After everyone had assembled, Hokage Minato Namikaze began to explain the mission.
"A few days ago, a peace organization called 'Akatsuki' came to Konoha, hoping their organization could mediate the war between Konoha and Kirigakure."
"We initially paid little attention to this, but today, Kirigakure sent word that they are willing to accept 'Akatsuki's' mediation and agree to ceasefire talks."
Upon hearing this, everyone, including Kouki, was surprised.
Akatsuki was merely a civilian organization from Amegakure, lacking any real influence. Some present hadn't even heard of them.
Frankly, Konoha had initially dismissed Akatsuki's mediation request. Did Akatsuki really think they were a legitimate entity?
Yet, Kirigakure had actually agreed to Akatsuki's mediation.
Since Kirigakure had agreed, Konoha was naturally happy to accept. In fact, Konoha had sent numerous ceasefire proposals to Kirigakure over the past year, all of which had been ignored.
This was an excellent opportunity, and Minato Namikaze wouldn't miss it.
"Since Kirigakure has agreed to 'Akatsuki's' mediation, Konoha has no reason to refuse. I have decided to accept Akatsuki's mediation and travel to Amegakure to discuss a ceasefire with Kirigakure!"
"Now, let's depart!"
With Minato Namikaze's order, the eight individuals, including Kouki, acted as Minato's personal guard, heading towards Amegakure.
Of course, with Minato Namikaze's strength, he didn't actually need so many guards, but this was an inter-village negotiation, and the entourage needed to be impressive. The Hokage had to maintain appearances; it was a matter of face and couldn't be taken lightly.
The group followed Minato Namikaze out of Konoha, moving swiftly through the forests. Their destination was an unnamed mountain on the border of Amegakure, a neutral location ideal for negotiations with Kirigakure.
Kouki, half-heartedly following the group, couldn't help but wonder if he would encounter any good sign-in locations on this trip.
"Hokage-sama, we've always wanted a ceasefire with Kirigakure, but they've ignored us. Their sudden acceptance of Akatsuki's mediation… could this be a trap?" an ANBU member questioned.
"According to our intelligence, 'Akatsuki' is indeed a peace-loving organization. Their consistent aim is to resolve conflicts through communication and dialogue, not force."
"Their reputation is good, and the negotiation location isn't in Kirigakure, but Amegakure. I think we can be optimistic."
"Furthermore, Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen suffered significant losses a year ago, with five of them dying. Even if it's a trap, we have little to fear!" Minato Namikaze said confidently.
The others felt reassured. With the Yellow Flash's power, could Kirigakure possibly harm the Hokage?
Whoosh!
Suddenly, Minato Namikaze and the others saw a spatial vortex appear before them!
From the swirling vortex, a figure wearing a strange mask, revealing only one eye, emerged.
Minato Namikaze and his group instinctively stopped, warily observing the individual blocking their path.
They didn't recognize him, but it was clear he was hostile.
"Obito?"
Only Kouki immediately recognized the figure. Because of this, he was puzzled about what Obito was planning.
"Who are you? Why are you blocking our path?" Minato Namikaze asked, his expression serious.
Everyone sensed something was amiss. They had just agreed to peace talks with Kirigakure and were ambushed on their way.
Who would believe there was no conspiracy behind this peace negotiation?
"Don't worry, I won't kill you. Your lives will be spared; I have use for you," Obito's deep, emotionless voice echoed, sounding almost mechanical.
The group's expressions changed, a mixture of shock and anger. This masked man was far too arrogant, daring to speak such words in front of the Yellow Flash and so many ANBU.
"Protect the Hokage!"
The captain of the guard commanded, and the group quickly moved to shield Minato Namikaze.
Obito remained silent, seemingly ignoring their presence, walking steadily towards Minato Namikaze.
"Insolent!"
The captain roared, drawing a kunai and throwing it at Obito.
Swish swish swish!
Numerous kunai surrounded Obito.
However, Obito seemed oblivious, walking forward without flinching or dodging.
The kunai were incredibly fast, and in the blink of an eye, they pierced Obito's body.
Just as the guards were momentarily stunned, believing that this arrogant figure had been easily dealt with, their eyes widened in disbelief.
The kunai had indeed pierced Obito's body, but they hadn't caused any damage. They had simply passed through him, embedding themselves in the ground.
Obito seemed to be a mere phantom.
"What's happening? Are we already under a genjutsu?"
The group felt a wave of panic, sweat beading on their foreheads. They had never encountered such a phenomenon.
Whoosh!
As everyone stood tense and bewildered, a vortex appeared before Obito, and he vanished.
"Where did he go? What kind of ninjutsu was that?"
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