43. "I Would Never Betray the Village"

Fuguki Suikazan had left.

Before departing, he had tried to take Samehada with him, but Danzo refused.

Although Danzo didn't plan to use Samehada as his weapon, it was still one of the Seven Ninja Swords of the Mist—an important bargaining chip Danzo intended to use in future negotiations with Kirigakure.

After all, ending the war with Kirigakure and convincing them to turn their attention toward Sunagakure would not be an easy task.

By the time Minato arrived, Danzo was the only person left on the scene.

"Elder Danzo, are you alright?"

Minato approached him with concern.

Danzo shook his head calmly. "I'm fine. I killed two and confiscated three of their swords."

Following Danzo's gesture, Minato quickly noticed the two large swords in his hands, as well as the Twin Blades: Hiramekarei, wrapped in sealing paper.

"As expected of Lord Danzo," Minato said sincerely, impressed after confirming that Danzo was unharmed.

Despite his own youth and strength, Minato couldn't help but admire Danzo, who, even in his sixties, had easily defeated three such powerful enemies.

"Stop flattering me. How did things go on your end?" Danzo asked.

"Against Kurotsuchi Raiga and Kurirare Kushimaru, I was able to eliminate both. As for Biwa Juzo, wielder of the Executioner's Blade, he fled when the situation turned against him."

Minato gave a straightforward report of his battle.

Taking on three elite jonin armed with ninja swords and managing two kills and one retreat in such a short time was a remarkable achievement.

Danzo thought to himself that if it weren't for his use of sealing techniques and Izanagi to catch his opponents off guard, defeating Mangetsu Hozuki and Jinpachi Munashi so quickly wouldn't have been possible.

"As expected of Konoha's Yellow Flash," Danzo said, patting Minato's shoulder, genuinely admiring his junior.

Humble and approachable, Minato had immense strength despite his youth.

If not for the trap set by Obito later on, Konoha wouldn't have fallen into such dire circumstances.

Minato gave a modest smile before asking, "What about your side?"

Danzo explained, "Jinpachi Munashi and Mangetsu Hozuki are dead. I let Fuguki Suikazan go."

"You let him go?" Minato asked curiously.

Of course, he didn't think Danzo would suddenly be merciful. If Danzo made such a decision, it was undoubtedly because releasing Fuguki would bring greater value to Konoha.

This was practically common knowledge among ninja.

Danzo nodded and pulled a map from inside his robe, handing it to Minato.

After examining it, Minato's expression immediately turned to shock.

"This is the Kirigakure forces' deployment and supply route map?"

Having gained considerable battlefield experience by now, Minato understood the importance of such information.

If they could cut off Kirigakure's maritime supply lines and destroy their ships or ports, it would deal a massive blow to the Mist ninja stationed onshore.

"Exactly. That's why I let Fuguki Suikazan go," Danzo said slowly.

"I've already cross-verified the information on this map with intelligence gathered by the Root. It's accurate."

As he spoke, Danzo's gaze became sharp, like a hawk about to dive from the skies.

"Next, we must return to Konoha's camp as quickly as possible, mobilize the entire army, and launch a counterattack on Kirigakure!"

Hearing Danzo's plan, Minato's mind began rapidly analyzing the situation.

With the Seven Ninja Swordsmen now in disarray and Kirigakure losing six of their famed swords in one battle, the morale of their forces would undoubtedly take a massive hit.

If they took advantage of this moment to destroy the ports and ships that supplied their troops and transported reinforcements, the entire Kirigakure army would descend into utter chaos.

At that point, with Konoha's forces pressing the attack, they would undoubtedly secure a significant victory.

　　It's even possible to completely defeat the enemy!

After a brief analysis, Minato quickly agreed with Danzo's plan.

"Elder Danzo, we can divide into two groups. You can head to the Konoha camp to inform Mitokado Homura and oversee the command, while I head to the port ahead of time to look for opportunities," Minato suggested.

However, Danzo rejected this proposal.

"No, Minato. The main battlefield needs you."

"Only you can inflict swift and decisive damage to Kirigakure's higher-ranking forces, allowing us to crush the enemy in the shortest possible time!"

Danzo's reasoning was clear. While he could deal damage, ninja combat often involved small, scattered teams. In such scenarios, Minato's ability to rapidly provide support made him the best candidate for taking down key targets.

Hearing this, Minato's expression turned conflicted.

Danzo immediately addressed his concerns.

"I know you're worried about not being able to persuade Mitokado Homura. That's why I'll go with you to the camp first and then head to the port to cut off the enemy's retreat."

"That's too dangerous, Elder Danzo!" Minato tried to dissuade him.

Constantly rushing between battles would greatly exhaust Danzo and diminish his strength. Furthermore, given the port's strategic importance, Kirigakure was certain to station heavy defenses there, making it an incredibly perilous mission.

Danzo responded calmly, "It's precisely because it's dangerous that I must go."

He patted Minato's shoulder again. "As long as we old-timers are still around, we won't let you younger ones take such risks!"

"Elder Danzo..."

Once again, Minato was moved by Danzo's unwavering spirit.

"Detected Namikaze Minato's admiration for you. Skill point +1. Acquired skill package: [Chakra Shape Transformation (A)]"

Hearing the system notification, Danzo smiled inwardly.

A mass of paper began to form behind him, unfolding into enormous wings.

"No time to waste. Let's move immediately."

With that, Danzo grabbed Minato by the collar and soared into the sky, flying swiftly toward Konoha's forces.

---

In the distance, Fuguki Suikazan emerged from a small stream.

Before he could even catch his breath, he turned sharply.

From the dense grass nearby, a figure carrying a large sword stepped out.

"Don't worry, it's me."

Biwa Juzo appeared in front of Fuguki, carrying the Executioner's Blade.

Even so, Fuguki didn't lower his guard and kept his eyes fixed on Juzo. "What happened on your side?"

"They're all dead. I'm the only one left."

A hint of sadness flickered across Juzo's face.

"What about your side?"

Fuguki sighed. "Same here. All dead."

It was then that Juzo noticed something. "Where's Samehada?"

At the mention of Samehada, Fuguki's face immediately darkened, his voice tinged with anger. "It betrayed me! That damned creature actually betrayed me!"

Juzo was momentarily stunned, then looked at Fuguki with a trace of pity.

"In that case, let's return and report to Lord Mizukage," Jugo said, turning to leave.

But Fuguki stopped him.

"Juzo, you haven't been bought off, have you?"

Fuguki stared at him intently, his gaze filled with suspicion.

Juzo responded firmly, "Of course not! I would never betray the village."

Fuguki was silent for a moment before saying, "Good."

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