Time passed like a white colt flashing by, slipping away in the blink of an eye.
Mei Terumi, Zabuza, and the others who had been assigned to train in groups had long since completed their respective objectives and returned to Training Ground No. 7 for their final joint training.
After nearly a month of preparation, Konoha of the Land of Fire finally deployed its forces, sending an army of five thousand shinobi directly into the Land of Whirlpools, which bordered the Land of Water.
Do not underestimate these mere five thousand men.
In past Shinobi World Wars, armies often numbered over ten thousand, yet most of them were cannon-fodder genin. Shinobi with the strength of chunin or above likely made up less than thirty percent.
This time, however, due to the Land of Water's unique terrain, bringing along cannon-fodder genin would not only serve little purpose but also take up valuable space. Thus, more than half of these five thousand were chunin and jonin capable of fighting at sea for extended periods.
Genin made up only a very small portion.
Shinobi from the major clans were even more numerous.
To counter the Hidden Mist Technique, Konoha had practically dispatched every shinobi clan in the village skilled in reconnaissance.
A glance revealed Byakugan users, dog handlers, people surrounded by swarms of tiny insects, and more...
Naturally, the Yamanaka Clan, responsible for linking everyone together and relaying intelligence, was indispensable as well.
The waves roared, and the sea breeze carried a salty stench.
Jiraiya, appointed by Orochimaru as the commander-in-chief of the shinobi army, stood on the eastern coast of the Land of Whirlpools and gazed toward the distant Land of Water, shrouded in dense mist.
"Shikaku, are the ships ready?"
"Twenty-five large ships have already been launched."
Nara Shikaku was the