Naruto: The Template System

Chapter 99: Determined Minato

In an unknown cave.

"Wear this"

Fukashi handed the Akatsuki rob and the ring on which the Japanese word "Shu" was printed.

Kozuki quickly wore the Akatsuki robe and put the Akatsuki ring on the ring finger of his right hand.

"So, the rumors were true!"

Fukashi, who saw the empty left arm, confirmed the rumor that he had only one arm.

"Infuse your Chakra in the ring; it's time to introduce you to the other members."

Kozuki did what he said, and soon he saw 7 illusory figures appearing in front of him.

"What's with this sudden meeting? I was just about to catch a big fish."

A figure whose green eyes could still be seen clearly spoke with some frustration.

"Be Quiet. Today a new member is joining us."

In the center stood a fuzzy silhouette, but his purple ring pattern eyes could be seen clearly.

"Hehe, it's been a long time since we last had a new member."

Kozuki immediately recognized this creepy laughter as he saw the snake-shaped pupils looking at him with interest.

"Many of you know may know his name. He is the killer that the whole world is looking for, Akagami Shanks."

As soon as Nagato announced the name, everyone looked towards Kozuki with shock, curiosity in their eyes.

"It really is him..."

Kakuzu had fear in his eyes as even though 5 years passed, he still clearly remembered that deathly feeling.

"You are the one who killed that monster, Sword Demon."

Juzo looked at Kozuki with surprise and fear in his eyes.

He still remembered how hopeless he was in front of Kozuki, but the person in front could even kill that monster, so he was naturally afraid.

"Hehe, Akagami Shanks, it seems it was worth Joining Akatsuki."

Orochimaru had some sadness in his eyes when he heard the name Sword Demon.

It's been five years already, and only his name is left now.

What's the point of having strength if you can't even defeat death?

Kozuki didn't care for the surprise of other Akatsuki members as he was looking around, trying to see how many members in his memory had joined Akatsuki.

He spotted Sasori and Kisame as well. Deidara and Hidan weren't here; it seems they haven't found them yet.

"Shanks, for some time, you will work alone. We are still in the early stage of our plan, so everyone supports the organization with funding. You will also do the same"

Nagato had no politeness in his voice as he was totally indifferent.

To him, in front of his eyes, no one would be able to cause trouble; he was a god, and no mortal could defeat him.

Kozuki just nodded, not caring for the rude attitude of Nagato.

Nagato was a pitiful man himself since he knew he was just a pawn.

Soon, the meeting ended, as Kozuki left the cave, starting another long trip worldwide.

_______________

Konoha Hospital.

"Thank God, you woke up Kakashi!!!"

Minato stood beside the bed on which Kakashi was lying, but his expression was somewhat sad.

"What about Itachi and Shisui?"

Kakashi asked as he was worried deeply for his teammates.

"Itachi is resting, and Shisui was injured seriously, but Lady Tsunade has treated him, so he will wake up soon."

Minato assured the worried Kakashi as Tsunade and Sakumo, who stood beside, nodded, telling Kakashi not to worry too much.

"How did this happen?"

Minato asked the most important question as he wondered who could do this.

"Akagami Shanks"

Kakashi just uttered these two words as the expression on the faces of everyone became serious.

Kakashi quickly explained the whole story, not hiding even a single detail.

Minato, who heard about the abilities of Akagami Shanks, was surprised that many of his powers were similar to Kozuki.

Swordsmanship which can even divide the sea, making others unable to fight just by a glance, it was just like Kozuki.

If he hadn't seen the corpse of Kozuki with his own eyes, he would have thought this Akagami Shanks was Kozuki.

But the strength of Akagami Shanks worried Minato a lot.

Kakashi, Itachi, Shisui, Terumi, and Ao, all of them fighting together, could not even touch the clothes of Akagami Shanks showed how strong he was.

Even he can only run away in front of such a line-up.

"Minato Sensei, it's not his strength that worries me"

Kakashi spoke with some confusion on his face as he still couldn't figure out the meaning of the words of Shanks.

There was also some confusion as to why Akagami Shanks let them go and didn't kill any one of them.

You should know that their bounty is not low, so he shouldn't have let them go if he was a bounty hunter.

"What's worrying you, Kakashi?"

Minato asked immediately as Tsunade and Sakumo also looked at him.

"When I asked him what hatred does he have with Konoha, he said he never hated Konoha and that he actually sympathizes with us, and I could tell that he wasn't joking."

The expression on the faces of Minato, Tsunade, and Sakumo turned pale.

They have always been wondering about what happened that day, but they couldn't get an answer.

From the words of Akagami Shanks, something did happen that day that they were completely unaware of.

"The advisors are hiding something."

Tsunade immediately said her guess as she still remembered the panicked faces of Koharu and Mitokado that day.

"But we can't force them."

Sakumo said unwillingly as it wasn't right to force the advisors of Konoha.

"No, I want an answer. If advisors don't tell me, even if I have to force them, I will get an answer."

There was determination in the eyes of Minato, as he decided already he would go to any length to know the truth.

Tsunade and Sakumo didn't say anything more as they knew since Minato had decided no one could stop him now.

{Read 35 Chapters ahead on /Navyking6666}

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"As I had told the blame would never be on Kozuki."

Thank You for reading.

Stay good.