Chapter 144: Hiding Heads and Showing Tails—Nothing but Clowns!

Now, there was no need to make a special trip to contact Minato. At the gates of Konoha, Namikaze Minato arrived via Flying Thunder God. After checking in, Kyohiko walked out with him and asked, "Any progress with the Flying Thunder Formation recently?" "It’s been troublesome!" Minato rubbed his temples in frustration. "If three people are needed to activate it, the requirements for their abilities, chakra, and coordination are extremely high. And splitting it up is even more difficult." "The hardest part is constructing the spatial tunnel, especially for long-distance teleportation..." Kyohiko shared his thoughts. Though his Flying Thunder God was still only at the beginner level, his current understanding and research of the technique were far beyond what they had been when he first grasped it. The two exchanged ideas. Just as Minato was sighing in agreement, he suddenly paused. "Wait a minute." "Hm?" "I’ve occasionally dropped by the ANBU. I remember you assigned Kakashi, Shiranui Genma, and Namiashi Raidō to the same team?" Minato suddenly realized. Kyohiko nodded. "Yes." "So...?" "I had that idea back then—to train them in advance and build their synergy as preparation for the future." Minato fell silent. Then, he couldn’t help but sigh— Kyohiko always had the entire situation planned out in advance, while he himself was far behind in terms of big-picture thinking. The mindset of a Hokage... Was there really someone born to be a leader? After a moment of contemplation, Minato turned to Kyohiko. "Kyohiko, you’re just naturally cut out to be Hokage. Compared to you, both me and Kushina fall far short." "Why the sudden reflection?" Kyohiko asked, puzzled. Minato chuckled as they continued their journey. "Both Kushina and I once dreamed of becoming Hokage, hoping to achieve it in our lifetimes. But with your rise, it feels like there’s no hope left for us!" "Kushina-senpai as Hokage... would probably be a disaster, no?" Kyohiko’s lips twitched. Though Tsunade also had a temper, her vast experience and countless battlefield command decisions ensured she rarely let emotions cloud her judgment in critical moments. Kushina, however, was different. As the Nine-Tails’ jinchūriki, her treatment in Konoha was closer to that of a mobile prison—far worse than Naruto’s. From childhood, she had few opportunities to leave. Even when assigned missions, she wasn’t truly free. And... "I heard Kushina-senpai smashed a school desk not long ago?" "Ah, well... a student tried to skip class, so she smashed the desk..." Minato awkwardly explained before clearing his throat. "Let’s just focus on the mission for now." Truthfully, after spending time together, even he had to admit that Kushina as Hokage would be terrifying—especially after seeing her as a teacher. And as for himself? He wasn’t entirely sure he was suited for the role either. Being Hokage wasn’t just about willpower and passion—it required wisdom and strategic vision. Something he lacked. --- "Sir, what if we encounter enemies later...?" Iburi Gotta’s face was full of unease. Kakashi glanced at him. The man was clearly worried that if Root operatives showed up, they’d be forced to fight alongside him. "You don’t need to fight. Just focus on protecting yourselves." "Sir, it’s not that I’m afraid to die, but my clansmen—" "It’s fine." Kakashi cut him off. The Ibuki clan took an hour to gather their belongings. By the time they left the cave, an hour and a half had passed. Kyohiko should be arriving soon. Leading the way, Kakashi suddenly tensed as his ninken, Akino, snorted sharply. An ambush! His footing shifted instantly, his right foot stepping wide to the side. Namiashi Raidō vanished on the spot. The next second— Swish! A rain of senbon needles shot toward the dense thicket to Kakashi’s right. Before the needles even landed, shadowy figures leaped out, charging straight at them. Eight in total. Kakashi formed a hand seal and drew his blade. His movements flowed like willow branches—graceful yet deadly. Genjutsu: Willow Style! He hadn’t learned Kyohiko’s version, which combined with "Dance of the Crescent Moon" for misdirection. Instead, he used the original technique, achieving full control through the "Willow" illusion. In that instant, Namiashi Raidō emerged from the earth. A black blade flashed. Schlick! Two enemies fell instantly, one barely