[Whoosh----]
Perhaps even the will of the world had been anticipating this ninja war.
It had specially prepared dark clouds, thunder, and heavy rain for E City.
Blurred figures continuously swept through the cold curtain of rain, across empty streets and past towering buildings.
[BOOM!]
After the thunder came flashes of lightning, illuminating the Five-Circle Crosses on forehead protectors and one cold, impassive face after another.
"Who goes there?!"
"Enemy attack!"
Outside the massive shelter.
A ninja dressed in a black bodysuit, carrying a samurai sword on his back, hid within a tree as a sentry.
He was the first to spot the incoming enemies and immediately shouted a warning to his companions.
At the same time, his right hand gripped his sword hilt while his left threw four shuriken, slicing through the rain as they flew toward their targets.
[Clang clang clang!]
Takashima Skarl, born in the Cloud-Hidden Village and now an elite Genin of the Sea Ninja Village.
He easily blocked the shuriken aimed at various parts of his body with the kunai in his hand.
Yet the enemy had no intention of engaging him. Instead, he retreated, attempting to rendezvous with the main force.
It was a smart choice.
Unfortunately.
The next second, the Genin of the Heavenly Ninja Party had his throat slit by an invisible blade.
The splattering hot blood immediately mixed with the cold rainwater.
[Thud!]
The still-warm corpse, filled with pain, resentment, and confusion.
Fell from the air and struck the ground, splashing up a great sheet of water.
Then, another Sea Ninja silently emerged among the trees.
Elsewhere.
Two ninjas from opposing factions fiercely exchanged blows in the rain, sparks flying with every clash.
But an arrow coated in wind-nature Chakra seized the opening as the two were knocked apart, pierced the