"Looks like the war is about to end..."
Chiyo watched Isobu disappear, unsurprised.
Whether it was the quality of their rank-and-file ninja or the strength of their top fighters, Kirigakure was no match for the allied forces of the three villages.
Chiyo was even puzzled about what had gotten into Kirigakure, that they'd insisted on taking a bite out of Konoha.
In Chiyo's view, Kirigakure wasn't much better off than Sunagakure. It was one of the weakest of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.
A war this reckless would bring them nothing but a chipped tooth.
"Are you still going to fight, young man?"
Hozuki Mangetsu looked conflicted.
He knew Kirigakure was about to sink to its lowest point, and there was nothing he could do about it.
He was still too young to get involved in the higher-level power struggles. All he could do was protect himself.
"Retreat in good order!"
Hozuki Mangetsu still had to act like a commander. He led the Mist Ninja in retreat, trying to minimize their casualties and the number captured.
He'd heard that most of the Cloud Ninja army had been captured by Konoha. When they were exchanged, Kumogakure had paid a heavy price.
"I'll cover your retreat!"
Hozuki Mangetsu rushed forward to block the Sand Ninja.
But Chiyo had no intention of pursuing them.
With the war over, Chiyo's deal was over too. She wasn't about to do extra work just to benefit Konoha.
Seeing that Chiyo wasn't moving, Hozuki Mangetsu waited for his comrades to retreat, then vanished.
At the Mist Ninja encampment,
Terumi Mei appeared beside Hozuki Mangetsu, her expression grim.
"Hozuki Mangetsu, I spoke with Konoha's people."
"But..."
"They didn't respond to me..."
Hozuki Mangetsu wasn't surprised. He gave a mocking smile.
"I thought you were going to go straight