Within the Land of Earth, Minato Namikaze had received no replies since setting out. Before he left, Orochimaru had told him to have the others follow behind the Raikage without getting too close.
With Muzan blocking the way ahead, their mission was to outflank the Cloud Ninja in the central area.
To ensure the mission's success, Minato Namikaze did not recklessly follow too closely. He merely judged the situation based on reports from the ninja ahead.
"Lord Minato, they've stopped and split off a group heading into the mountains."
Listening to his subordinate's report, Minato pondered for a moment. This mountainous region was likely where they would clash.
"You wait here. I'll go harass them."
Minato moved swiftly. Following the route the ninja had described, he indeed spotted a cluster of black dots in the distance. The enemy had stopped beyond the mountains.
Minato Namikaze chose to take a detour. From one mountaintop, he could see batches of Cloud Ninja entering.
Yet none of them were in good condition. Mental exhaustion compounded by physical injuries had greatly diminished their combat ability.
The Raikage had reached the outskirts and was escorting the second group in.
From his high position, Muzan spotted that flash of yellow hair. Kitsuchi also noticed Minato Namikaze's sudden appearance and could not help but be astonished. As expected of Konoha's Yellow Flash.
That ghostlike speed alone was enough to place him on equal footing with anyone. Who could guarantee they would survive an assassination attempt by him?
"We attack once they enter the valley."
Minato's arrival meant the Konoha Ninja he had brought were not far from here.
The instant the Raikage entered the mountains, the earth suddenly shook and the mountains trembled!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The explosions triggered landslides that blocked the path they had entered