Eternal Art

Outside the stronghold, six Sand Village squads had gathered together, glaring at the stronghold like tigers eyeing their prey.

The leader was a Jonin named Youji. Aside from him, each of the six squads was led by a Jonin, meaning there were six Jonin and twelve Chunin present—a total of eighteen people.

Such a lineup was enough to wipe out weaker small nations in the Shinobi World, showing just how seriously Rasa took this plan to reclaim Shukaku.

Even with such formidable forces, Youji, as the commander, did not rashly launch an attack. Instead, he immediately had the squad's scouts confirm the intelligence.

"Gangmaru, have you determined the enemy's numbers?"

Gangmaru, a sensory-type Elite Jonin, had both hands pressed against the ground as he carefully sensed the situation within the stronghold.

Hearing Youji's question, he narrowed his eyes slightly and answered in a grave tone, "Captain, aside from the Jinchuriki and the person who kidnapped him, there are two more people inside the stronghold."

Youji's expression immediately darkened.

During the previous pursuit, all the intelligence they had received said that only one member of the Jashin Cult had fled with the Jinchuriki.

Yet now, two more had appeared. The situation had suddenly become far more troublesome.

"They must be reinforcements sent by the Jashin Cult. Can you judge their strength?"

Youji looked at Gangmaru. If the two newcomers were as powerful as that monster, then with only this handful of people, they would be lucky not to be wiped out, let alone reclaim the Jinchuriki.

Gangmaru shook his head.

Youji took a deep breath and forced a relaxed expression. "Everyone, although the enemy's numbers have increased, don't worry. The Shinobi World can't possibly produce so many monsters out of nowhere. The Jashin Cult members who came to meet them cannot