Starting from the roots of Konoha, they were the masterminds behind the scenes.

Chapter 227 Repelled, Reinforcements Arrive!

Sarutobi Shinnosuke was instantly terrified: "He's going to take me out first!"

Hatake Sakumo also realized the Third Raikage's intentions and charged again.

Akimichi Torifu strode forward, blocking Sarutobi Shinnosuke's path, and shouted, "Shinnosuke, you're in charge of slowing down the Raikage!"

When facing a speed monster like the Third Raikage, limiting his speed is undoubtedly the best course of action.

"clear!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke let out a low shout, his hands forming hand seals. Having just broken through Hatake Sakumo's Third Raikage, numerous sharp stone pillars erupted from the ground and swept towards him.

However, the Third Raikage continued his reckless charge, leaving trails of lightning and explosions in his wake, shattering stone pillars one after another.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke gritted his teeth and continued to form hand seals, causing stone walls to rise from the ground.

The Third Raikage arrived at the stone wall, and Sakumo Hatake reappeared.

Tilting his head, the Third Raikage dodged Sakumo Hatake's sword.

Hatake Sakumo immediately used the stone wall for leverage, reversed his body, and swung his sword again.

The Third Raikage's right palm was like a knife, but his thumb and little finger were bent.

Three-finger piercing hand!

Hand clashed with knife.

The knife broke!

Sakumo Hatake's expression changed, but he didn't have time to dodge. He was swept away by the Third Raikage and coughed up blood.

But Akimichi Torifu's giant fist also crashed down.

The Third Raikage, who had sent Sakumo Hatake flying, didn't have time to dodge, but he raised his fist and managed to withstand the slamming punch.

"hateful!"

Akimichi Torifu gritted his teeth, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't suppress the Third Raikage.

Suddenly, the force under the fist vanished, and with a loud bang, the ground sank.

Akimichi Torifu immediately withdrew his hand, shouting, "Watch out for the side!"

Kushina, amidst the swirling vortex in the air, warned, "On the left!"

Rumble!

The stone walls on the left rose up one after another, but the Third Raikage easily pierced through them.

Just as he broke through the last stone wall, a stone cover fell from the sky and trapped him.

Next came the technique of the Yellow Springs Swamp.

It turned out that Sarutobi Shinnosuke had created an Earth Release shadow clone to work in conjunction with his main body.

But this still couldn't stop the Third Raikage.

The stone cover exploded, and what greeted the Third Raikage was Akimichi Torifu's fist.

boom!

Fist and palm strike collided, sparks flew, air exploded, and a gale arose.

Akimichi Torifu let out a painful groan, and after he withdrew his hand, his fist was charred black, and several fingers were almost severed.

However, he also bought time for Sarutobi Shinnosuke, as the mudslide surged and engulfed the Third Raikage.

Kushina Uzumaki, who had been preparing in the air for some time, had already activated Sage Mode, and her chakra hand, along with the Wind Release: Rasengan, launched a flying sword at her son.

As the mudslide exploded, the Third Raikage ducked back, and the Wind Release: Rasenshuriken cut off several strands of hair, which whistled past his head.

However, this time Kushina Uzumaki did not throw the Wind Release: Rasenshuriken directly; she also had a chakra arm.

As soon as Kushina Uzumaki exerted her power, the Wind Release: Rasenshuriken behind the Third Raikage was sent flying backward.

"Well done!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke secretly praised him, while continuing to form hand seals.

The next moment, the Third Raikage leaped and once again deftly dodged the Wind Release: Rasengan.

The speed of the Wind Release: Rasengan was already very fast, but the Third Raikage's speed and reaction were even faster.

At that moment, Kushina Uzumaki descended from the sky, caught the wind release shuriken that was flying towards her, the ground beneath her feet exploded, and she shot out, instantly rushing to the front of the Third Raikage, slamming the wind release shuriken in her hand onto the Third Raikage.

The rapidly spinning Wind Release: Rasengan shuriken carried the Third Raikage backward.

"The Third Raikage!"

The group of Yun Ninja exclaimed in surprise.

Many Konoha ninjas stared wide-eyed, some secretly overjoyed, others cheering and praising.

Rumble!

The Wind Release: Rasengan expanded, forming a ball of light that enveloped the Third Raikage, followed by a raging storm.

At this moment, all eyes were focused on this, and even Minato Namikaze and the AB team on the other side stopped.

Minato Namikaze couldn't help but smile: "Kushina, well done!"

The light faded, the storm subsided, but Minato Namikaze's gaze sharpened: "You weren't hurt?"

"impossible!"

Minato Namikaze thought of the way the Wind Release: Rasengan would damage, and then he saw the Third Raikage rushing towards Kushina Uzumaki.

"The Raikage's speed has decreased!"

"Some of his cells were damaged by the Wind Release technique!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke noticed it too, and his main body used Fire Release: Great Flame Bullet, while his clone used Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet. The two ninjutsu were combined and fired at the Third Raikage.

