Although the surviving people had more or less realized that something was wrong, they were limited by their understanding as ordinary people.
They had no idea what those newly arrived soldiers really were, nor did they know that they would one day become part of their ranks.
"Long time no see, Lord Daimyo..."
When he met the Daimyo again, the man looked much as he had during their last meeting-haggard and worn.
He could not help feeling a little pity for the Daimyo.
For a Daimyo to end up like this was truly pathetic.
"What are you doing here? Didn't we just make a deal?"
It was not that he unwelcome this fellow's arrival. Rather, he had yet to prepare the goods for their next trade. The man had come too early.
"I've come to ease your worries, Lord Daimyo..."
Then he explained his idea to the Daimyo.
"...Is this your idea, or that of the organization behind you?"
After hearing him out, the Daimyo did not agree immediately. Instead, he asked that question.
"Well... that depends on how you choose to see it, Lord Daimyo."
"...Very well... this is indeed an opportunity. With help from the other Daimyo, we might actually be able to destroy the Hidden Leaf Village's forces."
While the two discussed their plans, something was happening overhead.
In the starry sky.
Something was about to happen.
In space, an unknown distance from the Shinobi World, a man was flying among the stars.
He wore a long-sleeved tailcoat and black trousers, and his skin was pale.
But his head was even more striking.
A single horn grew from the left side of his forehead, its base covering his left eyebrow. It curved along his head, making a full loop to the right side before its pointed tip