On the main battlefield at the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Fields lay a stretch of low, rolling mountains.
However, many of the peaks were damaged, and numerous small, strangely abrupt basins dotted the spaces between them. These sunken hollows looked entirely unnatural, as if they had been blasted into existence by high-powered bombs.
"Lord Hokage."
"I've come to reinforce you on the Mizukage's orders."
A tall man with a shark-like face spoke calmly, neither servile nor arrogant. Behind him stood dozens of Anbu wearing masks patterned with ripples.
"Hmm?"
"Isn't your Kirigakure currently at war with Sunagakure?"
The Third Hokage looked at Kisame, who was renowned far and wide, with some puzzlement. After all, he was one of Kirigakure's Jinchuriki. Why would the Mizukage send him to this battlefield so readily?
"We've already occupied most of the Land of Wind's territory. And before I set out, their Kazekage was killed on the spot."
"Sunagakure may already be under Kirigakure's control by now..."
Kisame answered with a smug look.
"I see..."
"That's quite impressive!"
A faint glint flashed in the Third Hokage's eyes as he praised him.
After Souya went missing, Sunagakure, without a Jinchuriki, indeed had no way to stand against Kirigakure's two Jinchuriki.
Especially the man before him. That terrifying Chakra emanating from him...
"Since you've come all this way to reinforce us, we can't neglect you. Go and get some rest first."
"Then we can discuss our battle plans together. How does that sound?"
The Third Hokage spoke very courteously.
Boom!
Just then, a deafening explosion rang out in the distance. Even the temporary command post on the mountain ridge shook violently.
"Heh!"
"Lord Hokage, looks like the enemy can't hold back any longer!"
"I don't need to rest. I'll take on