breaking free of the genjutsu before— "Poison...!" He gasped before collapsing. Meanwhile, elsewhere— Whoosh! A figure burst from the ground, silently lunging at Kakashi. One hand seized him while the other wielded a chakra-conducting claw. Earth Style: Headhunter Jutsu! As Kakashi was yanked underground, the claw slashed toward him. Kazuma smirked. Konoha ANBU? Pathetic. Just as triumph flickered in his mind— Something was wrong. Too easy. A trap! Realizing too late, the figure he’d struck dissolved into mist. A shadow clone! The real one— Behind him! He didn’t dare turn, immediately sinking back into the earth while raising his claw to block. Clang! Metal clashed. Kazuma channeled Wind Release chakra into his claws, aiming to counter Kakashi’s Lightning Style. But this time— It wasn’t lightning. Blade Art: Storm Burst! Whoosh! Wind chakra fanned the flames, transforming the blade into a searing arc. Even as the wind-infused claws sliced through, embers slipped through the gaps, scorching Kazuma’s hand. As Kakashi moved for the kill, a barrage of kunai forced him back. Meanwhile, more enemies surged toward the Ibuki clan. Kakashi didn’t flinch. He trusted his team. His second blade flashed, lightning crackling as he deflected kunai and severed attached wires. Though Kazuma escaped— "Aaaah!" Two simultaneous screams drew attention. Kakashi’s blades danced—one crackling with lightning, the other sheathed in wind. Trees splintered and fell in their wake. Screams echoed. Kazuma ignored his fallen comrades, ruthlessly targeting the other ANBU. Yet— A flock of crows suddenly swarmed him. He slashed wildly. Wind Style: Beast Wave Palm! Swoosh! The crows scattered as an earthen wall rose, blocking the attack. Earth Style: Earth Wall. But in that instant— He froze. Shadow Possession Jutsu? Swoosh! A blade pierced from behind. Kakashi had arrived! So fast—had he been observing the entire battlefield? Kazuma’s heart pounded— It was such a brief moment, so how had Kakashi improved so quickly? Fortunately... This was just a shadow clone. The real Kazuma had already lost the courage to face Kakashi directly and instead used Earth Release to charge toward Shiranui Genma and Namiashi Raido. Kakashi immediately sheathed his sword. "Watch out for Earth Release!" "Understood!" Shiranui Genma formed hand seals. Shuriken split from one into two, two into four—in the blink of an eye, hundreds of them filled the entire area. Namiashi Raido took the chance to withdraw his sword and retreat. His black blade was poisoned—anyone cut by it would be afflicted. Besides, killing two and injuring one in a single strike was already a good enough trade. As they fell back, a swarm of crows surged forward, covering their retreat alongside the shuriken. Yamashiro Aoba, linked to the crows, directed them to support the entire battlefield. The members of the Iburi clan shrank back, too afraid to approach. Though Kakashi’s team had assigned a squad to protect them, and they were a ninja clan themselves... Their combat abilities were simply too weak. Especially in open terrain. If they turned to smoke and the wind blew, they would die instantly. But at that moment, a barrier materialized around the Iburi clan. Four purple walls enclosed them. "What—?" Kakashi turned, his expression darkening. This was the Four Violet Flames Formation! The next instant, his pupils constricted. Inside the barrier was... Shimura Danzo! He had come personally?! "ANBU ninja, if you don’t want the people you’re protecting to die, then stand down." Danzo’s voice was calm. "Danzo, do you really think this will work on us?" Kakashi’s tone was icy. Danzo chuckled lightly. "Do you have any other options? Hatake Kakashi, you’ve improved greatly, and your strength is impressive—but your opponent is me." "If you were truly so confident, why resort to such methods?" Kakashi sneered. Danzo smiled faintly. "With your talent, reaching this level doesn’t disgrace your father’s name. But surpassing us? You’re still lacking." He waved his hand dismissively. "Besides, you’re far too naïve!" Danzo’s voice was laced with scorn. Kakashi fell silent. He hadn’t expected Danzo to come personally, nor that his subordinates had mastered the Four Violet Flames Formation. This barrier wasn’t impossible to break—especially since they had an elite squad stationed among the Iburi clan—but with Danzo present, breaking it was no longer feasible. Would they