At that moment, Veigar had yet to realize just how much of an impact his enhanced sensory range—several times greater than that of an average person—had on Minato Namikaze.
"Minato-sensei, is something wrong?"
"I can indeed sense everything within a radius of just over 200 meters."
The moment Veigar uttered those words, Minato's breath hitched for an instant before he forced himself to relax. Then, he asked, "Veigar, does anyone else know that you have sensory abilities?"
Veigar nodded. "Kakashi knows."
Minato turned his gaze toward Kakashi Hatake. "Kakashi?"
Veigar nodded again. "Yes, the Chakra Sensory Technique I just used was a gift from Kakashi last year."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Minato was once again taken aback. This was something he had not anticipated.
Up until now, Minato had assumed Veigar's sensory ability was innate. Given Veigar's exceptional combat performance, Minato believed his potential far exceeded what he had displayed so far.
At the same time, Minato was already considering how to report this to Hiruzen Sarutobi. If the Third Hokage learned that Veigar possessed such a formidable natural sensory ability, he would undoubtedly prioritize the boy's development, ensuring a bright future for him.
But now, hearing that Veigar had acquired this ability through training rather than being born with it—Minato was outright stunned.
He mistakenly believed that Veigar had learned some kind of secret sensory technique. And if that were the case, then Veigar had the potential to found an entire sensory-type ninja clan in the future—becoming an invaluable strategic asset for Konoha.
Minato was still reeling from the revelation when—
"Veigar, you—"
"Look out!!!"
Minato's words were cut short as he detected an incoming attack from the front-left.
"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"
"Wind Release: Shuriken Jutsu!"
As an expert in Wind Release, Minato immediately identified the incoming technique—Wind Release: Shuriken Jutsu.
The rapidly approaching shuriken, enhanced with Wind Release chakra, moved at tremendous speed. The wind-chakra coating not only made the projectiles faster but also drastically increased their cutting power, attack radius, and effective range.
A direct hit would mean certain death or severe injury.
The instant Minato shouted for caution, Veigar's nerves tensed, and his heightened perception kicked in, allowing him to detect the incoming wind-enhanced shuriken.
"Whoosh!"
Judging by the jutsu's speed, Minato knew that Veigar wouldn't be able to dodge in time. Without hesitation, he grabbed Veigar's arm and activated the Teleportation Jutsu, instantly relocating them.
The next second, the Wind Release: Shuriken Jutsu sliced through the air where they had just been standing, severing multiple thick tree trunks into clean segments.
Even after cutting through those trees, the shuriken did not lose momentum, continuing forward—toward the merchant caravan behind them.
"AAAHHH!"
"AARGH!"
Although Minato had saved Veigar, the caravan behind them was not so lucky. Several crates and supplies were sliced apart, and three sleeping merchants were cut in half, their agonized screams ending in abrupt silence.
Only after this devastation did the Wind Release: Shuriken Jutsu finally dissipate.
Veigar and Minato reappeared on the ground in front of the caravan, while Kakashi, who had been concealed, dropped down beside them, standing at Minato's back with a vigilant gaze fixed ahead.
"Veigar!"
Minato's voice was sharp as he stared into the dark forest beyond.
Veigar instantly understood his meaning and responded, "Yes!"
Without hesitation, he activated his Chakra Sensory Technique, scanning for enemies.
At the same time, Kakashi subtly moved closer to Veigar, ensuring he could protect him if necessary. After all, just moments ago, Veigar had informed him through hand signals that his sensory range extended 200 meters.
As for the merchant caravan and their client, Kazuo Yoshino, Kakashi had no time to worry about them anymore. The situation had escalated beyond a simple C-rank mission.
If they abandoned the mission now, Konoha wouldn't hold them accountable—because the client had misrepresented the danger level, making it far beyond what they had been contracted for. The responsibility would fall squarely on Kazuo Yoshino.
As his sensory field expanded, Veigar immediately detected another incoming Wind Release: Shuriken Jutsu—as well as two enemy ninja positioned 65 meters northeast.
Without opening his eyes, Veigar shouted:
"Minato-sensei, another attack is coming!"
"Sixty-five meters northeast! Two enemies, both shinobi!"
Upon hearing Veigar's warning, Minato said nothing. He simply tightened his grip on two kunai, his entire body tensing as he prepared for the next assault.
Just as the second Wind Release: Shuriken Jutsu appeared, Minato sprang into action, dashing straight toward the incoming attack.
His movements were precise and fluid, expertly pinpointing the jutsu's weak spot. With swift precision, he stabbed his kunai into the hollow center of the wind-infused shuriken, disrupting its trajectory and taking control of the technique.
Seizing the opportunity, Minato used one of the captured shuriken to intercept the final projectile, causing both wind-enhanced weapons to veer off course and ascend into the sky.
At the same time, he redirected the other stolen Wind Release: Shuriken Jutsu with a forceful throw—sending it hurtling back at the two enemy shinobi.
Although Minato had successfully countered their attack, he knew the real battle was only beginning.
Judging from the caliber of their Wind Release techniques, these enemies were at least as strong as him—and there were two of them.
"Veigar, Kakashi, stay alert!"
Minato didn't turn back as he issued the warning, his voice filled with gravity.
Kakashi's expression was equally grim as he responded, "Understood."
His grip tightened around his short sword, preparing for close combat.
"They're here!"
The moment Veigar finished speaking, he snapped his eyes open.
Under the flickering glow of firelight, two shinobi—both appearing to be around thirty years old—emerged on the tree branches ahead.
The instant Team Minato saw the symbols on their forehead protectors, their pupils shrank in shock.
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