51. Conversation With Namikaze Minato

Sora and Orochimaru spent a long time in the tent, deeply engrossed in their discussion.

Sora found himself completely absorbed in the conversation, offering numerous suggestions and refining details. As their discussion progressed, Sora learned a great deal from Orochimaru's insight and strategic thinking.

By the time their conversation ended, it was already late into the night. Orochimaru decided that the tentative plan to launch a surprise attack on Yugakure Village would be executed the following night.

After wrapping up the discussion, Orochimaru turned to Sora and said, "Qianyu, there's one thing you said earlier that was wrong."

During their planning session, Sora had come to recognize several flaws in his original proposal. Orochimaru, with his experience, had pinpointed these issues and devised solutions to mitigate the potential risks.

Hearing Orochimaru's comment, Sora wasn't surprised. It seemed only natural that Orochimaru would have noticed another aspect he had overlooked. He replied earnestly, "The method I proposed certainly has its weaknesses in many areas. Teacher Orochimaru, what mistake are you referring to?"

Orochimaru shook his head with a faint smile. "I'm not referring to the action plan. In my view, the current plan is the best we can achieve under the circumstances."

Sora frowned slightly in confusion. "It's not an issue with the action plan? Then what mistake are you talking about?"

Orochimaru's expression turned serious as he explained, "Earlier, you mentioned that I was the only reinforcement Konoha had sent. That statement is incorrect. The reinforcements include you as well. Your keen judgment and understanding of the situation truly impressed me.

A leader's value is not determined by raw strength alone but by their ability to see the bigger picture and make sound judgments. You have the potential to be a great leader.

In my opinion, this war will serve as a springboard for you. You will not only play a crucial role in this conflict but also establish your name across the ninja world."

Hearing this, Sora dropped his usual pretence and smiled with quiet confidence. "If I can become famous, that would be excellent."

There was now an unspoken understanding between Orochimaru and Sora. Both knew what the other was thinking without needing to say it outright.

If Sora gained recognition during the war, it would solidify his place in Konoha's inner circle. This, in turn, would give Orochimaru a trusted ally in key positions, someone who could help cover for his more... clandestine pursuits.

As Sora left the tent, exhaustion began to settle over him. After days of travel followed by an intense strategic discussion, he felt drained. And with the surprise attack on Yugakure Village looming the next night, he needed to rest.

A tent had already been prepared for Sora to sleep in. He headed toward it, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming operation.

But as he approached his tent, his eyes narrowed slightly. Standing there, waiting for him, was Namikaze Minato.

It was clear Minato had been waiting intentionally. However, Sora was puzzled—there didn't seem to be anything that needed to be discussed between them. For a moment, he wondered what Minato might want.

Namikaze Minato approached Sora with his characteristic sunny smile. "Sora, I didn't get the chance to say hello earlier, and it's been a long time since we last saw each other."

Sora raised an eyebrow, his tone dismissive. "What's the point of seeing each other if we can't avoid it?"

Minato's smile faltered slightly, but he maintained his composure. "We're shinobi from the same village, and we were rivals back in the academy. I've always considered you a friend."

A faint smile tugged at Sora's lips, but it was far from friendly. "Friend? I don't have friends. In fact, I hate you."

Minato's smile finally disappeared, replaced by a confused expression. "Hate me? Why? Is this still about what happened at the academy? It's been years, Sora ."

Sora sneered. "And you think I should have forgotten just because time has passed? I'm not the type to let things go. I remember every grudge, and I pay back every debt. Those I can handle immediately, I deal with. Those I can't, I wait for the right opportunity."

Minato looked at Sora, his expression tinged with regret. "Is this about Kushina? Those two were punished for what they did to her. Why are you still holding on to this? We're from the same village. Even if we aren't friends, we're still comrades."

Sora's eyes narrowed, and he snapped, "Minato, you're so magnanimous, aren't you? Of course, you don't see a problem. You're the popular one, everyone's friend. But someone like me? Did someone push to the margins? When I refuse to let go of something you think is trivial, you see me as unreasonable, don't you?"

Minato frowned slightly, shaking his head. "I never said that, nor do I think that."

Sora scoffed. "You're a hypocrite, Minato. Maybe you're telling yourself I'm just bitter and calling you a hypocrite out of spite. But from where I stand, your actions are no different from one."

Minato's frown deepened. "What have I done to make you think this way?"

Sora crossed his arms and replied coolly, "Let's not even talk about the past for now. Let's talk about the present. You objected to my plan earlier, didn't you? Because you're worried it will cause too many casualties."

Minato nodded silently, acknowledging the truth in Sora's words.

Sora spread his arms, a mocking grin on his face. "Well, there you go. That's proof you're a hypocrite."

Minato looked genuinely confused. "How does that make me a hypocrite?"

Sora shook his head in mock exasperation. "I can't tell if you're pretending to be clueless or if you actually don't get it.

Before Orochimaru and I arrived, the situation in the Land of Hot Water was already dire. If it continues this way, the number of lives lost will only keep rising.

If this plan succeeds, Kumogakure will think twice before acting recklessly, and we'll stop being so passive. That means fewer people will die in the future.

But if we don't take action now—if we don't advance the front line and stop them here—how many people do you think will die when Kumogakure breaks through the Land of Fire's borders during an all-out war?

Surely, you can do basic math. The losses we're facing here are nothing compared to the lives that will be lost in the Land of Fire if we let them gain the upper hand."

Minato's gaze hardened, his tone resolute. "Sora, these are people we're talking about, not numbers."

At that, Sora stared at Minato for a moment, then burst out laughing. His laughter grew louder and louder until he was clutching his stomach, struggling to catch his breath.

When he finally managed to speak, his voice was thick with sarcasm. "Minato, I owe you an apology. You're not a hypocrite—you're just too kind."

Minato remained silent, though the displeasure in his expression was clear.

After catching his breath, Sora straightened up and continued, "Let's not pretend, Minato. You don't like me, and I don't like you. Let's stop wasting time playing nice. You came to talk to me because you think I'll be a problem for you someday, and you're trying to smooth things over before that happens.

Fine. Let's leave it at that. I have nothing more to say to you—I'm going to rest."

With that, Sora brushed past Minato and walked toward his tent without looking back.

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