The wind sighed mournfully.
At either end of the massive Kannabi Bridge stood the strongest fighters in the Ninja World.
"Heh heh, Sarutobi Hiruzen. Long time no see."
Ōnoki hovered in midair, with Kitsuchi, Roshi, and a host of Stone Hidden elites standing beside him.
Behind them, smoke and sand filled the dense forest.
A murderous intent rose into the air.
Sarutobi Hiruzen narrowed his eyes slightly. He felt that there was something indescribably strange about the Ōnoki before him.
Yet at their level, even Transformation Jutsu could not fool their senses. So this strange feeling was...
Ōnoki looked toward Kushina amid the crowd, his gaze turning cold.
"You little brat really made us suffer. The Uzumaki Clan still hasn't been dealt with completely, huh?"
Ever since he had exchanged intelligence with the Third Raikage and learned that Konohagakure's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was a red-haired woman, he had nearly been angered into snapping his back.
He had brooded over it ever since.
"Damn old man!! What did you say!!!"
Furious, Kushina's red hair whipped about as violent Chakra surged outward, nearly knocking over the people beside her.
Faint traces resembling animal whiskers appeared on her pale cheeks.
"Calm down! Kushina!"
Minato hurriedly soothed her. Although there was no risk of her running wild for no reason, if Kushina became too agitated, the Nine-Tails could still influence her somewhat.
"He's just trying to provoke you. Don't fall for it!"
As he comforted her, Minato also remained prepared to help Kushina seal the Nine-Tails if anything went wrong.
Kushina took several heavy breaths, striving to calm herself.
She stared fixedly at Ōnoki and said coldly, "You damned old man, I'll definitely kill you!"
"That's enough, Ōnoki."
Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke in a deep voice. "Show a little dignity as a Kage."
"Since