Chapter 51: Conversation with Minato Namikaze

 Chapter 51: Conversation with Minato Namikaze

Chiba and Orochimaru discussed inside the tent for a long time.

Unconsciously, Chiba became deeply involved, offering many suggestions.

By the time they finished their discussion, it was already late at night.

They tentatively planned a surprise attack on Yugakure, and Orochimaru decided to execute it tomorrow night.

After the discussion, Orochimaru said to Chiba, "Chiba, there's one thing you got wrong."

During their discussion, Chiba learned a lot from Orochimaru.

Chiba's proposed plan had many flaws, and Orochimaru figured out solutions for each one, preventing potential failures.

So when Orochimaru pointed out another mistake, Chiba didn't feel surprised. He assumed Orochimaru had already thought of a solution.

Chiba agreed, saying, "There are indeed many flaws in my plan, Orochimaru-sensei. Which part is the issue?"

Orochimaru shook his head and smiled, saying, "I'm not talking about the plan. As far as I can see, the current plan is the best we can achieve."

Chiba asked, puzzled, "It's not a flaw in the plan? Then what's wrong?"

Orochimaru said seriously, "You said before that Konoha's reinforcement was just me. That's incorrect. Besides me, there's also you. Your ability to assess the situation impresses me."

He continued, "As a leader, power isn't the measure; it's about having a broad perspective and sound judgment. You have great leadership potential. I believe this war will be your stepping stone, and you'll become a significant figure, renowned throughout the ninja world."

Chiba stopped holding back and smiled, saying, "If I can gain fame, that would be even better."

Chiba and Orochimaru were on the same wavelength and shared a mutual understanding.

If Chiba could gain fame through this war, he would naturally enter Konoha's inner circle. Orochimaru, on the other hand, needed someone within that circle to help cover up certain things.

...

Chiba left the tent, intending to rest.

After rushing for days and immediately strategizing with Orochimaru upon arrival, Chiba felt exhausted. Moreover, there was a mission tomorrow night.

A tent had already been arranged for Chiba to rest in. On his way there, his eyes narrowed slightly.

Ahead of him stood Minato Namikaze.

Minato seemed to be waiting for him, which confused Chiba, as he didn't think they had much to talk about.

Minato approached him with a bright smile, saying, "Chiba, I didn't get a chance to greet you earlier. It's been a while."

Chiba raised an eyebrow and asked, "Does it matter whether we see each other or not?"

Minato was momentarily stunned but kept his smile. "We're comrades from the same village and were rivals at the Ninja Academy. I've always considered you a friend."

Chiba smirked and bluntly replied, "I don't have friends. On the contrary, I dislike you."

Hearing this, Minato's smile faded, and he asked, puzzled, "Why do you dislike me? Is it because of what happened at the Academy? But that was years ago."

Chiba scoffed, "Just because it happened years ago, I should forget it? I hold grudges. I keep track of everything. If I can get back at someone immediately, I will; if not, I'll find a way later."

Minato looked at Chiba and asked, "Is this about Kushina? Those two were punished back then. Why hold on? We're from the same village. Even if we aren't friends, we should be comrades."

Chiba sneered, "Minato, you're really generous. But it makes sense; you're popular and can be friends with everyone. Meanwhile, I'm just a fringe character clinging to petty grievances. I must seem ridiculous to you, right?"

Minato frowned, "I never said that, nor do I think that way."

Chiba mocked, "To me, you're a hypocrite. You might argue that I just dislike you and am calling you a hypocrite, but your actions perfectly fit the description."

Minato frowned even more, asking, "What did I do to make you see me that way?"

Chiba replied, "Let's not dwell on the past. Right now, you opposed my plan because it might cause casualties, right?"

Minato silently nodded, admitting Chiba was correct.

Chiba shrugged, "Exactly. That's proof of your hypocrisy."

Minato looked confused. "How does that make me a hypocrite?"

Chiba shook his head. "I don't know if you're genuinely confused or pretending. The situation in the Land of Hot Water was already dire before Orochimaru-sensei and I arrived. If things continue this way, more will die."

He continued, "If this plan succeeds, the Cloud Ninja will think twice before acting, and we won't be so passive. Future casualties will be fewer. But if we don't change anything and push the front lines, it's not just the people here who'll suffer. Once a full-scale war breaks out, how many will die if the Cloud Ninja breach the Fire Nation's border? You can do basic math, right? Compare the casualties here to those within the Fire Nation, and you'll know which weighs more."

Minato replied sternly, "Chiba, they are people, not numbers!"

Chiba laughed loudly, eventually clutching his stomach. "Minato, I apologize. You're not a hypocrite; you're genuinely kind."

Minato remained silent, but his displeasure was evident.

After laughing, Chiba said, "Minato, I know you don't like me either. Let's not pretend otherwise. You just wanted to connect because we might fight side by side."

He concluded, "Enough of this. I'm done talking. I'm going to rest."

Chiba brushed past Minato and headed straight to his tent.