"The Land of Rain, Hanzo of the Salamander's territory?" Tsunade picked up the thread. The main battlefield of the Second Shinobi World War had been in the Land of Rain, and the battle between the Sannin and Hanzo had even changed the course of the war. The Sannin had gained their name because of it, so naturally Tsunade remembered it vividly.
"Yeah." Minato nodded. "But it seems Hanzo is no longer the leader of the Land of Rain. He was overthrown, though we have no information on who did it. That's why we want the two of you to investigate."
"Is that so? Then leave it to Tsunade and me." Jiraiya readily took on the task. After saying a few more words, he turned and left with Tsunade.
"Minato, just wait for our good news."
Minato smiled slightly and gently shook his head at Jiraiya. He was still at ease about the two of them. In the current shinobi world, there were only a handful who could survive the combined efforts of two of the Sannin, let alone surpass them.
Perhaps only Naruto had that kind of strength.
He then looked over the intelligence in his hand again, his expression gradually turning solemn. "Akatsuki... Since you've appeared again, then it's time for a decisive battle."
Although Minato usually seemed gentle, his conduct as Hokage had always been swift and decisive, his mild manner concealing a sharp edge.
Whether it had been resolving the Uchiha matter, dealing with the Hyuga Clan, or stripping Danzo of power, he had never dragged his feet.
Compared with the former Third Hokage, his advantage lay in his youth—and even more in his willingness to stake his life. He had a touch more hawkish resolve than the Third Hokage, yet a touch more gentleness than Danzo.