I founded the "Bragging Cult" in Naruto.

Chapter 419 Only those who have ulterior motives towards you will be completely obedient to you, like a simp.

"Fellow disciples?"

Minato was taken aback. His fellow disciples? Wasn't only Tatsuma considered half a fellow disciple? Suddenly, he realized something and asked the three startled boys and girls in front of him in confusion:

"Are you the three children that Jiraiya-sensei left in the Land of Rain to teach?"

Upon hearing the name Jiraiya-sensei, the three stunned individuals subconsciously nodded. The next instant, the Rasengan that Minato had been holding up dissipated, and the kunai in his hand was returned to his ninja tool pouch. Tatsuma also released his grip.

The chilling killing intent that Minato had been exuding vanished, replaced by a comfortable aura like the warm winter sun. His previously furrowed brows and wary expression softened, and he even flashed a bright, sunny smile.

Yahiko and the other two were a little slow to process what had happened. In less than a second, how did this Konoha ninja transform from a deadly weapon into a friendly older brother?

"How did you end up here? Were you unaffected by the fighting?"

Hearing Minato's concerned tone, the three of them shook their heads in unison, indicating that they were fine.

Only then did they belatedly realize who these two Konoha ninjas were, their minds barely processing their conversation.

The one with the golden hair, like the others, was a student of Jiraiya, so he was Minato Namikaze. The one with the white, curly hair must be the legendary Swordsman, the Dragon of Konoha, the White Demon Sakamoto Tatsuma.

At the same time, the three of them recalled that when they were studying under Jiraiya, Jiraiya had told them in detail the truth about how they were rescued back then, and it was these two "big brothers" in front of them who had saved them.

Jiraiya had praised the two people in front of him many times, but at that time, they were still following Jiraiya and did not know how strong the two people were. They only knew that Sakamoto Tatsuma could injure Hanzo, the strongest in their Land of Rain.

It wasn't until recent years, after encountering more and more ninjas and continuously improving their own skills, that they finally understood just how strong these two were, especially after...

They came prepared, but Minato, who was considered inferior to Tatsuma by everyone, was almost knocked down in an instant. If it weren't for Tatsuma's intervention, Minato's technique would probably have already landed on them.

"Are you Tatsuma-nii and Minato-nii?"

Yahiko and Nagato didn't know how to greet each other, but Konan was the first to react and introduced them: "We are Jiraiya-sensei's students. My name is Konan, this is Yahiko, and this is Nagato."

Chenma nodded simply. He didn't want to chat about everyday things right now. The heat in his body made him a little irritable. Although he wouldn't lose his temper, he wasn't in the mood to greet people with a smile either.

Minato, on the other hand, first glanced back at Tatsuma, who wasn't in a good state. Seeing that Tatsuma didn't seem to be leaving immediately, he turned back and said, "Hello, I often hear Jiraiya-sensei mention you."

"I've heard you're already quite accomplished ninjas, organizing scattered ninjas in the Land of Rain and helping the civilians. But what brings you here?"

The three of them felt a little ashamed when Minato called them "great ninjas." Compared to the two people in front of them, they were not great ninjas at all. They were just weaklings who didn't even have the qualifications to step into battle.

At this moment, Yahiko also came to his senses, scratched his head, and said, "We are not only active in the Land of Rain, but also in the surrounding Land of Grass and Land of Rivers."

We came here because we heard about the battle between Konoha and Iwagakure ninjas in the Land of Grass, hoping to mediate. After all, wars between large countries are extremely damaging to small countries.

"This is not a clear-cut approach."

Minato's expression turned slightly serious as he said, "I know you mean well, and I've heard about some of your deeds, but it's best if you don't interfere in the conflicts between great powers, for your own safety."

"So we're just going to let ninjas from powerful nations run rampant on the land of small countries?"

Before Yahiko could finish speaking, Nagato, who was standing behind him and Konan, suddenly spoke up. Minato's words reminded him of some unbearable memories.

"Nagato!"

Yahiko quickly turned around to stop him, and Minato explained, "That's not what I meant. Fighting or war is not what we want to see. If possible, I would not want what happened today to happen, whether it happens in a big country or a small country."

However, this is an inevitable event, and something you are powerless to stop. I admire your ambition, but ambition is not necessarily a guide to action. Not getting involved in things you cannot change and preserving and developing your strength is the best way to realize your aspirations.

"If you hadn't met me and Tatsuma today, if Tatsuma hadn't recognized you in time, what would have happened to you? Would your ambitions have continued?"

Although it was an explanation, Minato's attitude was not gentle, especially the last few sentences, which made the three of them turn pale.

Minato's smile vanished completely. He looked at the three of them and said, "Go back. I'll erase all traces of you being here to avoid getting into trouble."

After today, both Konoha and Iwagakure will definitely send people to investigate, and a second conflict is very likely to occur. If only Konoha and Iwagakure are involved, then the situation is controllable.

Since both sides are major ninja villages, they will both be mindful of the consequences of escalating the situation, and they also have the confidence and ability to resolve the conflict. Therefore, it is highly likely that they will only wrestle here for a while.

However, if Yahiko and the others also get involved, Minato believes that Konoha will not pursue the matter of their visit, and that a report from him and Tatsuma is enough to exonerate the three of them. But it is hard to say whether Iwagakure will hold a grudge against the three of them.

Yahiko and the other two understood. Although Minato didn't say it explicitly, every word he uttered implied that they were still weak and not yet qualified to participate in the affairs between great powers.

