**Chapter 85: Battle Against Minato!**

Hanzo of the Salamander was deeply interested in the alliance between the Land of Rain and Konoha. Although they had clashed significantly during the Second Shinobi War, those conflicts had shown Hanzo the strength of Konoha. Not only did they possess many talented ninjas, but their new generation was also formidable.

Thus, when Konoha extended an invitation to ally, Hanzo accepted without hesitation. The delay in the meeting was simply because he'd been busy handling internal issues. The Akatsuki organization's rise, combined with ongoing strife within the Land of Rain, kept him occupied. He had promised his people that an alliance with Konoha would lead to a more stable life.

Simply put, the current threats lay not with Konoha or its allies but within the Land of Rain. Anyone who dared to disrupt his plans would pay a heavy price.

"Shouldn't we be worried?" Shisui asked Reiki with concern, noticing the lingering presence of those tracking them. At any moment, they could pose a danger.

"Worried?" Reiki replied. "Shisui, remember who we're with. Among the ninjas here, which of us isn't outclassed? Aburame Shibi must already be aware of our shadows. And look at him—he doesn't seem bothered."

Shisui glanced at Aburame Shibi, who remained calm and unperturbed. "Well…" Shisui murmured, stunned. His training had always stressed vigilance in such situations.

"Don't worry," Reiki assured him. "This isn't a mission we're handling alone. There's a lot you'll learn."

Placing a hand on Shisui's shoulder, Reiki activated his calming jutsu, steadying Shisui's nerves.

"You mean…" Shisui trailed off, a look of understanding dawning on his face. This mission wasn't just about achieving their goal; there was more going on beneath the surface.

"Exactly," Reiki confirmed. "Our task is to follow the plan, do what we're supposed to do, and—most importantly—survive."

Shisui nodded, his confidence restored. "Understood."

"Good," Reiki replied. "Now, let's train!"

Reiki led Shisui and Nozuki to the side, away from the main group.

"Choza, Shibi—grab something to eat," Minato suggested. "I'll check on the three of them."

"Brother Minato? Are you here to spar with us?" Reiki asked eagerly, watching Minato approach.

"If you want to try, I'm game. But don't let it interfere with the mission—"

Before Minato could finish, Reiki had already thrown a handful of shuriken and moved back to create distance. Shisui stepped forward, his Sharingan activated.

"Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!"

As soon as Reiki initiated the attack, Shisui began weaving hand signs, sending a stream of fireballs toward Minato. Nozuki summoned her shadow clone and charged forward. Their coordinated attack showed the results of countless hours of practice.

*Boom!* 

A cloud of white smoke appeared, leaving a piece of wood in Minato's place.

"A substitution?" Reiki noted. "Nozuki, be careful!"

Reiki closed in on Nozuki, positioning himself defensively. Shisui appeared beside her, ready to shield her.

"Your response time is good, but still a bit slow," Minato's voice echoed around them. "When facing a stronger enemy, escape first unless you have backup nearby."

*Thud!* 

Minato's kick landed on Shisui, only for his form to vanish in a puff of smoke.

"A shadow clone?"

Minato blinked, surprised. He hadn't seen Shisui create a clone.

*Thwack!*

A sudden impact struck Minato's side, sending him skidding back.

"Brother Minato, don't underestimate us!" Reiki called out confidently.

Minato looked up, meeting Shisui's gaze as his Sharingan cast an illusion, surrounding Minato in thorny binds that closed in on him.

"Genjutsu?" Minato immediately dispelled the illusion, realizing he needed to create some distance and rethink his strategy.

*Thud!*

Before Minato could retreat far, he was struck again in the same spot on his waist. This attack, silent and precise, left him momentarily stunned.

"Originally, I didn't plan to use this technique on you," Minato said, reaching into his pouch. "But…"

With a swift motion, he scattered special kunai around them.

"Be careful—this is the Flying Thunder God Technique, developed by the Second Hokage. One slip, and it's over," Reiki warned, his tone serious. The three immediately shifted to stand back-to-back, guarding every angle against Minato's attacks.

"I've already told you," Minato called out, his voice moving rapidly, "that when facing a stronger opponent, retreat is often the best option."

Suddenly, Minato's fist came crashing down—only to meet a sudden barrier.

In front of him stood a peculiar figure, a mechanical puppet.

"Puppet Jutsu? This is…" Minato began, only for the "puppet" to vanish as quickly as it had appeared.

Turning back, Minato surveyed the three genin.

"My chakra's spent. I can't fight anymore," Reiki admitted, raising his hands in surrender.

*Poof!* 

With that, all three of them vanished into puffs of smoke.

"They were all shadow clones?"

Minato's face betrayed his astonishment. He'd been fighting three shadow clones the entire time. Most surprising of all, he had no idea when the real three had slipped away from the scene.

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Gimme Power stones I'm Poor