Chapter 14: Yellow Flash of the Hidden Leaf
Minato departed with his team and made his way towards the front lines, where the Hidden Leaf shinobi were under attack by the Hidden Stone shinobi army. He increased his pace so that he would be able to provide assistance to his team, who were tasked with destroying the Kannabi Bridge.
As he raced through the dense forest, he caught a glimpse of a massive Earth Release jutsu going off on the battlefield. The battle was in full swing. Minato reached the battlefield and quickly ascertained the dire situation. The Hidden Leaf Shinobi were under constant bombardment from a relentless barrage of Earth Release jutsu, forcing them into a defensive stance. The Hidden Stone village was on the verge of victory, and only four Hidden Leaf shinobi had survived the onslaught of attacks and were taking cover behind a trench, holding on for backup to arrive.
Minato swiftly moved through the chaos of battle, skillfully avoiding the attacks aimed at him, and made his way to the trench where the surviving Hidden Leaf Shinobi had taken cover.
Seeing Minato, one of the men said, "You finally came."
Reaching them, Minato asked, "What is the situation?"
"I'd say there are about two hundred of the enemy. Compared to that, there are just four of us alive."
Hearing that, Minato placed two fingers on the ground and used his keen senses to confirm the situation. There were approximately two hundred foes, preparing for another large-scale attack.
Sensing the urgency of the situation, Minato took off his backpack and unsealed some scrolls containing his marked kunai, handing them to the remaining Hidden Leaf Shinobi. He instructed them to throw the kunai towards the enemy all at once, saying, "Everyone, please direct these kunai towards the enemy all at once... I will take care of the rest."
Saying that, Minato stood up and faced the direction of the enemy, forming a ram hand sign to gather his chakra. One of the Hidden Leaf Shinobi couldn't help but exclaim, "That's crazy! Not even you could..."
But he was promptly silenced by the man who had given Minato the report, "Shut up and do as he says. We're about to witness the Yellow Flash of the Hidden Leaf in battle... it'll happen in a flash. Don't miss it."
Humbled by the anticipation of witnessing Minato's legendary skills in action, the remaining Hidden Leaf Shinobi followed his orders.
On the other side of the battlefield, the Hidden Stone shinobi were all in high spirits, convinced that victory was within their grasp. They stood ready, awaiting their commander's order for their final attack that would give them the victory on this battlefield.
"It'll all be over soon. We will attack at once."
Hearing that, all of them nodded. As the Hidden Stone's commander was about to give the order, a massive barrage of kunai flew in from the other side of the battlefield.
Seeing the incoming kunai, they easily avoided them, and one of the Hidden Stone shinobi said arrogantly, "Heh, they think this can kill us? It must be their last desperate attack." This got a chorus of laughter from the other shinobi. But only their commander had noticed the different shape of the kunai and panicked.
"N-no, it can't be... everyone retreat now!!!" shouted the commander as the realization dawned on him. Hearing his panicked shout, the shinobi under him were confused, but before they could react.
Minato took a deep breath and opened his eyes, saying calmly, "Here I go." With that, he disappeared from the sight of the Hidden Leaf shinobi. What followed suit was absolute carnage.
One after another, the Hidden Stone Shinobi fell one after another, dropping lifeless to the ground. The attack was coming from everywhere and all at once. Witnessing their comrades falling like leaves, the remaining shinobi panicked and tried to flee from the battlefield. But it was to no avail as they were all cut down in a matter of seconds.
The Hidden Leaf shinobi, observing from their vantage point, could only see flashes of yellow as it appeared and disappeared, leaving behind the dead bodies in its path. Just as it had started, it had finished. All the enemy shinobi were dealt with in a matter of seconds.
The shinobi that who questioned Minato's actions just a moment ago was stunned. "So this is the prowess of the Yellow Flash of the Leaf."
As the massacre ended, Minato appeared where he had stood, in a crouching position, as he was breathing heavily. "It's done... I had to use a considerable amount of chakra," he thought, sighing in relief. "I'll have to rest before I head out to assist Kakashi and the others."
Seeing Minato, the surviving Hidden Leaf Shinobi rushed towards him in joy, as they had won the battle.
Minato met them with a smile on his face, happy that he was able to help his comrades and protect his village. He knew that the war was far from over, but this victory was a step.
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