Three months later.
Sasuke defected, and Naruto failed to bring him back.
Having awakened Wood Release, Naruto was now exceptionally powerful. Wuye had not sent anyone else; Naruto alone had defeated the Sound Ninja Five.
"Minato, tell me honestly. Did you really not use the Flying Thunder God Technique to support Naruto?"
On the rooftop of the Hokage Building, Wuye stood beside Minato, basking in the warm sunlight and greeting the gentle breeze.
"I really didn't use the Flying Thunder God Technique to go to his side, but I was sensing his condition," Minato said, rubbing his brow. "The Flying Thunder God marks on Karin and Naruto are special. I can sense their general situation at any time..."
"Wood Release really is powerful," he remarked. "Naruto has Uzumaki Clan blood and enormous chakra reserves, so Wood Release suits him extremely well."
Wuye shook his head. "What's powerful isn't Wood Release itself, but Wood Release brimming with vitality. Just look at Tenzo—he's nowhere near Naruto's level."
It could only be said that Ashura's chakra was a cheat...
"Wuye..."
A bitter smile appeared on Minato's lips. "Karin ran away with him too. My son and daughter have both set their hearts on Uchiha Sasuke..."
"Don't worry. Orochimaru probably won't do anything to Karin unless he wants to be endlessly hunted down by your Flying Thunder God Technique." Wuye patted his shoulder.
Minato turned to look at him. "They defected from Konoha. You don't mind?"
A smile lingered at the corner of Wuye's mouth. "The kids are just fooling around."
Minato relaxed slightly.
"Now that two members of Kakashi's team are gone, what do you plan to do next?" he asked.
Wuye smiled. "I'll have Kakashi return to the Anbu to keep Sakumo company. As for Naruto, I'll let Jiraiya take him out