An hour later, the Raikage returned to the border region where they had previously been intercepted.
The Hyuga ninja were still scouting from the heights.
But when the Raikage's group appeared, the anticipated kunai attack never came.
On the high platform.
Neji's Byakugan watched the people below as he spoke through the radio. "Target sighted. It's the Raikage's group. Per Lord Hokage's orders, do not attack. Let them pass."
As they drew closer and closer to the border, the Raikage began to entertain other thoughts.
That was until he saw hundreds of Konoha ninja beyond the border, lined up in rows with strange-looking kunai launchers in hand, coldly watching him and his men.
The Raikage's expression instantly darkened.
He had indeed briefly considered launching a surprise attack on the platform, but the moment he saw that densely packed defensive formation, he immediately abandoned the idea.
"Move!" the Raikage said through gritted teeth, leading C and Darui as they sped through the area.
Several more hours passed. As the sky gradually darkened, the two groups finally arrived outside their respective camps under the watchful eyes of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of ninja stationed along the route.
On a plain at the border of the Land of Hot Water, the Raikage saw a sight that broke his heart.
Kumogakure's camp was in ruins. Tents had been smashed apart, and wounded soldiers lay everywhere.
"Lord Raikage!" A blood-covered Kumogakure jonin staggered over. "You've finally returned!"
"How is the battle?" The Raikage caught him and asked in a low voice.
The Kumogakure jonin's face was full of despair. "We... we were no match for them."
"Those flying machines are too fast. Our Lightning Release Ninjutsu can't hit them at all."
"They also have explosive Chakra shells. When they land, they can cover an area dozens