shuichi's team was tasked with holding back the A-B Combo, while Namikaze Minato led the Konoha forces in a full-scale counteroffensive, achieving successive victories.

Without the A-B Combo, the Cloud-nin had no one who could stand up to Namikaze Minato.

Additionally, reinforcements from Konoha kept arriving, gradually replenishing Konoha's depleted forces.

Time flew by, and it was now November of the 45th year of Konoha.

In the Land of the Moon, Shuichi, who had just finished a major battle, was resting with his eyes closed when Namikaze Minato suddenly appeared.

"Shuichi, the Third Raikage has died in the Land of Earth!"

Shuichi opened his eyes, unsurprised.

However, Uchiha Shisui beside him was shocked, and Asuka couldn't help but exclaim, "The Third Raikage is dead?"

Namikaze Minato nodded, "Iwagakure took advantage of the peace talks between us and Sunagakure to gather a large force. The exact details are still unclear, but the Third Raikage is indeed dead. This information came from Iwagakure, but we've also confirmed it with the Cloud-nin."

Asuka said, "The Third Raikage's son is already incredibly powerful, with chakra reserves rivaling that of a Tailed Beast. The Third Raikage must have been even stronger, so how could he have died in the Land of Earth? It's unbelievable."

"Could it be that the Third Tsuchikage made a move?"

Namikaze Minato couldn't answer that, as Konoha had yet to receive concrete intelligence.

Uchiha Shisui then asked, "Minato-sensei, does this mean the Cloud-nin will retreat?"

Namikaze Minato shook his head, "The Cloud-nin have long decided on a successor, so there won't be any internal conflict. They won't retreat anytime soon."

"But in retaliation, their next target will likely be Iwagakure."

Shuichi inquired, "Since Iwagakure took down the Third Raikage, I assume the war in the Land of Grass won't be ending anytime soon either?"

Namikaze Minato nodded but reassured him, "Don't worry. While it won't end quickly, the outcome won't change."

"It's already incredibly difficult for Iwagakure to restore the situation to what it was before. But Shuichi, you should be prepared to lose the Four-Tails."

Shuichi nodded, "Don't worry, Minato-sensei, I understand."

In fact, this suited him perfectly.

(End of Chapter)

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