The rising sun dyed the vast blue waters into flowing shards of gold.
Dozens of Kirigakure warships cut through white waves, closing in on the coast of the Land of Fire like a school of sharks that had caught the scent of blood.
Their blue-gray sails billowed with the salty sea wind, while the savage rams at their bows gleamed beneath the sunlight with the cold hardness of blades.
On the deck of the lead warship stood two figures side by side, both radiating murderous intent.
Two of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
On the left, Biwa Juzo carried the Kubikiribōchō over his shoulder, its edge reflecting a frigid gleam.
He bared his teeth in a cruel grin, his sharp fangs glinting sinisterly in the sunlight.
"At last, we've arrived. This fertile Land of Fire—even the air smells sweet."
On the right, Suikazan Fuguki's towering body nearly blocked out half the sunlight. Samehada strapped to his back had caught the scent of blood carried by the wind and twisted excitedly.
Suikazan Fuguki also greedily drew in a deep breath, his low voice like waves crashing against reefs.
"The vanguard has already torn open a gap and slaughtered a hundred-man Konohagakure unit."
"They're scouting the area now, trying to determine the Eastern Front's exact deployment."
"We brought three thousand men this time. The village's orders are clear—we must swallow the entire Konohagakure Eastern Front defense force in one bite, without leaving even the bones behind."
Biwa Juzo analyzed the situation. "According to our intelligence, Konohagakure's main force is being tightly held down by Sunagakure, Kumogakure, and Iwagakure."
"With our numbers against their few, taking the Eastern Front won't be difficult."
Then his tone shifted, revealing a trace of caution. "The only question is whether we can quickly devour this