really have to surrender? Kakashi’s heart burned with frustration. In that moment of distraction, a figure suddenly closed in from behind. No time to turn. He slashed backward with his sword, but the attacker blocked it effortlessly. A hand rested on his shoulder. "Kakashi, I don’t want to kill you right now. Retreat." What?! A cold sweat broke out on Kakashi’s forehead. Too fast! And— He hadn’t sensed the opponent’s approach at all. Such concealment, such speed, such skill... This was the power of a man who commanded both ANBU and Root! Kakashi’s lips trembled slightly. Shiranui Genma and Namiashi Raido exchanged glances, uncertain of what to do. In their eyes, Kakashi was already incredibly strong, but... Danzo was stronger! "Very well. I’ll be taking the Iburi clan with me. If Kyohiko or Orochimaru want them back, they can come to the capital to negotiate. I’d prefer to settle this peacefully." Danzo smiled. However— In that instant, his pupils shrank. Within the Four Violet Flames Formation, a figure appeared. The moment it materialized— Rasengan! BOOM! Danzo’s shadow clone was blasted into the barrier, while a flurry of kunai scattered in all directions. Namikaze Minato?! Danzo’s mind reeled—but then his instincts screamed. No! He twisted aside. CRACK! A surge of lightning chakra exploded where he had stood. Danzo reacted instantly, flickering away as his sword flashed and a blade of wind shot from his mouth. SHING! Wind countered lightning, dispersing part of the attack—but the remaining force forced Danzo to dodge and redirect rather than block head-on. His heart pounded— Had this kid mastered the Flying Thunder God himself, or had Minato teleported him to Kakashi’s side? "You’re not taking the Iburi clan today. And relics like you... should just fade away." "You learned the Flying Thunder God?" "Hmph." Kyohiko didn’t answer. Before Danzo could process it, vines sprouted from the ground, coiling around his ankles. Wood Release! Though a simple binding technique, it was enough to delay him for a split second. Kyohiko was already upon him. He couldn’t let Danzo create distance! Otherwise— Danzo’s wind techniques were relentless and devastating. Even Kyohiko would struggle. Close combat was the only way. CLANG! Blades clashed. Danzo blocked with one hand while the other flicked a shuriken infused with wind chakra— WHOOSH! It shot forward, razor-sharp— But to Danzo’s shock, Kyohiko didn’t fully dodge. Instead, he took the hit to his arm, letting the shuriken slice deep. Trading injury for injury?! Danzo hadn’t expected Kyohiko—known for his speed and agility—to fight like this. By the time he realized, it was too late to adjust. He barely raised his arm, reinforcing it with chakra— THUD! A devastating punch sent Danzo’s body hurtling backward, smashing through a dozen trees before— POOF! The clone dispersed. "Captain!" Kakashi rushed forward. Kyohiko waved him off, wiping away blood— The wound had already closed. Kakashi’s eyes widened. There had been blood—proof that Kyohiko had been hit—yet now, no wound remained... The legendary healing without seals?! WHOOSH! Some of the enemies surrounding them fled immediately, while others were briefly ensnared by the vines. Strands of hair shot out, striking pressure points and immobilizing several foes. Kazuma slashed with his claws, severing the hair that lashed toward him. Just as he prepared to escape with a jutsu— He looked up. Shiranui Genma had thrown a kunai. In midair, it multiplied into dozens. What—? Kazuma’s eyes widened. Those kunai were wrapped with special tags. Don’t let them near! He swung his hand, unleashing a blade of wind that shredded most of the kunai—only a few passing farther away. As Kazuma began his Earth Release escape— A figure appeared beside him. Then—agony. He didn’t even see the attack. THUD-THUD-THUD! Eight precise strikes. His arms, his legs—his chakra turned sluggish, as if trapped in mud. Pressure-point strikes?! This guy knew the Hyūga’s techniques too?! Just who was he?! Despair flickered in Kazuma’s heart. By the time the relentless assault ended, escape was impossible. Kakashi pursued briefly, but as the enemies scattered too far, he whistled, signaling his team to regroup. The priority was the Iburi clan. Kyohiko glanced at him, smirking. "Don’t fret. A coward who hides behind clones isn’t worth chasing." He cracked his knuckles. "When I have time... I’ll kill him myself."