Chapter 213: The Third Raikage's Death!

The night grew darker, and faint starlight shone from the heavens onto the earth.

It took a long time for Uzumaki Raiden to construct the Nine Dragons Seal on Rin. Sealing the Tailed Beast is not merely about trapping it within the Jinchūriki's body. To give Rin a chance to control the Tailed Beast's power in the future, Raiden deliberately created a "door" in the seal, allowing the Tailed Beast's chakra to flow out in small amounts.

Uzumaki Mito had employed a similar method when transferring the Kyuubi to Uzumaki Raiden, and now Raiden applied the same technique to reseal the Sanbi. This meticulous process of leaving the "door" open consumed considerable time.

Rin had been unconscious for a long time. Bearing the power of the Tailed Beast was no easy feat for her, and having just escaped danger alongside Kakashi and Obito, she was already physically and mentally exhausted.

By the time Raiden completed the seal, it was late into the night.

Uzumaki Raiden controlled the Kongō Fūsa and gently laid Rin on the ground before retracting the chains. Watching Rin's steady breathing, Raiden let out a long sigh of relief:

"All done!" Raiden nodded softly toward Minato Namikaze.

"Phew. I'll take Rin to rest first."

Minato quickly approached Rin, carefully checked her condition, and carried her in his arms. The ninjas from the barrier team, relieved by the completion of the seal, celebrated briefly before dismantling the barrier.

Under Hatake Sakumo's leadership, everyone returned to the camp, and Kakashi and Rin were placed under the care of the medical unit.

A Few Days Later

In the early morning, sunlight poured through the window, brightening the room.

Uchiha Obito, wrapped in bandages, slowly opened his eyes. Staring at the unfamiliar ceiling of the ward, he murmured in confusion:

"Where am I?"

"Rin!"

Gradually regaining consciousness, Obito widened his eyes as memories of his last moments before losing consciousness flooded back. Worried about Rin, he tried to get up, but his injuries rendered him immobile.

His movements, however, caught the attention of a nearby occupant.

"Obito, you're awake?"

"Rin is fine. Don't worry. Rest well—your injuries are severe. I didn't think you'd wake up so soon. The doctors said you'd be out for days."

Hearing the familiar voice, Obito turned his head with effort.

"Kakashi?! You're okay!"

"Where is this? This doesn't look like the camp hospital."

Obito noticed Kakashi on the adjacent bed, his foot heavily bandaged and suspended. Kakashi, half-reclined, was engrossed in a book.

Reunion

At that moment, the door opened, and Minato Namikaze entered with a smile. "Obito woke up? What a quick recovery!"

"Minato-sensei?" Obito exclaimed in surprise.

"And me!"

Rin peeked out from behind Minato, waving cheerfully at Obito and Kakashi. Obito's eyes welled up with tears upon seeing her.

"Rin! I'm so glad you're okay!"

Though unable to move, Obito's emotions overflowed. Watching Rin's warm smile brought tears streaming down his face.

"Crybaby," Kakashi teased with a smirk, though his own relief was apparent.

As the group reunited joyfully, Uzumaki Raiden and the high-ranking officers gathered early in a temporary conference room to discuss their next moves.

The Third Ninja World War had been ongoing for a few years, and Konoha had achieved significant victories on multiple fronts. Not only had they successfully defeated the Sand Ninja of the Land of Wind, but they had also forced the Rock Ninja to sign an armistice agreement.

Now, Konoha was no longer burdened by battles on three or even four fronts. The remaining threats were the Land of Thunder to the northeast and the Land of Water to the southeast.

This meeting aimed to determine their next course of action.

"Lord Raiden, according to Hokage-sama's instructions, our two forces should be under Master Jiraiya's command."

"We came to the southeastern border of the Land of Fire solely to pursue the retreating Cloud Ninja forces. Now that they have withdrawn, we should follow the plan and return to the northeast border to assist Master Jiraiya in resisting the Land of Thunder's attacks."

