Chapter 116: The Third Kazekage -

In the dimly lit underground base, Orochimaru examined the massive iron pillars wrapped with coiled wires before turning to Namikaze Minato. "If we scale these up sufficiently, we can use them to interfere with Magnet Release techniques. When the time comes, you’ll need to deliver a fatal blow in one strike." "Was this Kyohiko’s idea?" Minato immediately understood why Orochimaru had secluded himself here after speaking with Kyohiko, even relinquishing command authority. If this technique could be perfected... Luring the Third Kazekage into a prepared zone would allow for a decisive counterattack—perhaps even an instant kill. Kyohiko really is a genius. Minato marveled inwardly as he surveyed the surroundings. Dozens of similar iron rods stood throughout the space, each wrapped with varying thicknesses and lengths of wire. "Do different sizes and thicknesses produce different effects?" "Of course. Currently, the number of coils has the greatest impact, followed by the amount of chakra infused..." Orochimaru detailed his findings from barely over a day of experimentation. He had fabricated pillars and wire coils of various dimensions, many spliced together, arriving at remarkably precise conclusions. Each configuration differed in range and effectiveness. After exhaustive testing, he was now confident. Orochimaru’s gaze settled on Minato. "Beyond countering Magnet Release, we’ll need compelling bait to draw out the Kazekage. Heh. It seems Kyohiko is already handling that." A smirk curled his lips. Kyohiko—this child suited his tastes exceedingly well. If only he weren’t Jiraiya’s student. Then Orochimaru could’ve claimed him without reservation. After a rueful sigh, Orochimaru’s expression brightened. "Once the remaining materials arrive in a few days, we can begin constructing what we need." "Sealing techniques?" Minato grasped their strategy. Storage scrolls for transport, combined with this new method to neutralize Magnet Release. However— The required pillars and coils demanded vast deployment space. Not every battlefield would accommodate them. They had to lure their target deep into prepared territory—far from the Land of Wind’s reach. ... "Lord Orochimaru, why put you in charge? Even with your talents, having a child command will seem unreliable to others." Kakashi muttered while organizing documents. Kyohiko chuckled. He could guess Orochimaru’s reasoning—and was happy to play along. What does the Third Kazekage value most? Land. Enemies. As Konoha’s most formidable threat, Sunagakure would naturally monitor their future—and Kyohiko intended to become the Kazekage’s greatest concern. He slipped a note between the pages of a book. On it, Minato’s handwriting: "Preparations complete. Ready to move at any time." "What exactly are you and Orochimaru planning?" "Same old tactics—bait and hook." Kakashi pondered. "Will the Kazekage take the bait?" "Unclear. Whether it’s the Kazekage or Rasa who bites, we profit either way." Kyohiko tapped the map decisively. Kikyō Mountain’s layered defenses made stealthy infiltration nearly impossible—unless one could fly. Both the Kazekage and Rasa possessed that capability. Yet this operation’s true target wasn’t a person, but— Magnet Release itself. Only by shattering its myth of invincibility could Sunagakure be truly pacified. They belonged in the desert, digging for minerals. "Enough strategizing. Orochimaru’s notes here are invaluable. Study them—we’ll need every edge." Without hesitation, Kyohiko pulled a volume from the shelves. After a pause, Kakashi followed suit. ... Days passed. News of Kyohiko assuming command at Kikyō Mountain spread among the jōnin, eventually reaching chūnin circles. "No wonder recent tactics felt unlike Lord Orochimaru’s style." "Right?" "What was he thinking, entrusting a child? Other jōnin were available!" Understanding the shift in strategy sparked concerns about Sunagakure exploiting the situation. Aburame Shibi frowned, then hurried uphill. In the command cave, he found Kyohiko seated calmly, utterly unperturbed. "Kyohiko, rumors about you are proliferating. You should contain them before Sunagakure catches wind." "Senior Shibi, relax. I allowed those rumors to spread." Kyohiko grinned. He wanted Sunagakure to know! Shibi stiffened. "You’re baiting another attack?" "Hardly. Isn’t it natural for a child to seem arrogant and divisive? And objectively, I’ve performed quite well, no?" Kyohiko’s grin widened. Shibi nodded involuntarily. Not just "well." Frankly, neither he nor Minato could’ve managed logistics with such flawless composure. Age was their sole advantage. To an outside observer, nothing would seem amiss. Yet warfare wasn’t solely about strength—morale mattered profoundly. Unease still gnawed at him. ... At the Land of Wind’s border, Ebizō deployed every spy and ANBU operative to gather intelligence on Konoha. Days passed. Rasa’s injuries improved. But of Pakura—no definitive news. Some claimed she’d been captured; others insisted she was dead. The Kazekage had resigned himself to her loss, channeling grief into mentoring Matsuri, Pakura’s sole surviving kin. As he studied battle maps, the door opened. "Kazekage-sama." Ebizō entered swiftly, presenting a dossier. The Kazekage skimmed it—then froze at one entry. "Confirmed?" "Highly likely. Our sources confirm Orochimaru left Kikyō Mountain days ago." Ebizō hesitated. "However, I suspect he may still be nearby, using this as a lure." He pointed to another report—"Suspected jōnin movements." "Orochimaru’s initial plan was likely to feign vulnerability through troop redeployments, then ambush us..." "You’re suggesting Minato’s team disrupted Orochimaru’s scheme?" The Kazekage’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Ebizō