The Third Raikage dodged, and Kushina Uzumaki immediately unleashed her power, seizing the opportunity to appear to the Third Raikage's side.

Diamond Lockdown!

The chains rattled as they bound the Third Raikage.

But then, the chains suddenly exploded.

But Kushina Uzumaki's ninjutsu was already prepared.

Super large jade spiral pill!

Three chakra arms pushed a giant Rasengan, slamming it into the Third Raikage and sending him flying once again!

"Raikage-sama!"

A chorus of gasps erupted from the Cloud Ninja, and some couldn't resist leaping forward.

However, the Third Raikage quickly stood up after rolling a few times on the ground, raising his hand to stop the other Cloud Ninja: "I'm fine!"

Looking at the Third Raikage, whose only injuries were burns on his arms and chest, Kushina Uzumaki couldn't help but regret, "I should have used the Rasenshuriken again!"

The previous Wind Release: Rasengan technique wasn't very effective, so he chose to use this move instead.

However, the Third Raikage's physique was too powerful, and his external lightning armor was also extremely strong.

Although the Lightning Release Armor was broken, the damage was far less severe than expected.

At this moment, A and Killer Bee arrived beside the Third Raikage.

Minato Namikaze also reunited with Kushina Uzumaki and the others.

"As expected of the Third Raikage!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke said, "Minato, it will be very difficult to kill the Third Raikage."

Akimichi Torifu, whose hand had already been bandaged, said, "It's enough that we were able to stop him!"

Minato Namikaze nodded, then encouraged him, "The Third Raikage is strong, but he is not invincible."

"Kushina's attack just now has already injured him, and the longer it goes on, the more his fighting strength will decrease."

Kushina Uzumaki said, "Next time, continue using Wind Release: Rasenshuriken."

Minato Namikaze nodded.

Wind Release counters Lightning Release, but even a counter only works if the forces are evenly matched.

Of the Wind Release techniques they possess, only the Wind Release: Rasengan shuriken meets the requirements.

Especially with the Nine-Tails' chakra and the amplification from Sage Mode, its power is even greater, enough to injure the Third Raikage.

On the other side, the Third Raikage stared at Kushina Uzumaki and the others, secretly regretting his carelessness!

He underestimated Kushina Uzumaki and the others.

Now that he's injured, it's almost impossible for him to take down the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

And there may not be another opportunity like this in the future.

The Third Raikage was unwilling, but he could only order, "Retreat!"

The Cloud Ninja have retreated!

Many Konoha ninjas breathed a sigh of relief, including Akimichi Torifu, who was the commander.

The Third Raikage was incredibly intimidating, and his strength was truly terrifying.

"withdraw!"

The autumn wind was also ordered to be taken.

The Konoha ninjas also retreated one after another.

Medical class.

Seeing Minato Namikaze emerge from the tent, Kushina Uzumaki and the other girl stepped forward: "How was it, Sakumo-senpai?"

Minato Namikaze said, "It's not fatal, but it will require a long period of recovery."

Sakumo Hatake's sternum was broken, and bone fragments were embedded in his internal organs.

Therefore, Sakumo Hatake will be transferred back to Konoha to recover from his injuries.

Kushina Uzumaki and Shinnosuke Sarutobi both breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

It's good that he didn't die. Once he recovers, he'll still be the White Fang of Konoha.

"The Raikage's strength is terrifying."

Sarutobi Shinnosuke remarked, "It's hard to imagine how Hide-sensei managed to deal with the combined attack of the Four Kage and Madara Uchiha."

Kushina Uzumaki said smugly, "Of course he's different."

Minato Namikaze and Shinnosuke Sarutobi exchanged a glance, their expressions tinged with helplessness.

The latest novel is first published here!

In Kushina Uzumaki's eyes, Hoshino Shu was invincible and omnipotent.

They had thought so before.

But recent events clearly show otherwise.

Even a powerful force like Xingxia Xiu has its share of those it fears.

……

Cloud Ninja Medical Class.

Inside the tent, a medical ninja from Kumogakure examined the Third Raikage with a grave expression: "These injuries... are terrifying?"

Ai immediately demanded, "What happened?"

The medical ninja quickly said, "Some of the Raikage's cells were completely destroyed, causing them to die."

"Moreover, these injuries are distributed throughout his body, so although Lord Raikage still maintains his fighting ability, his overall physical abilities have inevitably declined."

"Moreover, this kind of damage, which occurs directly at the cellular level, will... will shorten the Raikage's lifespan!"

Ai was furious upon hearing this: "Damn it!"

"Is there any way to treat this?"

The medical ninja shook his head: "For ordinary wounds, rapid healing is achieved through cell division."

"But now that the cells are killed directly, they can no longer divide, so there is no treatment."

"However, Lord Raikage will recover after a period of rest, but the lost lifespan cannot be made up for."

