The sky over the Northern Battlefield was as dark as iron, with storm clouds hanging so low they seemed within reach.
The air was thick with the stench of blood and damp earth, oppressive enough to make breathing difficult.
Chiyo stood at the edge of a cliff, his black Uchiha robe snapping in the wind.
His eyes were closed, as though he were listening to the messages carried by the wind.
"Clan Leader."
Tekka Uchiha knelt on one knee, his voice low.
"Lord Minato will arrive soon. Based on the timing, the Stone Ninja should have crossed the border."
Chiyo slowly opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing through his scarlet Sharingan.
"How many?"
"According to the intelligence provided by Jonin Minato Namikaze, around seven thousand."
Tekka's Adam's apple bobbed.
"That's far more than expected."
Tekka Uchiha could not help feeling uneasy.
With so many ninja, could Konoha really swallow them all this time?
When he saw the faint smile curl up at the corner of the mouth of Chiyo's lips, Tekka froze.
The weight in his heart eased as well.
He was far too familiar with that expression on Chiyo Uchiha's face.
It was the delight of a hunter seeing prey fall into a trap.
"Good."
Chiyo spoke softly.
"Have Shisui notify the other elites. Prepare for battle!"
Before his words had even faded, a special kunai flew over.
It landed at Chiyo's feet.
A blond young man appeared before Chiyo.
The newcomer was none other than Minato Namikaze.
At that moment, a hint of fatigue had appeared in his azure eyes.
His clothes were somewhat wrinkled as well.
Clearly, even for Minato Namikaze, who possessed the Flying Thunder God Jutsu, this baiting plan had been difficult.
Minato Namikaze put away his Flying Thunder God Kunai.
He walked to