nodded. "Youth breeds impulsiveness. They fail to grasp war’s necessary sacrifices." War was merciless. When great villages clashed, casualties numbered in the thousands. The Kazekage smirked. "Children, blinded by inexperience." Ebizō agreed—until his liege’s smile vanished. Among the reports lay one chilling detail: "After Orochimaru’s departure, Kyohiko appears to command Kikyō Mountain." Yet according to their ANBU operatives’ reports, Kikyō Mountain’s defenses were now impregnable, with tighter internal coordination than before. Though rigid and inflexible in some aspects—understandable given the commander’s age... The Third Kazekage looked up from the documents at Ebizō. "How old is he?" "Ten at most." "Ten..." The Kazekage tapped the intelligence report thoughtfully. Ten years old. Five years younger than Sasori. This child had coordinated with Minato to nearly kill Rasa, possessed intellect beyond his years, and wielded formidable power—a genius among geniuses. And furthermore— "Is he a Senju descendant?" "A branch family member. Though the Senju name has faded—even Tsunade no longer uses it—their legacy persists through mentorship and inherited prestige." Ebizō nodded. Generations of accumulated influence didn’t vanish overnight. With such talent and intellect, given another decade, he’d undoubtedly become another Second Hokage. Moreover— Minato and Kakashi were also once-in-a-generation prodigies. "A future nemesis." The Kazekage’s brow furrowed. Ebizō’s gaze sharpened. "If the opportunity arises, this one must die. Otherwise, Sunagakure’s resurgence will remain impossible." "Agreed." The Kazekage’s voice was steel. Brilliant, strategically gifted, and politically connected—barring premature death, he was destined to become one of Konoha’s Kage. Killing him now would be like eliminating a future Hokage. Worth any cost. "If we confirm his identity as Kyohiko, I’ll eliminate him personally." "Too risky. This could still be Orochimaru’s trap." "No matter. They cannot fly. Even Orochimaru is helpless against me in the air. Once Kyohiko appears—I will kill him." ... Explosions echoed across Kikyō Mountain’s perimeter. Sunagakure was attacking—again. In truth, skirmishes had continued daily. The sand ninja probed endlessly, while Konoha held back, refusing to counterattack. But this time— "Attack!" In the forest, Shirakumo Hayama drew his blade, charging the enemy. Vacuum Blade unleashed a crescent of wind that shredded through puppets and shinobi alike. As a jōnin, his lethality was undeniable—but Suna’s puppet masters were equally formidable. Relentless puppets and poisons stalled their advance. Kill one, another took its place. The battlefield seethed. "Have they gone mad?" Hayama barely masked his shock. Never had he seen Sunagakure so frenzied—as if this were their final stand. "Hayama-sama—" "Fall back! Preserve lives first! We must wait for Orochimaru-sama’s return before countering." Their orders were absolute. Hayama sighed internally. A child’s strategy—too cautious, too rigid. Where is Orochimaru? "Yes, sir!" Konoha’s forces retreated in waves. By the time they reached Kikyō Mountain, there was nowhere left to go. Now the sand ninja converged. Rasa led the vanguard atop a wave of gold sand—when a silver blur shot toward him. Too fast! Rasa barely raised his gold shield in time— BOOM! A monstrous chakra detonation shattered his defenses into glittering dust. Kyohiko stood revealed. Minato appeared beside him in a yellow flash. Rasa’s eyes gleamed—not with fear, but triumph. Then— CRASH! A Giant Rasengan smashed through his layered gold barriers, sending him flying. His outer shell fractured, golden armor sloughing away like dried mud. A sand clone. The real Rasa emerged yards away, palms pressed to earth. Magnet Release: Gold Dust Funeral! The ground liquefied into a golden sea, swallowing Kyohiko and Minato whole. Both sides surged forward— Konoha to rescue, Suna to intercept. Yet Rasa harbored no illusions. That yellow-haired demon could teleport. No simple technique would kill him. As he scanned for their reappearance— Swish! Kunai rained down. A golden wall intercepted them— SMASH! One punch. The barrier exploded. Kyohiko’s fist, wreathed in sage markings, cratered the earth, sending golden rivers cascading into the pit. Konoha’s forces gaped. That was— Tsunade-level strength. No— Perhaps surpassing even hers. Since when was Kyohiko this strong? "Attack!" Kyohiko’s roar shattered their awe. Morale surged. While ninja didn’t follow the samurai creed, some principles held true—a leader’s valor inspired troops. As Konoha’s forces crashed into Suna’s lines, they tacitly left Rasa to Kyohiko and Minato. Rasa staggered. Before he could counter— BAM! Minato’s Rasengan hammered his flank. As gold shields reformed— CRACK! Kyohiko’s lightning-wreathed fist shattered six layers in one blow, pulverizing Rasa’s shoulder. Too fast! Panic spiked as gold spikes erupted wildly around him— Magnet Release: Gold Dust Boundary! Yet today’s Kyohiko was worse. He charged through the deadly forest like a berserker, chakra shockwaves disintegrating every spike before contact. Sage-enhanced master-level Strength of a Hundred made him untouchable. Minato flanked seamlessly. As gold platforms lifted Rasa skyward— ZAP! Kyohiko’s speed doubled. Sage Art: Lightning Chakra Mode! His fist neared Rasa’s chest— CLANG! Black iron erupted between them. The sudden magnetic pull yanked surrounding gold into a massive shield, catapulting Rasa upward. "Kazekage-sama!" "The Kazekage is here!" Suna’s forces cheered as if victorious already. The Third Kazekage—hidden within a puppet amidst the chaos—soared skyward like a bird of prey. Then— Whoosh! A black iron hailstorm descended.