Chapter 267: Nothing to offer

Once Yin-Kurama's sealing process was complete, Shikamaru smiled contentedly. He was truly impressed!

“How much chakra… The Nine-Tails, even divided, is so strong.” With such a margin, you can wipe the whole country off the face of the earth!

However, where there are benefits, annoying personalities always live, and now there was just one in a kneeling pose standing opposite.

- Why do you need a fox? Minato asked gloomily, continuing to carefully examine the person in front of him.

— Who are you anyway? This is the first time I see such a strong shinobi. You are too young, not older than me, and your face and hair... You are somewhat similar to one of my acquaintances, but...

"You haven't shut up yet?" Shikamaru digressed, "You're right, I'm from the Nara clan, but my bloodline has surpassed my ancestors and become unique." Although, you have no use for this information. But, since there is no point in lying to me, I will say something important. First of all, I help Konoha, even the current "Fifth" Hokage is chosen on my word.

Minato didn't doubt that Shikamaru really didn't need to lie to a dead man. From that, the Fourth became even more wary:

- And who is it?

— Tsunade.

The man's face changed.

"One of the Sannin?" But... But what about the Third?

- Resigned. As for your son, don't worry, he is developing calmly and becoming stronger. Soon he would leave Konoha with Jiraiya and maybe get a little stronger. The second part of the Fox is still in it.

"Haa... That's it." With a heavy sigh, Minato relaxed. He learned the most important thing, it became clear that the person opposite had enough information about him.

Shikamaru folded his hand seal and swiped his hand along the wall, whereupon all Fuin marks were immediately removed and the barrier dissipated. The fourth waved his hand in surprise and asked:

- I am free?

- Not really. You cannot leave the cave. But I will answer your questions.

"Hmm," Minato nodded seriously and sat back comfortably, crossing his legs under him.

“In general, if you say that everything is fine with my son, I’m already calm ... And if you are on the side of Konoha, and even wield two tailed beasts along with such amazing skills in fuin, it’s even better.” Although, I can't say that I like your actions...

“Hmm, you shouldn’t like me, trust me.

"Unlike your wife..."

After some thought, Minato asked:

“So, why do you need a part of the Fox?”

“When half of your son is extracted for a friend, I would not mind if he survived. He might still be useful to Konoha.

- Will they take it out? Minato frowned, "Who?"

"Madara, probably, or rather his people," Shikamaru shrugged nonchalantly,

“Who will sort them out there, I don’t care about that yet.

“M-madara?! - Minato's face changed: - The same Madara ?! The strongest in the Uchiha clan?!

“Well, in his generation, he was definitely the strongest. Now it is unlikely, but in the future anything is possible. This story is very confusing. Better ask what is simpler... I'll cover your son, don't worry, and he has Jiraiya. The village is on the rise, I will also follow this. If you want to fully resurrect, I could help you with that too...

Shikamaru's lips curved into a sly grin that sent chills down Minato's spine, even in his dead state, this man made him feel uncomfortable! He immediately realized that there was clearly a catch here, he simply could not help but rejoice at such a sudden opportunity. Maybe he doubted, but the man in front of him sealed a second bija, even if it was incomplete. Minato knew firsthand about the huge chakra of the Fox, to withstand it, and even another tailed one, this person was not so simple.

— Is it possible? he asked modestly, without superfluous emotions.

“Hmm… Of course, I can easily restore your body and bring your soul back to life.

- And what is the fee? Minato asked with a sigh. He doubted very much that this guy would do anything for him for free. Therefore, he did not have strong hopes, yet, apart from the Fox, he really does not have anything. What kind of knowledge might interest a Fuinjutsu master?

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes and calmly replied:

- Since the process is not so simple, you must understand that the price is not small either. Which is why I doubt very much that you have anything to offer me. I took the fox, but he does not belong to you, like any of the bijuu. The strong may claim many things, but I certainly wouldn't take a thing that belongs to you. That's why you should think carefully... You can immediately dismiss the Thunder God Technique, I have learned such tricks for a long time. From that I am sure that I have nothing to give you, in fact.

Minato visibly grimaced and sighed.

"If so, what's the point of this chatter?" Do what you were going to... I have nothing, I'm already dead.

- HM? Shikamaru raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Won't you even offer me your loyal service?"

- Never!

"He's so proud... If you like, Kushina is enough for me." Without another word, Shikamaru closed the seal.

“Kushina?! Wh-what are you…” Before Minato could finish, his body crumbled into ash and dirt with a crack.

"Funny..." Shikamaru turned around and left the cave, grinning at the last expression on that Hokage's face. There was nothing else to keep him here, there were still plenty of things to do, but he was not going to bring Minato back to life at all. Any Hokage is a very problematic person, especially one who has been raised to promote the Will of Fire. Naruto is a good example. Although, the reason for choosing Shikamaru, perhaps, came down to Kushina. With Minato's existence, he could still get her, but in general it would only make her worse. Therefore, if you bring someone back to life, then rather only Tobirama.

*

During the night, Shikamaru got as close as possible to Killer B's location and stopped at one of the mountains. He wasn't afraid to draw attention, he was more likely to count on it. Unlike the rest of the Bijuus, Gyūki and Isobu would probably be able to sense each other. Who knows what it will lead to.

Stopping, Shikamaru decided to wait until dawn, and at the same time to look at the situation with Kurama.

Immersed in his consciousness, he quickly chose the Isobu gate and found himself on a paradise island in the middle of the ocean. Having made his way through the thickets, the guy reached the shore. It is not known from where, but the light brightly illuminated this world: palm trees and sand, playful waves and even a short boy dozing by a small stone. Gray hair, a red kimono, and a few crimson horn spikes on her head and a few on her arms and shoulders. This boy, of course, was Isobu, who had recently taken on human form. He was completely different from his past self.