Chapter 23: Minato’s New Discovery
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Uchiha Yuma heard Namikaze Minato's order and nodded calmly.
"Understood!"
Yuma fully grasped the reasoning behind this arrangement. Puppet masters, while immensely skilled, are notoriously difficult opponents. Their bodies are physically weak, forcing them to rely on strategy, field control, and precise calculations in combat.
As one of the most renowned puppet masters in the ninja world, the Red Sand Scorpion represents the pinnacle of these traits. It's common knowledge that puppet masters can control multiple puppets, and in Scorpion's case, the number reaches hundreds.
This presents a significant problem: their mission isn't to destroy the enemy but to save lives. Efficiency and speed are critical. If Scorpion, a ninja with combat power comparable to a Kage, gets involved, his overwhelming control over puppets would disrupt any attempt to save the hostages. This would leave the team vulnerable, especially with the Third Kazekage and other Sand Ninjas nearby. Retreating unscathed could become impossible.
For this reason, Scorpion had to be contained right from the start.
Among all the assembled ninjas, Namikaze Minato was already set to confront the Third Kazekage. That left Uchiha Yuma as the only viable option to take on Scorpion. His proficiency with the Flying Thunder God Technique, combined with his other skills, made him the ideal candidate.
Minato glanced at his disciple, observing his composed demeanor. Yuma didn't question the decision, accepting it immediately. His expression reflected his understanding of the mission's objectives.
Minato smiled inwardly. He realized Yuma wasn't just blindly following orders—he had already deduced the strategy. This revelation deepened Minato's appreciation for his disciple. In previous missions, he had marveled at Yuma's rapid grasp of ninjutsu and his mastery of the Sharingan. Now, witnessing his sharp intellect and tactical acumen, Minato couldn't help but be impressed.
Still, Minato set aside these thoughts for now. The mission came first.
The rescue team split into their respective squads. Yuma, entrusted with a critical task, joined the assault team while ninjas like Obito and Rin stayed back under Akamichi Choza's command as reinforcements.
The assault team advanced, quickly and stealthily approaching the target mansion. The faint buzzing of insects filled the air as Aburame Shibi extended his hand. A few small insects landed on his palm. Using their chakra-linked insights, Shibi analyzed the mansion's interior.
"I've mapped out the layout. There are two significant chakra signatures—one on either side of the courtyard," Shibi reported. "Additionally, a large number of smaller chakra signatures are concentrated around the central hall."
Hearing this, Uchiha Yuma activated his Sharingan. The scarlet eyes, glowing faintly, enhanced his vision, allowing him to perceive chakra as distinct blue auras. Even with walls obstructing his view, the Sharingan revealed two intense sources of chakra on opposite sides of the mansion, just as Shibi described. In the central hall, a dense cluster of smaller chakra reactions surrounded the room.
After analyzing the scene, Yuma turned to Minato. His voice was steady and confident.
"Minato-sensei, I believe the mission targets are being held in the central hall. However, attacking directly would result in significant casualties. I have a proposal."
Minato's interest was piqued. "Let's hear it."
"Since the Red Sand Scorpion and the Third Kazekage are stationed on opposite sides, while their forces guard the center," Yuma began, pointing toward the mansion, "we should split them apart. Using a massive Fire Style technique, I'll create a barrier of flames to isolate the Kazekage and Scorpion. Minato-sensei, you can handle the Kazekage while I engage Scorpion. This will leave our team free to rescue the targets without interference."
Yuma's voice fell silent, and for a moment, the group stood in contemplation.
Kakashi's eyes widened as he stared at Yuma, as if seeing him in a new light. The transformation in Yuma since awakening his Sharingan was astonishing. Once reserved and hesitant, he had become confident, sharp, and decisive. Kakashi couldn't help but feel both admiration and confusion at this change.
Aburame Shibi broke the silence. Clapping his hands lightly, he said, "Brilliant. Separating them and neutralizing their main combat strength simplifies the rescue significantly."
Minato nodded in agreement, inwardly marveling at Yuma's tactical thinking. His disciple wasn't just a powerful ninja but also a natural leader and strategist. Minato resolved to revise Yuma's training regimen after this mission. His intellect, combined with his power, would make him an invaluable asset to Konoha. However, instilling the "Will of Fire" in him would be crucial to ensure his loyalty and moral compass.
"Alright," Minato said, his voice resolute. "We'll proceed with Yuma's plan."
Hearing this, Yuma didn't waste any time. His hands moved swiftly, forming seals with practiced precision.
"Leave it to me," he declared.