Jiraiya and Minato Namikaze had already received orders to withdraw from the Hot Water Country and proceed to the Grass Country.
They had also heard those rumors, which left both Jiraiya and Minato deeply puzzled.
Frowning, Jiraiya asked, "Have the Sand ninja become just as shameless as that kid Shindai?"
"Uh... I think Shindai is much better than them."
After a moment of thought, Minato still chose to defend Shindai.
After all, Shindai would soon become their comrade. How could he speak ill of his own ally?
Jiraiya asked curiously, "Does Shindai already know about the Third Kazekage's disappearance?"
Minato shook his head. "Shindai probably has guessed that Sunagakure has a new Kazekage, but I haven't told him specifically about the Third Kazekage's disappearance yet."
Jiraiya's expression turned slightly complicated as he suggested, "Sunagakure is spreading all sorts of 'evidence,' portraying Shindai as a despicable traitor who betrayed his homeland.
I think you should tell that kid about this right away. At least give him some time to digest the news. We'll probably go straight into battle once we reach the Grass Country. Knowing his personality, if he finds out at that point, there's no way he'll keep quiet—there's going to be a huge scene."
Minato thought Jiraiya's concern was perfectly reasonable.
Absolutely. Once Shindai learned about this, he definitely would make a big fuss—probably an enormous one.
Sighing, Minato said, "I'll go find him right now and tell him everything."
Jiraiya nodded. "Alright. I'll go find Tsunade, gather all the ninja together, pack everything here, and then we'll leave immediately. Minato, just come join us before departure."
Minato left the battlefield command room and headed toward Shindai's tent.
Unaware he was about to receive a major surprise, Shindai was adjusting the internal wiring inside Kannazuki's puppet body.
When Minato entered the tent, the first thing he saw was the naked Kannazuki. Although she was just a puppet, her appearance was extremely lifelike—this made Minato, a young and innocent man, blush slightly.
"Erm, Shindai, could you put Kannazuki away first? I have something very important to tell you."
"Mama ya~"
So focused was Shindai that he hadn't even noticed Minato entering the tent.
Minato's sudden voice nearly scared the life out of him.
Seeing it was Minato, Shindai complained, "Lord Minato, why are you like Kakashi? Well, Kakashi actually makes some noise when he approaches, but you came in so silently! Scaring people like that might actually kill someone!"
Minato gave a wry smile. "Sorry, but this really is urgent. Also, we're leaving here shortly, so I came directly inside."
Shindai replied hopefully, "Leaving here? Does that mean we're returning to Konoha?"
Minato Namikaze glanced at Shindai with quiet sympathy and shook his head. "No, we're heading to the Grass Country. Unless something unexpected happens, Sunagakure and Iwagakure will soon declare war on our village, Konoha. So we must leave immediately for the Grass Country to prepare for battle."
"Huh?"
Shindai was confused. Hadn't Sunagakure and Iwagakure already started fighting? How come both villages would suddenly attack Konoha?
Maybe he hadn't slept well last night and his ears were playing tricks on him.
Grabbing Shindai's arm, Minato forced him down into the chair. Sternly staring into his eyes, he said, "Shindai, what I'm about to tell you will be hard for you to accept, but this is the truth. So… you need to get ready!"
Seeing how serious Minato was, Shindai nervously gulped.
What kind of truth could make even gentle-looking Minato turn so serious?
Suddenly, he wasn't sure he wanted to know anymore… It must be troublesome once he found out.
"The Third Kazekage has gone missing…"
"Hmm?"
Tilting his head sideways, Shindai stared at Minato with wide, innocent eyes.
That's important news?
He'd known this for a long time—specifically since learning that Rasa became the Fourth Kazekage.
He even knew who had killed the Third Kazekage.
Letting out a sigh of relief, Shindai thought to himself, What's the big deal? It's not like the Third Kazekage actually died or anything…
Minato gave Shindai a strange look. Upon hearing that the Third Kazekage had disappeared, Shindai actually relaxed?
Something felt… off. Did Shindai and the Third Kazekage have a bad relationship or something?
Realizing Minato's strange expression, Shindai's heart skipped a beat. He quickly explained, "The Third Kazekage only went missing. If he had died, that would've just been 'bad.'"
Minato's expression turned even more perplexed.
Died… and that would've just been 'bad'?
From Shindai's perspective, the Kazekage's disappearance didn't seem like a huge deal at all.
Feeling increasingly uneasy, Shindai couldn't think of anything else to say.
Wait a second—Shindai suddenly realized—he was supposed to have a terrible relationship with the Third Kazekage in Minato's eyes anyway, right? Didn't he get sold to Iwagakure?
So why did he feel nervous in the first place?!
Shaking his head as if clearing away distracting thoughts, Minato refocused. He almost got sidetracked by Shindai. There was still important stuff to discuss.
Continuing, he said, "The Third Kazekage has gone missing. Initially, Sunagakure's investigation revealed they found a forehead protector belonging to a Rock ninja. Using this evidence, Sunagakure declared war on Iwagakure, claiming the Rock ninjas attacked the Third Kazekage. However, Sunagakure recently uncovered some new evidence.
First, there's a scroll. The content inside reads: Uncle Kaito, I have crucial intel about Konoha that I must report to you in person. Please meet me outside Sunagakure immediately."
Then he found a large amount of iron sand, along with fragments from puppets used in battle and pieces of Konoha ninja uniforms.
Based on this, Sunagakure concluded... you were intercepted by us and turned by Konoha. Using your identity as a member of the Third Kazekage's clan, they lured the Third Kazekage out of the village. Then our Konoha ninja assassinated the Third Kazekage, before staging it to look like Iwagakure was responsible.
It seems Sunagakure doesn't know who you really are, but they've issued an order: if any ninja using Magnet Release is identified among Konoha's ranks, kill them at all costs.
In other words, Shindai—you're now a target for Sunagakure. And according to the Hokage's judgment, Sunagakure will soon join forces with Iwagakure, declaring war on Konoha.
Therefore, we must rush to Grass Country immediately, intercept the Rock ninjas there, and fight them."
Shindai stood frozen in shock, his mouth hanging wide open.
Minato Namikaze waited for Shindai to snap out of it, but even after waiting quite a while, Shindai showed no reaction.
Minato called out to him several times.
Finally regaining his composure, Shindai rasped, "Minato-sama, you're not messing with me, are you?"
Minato's expression turned grave as he replied, "I'm not joking. This is the truth, Shindai."
Right now, Shindai felt like his mind had shut down, unable to think clearly anymore.
"Shindai..."
"Minato-sama, c-could I please have some time alone?"
Minato nodded. "Alright. I'll come find you when it's time to leave."
As Minato stepped out of the tent, laughter erupted from within.
"Hahaha... Hahahaha..."
Minato became slightly worried about Shindai's mental state. Had he gone mad?
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>