Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

In front of Namikaze Minato, the split White Zetsu transformed into an exact replica of Raiden, even matching his chakra signature. Under Minato's watchful eyes, the White Zetsu clone activated a layer of lightning-style chakra, mimicking Raiden's thunder armor. As the clone distracted Minato, White Zetsu's real body disappeared into the ground, while Black Zetsu turned into a shadow and rushed toward Raiden.

Raiden's Kagura's Mind Eye covered the battlefield, capturing every movement. He frowned slightly as he observed Black Zetsu rapidly approaching.

"Minato couldn't hold him off? Is this 'dutiful son' really so fast?"

Raiden seemed to forget that Black Zetsu had previously ambushed even Uchiha Madara. In terms of stealth and surprise, Black Zetsu far surpassed Minato when the latter wasn't using the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Forced to temporarily abandon sealing The Four-Tails, Raiden redirected the Kongō Fūsa to restrain the beast. As Black Zetsu closed in, Raiden raised his Totsuka Blade for a horizontal slash. However, just as the blade was about to connect, Black Zetsu's body twisted unnaturally, evading the strike with an impossible 180° turn. Like a shadow, Black Zetsu spread across Raiden's face, obscuring his vision entirely.

Though protected by his thunder armor, Raiden felt Black Zetsu absorbing his chakra. The deep purple of the armor visibly faded, alarming him.

"Damn it!" Raiden cursed as he realized the rapid chakra depletion. He attempted to weave hand seals for a counter, but Black Zetsu spread across the armor, binding his movements and preventing him from completing the seals.

At that moment, Raiden truly experienced the suffocating power of Black Zetsu's possession. Even with immense chakra reserves, the situation was dire. Black Zetsu's ability to suppress his movements rendered him helpless.

"How is this possible? Black Zetsu can bypass my thunder armor with this level of restraint?"

Glancing at Minato, Raiden saw that his ally was locked in battle with the White Zetsu clone. With no time for Minato to assist, Raiden's anxiety deepened.

"I'll deal with Black Zetsu myself," he resolved.

The Kongō Fūsa, previously restraining The Four-Tails, released the tailed beast and returned to defend Raiden. The six golden chains retracted rapidly, while three redirected toward White Zetsu, interrupting his fight with Minato.

Boom!

The golden chains crashed into the battlefield, pinning White Zetsu in place. The chains pierced the clone's back, revealing its inferior imitation of Raiden's thunder armor.

"This sealing power... Uzumaki techniques are truly troublesome," White Zetsu muttered before succumbing to the chains.

Meanwhile, Black Zetsu, sensing the imminent threat of Kongō Fūsa, retreated into the ground. The golden chains lashed out, but Black Zetsu's shadow-like form eluded them.

"Damn it!" Raiden muttered, standing amidst the golden chains as they retracted defensively. With Black Zetsu gone, Raiden turned his attention to The Four-Tails, who, now free, began condensing a Tailed Beast Bomb.

The massive sphere of chakra hurtled toward Raiden. With no time to evade, he wove the Kongō Fūsa into a shield to block the attack. However, just before the bomb struck, space distorted. The Tailed Beast Bomb vanished, teleported away by Minato's Flying Thunder God Technique. Exhausted from the effort, Minato collapsed to one knee.

"Minato?" Raiden called out, but there was no time for conversation. The Four-Tails began preparing another Tailed Beast Bomb.

"Hmph!" Raiden snorted, detecting movement near his feet. Without hesitation, he sent a golden chain crashing into the ground, revealing a White Zetsu corpse at the bottom of a pit. He quickly moved to Minato's side, erecting a defensive barrier with Kongō Fūsa.

Having missed the opportunity to retreat earlier, Raiden braced himself for a direct confrontation. Just then, a distant shout echoed across the battlefield.

"Earth Style: Earth Flow Divide!"

A massive fissure opened beneath The Four-Tails, causing the beast to stumble. The unsteady footing disrupted its aim, sending the Tailed Beast Bomb soaring harmlessly into the sky.

"Raiden-sama, we're here to help!"

A group of Konoha ninjas appeared, led by the former barrier team responsible for the Four Crimson Ray Formation. Together, they surrounded The Four-Tails, creating a transparent barrier that sealed the beast within.

The reinforcements revitalized Raiden's resolve. Originally prepared to abandon the capture of The Four-Tails, he now saw hope for success. Meanwhile, Black Zetsu, observing the situation from afar, abandoned his plan to continue the assault.

Raiden's personal strength was formidable, and Black Zetsu recognized the danger posed by the golden chains of Kongō Fūsa. With Konoha's support now bolstering Raiden, the risk of continuing the attack was too great.

As an ancient tactician who had survived countless conflicts, Black Zetsu chose to retreat, sinking into the ground. Before leaving, he cast a long, contemplative gaze at Raiden.

"This Uzumaki has become a true threat. He cannot be allowed to interfere when the plan begins," Black Zetsu mused before vanishing.

With the reinforcements stabilizing the situation, Raiden scanned the battlefield with Kagura's Mind Eye. Confirming Black Zetsu's departure, he turned his focus back to the barrier team. The glowing seal containing The Four-Tails began to emit a blinding white light. When the light subsided, The Four-Tails had disappeared.

Minato let out a deep sigh of relief and slumped to the ground, breathing heavily. The Konoha ninjas erupted in triumphant cheers. They understood the significance of capturing The Four-Tails—it was a monumental achievement for Konoha and a critical shift in the ongoing conflict.

For many, promotions and recognition seemed just within reach.

(End of this chapter)