eurekapd Chapter 818 Giving
Chapter 818 Giving
"Jiraiya-sensei and I have calculated that reinforcements and supplies for Iwagakure need to pass through a very important location," Minato said slowly, pointing to a red dot on the map.
Zhang Hai looked in the direction the water gate was pointing, and the location of that red dot was exactly the key point in his memory. He slowly uttered four words: "Kannabi Bridge".
Upon hearing Zhang Hai pinpoint the location accurately, Minato smiled with relief. He confirmed, "That's right, it's Kannabi Bridge."
“We have already formulated a plan to destroy the Kannabi Bridge,” Minato continued. “However, due to the ravages of war, we can only send a small number of elite troops to carry out the mission. Originally, I was not entirely confident about this, but now, your arrival has changed everything.”
Minato looked at Zhang Hai, his expression completely relaxing. Konoha's ninja numbers had dwindled significantly due to prolonged attrition; even as the Yellow Flash, he wasn't entirely confident he could accomplish a mission as crucial as destroying the Kannabi Bridge. But Zhang Hai's appearance undoubtedly injected a much-needed boost into the mission.
Zhang Hai glanced at Shui Men solemnly, then nodded firmly and replied, "Okay."
Minato's smile widened, and he said happily, "I knew you'd agree! I've always looked forward to fighting alongside you!"
Zhang Hai replied with a half-smile, "I also like having you by my side... It would be even better if that little firecracker wasn't around." He couldn't help but think of Kushina Uzumaki's fiery temper and how she always got jealous of Minato.
Upon hearing this, Minato shook his head with a wry smile. His youthful face now bore a hint of world-weariness beyond his years. He sighed softly and pleaded, "Yoru, please stop teasing me."
He paused, his eyes growing weary, and said frankly, "To be honest, sometimes I really feel that I'm not strong enough and desperately need help to end this damn war."
Minato gazed at the sky, stained red by the flames of war, his voice filled with anguish: "I have never hated war so much. The flames of the Third Shinobi World War have spread to every corner. Wherever I go, corpses lie everywhere, and the number of war orphans has multiplied." He closed his eyes, as if he could see the blank, helpless, and desperate look in the eyes of those children. "Whenever I see those eyes, my heart aches terribly, and I feel extremely tired and weary."
Seeing Minato's dejected state, Zhang Hai disapproved. He believed that Minato's overly kind and sentimental nature would eventually lead to his demise. He pointed out directly, "Minato, the reason you feel exhausted and your strength is growing slower is because you always take on all the responsibility. This war is not just your fault, nor is it the fault of either of us."
Zhang Hai's tone became serious: "Since you feel that your strength is insufficient, you should work even harder to improve yourself in the war! For me, I was mentally prepared from the very beginning of the war. I cultivate through war, and every time my strength increases, it brings me joy and satisfaction."
Zhang Hai's eyes shone with unwavering determination as he articulated his belief: "I have made a firm commitment to never regret my decision and to move forward toward my goal. This makes me feel my heart pound, I feel valued, and I feel truly alive. If I succeed, I can proudly say that I have lived a life without regrets."
Minato stared blankly at Zhang Hai, his heart deeply shaken. He sensed a resolve and determination in Zhang Hai's words that were completely different from his own. After a long silence, he finally uttered four words: "You are stronger than me."
Zhang Hai did not respond to Minato's praise, but instead asked, "Minato, what do you think is the purpose of war?"
Minato answered without hesitation, "For peace!" However, as soon as he finished speaking, he was suddenly struck by a realization, as if a lightning bolt had struck his mind.
Zhang Hai sneered, his tone laced with sarcasm: "You should have understood long ago, Minato. War is for peace, and peace is something that can only be achieved through bloodshed and sacrifice."
He further emphasized: "Since you do not want to see rivers of blood flow, and you do not want to see orphans homeless, then you should work harder to improve yourself, do your best to eliminate the enemy, defeat them until they dare not resist anymore, defeat them until they are completely desperate. Only in this way can we achieve true peace, instead of being sad here."
Minato's eyes suddenly lit up. He looked up at Zhang Hai with gratitude. His deep blue eyes shone like stars, radiating a new light. Zhang Hai sensed that Minato's mindset had undergone a tremendous change; from now on, he would become even stronger.
Just then, a familiar figure suddenly appeared. Jiraiya looked at the two with a smile on his face, his eyes full of admiration.
"Well, even this old man like me has learned a lot from your conversation," Jiraiya said with a chuckle.
Minato turned around in surprise and asked, "Jiraiya-sensei, when did you arrive?"
Jiraiya shrugged, a playful smile on his face: "Just when you said you were tired."
Jiraiya suppressed his smile, looked at Minato with his deep eyes, and then reached out and patted Minato on the shoulder.
“Minato, I overheard your thoughts just now…” Jiraiya’s voice became somewhat low, “As your teacher, I feel a little guilty. It seems I have indeed failed in my duty as a teacher.”
With deep reverence on his face, Minato immediately retorted, "Master Jiraiya, please don't say that! Being able to become your student is the greatest fortune of my life!" His tone was sincere and excited, "You have taught me so much. You are like a father to me, always caring for me and guiding me!"
As soon as Minato finished speaking, Jiraiya's gaze shifted. Looking into Minato's sincere eyes, he was so moved he almost cried. However, he quickly burst into laughter, trying to hide the turmoil in his heart.
"Haha! You're getting sweeter and sweeter, kid!" Jiraiya waved his hand modestly. "I didn't teach you many ninjutsu. Your achievements are all due to your own efforts. At most, I only played a guiding role."
Minato immediately retorted, "No! Jiraiya-sensei, what you said about learning ninjutsu is secondary!" His eyes gleamed with unwavering determination. "What you taught me was perseverance, ideals, and above all, conviction! You helped me find my own ninja way: to protect the village for the peace of Konoha!" His tone was firm and powerful. "I firmly believe this. Compared to that, what are ninjutsu!"