Ai's face was gloomy.

At this moment, the Third Raikage opened his eyes: "Since it doesn't affect the recovery of combat power, then it's nothing."

"Go and summon the Jonin for a meeting to devise a plan to capture the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

The Third Raikage did not give up his covetousness for the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

Meanwhile, on Konoha's side...

After visiting Sakumo Hatake, Minato Namikaze and his two companions were summoned by Torifu Akimichi.

Upon arriving at the commander's tent, Minato Namikaze's face immediately lit up with joy: "Jiraiya-sensei!"

Kushina Uzumaki and Shinnosuke Sarutobi also greeted them.

Jiraiya smiled and nodded, then gave a thumbs up: "I heard you defeated the Third Raikage, well done!"

Kushina Uzumaki was very happy to be praised.

Minato Namikaze humbly replied, "I did not defeat the Third Raikage. The Third Raikage's injuries should not be serious, and he will probably recover his fighting strength soon."

Jiraiya said, "Then let's see how strong the Raikage is next time!"

At this moment, Akimichi Torifu, who was injured, said, "Don't underestimate the Raikage."

"My opinion is that Kushina should be transferred back to Konoha, just in case."

"Because the Third Raikage won't let himself be surrounded next time, and our forces were never in a superior position to begin with."

A Jonin from the Nara clan immediately added, "The power of the Third Raikage cannot be stopped by ordinary numbers; only the cooperation of Jonin can halt his advance."

"His target is Kushina, and given the Raikage's personality, he won't give up easily."

"Therefore, I agree with Lord Qufeng's opinion."

Kushina Uzumaki had no intention of fleeing back to Konoha, and quickly argued, "I have powerful sensory abilities, and with Shinnosuke by my side, I'm in the air, and the Raikage has no way of catching me."

"Besides, only my ninjutsu can hurt him!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Minato Namikaze thought for a moment, then looked at Jiraiya without saying anything.

The others also looked at Jiraiya.

Because he was a reinforcement sent by Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Moreover, Akimichi Torifu was injured, one of his hands was half crippled, and Hatake Sakumo was also seriously injured, so Jiraiya had become the de facto frontline commander.

Seeing everyone looking at him, Jiraiya thought for a moment and said, "The Third Hokage did not order Kushina to return to Konoha."

Kushina Uzumaki smiled immediately upon hearing this.

Jiraiya then changed the subject: "However, the Third Raikage's target is indeed Kushina, so it's very dangerous for you to stay."

Kushina Uzumaki's smile froze.

Jiraiya chuckled as he looked on, "But then again, Kushina is also an important asset. If she leaves, it will be even more difficult to deal with the Raikage."

"Minato is in charge of keeping the AB combination in check, so we need someone who can threaten the Raikage."

Akimichi Torifu frowned: "Jiraiya, are you not good enough?"

Jiraiya shook his head and said seriously, "My speed is not enough. Even if my attack can threaten the Raikage, it will probably be difficult to hit him."

"The Raikage's attack, speed, and defense are all extremely impressive, with almost no weaknesses. It would be too difficult to limit the speed of such an enemy."

"If you're not fast enough, even if you have the opportunity, it's very difficult to seize it."

Kushina Uzumaki immediately chimed in, "Jiraiya-senpai is right!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke immediately added, "I support Kushina staying!"

Minato Namikaze quickly added, "If any danger arises, I will take Kushina away immediately."

Kushina Uzumaki nodded: "Minato can leave the Flying Thunder God Technique seal on me beforehand."

Akimichi Torifu listened and pondered for a moment before nodding: "In that case, it's decided then. Kushina, you can stay."

At this moment, Jiraiya smiled and said, "By the way, the reinforcements this time are actually not just me."

Akimichi Torifu paused for a moment, then asked, "Who else?"

"Could it be Orochimaru?"

Jiraiya kept everyone in suspense: "You'll find out tomorrow."

The next day.

The second reinforcement has finally arrived.

But it wasn't just one person, as everyone thought, but a whole team.

Kushina Uzumaki was overjoyed to see who it was: "Erika!"

The arrival was surprisingly made by Nawaki, Erika Uzumaki, and their companion, Kei Hyuga.

"Kushina!"

Erika quickly stepped forward and took Kushina's hand.

"Watergate!"

"Shinnosuke!"

Nawaki, Hinata Kei, and Namikaze Minato greeted each other.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke laughed and said, "With you guys here, we're even more confident."

Nawaki was also trained by Hoshinobu Hide, and Sarutobi Shinnosuke was very confident in him.

Secondly, Erika's medical skills are second only to Hoshino and Tsunade in Konoha today.

Furthermore, Erika is also proficient in sealing techniques, and if she joins forces with Kushina Uzumaki, they might be able to control the Raikage for an even longer period of time.

Faced with Sarutobi Shinnosuke's praise, Nawaki replied with considerable restraint, "We will go all out against the Raikage."

(End of this chapter)