The three of them clenched their fists. Ambition, or rather, aspirations, are like age; they grow with time.

Seven years ago, the three men, who knew nothing, may have only thought about helping the people of the Rain Kingdom to live in peace and tranquility. But over the years, they have expanded their focus beyond the Rain Kingdom to help more vulnerable people.

However, the stark truth is that in the face of powerful nations, they are nothing more than the weakest of the weak.

He knew the logic, but he was still unwilling to accept it. Yahiko raised his head, glanced at Old Purple and Han still lying on the ground in the distance, and said, "What do you plan to do with those two?"

Minato frowned, but still said, "It depends on Tatsuma's arrangements."

So, Yahiko looked at Tatsuma, and Tatsuma looked back at him. In fact, from the moment Yahiko asked the question, Tatsuma understood what he meant. Yahiko had come for the two Jinchūriki, or rather, for the two powerful individuals who urgently needed to be healed.

"If they die, Iwagakure will launch a war against Konoha; if they return alive, they will become a disgrace to Iwagakure; if they go missing, Iwagakure will use all its resources to retrieve the Jinchūriki."

What do you think I should do?

Tatsuma crossed his arms and looked at Yahiko. Yahiko felt immense pressure, but he still insisted, "You said you don't want to see war happen, is that true?"

Tatsuma nodded, and Yahiko continued, "So you won't kill them? Then can I take them with me?"

"Can't."

Why?

Yahiko was puzzled, and Tatsuma said, "With their disappearance, Konoha is the prime suspect. Iwagakure will use a lot of resources to try to threaten and infiltrate Konoha, which will cause great losses to Konoha."

Do you think I would do that? Do you believe that I should unconditionally give away things I don't want to others?

Yahiko remained silent, because when he was mediating between civilians, or rather refugees, in the Land of Rain, he had organized everyone to do the same thing: give the surplus to those in need.

Those refugees were under their protection and were willing to listen to them, but why should Tatsuma listen? Why should Konoha listen?

Looking at the silent Yahiko, Tatsuma also said, "Those who follow your will often have ulterior motives. I have no intention of getting anything from you, so I won't fall for your tricks."

Compared to Minato, Tatsuma's tone was much harsher. Coupled with his irritation, he seemed to dislike the three people. Minato looked at Tatsuma with confusion.

After all, Tatsuma was probably the one who paid more attention to the three of them. When Jiraiya mentioned the three, Tatsuma was the first to react. Just now, Tatsuma was also the first to recognize the three and stop him from making a move.

But why is Tatsuma scolding the three of them instead of admonishing them?

Yahiko and Konan kept their heads down, but Nagato seemed to realize something and said, "If...we can minimize Konoha's losses, can we take these two away?"

Tatsuma shrugged, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Yahiko also realized what was happening and said, "I will leave enough traces so that Iwagakure will suspect us immediately."

"I need some time to convince these two that once the matter is settled before they find us in Iwagakure, Konoha won't suffer any losses because of this."

"This is too dangerous. Not to mention Iwagakure, even if Rōshi and Kan were to awaken, they might not accept your treatment."

Minato offered his advice, but Yahiko shook his head and said, "We need this opportunity, and the Tailed Beasts should be used for peace, not war."

"Let's go."

Minato, who was about to say something, was stopped by Tatsuma. He looked at Tatsuma, hesitated for a moment, and then nodded. The two of them disappeared. Only then did Yahiko dare to breathe deeply and no longer need to be so cautious.

"Yahiko, do we really want to take this risk? Actually, Tatsuma-nii and Minato-nii are also thinking of us."

Konan was also somewhat hesitant. She hadn't thought much about it when she came, since she was used to following Yahiko and Minato. But Tatsuma and Minato's words made her realize just how reckless their operation had been.

"I will bear all the consequences."

Yahiko said firmly. Konan looked at Nagato and, seeing that Nagato had no intention of dissuading her, shook her head helplessly.

In the Konoha ANBU base, Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived. Looking at the people Shikaku had organized, he nodded and said, "This operation must ensure the return of Sakumo Hatake and the others, and simultaneously stop the Iwa ninja from invading the Land of Fire!"

This operation is now impossible to conceal or deny. The evidence that Hatake Sakumo led his men out of Iwagakure is irrefutable. The Iwagakure ninja have finally found a legitimate reason to invade the Land of Fire.

Therefore, Konoha's response must be tough enough to prevent Iwagakure from taking advantage of the situation. These people are there to stop the thousands of Iwagakure ninja and the two tailed beast jinchūriki.

Seeing the determination in their eyes, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction. He looked at Shikaku, wanting to give him a few more words of advice, when at that moment, two flashes of gold and silver appeared, and Sakumo Hatake and the other Konoha scouts also appeared one after another in the Anbu base.

"You're back?"

Seeing that the last person had been "carried" back and the two who were no longer moving, Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled. With Sakumo Hatake and the others already brought back, the mission was now only to intercept the Iwa ninja.

Tatsuma nodded, glanced at the scene before him, and said, "There's no need to send so many people."

"Um?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned and asked, "Could the intelligence be wrong? Did Iwagakure not send two Jinchuriki and over a thousand Iwa ninja?"

"The intelligence was correct."

"That"

Under Hiruzen Sarutobi's questioning gaze, Tatsuma calmly replied, "They've been completely annihilated."

(End of this chapter)