Under the firm command of the Raikage, even though the Cloud Ninjas were reluctant, they had no choice but to follow orders.
Soon, Minato Namikaze, wearing heavy shackles, was roughly pushed in.
His once bright and sunny demeanor was now disheveled, with wounds all over his body. It was clear he hadn't had an easy time over the past couple of days.
But, given that his life was no longer in danger, this was already the best outcome.
Seeing Minato's gaze, Uchiha Sogetsu gave a slight nod, acknowledging him.
"I'm sorry. I didn't expect things to turn out this way," Minato said, his face showing deep guilt and dejection. Gone was his previous high-spirited nature; even his yellow hair seemed a bit dulled.
"I truly regret that things ended up like this, and that you have to go through the trouble of rescuing me."
The Raikage rested his elbows on his knees, his chin propped up on his hand, eyes shifting between the two of them.
Despite the brevity of their conversation, it was enough for him to glean some useful information.
"Enough reminiscing," his deep, hoarse voice cut through. He placed his palms down and shifted to a sitting position. His posture was straight and rigid, like a sword ready to be drawn.
He locked eyes with Uchiha Sogetsu and said, "I've brought the person you wanted. Now it's your turn."
"Tell me, how do you plan to get me out of here?"
Minato forced a bitter smile, looking around at the Cloud Ninjas and the Third Raikage. "Don't count on me. My Chakra Pathway is sealed. I can't use Flying Thunder God to get you out directly."
"Don't worry, I don't plan to rely on you."
Uchiha Sogetsu pushed himself up from the chair and stood slowly. He addressed the Raikage, "Once he leaves Kumogakure, our deal will be complete. How does that sound?"
"Fine."
The Raikage's eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a dangerous glint. "But you are not allowed to follow. You must stay here."
Even now, he still couldn't fathom what the young man in front of him was planning or how he intended to escape under his watchful eye.
As long as he didn't let the other party leave the room, he was confident he could keep this person under control.
"Of course, this is one of the conditions we agreed upon."
Uchiha Sogetsu spread his hands to show his agreement, then addressed Namikaze Minato, "Did you hear that? You need to leave on your own. When you go, remember to send me a signal."
"Wait, what about you? What are you going to do?" Minato Namikaze asked, frowning with concern.
"I have my own way of handling things, so you don't need to worry."
Uchiha Sogetsu gave him a reassuring smile and then moved to pat his shoulder.
But in an instant, the Third Raikage appeared out of nowhere and seized his wrist, his cold eyes filled with a murderous glare. "Boy, you're ten years too early to pull such a trick in front of me!"
"Ah, are you that nervous?"
Despite being gripped tightly, Uchiha Sogetsu remained unruffled. He smiled wryly and said, "Don't worry, I have no other plans. This is just a farewell."
Clearly, the Raikage didn't buy his explanation. With a knowing smile, he said, "The prerequisite for the Flying Thunder God Technique is to leave a space mark on the opponent's body. I won't take the risk of letting you contact Minato Namikaze."
Minato's face froze in shock, as if his thoughts had been exposed.
He had indeed wanted to leave a Flying Thunder God space mark when he first touched Uchiha Sogetsu and then use it to retrieve Sogetsu after escaping from the Cloud Village.
Unfortunately, the seemingly rough Third Raikage was far more perceptive than he appeared, seeing through Minato's intentions with ease.
"Now that we've been discovered, there's nothing more we can do."
Uchiha Sogetsu shrugged helplessly and settled back into his chair. "Minato, it looks like I'll have to let you go first."
"No, I can't leave you here!"
Namikaze Minato, true to his character, couldn't accept it. He shook his head firmly and said, "If it means sacrificing your life to save me, I will never agree to it!"
"Stop wasting time, Minato."
Uchiha Sogetsu shook his head and looked into Minato's eyes. "Kushina is currently in the Hidden Cloud Village to save you. You understand what this means, don't you?"
"What did you say? Kushina? Why is she here?!"
Minato Namikaze was visibly shocked, his eyes wide and his expression nearly uncontrollable.
"Let her explain the details to you." Uchiha Sogetsu, too lazy to elaborate, focused on the essentials. "Your mission is to get Kushina out of the Hidden Cloud Village and escort her back safely. The rest is not something you need to worry about."
Minato understood the significance of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, but this only placed him in a new dilemma. "But what will you do?"
Given his intelligence, Minato had nearly guessed the entire plan when he learned of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's presence in the Hidden Cloud Village.
Uchiha Sogetsu had used the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and himself as leverage—one as bait and the other as a bomb—turning the entire Hidden Cloud Village into a bargaining chip to force the Raikage's hand.
But once he and Kushina left, the delicate balance of threat would be shattered instantly.
At that point, Uchiha Sogetsu would face the Third Raikage and all the ninjas of the Hidden Cloud Village alone!
"That's not important, Minato."
Uchiha Sogetsu looked at him with affection and a hint of resolve in his tone. "In chess, once the 'king' is captured, the game is over."
"You..."
Minato Namikaze was momentarily stunned, his eyes glistening with emotion.
"And I am merely a pawn to be sacrificed."
Uchiha Sogetsu continued to speak, his voice subtly seeping into and eroding his soul: "Protecting Jade is my duty. I hope you stay alive, and that you can fulfill your wish. Only then can the village and our clan have true hope."
Minato Namikaze understood the metaphor, and the softest part of his heart seemed to be touched.
It turns out that what Sogetsu has always longed for is reconciliation between the village and the Uchiha, and he is willing to sacrifice his life for this!
"Go on, Minato."
Uchiha Sogetsu urged again, his eyes gentle. He said, "Don't forget your mission—protect the village and Kushina!"
"I know!"
Namikaze Minato clenched his teeth, his eyes bloodshot: "I won't forget. I definitely won't forget!"
After saying this, he turned and walked outside. The Cloud Ninja were about to stop him, but a glance from the Raikage made them hesitate.
"I'll have Killer B and A accompany him."
The Raikage said calmly: "If I find out you haven't kept your promise, I will kill him."
"Yes, as you wish."
Uchiha Sogetsu sat calmly in the Raikage's seat, one hand resting on his cheek, and chuckled, "While we still have some time, Mr. Raikage, may I ask you a question?"
"Go ahead."
The Raikage remained composed, his expression unreadable, and said: "Consider it a reward for daring to face me."
At that moment, Uchiha Sogetsu suddenly raised his hand and removed his mask.
He revealed a youthful, vibrant, rebellious, and handsome face. Adjusting the mask on his nose, he let the reflection of the Raikage appear in his blood-red eyes. He smiled and asked:
"Mr. Raikage, have you ever been defeated?"
********
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