Just as Souya was racing back toward Sunagakure, the battle between Sunagakure and Kirigakure was also drawing to a close.
The coastal border of the Land of Rivers.
Kumogakure wasn't the only village that knew a war shouldn't be fought on its own territory. Kirigakure and Sunagakure understood that just as well.
So Sunagakure had built a sturdy, steep earthen wall along the coast, determined to keep the enemy at the edge of its borders.
But the wall had been no use at the fiercest battlefield, because Sunagakure's enemies were Kirigakure's two Jinchuriki.
"Hehehe!"
"We meet again, Sasori of the Red Sands!"
A tall man around Sasori's age stood before him, speaking in a teasing, excited tone.
The man looked unusual. He had a mouth full of sharp teeth, and his appearance was a blend of human and shark.
But the three red Chakra tails swaying behind him were even more conspicuous, clearly revealing his identity and strength.
He was none other than Kisame Hoshigaki, who had become the Three-Tails' Jinchuriki with Minato Namikaze's help.
With the Eight Trigrams Seal's powerful sealing effect, Kisame had followed a path much like Souya's.
Under Kisame's relentless torment, day after day, the Three-Tails had gradually lowered its proud head.
Kisame couldn't yet be called a Perfect Jinchuriki, but drawing on the Three-Tails' power through a "Chakra tug-of-war" was easy for him.
Faced with Kisame's provocation, Sasori showed no expression.
They had fought before.
When Kirigakure and Sunagakure first clashed, both villages had been deeply surprised by the enemy's strength.
With Souya, who had mastered Perfect Sage Mode, personally assisting Orochimaru, Orochimaru had made rapid progress in researching Jugo's Cursed Seal.
Sunagakure had also sent out ninjas in batches to undergo "Cursed Seal implantation." Once they had confirmed that the seals were viable, even