Chapter 43: The Final Battle (Part 1)

"Kai-kun, you..."

"Don't worry, it's just a genjutsu to make him pass out. I understand what you mean, and I understand the village's intentions, but we need to move quickly. He has a Tailed Beast inside him," Kai calmly said to Minato. He could easily guess Minato's thoughts, or rather, the village's intentions.

To end the war and prevent the Land of Earth from continuing to launch attacks, certain people couldn't be killed, such as Kitsuchi and the Five-Tails Jinchuriki.

Kitsuchi probably never imagined that he escaped a fatal blow from Minato not because of his own skills, but because Minato didn't want to kill him!

Although the Land of Earth is currently preoccupied, if certain individuals were killed, these Iwa ninjas could become ticking time bombs.

Moreover, each major nation has considerable war potential. Since Konoha had demonstrated what it means to fight one against five, the Land of Earth might go all out against them. While Kumo would be happy about it, Konoha would be left bleeding.

Therefore, Kai fully understood Minato's decision. Although, from his perspective, it was better for the enemies to be dead, following Minato's lead required compliance.

However, Kai's genjutsu wouldn't hold for long. If Han were an ordinary ninja, the genjutsu could keep him in a confused state for a long time, possibly causing self-harm.

But since he was a Jinchuriki with two different chakras, he could break free from the genjutsu faster, even if it was a Sharingan genjutsu.

Sharingan genjutsu can control Tailed Beasts, but that's based on the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Although Kai had this foundation, he had only possessed these eyes for a few days.

Firstly, he didn't dare easily reveal his eyes. Secondly, he hadn't had the chance to explore his other abilities.

Kai had investigated his inherent dōjutsu, but after using it once, he became cautious. He found the dōjutsu's consumption too severe, depleting his chakra, ocular power, and mental energy!

Developing and exploring abilities is a daunting process, and becoming familiar with one's capabilities doesn't happen overnight. Kai still had a long way to go.

Minato sighed in relief at Kai's words. This young man, the same age as Kakashi, was indeed extraordinary, capable of considering issues from the village's perspective.

But why hadn't he heard of such a talent before?

Looking at Kai's scarlet eyes, Minato sighed, understanding why. The Uchiha clan's internal affairs were not something he could comment on. However, their practices indeed buried many truly talented ninjas.

Moreover, that clan...

Minato shook his head. As Jiraiya's disciple and the leader of the Jonin class, he knew a lot.

He was uncomfortable about it, knowing that prolonged confrontation would only lead to more severe consequences.

"If I could become Hokage..." Minato thought, but it was just a thought. Konoha's political system meant he had a chance, but it was unlikely.

"Captain Minato," Kai suddenly called out, interrupting Minato's thoughts, "Should we take this guy back after completing the mission?"

"Take him back?" Minato came to his senses, glancing at the still-dazed Han. "Good idea. This way, we have more leverage."

"Of course." Kai nodded. "By the way, what about Kenta? Has he already moved on?"

Kai looked around. Completing the mission was crucial because it meant they could finally go home.

Despite the constant turmoil in the future and the ongoing internal conflicts in Konoha, having a moment of peace to rest and study his abilities was far better than endlessly hovering between life and death on the battlefield!

"He's already moved on, and there's no sign of a fight yet," Minato nodded. "But I fear the worst, as I don't think..."

Before Minato could finish, his expression turned serious, and Kai also became alert.

They turned to see Han, still in a daze, suddenly erupting with overwhelming chakra!

This was the power of the Tailed Beast. The chakra burst out quickly, covering Han in red chakra and gradually forming the Tailed Beast's shape!

Kai frowned. This situation was not what he had anticipated!

Indeed, on the battlefield, to avoid all trouble, it's best to kill defeated enemies immediately.

But inevitably, political considerations sometimes mean that keeping people alive is more valuable than killing them.

Kai sighed. His ninja sword was ruined, so he pulled out a kunai, contemplating whether to go back and get another ninja sword.

"It looks like we're in trouble," Minato sighed. "You go down... No, the other Iwa ninjas are surrounding us. We still have to keep fighting."

"Yeah, it might be troublesome," Kai sighed. "I hope Kenta performs well. Who knows what's happening with him now."

"I fear he's also encountering trouble," Minato frowned. "He's facing an unknown opponent. Let's hope he doesn't get into trouble."

"As expected, there are enemies under the bridge," Kai nodded. "If worst comes to worst, we should go down together, complete the mission, and leave?"

This was the last resort but also the riskiest. Exposing their backs would mean facing countless ninjutsu and sharp kunai.

Their best option was to hold off the ninjas above, hoping for Kenta to succeed. If he failed, they would have to rush down and blow up the bridge themselves.

If he succeeded, they only needed to regroup and escape together.

"Yes, we have to do this. Let's hope he completes the mission."

"Same as before?"

"Yes, same as before."

(Chapter End)