The speaker was a middle-aged officer, a lower-ranking leader in Hatake Sakumo's army. A civilian by background, he was a staunch supporter of the Third Hokage.

In the current conference room, leaders from both forces were present. One group was led by Hatake Sakumo, maintaining independent command. The other was the surprise attack unit once under Uzumaki Raiden's leadership. While Raiden was away dealing with the Rock Ninja, Minato Namikaze had temporarily managed the unit. With Raiden's return, Minato had ceded command to him. Minato was absent from this meeting, spending time with his students.

"Bastard! The Cloud Ninja raid forced us to the southeastern border. Have you calculated how long it will take to return to the northeast in time to assist?"

"And the Tailed Beast from the Mist Ninja has already been re-sealed by Master Raiden. Without the Tailed Beast, the Mist Ninja have lost their trump card!"

"Originally, Konoha had few troops stationed at this border. With our support, the Mist Ninja can be repelled soon!"

"At that point, Konoha will no longer face the dilemma of fighting on two fronts."

"Furthermore, you need not worry about Master Jiraiya. Master Orochimaru and Master Danzo have already departed from the Land of Rain to support him."

"Master Raiden repelled the Third Raikage and his son Ay of the Cloud Ninja. On the northeast border, Master Jiraiya can hold his position until reinforcements arrive."

"I fully support Master Raiden's proposal to stay here and focus on defeating the Mist Ninja!"

The speaker was a member of the surprise attack unit, a young and outspoken hawk. Without needing Raiden's prompting, he jumped to his leader's defense as soon as the middle-aged officer voiced opposition.

"You're openly defying Hokage-sama's orders?!"

The refuted officer opened his mouth but found himself unable to respond effectively, resorting to bluster to save face.

"I'm not! I'm only thinking of Konoha's best interests!"

"Master Raiden's plan aligns with Konoha's current situation. Even Hokage-sama would surely agree!"

The young hawk stood firm, his resolve clear. Admiration flickered in his eyes as he glanced at Raiden, who remained composed.

"You… you… How dare you!"

The middle-aged officer pointed an accusatory finger, stunned at the young man's audacity. Disobeying Hokage's direct orders to stay and fight the Mist Ninja carried significant risk. While success would bring accolades, failure, heavy losses, or disaster on the northeast border would lead to severe repercussions for everyone involved.

As the argument escalated, Raiden knocked on the table sharply and spoke coldly:

"Enough. I didn't call this meeting for you to argue!"

"I've already made my decision. Those who agree will follow me. Those who don't can head to the northeast border!"

"If Hokage-sama wishes to hold someone accountable, I will take full responsibility!"

"Hatake-senpai, what is your view?"

Raiden turned to Hatake Sakumo, effectively pushing him to state his position. Although Sakumo had once served under Raiden, they now stood as equals in the conference room.

"I'll lead a contingent back to the northeast border. Master Jiraiya is under significant pressure. If we don't return, his position will be too vulnerable."

Sakumo contemplated for a moment before responding. While he found Raiden's reasoning sound, he lacked the same level of confidence and was unwilling to defy Hokage-sama's orders outright. As a loyal servant of Konoha, Sakumo sought to avoid any perception of insubordination.

"Understood." Raiden nodded, acknowledging Sakumo's caution.

At that moment, the conference room door burst open. An Anbu rushed in, breathless and visibly shaken.

"Lord Raiden! Major news!"

"The Third Raikage of the Cloud Ninja, along with his forces, was ambushed by a large Iwa Ninja army in the Land of Thunder!"

"The battle lasted several days. The latest reports confirm that the Third Raikage died of exhaustion while covering his troops' retreat!"

"Cloud Ninja forces stationed in the Lands of Moon and Hot Springs are mobilizing toward the Land of Thunder!"

The announcement landed like a bombshell, leaving the entire conference room in stunned silence.

(End of Chapter)

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