Land of Water, Hidden Mist Village.
Chōjūrō gasped for breath, his chest heaving violently as sweat slid down his cheeks and dripped onto the ground.
His eyes were filled with exhaustion and helplessness, as if he had just endured an intense battle.
Standing before him were the elders of the Hidden Mist Village. Their figures were tall and imposing, their faces stern as they stared intently at Chōjūrō.
These elders represented the highest authority in the Hidden Mist Village, and their decisions would affect the village's entire future.
Under normal circumstances, Chōjūrō would have been filled with tension when facing them.
But now...
"Chōjūrō, where is the Mizukage?"
Faced with their urgent questioning, Chōjūrō had no time to catch his breath and hurriedly answered, "My lords! Mei Terumi was killed by people from the Hidden Leaf Village!"
His voice carried a trace of grief and fury.
"What? Mei Terumi... was killed?"
"What about Ao? Where is her body?"
"Ao... Ao was also killed on the way back with me..."
"I suspect it may be because his Byakugan belonged to the Hidden Leaf Village!"
The elder was about to speak, but Chōjūrō cut him off.
Chōjūrō panted heavily before continuing, "Besides that, I have another piece of news!"
Everyone pricked up their ears, their expressions tense.
Chōjūrō took a deep breath and spoke rapidly. "People from another world have invaded our world!"
Those words struck like thunder, leaving everyone present utterly shocked.
They widened their eyes, their faces filled with disbelief.
"An invasion from another world? How is that possible? It must be an excuse for the Hidden Leaf Village to make trouble for us!"
"Exactly! The evil Hidden Leaf Village! They must have been planning this all along!"
Faced with the elders' doubts and speculation, Chōjūrō clenched his teeth, unsure