Naruto: Kushina's Redemption, My Revenge

After Chinya left, Minato Namikaze remained standing in place for a long time.

Minato thought deeply but felt confused, unable to fully grasp Chinya's reasoning.

"Minato."

Jiraiya appeared before Minato. He had overheard the entire conversation between Minato and Chinya.

Minato asked somewhat blankly, "Jiraiya-sensei, did I make a mistake? But I don't feel like I did anything wrong. Those were our comrades, and I wanted my comrades to stay alive. Besides, I've never been merciful toward enemies either."

Jiraiya placed a hand on Minato's shoulder and advised, "Minato, you're not wrong, and neither is Chinya. This is war—there will always be sacrifices in war. There's simply no perfect solution.

Chinya is very much like Orochimaru—they are both extremely rational, planning based purely on what benefits the current situation without letting emotions interfere. As long as the gains outweigh the losses, they won't dwell on those costs.

You and I are alike—we never give up on our comrades until the very end. We always hope they'll make it out alive.

But...this is the battlefield. Having been here for so long, you should be used to it by now. There's no war without sacrifice. We have to temporarily hide our feelings and act with reason.

Everything we do, we do it for Konoha—the Hidden Leaf Village. But Minato, you shouldn't question yourself—you've got what it takes to be Hokage. And I'm not talking about strength here."

Minato looked up at Jiraiya, puzzled about what he meant by being better than Chinya.

Jiraiya smiled and said, "Minato, you inherited the Will of Fire—a selfless spirit. Your heart belongs to Konoha. You see everyone in the village as your comrade, wanting to protect your fellow villagers and believing everyone here is part of one big family.

Chinya, this boy, though, just like Orochimaru, is emotionally detached, acts somewhat extreme, and always walks alone, unable to get close with anyone else.

People like Chinya are best used as 'Shōgi' generals, while people like you are more suited to be the king that leads those generals.

In other words, you've got what it takes to be Hokage."

Minato blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected Jiraiya to say he had the potential to become Hokage.

Somewhat embarrassed, Minato replied, "Jiraiya-sensei, I still have a long way to go."

Jiraiya burst into a hearty laugh, "Of course you've got a long way to go! That's exactly why you need to work harder—to become the king that leads the generals!"

Suddenly, Jiraiya leaned in close to Minato and whispered, "You want speed, right? Don't worry, I already requested from the old man on your behalf. He's agreed to let you learn one of Konoha's most treasured secret techniques from the Scroll of Seals.

It's a Space–Time Ninjutsu created by The Second Hokage—the Flying Thunder God Technique. Master that technique, and you'll be faster than anyone in the entire Shinobi World!"

Minato Namikaze was deeply moved: "Jiraiya-sensei..."

Jiraiya gave Minato's shoulder a firm slap on the back and said with a smile: "I am your master, after all. Alright, go get some rest. We've got one hell of a battle coming up tomorrow night. If we want to keep our losses low, we need to work even harder to relieve pressure for our comrades."

...

The next day.

All the ninja currently in the Land of Hot Water had gathered together.

There were less than a hundred ninja in total.

Originally, about 150 Konoha ninja had been sent to the Land of Hot Water, but some had fallen during battles with Cloud ninja.

Orochimaru's snake-like eyes swept over the crowd before him.

Normally, facing Orochimaru's cold and eerie aura would naturally make people feel nervous and frightened.

But not this time.

These ninja looked energized and excited as they gazed at Orochimaru.

They had suffered continuous defeats in recent days, leaving them feeling frustrated and humiliated.

Now that Orochimaru had arrived, along with two Sannin preparing a counterattack against the Cloud ninja, they finally had the chance to vent their frustrations.

How could they not be excited?

Orochimaru spoke: "Now, form groups according to your specialty jutsu."

The ninja began separating into different formations.

Those specializing in Fire Release Ninjutsu formed the largest group.

Ninja skilled in Earth Release and Water Release techniques followed closely, with roughly equal numbers.

Next came those adept in Lightning Release techniques.

Finally, Wind Release specialists made up the smallest group.

There were five genjutsu users and only three sensor ninjas.

Orochimaru announced: "I believe you already know—the surprise attack on Hidden Cloud Village will launch tonight. This operation will directly determine whether our future activities in the Land of Hot Water proceed smoothly.

Every single one of you plays a vital role in this mission. I'll now assign specific tasks to each of you. Once the operation begins, carry out your assigned duties exactly as instructed.

First, before initiating the surprise attack, the sensor ninjas will assess the current situation inside Hidden Hot Water Village.

Following that, Jiraiya and I will enter Hidden Hot Water Village first, creating destruction where enemy concentrations are highest.

Once we draw attention from the Cloud ninja, immediately those specialized in Earth Release should act, using earth techniques to divide the battlefield so large groups of enemy Cloud and Hot Water ninja cannot gather together.

After partitioning the battlefield, Earth and Water Release specialists should cooperate, creating mudslides to hinder enemy movement.

Then, a small squad of Fire Release ninja will join forces with Wind Release specialists to generate whirlwinds of flame across Hidden Hot Water Village.

Remaining Fire Release ninja will advance directly, launching long-range fire attacks from a distance to attract enemy focus.

Lightning Release ninja will serve as backup, quickly reinforcing any area where the front lines begin to break down.

Genjutsu specialists will move alongside Lightning Release teams for additional support.

Our goal isn't to occupy Hidden Hot Water Village, but to eliminate the Cloud ninja presence there. Succeeding means driving every last Cloud ninja out."

"You will each select a squad leader. Each squad leader will receive one of Jiraiya's messenger toads. During the operation, Jiraiya's toad will deliver the newly updated mission orders to the squad leader, who will then brief their team on the mission details.

Now begin your preparations. You have one hour."

The ninjas started discussing amongst themselves who would take on the role of squad leader.

Orochimaru approached Chinya and said, "Chinya, you're very agile, and I have full confidence in your abilities. You will operate independently and locate their commander for elimination!"

Chinya answered with a solemn bow, "Yes, Master Orochimaru!"

At this moment, Jiraiya spoke up, "Minato's mobility and strength are equally impressive. Why don't we also assign Minato to the mission to assassinate the Cloud Ninja commander?"

Orochimaru glanced sideways at Minato Namikaze and said to Jiraiya, "He's your student—handle the arrangements yourself."

Jiraiya turned to Minato Namikaze and asked, "Minato, do you feel confident taking on this mission?"

Minato glanced at Chinya, then replied with determination, "I've got this!"

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