Three days later, the samurai training grounds in the Land of Iron had been temporarily converted into a gathering point for the Shinobi Alliance.
Elite ninja from the major hidden villages arrived one after another: Anbu from the Leaf, puppeteers from Sunagakure, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen from the Mist Village, the Lightning Release unit from the Cloud Village, the demolition squad from Iwagakure, and experts in Cyborg research from the Land of Whirlpools.
Nagato stood on a raised platform, his Rinnegan sweeping over the densely packed ninja below. The alliance numbered only three hundred, but every one of them was an elite from their village.
"Everyone." Nagato's voice reached every ear through Chakra. "We've gathered here today not to fight over the interests of our villages, but to protect the survival of the entire Shinobi World."
The ninja below listened with solemn expressions. After three days of sharing intelligence, everyone understood how terrifying a threat the Shadow Organization posed.
"According to the latest intelligence, Hozuki Castle has been completely taken over by the Shadow Organization." Nagato unfolded a detailed topographic map. "They've established a large experimental base there to conduct research on Artificial Tailed Beasts."
The Raikage frowned. "Hozuki Castle's terrain is complex, and it's easy to defend but difficult to attack. It also holds a large number of dangerous criminals. If they riot..."
"That's why we need a precision strike." Nagato pointed to several key locations on the map. "We'll attack along three routes. The main force will launch a frontal feint to draw their attention. The engineering unit will infiltrate underground and destroy the infrastructure. The real core mission will be carried out by the vanguard."
The Mizukage, Mei Terumi, asked, "What is the vanguard's mission?"
"Infiltrate the laboratory's core area, destroy the Artificial Tailed Beast cultivation equipment,