What just happened?
He… was sent flying?
But in the very next instant, Minato Namikaze forced himself to calm down.
His hands formed seals at lightning speed. His figure flickered and vanished from the spot, and a barrage of shuriken shot toward Shuoye Uchiha.
Shuoye let out a soft laugh.
He shifted sideways in a blur, the earth beneath his feet exploding upward from the sheer force of his movement, like a miniature hurricane tearing through the ground.
The combat experience granted by Whitebeard surged through him like a tidal wave. With effortless steps, he avoided Minato's attacks as though this fight were nothing more than an elegant dance.
To Shuoye—
Minato's movements looked almost like slow motion.
"This guy… can dodge my attacks so easily?"
Shock flickered through Minato's eyes. He had never encountered such speed before. His wariness toward this supposed "Hidden Cloud ninja" deepened.
Shuoye didn't slow down for even a heartbeat.
Like a streak of light, he closed the distance instantly. His fist drove straight toward Minato's face, slicing through the air with a sharp sonic crack that forced Minato to evade head-on confrontation.
"Where did this monster come from?" Minato thought grimly.
But Shuoye gave him no time to think.
Seizing the brief opening—
He counterattacked.
Minato's eyes sharpened. He twisted his body to avoid the direct hit, raising a kunai to block.
The punch collided with the blade.
But the next moment—
The kunai shattered into countless fragments.
Minato's pupils shrank.
A strange resonance pulsed from Shuoye's body. The vibration traveled through the weapon and into Minato's arms, making his chest churn violently.
"Urgh!"
He groaned as he was forced backward, surprise and pain mixing across his face.
Even he—
Couldn't handle this opponent easily.
"Minato! Stop! Shuoye came to save me!"
Kushina Uzumaki shouted angrily, glaring at him.
"What are you doing?!"
"Shuoye?!"
Hearing the name, Minato froze.
Embarrassment flashed across his face. He rubbed his injured shoulder, his heart sinking.
He looked at Kushina and Shuoye, opened his mouth—
But found himself speechless.
"Sorry… I just wanted to protect you…"
His voice was low, tinged with helplessness.
"Let's go, Shuoye."
Kushina didn't respond to Minato. Instead, she gently tugged Shuoye's sleeve, turning to leave—holding him as though he were her only anchor.
Meanwhile—
Inside the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was observing the entire battle through the Telescope Technique.
The strength Shuoye had displayed left him deeply astonished.
At that moment—
Danzō Shimura stepped into the room.
"Hmph. Minato was a step too late."
Hiruzen frowned slightly.
"It's not a problem. In the end, the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki has formed a bond with the village."
Danzō's eyes narrowed.
"And what do you think of this Shuoye Uchiha? For him to push back Minato… the Uchiha have produced another genius. If they're allowed to continue like this…"
A cold glint flashed in his gaze.
Hiruzen remained silent for a moment before speaking calmly.
"Don't touch him for now. He has his uses. The front lines are tense. The Hidden Cloud Village is stirring again. We need capable fighters."
"You mean…?"
Danzō's expression shifted, then a sneer curled his lips.
"Very well. Let that Uchiha brat contribute to the Hidden Leaf Village a little longer. If he dies for it, at least it'll be meaningful."
On the streets of the Hidden Leaf Village—
Shuoye and Kushina walked side by side.
His eyes were deep and unreadable.
He knew Hiruzen must have witnessed part of his strength.
But he felt no fear.
With Whitebeard's template within him, even if he defected from the village one day, he believed he could carve out a world of his own.
Just as Shuoye was lost in thought—
A graceful figure appeared along the distant path.
As she approached, her features became clear.
Mito Uzumaki.
Dressed in traditional robes, her long hair neatly arranged, she exuded dignity despite her advanced age.
Concern lined her face. The faint wrinkles at her brow revealed her inner anxiety.
That worry was clearly for Kushina.
After all—
Kushina was vital to the Hidden Leaf Village.
When Mito learned that Shuoye had stepped forward at a critical moment to protect Kushina, her attitude shifted instantly.
Her brows relaxed. Gratitude and approval filled her eyes.
"Shuoye, you have my thanks. Kushina's safety is of utmost importance to the village. Your actions today… reassure me."
Her voice was gentle and sincere, like a warm spring breeze.
Shuoye inclined his head slightly.
But at that moment—
A familiar mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host! Special Choice Reward Triggered!]
[Option One: Refuse the request. A lone wolf needs no love. Reward: Fang Over Fang Technique.]
[Option Two: Accept the request. Reward: A-Rank Ninjutsu — Chidori.]
[Option Three: Protection is not enough. Tease Kushina Uzumaki in front of Mito Uzumaki. Reward: Adamantine Physique — greatly enhances physical strength.]