Time passed quickly, yet it also seemed to drag on. By now, the Third Kazekage stood before Minato Namikaze, undisguised admiration in his eyes as he said:
"That move of yours really is impressive. A shame you ran into me and never got the chance to show what it could do."
Minato Namikaze merely gave a bitter smile at those words, saying nothing.
He had intended to use it as his trump card, never expecting to encounter an opponent who countered it completely.
A trace of hesitation appeared on the Third Kazekage's face as he continued:
"If you agree to serve me, I'll spare your life."
At those words, a mocking look crossed Minato Namikaze's face, and he said firmly:
"As a Konoha ninja, I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees!"
The Third Kazekage showed no disappointment at his answer, for it was more in line with what he had expected. Had Minato Namikaze truly surrendered to save himself, the Third Kazekage would have looked down on him instead.
Still, the Third Kazekage had no intention of sparing Minato Namikaze. He simply smiled and said:
"In that case, let me send you on your way!"
A spike formed once again on the Third Kazekage's right hand, which he slowly raised. A faint smile also appeared on Minato Namikaze's face, as though he were facing not death, but release.
The next second, blood splattered, several jets spraying onto Minato Namikaze's face.
Yet astonishment replaced the smile on Minato Namikaze's face, for he had felt no pain at all.
Puzzled, Minato Namikaze looked up and saw a longsword before his eyes, its blade extending back through the Third Kazekage's chest.
Just then, the Third Kazekage swung his right hand backward. The next second, a figure suddenly appeared