Minato had always kept an eye on the hidden terrain around Konoha, so this mission was practically made for him. As long as the Third Hokage's judgment was sound, the enemy would definitely appear within the next few days!
Sure enough, Minato waited until the following morning before discovering a set of footprints beside a secluded riverbank. Although they had been deliberately concealed, the cautious Minato still found the clue.
"This method of covering tracks... isn't Konoha's. It seems the enemy passed through here and headed east..."
Minato used the Flying Thunder God Technique and flashed to the next area he had marked out, preparing to intercept the enemy there.
Before long, more than a dozen people emerged from the forest. They were all tall and powerfully built, wearing Kumogakure forehead protectors.
Behind them was a woman also wearing a Kumogakure forehead protector. She was strikingly beautiful, with an excellent figure. Her long pale-blonde hair framed a lovely face, and her large, watery eyes sparkled. Her nose was delicately upturned, while her rosy cherry lips seemed to be saying something.
Because of the distance, Minato could only take a quick look and could not hear what they were saying. However, their forehead protectors were highly conspicuous. There was no doubt that they were ninjas from the Land of Lightning.
The Nine-Tails kidnapping mentioned by the intelligence division was likely these people's objective. Minato suddenly appeared before them.
The Kumogakure ninjas froze for a moment. The dozen or so people immediately assumed fighting stances and became alert. After looking carefully and realizing Minato was alone, they relaxed somewhat. One of them asked, "Who are you? Judging by your attire... a Konoha ninja?"
Seeing that Minato was so young, the other side spoke with some contempt. Since he was alone, they became