January, Year 47 of Konoha.
Land of Sea, Kijin Island.
Although it was the middle of winter, the Land of Sea, off the southeastern coast of the Land of Fire, wasn't particularly cold.
The sun hung high overhead. As noon drew closer, the sounds of fighting along Kijin Island's coast gradually died down.
The beach was strewn with bodies, the air thick with the salty stench of the sea and the metallic smell of blood. Blood stained the white sand red, giving it an eerie hue beneath the sunlight.
Following the sea breeze, Qingye cut down the last Kirigakure Ninja who hadn't managed to escape out to sea.
"Phew..."
Not far away, Kakashi slumped to the ground.
The White Fang's short sword was stuck carelessly in the sand beside him.
The fierce battle had lasted all night and half the day. At last, they'd managed to repel Kirigakure's advance.
"Kirigakure's attack was especially relentless this time."
Qingye remarked, gazing at the many Kirigakure Ninja fleeing across the sea.
After such a long battle, Konoha had suffered significant casualties. Kirigakure's losses were probably even greater.
"Forget it. It has nothing to do with me anyway."
Kakashi was practically rolling his eyes.
He and Qingye were usually stationed on the Land of Sea's Main Island.
They'd only come to reinforce Kijin Island because Kirigakure had launched a massive invasion.
It had worn him out!
He hadn't suffered any serious injuries, but he had countless minor cuts all over his body, and every inch of him stung.
The battle had only just ended.
From the direction of the island's interior, several people in masks and black cloaks hurried toward the coast.
When they reached the beach, they searched through the bodies of the Kirigakure Ninja. After selecting a few, they silently carried them