Kushina couldn't help but share her concerns, though she was hesitant to voice her full judgment. She feared that a wrong guess could greatly demoralize everyone present, including Minato, who was about to vie for the Fourth Hokage's position. Any small ripple in the political climate was significant, and any misstep could have serious repercussions.
Now, she couldn't be certain.
But, based on the chakra she sensed in Sage Mode...
The large number of ninjas rushing towards their location were from Konoha!
If she was correctly mistaken, these Konoha ninjas were likely trying to prevent them from returning because Minato's potential ascension as the Fourth Hokage would affect certain interests.
But exactly whose interests?
Kushina's mind was filled with possibilities, yet she could not pinpoint exactly who was behind this.
She couldn't say these things...
Nor could Minato.
They needed to witness these events themselves to stand on the right side of truth!
Kushina was well aware of this. If she prematurely declared these ninjas from Konoha were here to prevent Minato from becoming the Fourth Hokage, and then upon their arrival, they simply stated they were here to escort them back, all prior suspicions would be resolved. Moreover, it would unjustly label Minato as assuming the worst of his peers.
However...
Kushina could clearly sense the chilling intent to kill emanating from these Konoha ninjas.
They were not here to escort them!
They were here on a mission!
A mission that required elimination!
Yet, stating this would put her in a passive position, complicating her feelings further.
She knew...
She should candidly express her sensed concerns if she wanted what was best for the ninjas present.
But if she wanted to act in Minato's best interests, her role was to remain silent, let events unfold, and address them afterwards, ensuring any conflict pointed back to the forces deploying these ninjas.
It all depended on whose perspective she chose to take!
For a moment...
Kushina fell silent.
She knew that if it were just about her, she would speak the truth, even if it meant being misunderstood or blamed by everyone else. She could accept being wrong if it meant preventing others from enduring pain.
But now, everything she did was for Minato!
She couldn't allow even the slightest injustice to befall him!
Gradually...
Kushina decided not to disclose what she knew, though giving a hint to the others was already more than commendable. After all, she didn't want too many casualties here.
The other ninjas didn't take Kushina's words too seriously since they had half an hour before the other party arrived. Before then, they would face the ninjas from Kirigakure.
Remember...
These were seven individuals whose chakra levels rivalled that of Hatake Sakumo.
"Sakumo-sama, can you guess who they are?"
"Sakumo-sama, you're the most experienced here; surely you must have some idea!"
"Are there any formidable ninjas from Kirigakure?"
"Who are they?"
"If only we had some information on them, we could better prepare."
"..."
The Konoha ninjas questioned Sakumo; although they recognized Minato as the ultimate leader, his youth meant his exposure to such intelligence was likely limited.
Swish!
In an instant, all eyes were on Sakumo, recognizing the importance of the questions asked. They lacked intelligence, and Sakumo was likely the most knowledgeable here.
"Does Sakumo-sama know?"
Minato joined in, his only goal being to ensure everyone's safe return to Konoha. Other matters could be dealt with later.
Feeling the pressure from all sides, Sakumo knew he was being put on the spot. Failing to respond would suggest his lack of depth to everyone.
If this had been any other time, he might not have cared. Still, during a potential leadership transition—though he no longer harbored ambitions of competing with Minato—he couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope about the Hokage title.
"If I'm not mistaken..."
Sakumo intentionally elongated his tone, adding a touch of suspense drawing all eyes to him.
Feeling the curious and expectant gazes, a sense of accomplishment filled him, a rarity for him.
"They must be the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist from Kirigakure!"
Sakumo declared solemnly, understanding that these seven operating together, each with a unique sword that enhanced their abilities, represented a formidable force.
"Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist?!"
The Konoha ninjas gasped in unison. Some had heard of them, others had not, but the name alone suggested formidable strength.
However...
Those unfamiliar with the name were in the majority.
Intelligence was crucial in the ninja world, but not everyone had access to it, especially in the remote and mysterious village of Kirigakure.
Compared to Konoha, Kirigakure's secluded island setting—enveloped in thick mist and distinct from the mainland—added to its mystique, and despite being one of the five major ninja villages, its geographical isolation, akin to a natural barrier, it meant that the other major villages, particularly Konoha, knew little about it.
This curiosity was why they turned to Sakumo, whose travels and knowledge spanned various lands and villages.
"The Seven Ninja Swordsmen is a hereditary title in Kirigakure!"
Sakumo explained, sensing the confusion around him. Before the imminent confrontation, a brief overview was vital for raising their alertness and understanding of the enemy.
As Sakumo spoke, the crowd absorbed every word, the information critical to their survival.
Satisfied with their reaction, Sakumo continued, feeling the urgency as he sensed powerful chakra approaching.
Suddenly...
His eyes hardened as he quickened his speech, reminding everyone to stay alert—the enemy was almost upon them.
"The enemy is about to arrive!"
He warned, recognizing the necessity of keeping everyone informed. After concluding, he quickly educated them on the potential threat.
"Seven individuals, each a Kirigakure elite, armed with a unique sword that complements their ninjutsu, capable of overthrowing a small country overnight."
"Each carries a distinctive sword, enhancing their combat effectiveness significantly. Together, they possess strength beyond an average Jonin; even the Hokage could potentially be overwhelmed if he faced them alone."
With a grave expression, Sakumo understood the impact of his words, potentially undermining morale, but the silence was riskier. Forewarned, they would refrain from recklessly engaging, minimizing the danger.
The Konoha ninjas inhaled sharply, stunned and alarmed by the revelation.
"Now it seems all seven have come together."
Minato stated, unfamiliar with the Seven Ninja Swordsmen beyond what Kushina had sensed. His youthful experiences, mostly confined to within Konoha under Jiraiya's tutelage, had yet to include encounters with Kirigakure's elite.
Now, he understands the concept of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
And connecting it with the significant chakra signatures akin to Sakumo's...
The pieces fell into place.
They were indeed facing the Seven Ninja Swordsmen!
Minato communicated this to ensure everyone grasped the gravity of their situation. Despite his fatigue nearing its limit, a brief rest had reenergized him enough to speak.
"Unexpected..."
"To think that Kirigakure's ninjas would come!"
"And..."
"It's the Seven Ninja Swordsmen!"
"The situation has turned dire!"
Minato's blue eyes flickered with a dangerous light. He etched the name "Kirigakure" into his memory. He would not forget today's events if he survived and ascended as Hokage.
Kirigakure had chosen the perfect moment to strike, targeting them at their most vulnerable with its most powerful forces, no doubt aiming to capitalize on their weakened state.
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
As they braced, the sound of swift movement filled the air, and soon, seven figures appeared on branches not far ahead.
These figures varied in size and attire, each emitting a distinct aura. Yet, they shared two common features: the Kirigakure forehead protector and a uniquely shaped large sword on their back.
Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist!
The term resonated in the minds of every Konoha ninja present, matching Sakumo's description perfectly, each figure exuding an unsettling vibe.
For a moment...
The Konoha ninjas remained motionless.
But their gazes grew colder.
Nevertheless...
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen seemed indifferent to their stares.
Juzo, scanning the Konoha ninjas, finally focused on Minato.
"Blond hair..."
Narrowing his eyes slightly, his lips curled into a smirk.
"You must be Namikaze Minato!"