C13 Summoning the Minato!

After a three-day journey, Russell reached the capital of the Land of Water. His task, along with Kakashi and Nohara Rin, was to probe into the unusual happenings within the nation.

Russell was privy to the reasons behind their mission but couldn't disclose how he came by the information. Besides, he anticipated collecting a significant number of cards from such a grand conflict.

"There they are!" Russell's eyes lit up as he spotted Kakashi and Nohara Rin, in their civilian disguises, while he patrolled the city gates. Their distinctive hairstyles were hard to miss.

"If I recall correctly, in the original story, the ninjas from the Land of Water kidnap Nohara Rin, drawing Kakashi out for a rescue. So, I'll just shadow Rin; it's less risky than tailing Kakashi."

Given that Kakashi was a seasoned Jonin and Rin merely a Chunin, Russell preferred to track Rin to minimize the risk of detection.

As with their arrival at the gate, Kakashi and Rin went their separate ways: Kakashi headed to a tavern, while Rin strolled through the streets with no apparent aim.

"That must be them!" Russell observed three individuals rounding a corner and discreetly dampened his Chakra to avoid detection. The trio was led by a Jonin, flanked by two Chunins.

Their makeshift disguise was no match for Kakashi or Russell, but it would suffice to ensnare Rin.

"Should I intervene?" Russell pondered as the three closed in on Rin, seemingly without a care.

As the group neared Rin, Russell decided against action, shaking his head. "No, I'll hold off. Once the Three-Tails is sealed, Minato can handle the situation. Then, we'll all head back to Konoha together."

"Move in!"

In a sudden surge, the Mizukage's squad sprang into action. The Jonin smothered Rin's face with a drug-laced cloth, swiftly immobilizing her.

Before Rin could grasp what was happening, she was rendered unconscious.

"Retreat! Get her to the lord, quickly." The words were barely out before the trio had vanished with Rin in tow.

The majority of the street's onlookers were oblivious to the swift abduction. Those few who did witness it remained silent, too fearful to speak up.

Russell scrutinized his surroundings with great care, yet Zetsu remained elusive. He was certain, though, that Zetsu was lurking somewhere close by.

"Never mind. All we have to do is wait."

With the plan unfolding smoothly, Russell staggered away from the area, eager to savor the seafood delights of the Water Country.

Even with Uchiha Madara's swift movements, sealing the Three-Tails and luring Kakashi would take no less than a day. Russell felt no rush.

Meanwhile, back in Konoha, Minato had been on the receiving end of Kushina's repairs more than just a few times.

"So, what's our next move?" Kushina demanded, slamming her hand on the table and fixing Minato with a fierce glare.

Minato offered a resigned smile and reassured her, "Don't worry. The others might not be able to reach me through the Flying Thunder God technique, but Russell, with his Space Talent, can. Even though he can't send messages, it's enough to alert me if he's in danger."

As they spoke, Minato examined the letter Russell had left behind, poring over it repeatedly without finding anything of note. It wasn't until he flipped the letter over that he noticed a message in tiny letters at the corner: "Wait for my signal, and bring Kushina with you."

"Kushina, look at this—Little Tian left us a message," Minato said, his excitement palpable as he beckoned her over.

Kushina, on the verge of losing her temper, calmed herself when she realized it was a note from Russell.

"Stay vigilant. We'll head out together as soon as we get word!" she declared, making a swift decision.

Kushina had previously been bound to stay within Konoha, but now that Minato was the Hokage, wielding the majority of the village's power, the previous restrictions on her had been lifted, despite the Third Hokage still holding significant influence.

After a brief discussion, they agreed to follow Russell's instructions. They were both acutely aware of Russell's extraordinary intellect and trusted that he wouldn't put them in harm's way, so they harbored no doubts about their course of action.

As quickly as the sun rises and sets, a day had slipped by. Russell, feeling refreshed, stretched leisurely as he stepped out of the hot spring inn.

The memory of last night's soothing massage by the young lady lingered in his mind. He mused that if such indulgences were to happen in Konoha, Kushina would surely break his legs without a second thought!

After some reflection, Russell set off with his short fifty-centimeter strides toward the fifteen-kilometer stretch of plains to the city's west. It was a spot he had painstakingly prepared the previous night. Before departing, he had deliberately donned the garb of a little beggar to evade detection by Zetsu. Lacking the power to sense Zetsu's surveillance, he had no choice but to masquerade as a beggar for concealment.

Upon reaching the destination, Russell found himself alone. He slipped behind a small knoll and retrieved a dark bun from his Dimensional Pocket, handling it as if it were a treasure, and quietly awaited the arrival of the other players in this scene.

It wasn't long before a group of water ninjas, hot on the heels of Nohara Rin, came into view from a distance. Russell nearly burst into laughter at the sight; despite their menacing appearance, these Genin were as feeble as chickens.

"Rin!" Out of nowhere, a figure burst from the distant thicket—it was Kakashi, his face a mask of urgency and rage, moving at a speed that left Russell in the dust.

"Lightning Slash!"

Kakashi's sprint was accompanied by the frenzied spinning of the Blood Rinnegan in his left eye, as a brilliant blue lightning converged in his right hand. A deep trench silently formed in his wake, and in a flash, he was amidst the crowd. The Genin stood no chance; they were sliced through as easily as watermelons, and in moments, over a dozen lay fallen.

"What the hell? There's a Jonin on the scene!" Russell's heart skipped a beat when he noticed an elite ninja approaching from a distance. He hadn't seen this person before, and the thought of a surprise attack sent a shiver down his spine.

But as Russell was momentarily lost in thought, the situation on the ground shifted. Nohara Rin's gaze was fixed on the Lightning Slash in Kakashi's hand.

"Now's the time!" Seizing the moment, Russell channeled his Space Talent, infusing Chakra into the Shuriken.

Instantly, Minato and Kushina materialized before him.

"Go save her, quickly!" There was no time for explanations. Russell barked the command at Minato, for Nohara Rin was already charging toward Kakashi, and Minato was the only one who could intercept her.

Minato acted swiftly, assessing the situation with a single glance. In an instant, he used the Flying Thunder God technique to appear beside Kakashi, seizing his arm to redirect the Lightning Slash.

With his other hand, he safeguarded Nohara Rin, ensuring her protection.