Kirigakure's position.
An island overlooking the ruins of the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Whirlpools.
This island was a day's journey by sea from the ruins.
If the ninjas ran directly across the surface of the sea, they could probably get from here to the ruins—that is, Konoha's front line—in seven or eight hours...
On the island.
A large number of Mist Village Ninjas had gathered.
A thick smell of blood permeated the area.
Unlike the Konoha forces, the Mist Village Ninjas' eyes revealed fierce killing intent.
There was no friendliness between them.
Only competition and mutual wariness.
Although the Bloody Mist Village's "cruel graduation exam" had been ended three years ago by a child named Momochi Zabuza...
Oh, he was now known as "Demon of the Hidden Mist: Zabuza."
But...
The ninjas standing here had all come from the old era, having survived that kind of brutal examination.
Every one of them was unruly.
They had maintained the traditions of the old era.
Not only did private duels often break out, but deaths were also possible.
As the person commanding such subordinates and issuing orders...
Ao felt extremely troubled.
However.
He still suppressed these subordinates with tremendous composure and willpower.
After all, he too was a Bloody Mist Village Ninja from the old era. What kind of situation had he not seen?
As an Elite Jonin of Kirigakure.
Ao possessed exceptional wisdom and enjoyed the trust of the Third Mizukage and Kirigakure's elders.
This time.
He was acting as commander against Konoha.
The war had already continued for half a year.
Kirigakure was the last country to join the Shinobi World War.
As the saying went, the fisherman reaped the benefits...
Whoever acted last could obtain the greatest benefits.
The Mist Village Ninjas firmly believed this.