"Shikaku, Choza... are you all right?"
Although Yamanaka Inoichi, standing below, had also been startled, his different vantage point meant he had not suffered the same violent shock as Nara Shikaku and Akimichi Choza.
"I'm fine."
Nara Shikaku's voice suddenly became somewhat hoarse. "Is this the Bloody Mist's way of doing things? I understand now. I won't let my guard down in the coming battle."
Shikaku's expression was stern, killing intent flashing in his eyes. He was completely different from before.
"...It's good that you're all right."
Yamanaka Inoichi opened his mouth, but this was all the feeble comfort he could offer.
Perhaps seeing through his concern, Nara Shikaku even showed a faint smile and patted Inoichi on the shoulder. "Don't worry, I'm really fine. I've merely recognized a reality."
"What reality?"
"What we are facing now—is war!"
As soon as he spoke, a murderous atmosphere began to spread.
"War... I understand. Then let's find the enemy as soon as possible!" Yamanaka Inoichi nodded.
"No, there's no need to go."
Nara Shikaku raised a hand to stop Yamanaka Inoichi. "If I'm not mistaken, the enemy should already be on the way here."
The moment his words fell, a cold, cruel voice rang out ahead of them.
"Konoha ninja, did you enjoy the gift I sent you?"
Crunch!
A sound like teeth grinding came from Akimichi Choza's mouth. He raised his pot-sized fist, ready to rush forward and smash someone.
"Wait, Choza."
After stopping him in a low voice, Shikaku raised his voice and asked, "Which member of Kirigakure might you be?"
"Hehehehe." Kuriarare Kushimaru let out a sinister laugh. "Not bad, Konoha ninja. You actually guessed where I came from. Since you asked, I'll graciously tell you. I'm one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Kuriarare Kushimaru!"
"One