It was already late autumn, but in the coastal region, though there was a slight chill in the air, it was generally still quite warm.
A few seagulls could occasionally be seen soaring through the sky, while several hawks swept across the horizon.
Along the eastern coast of the Land of Fire, the creaking of small boats could often be heard, along with the occasional roar of large ships docking.
At the harbor, however, a burst of noisy commotion broke out.
"What did you say? All the ships going to Kirigakure are gone?"
"It's not that they're gone. Kirigakure is under lockdown right now, so even ships transporting supplies can't get in. If you're not in a hurry, you can wait until the lockdown is lifted before going."
"But we're in a hurry right now."
Jiraiya was extremely anxious. The urgency in his expression seemed ready to spill right off his face.
He and Kakashi had been traveling at full speed these past few days, which was why they had managed to reach the border of the Land of Fire from Konoha in just two days. Even so, they still did not have enough time.
They had to reach Kirigakure within three days, speak with the Fourth Mizukage, request Kirigakure's assistance, and send the results of the discussion back to Konoha via ninja hawk.
Tsunade's requirement was simply for Kirigakure to hold off Kumogakure's ninja forces. Konoha would then face Sunagakure and Iwagakure alone. Though the pressure would still be immense, it would greatly slow the advance of Sunagakure and Iwagakure, dragging the war into a prolonged conflict.
Once it became a war of attrition, relying on Konoha's reserves built up over so many years of peace and recovery, she could hold out until Sunagakure and Iwagakure could no longer