The Land of Wind bordered the Land of Rivers.
The Sunagakure outpost had just finished assembling and was now resting beneath a Sand Defense Wall.
"Have you heard? Our spy in Konoha sent back word that we'll be facing that Byakugan Yama, Hyuga Hoshishaku."
A jonin recently transferred back from the northern border asked in surprise, "Byakugan Yama? How did he get a title like that?"
"Hey, you haven't heard? Apparently, the title was first spread by a rising bounty hunter from the Black Market Exchange."
"They say that man called Hyuga Hoshishaku has a genjutsu like something out of hell. Anyone caught in it practically takes a trip to hell and suffers through its eighteen layers of torment. That's why the underground black market calls him Byakugan Yama."
The shinobi transferred back from the border scoffed. "The Black Market Exchange is just a bunch of amateurs. You actually believe their rumors?"
"Hey, you haven't heard? This newcomer at the Black Market Exchange is a strong fighter who went three hundred rounds with Senju Hashirama. He claims Byakugan Yama knocked him flat with just a glance. Doesn't that make it believable?"
"Sounds like bragging to me."
"Honestly, I didn't believe it at first either. But someone in the village said the First Raikage was hit by the same technique and was also knocked flat with a single glance."
"Yikes... It's that ridiculous?"
Seeing the conversation get more and more outrageous, the outpost captain hurriedly cut in.
Why were they boosting the enemy's reputation on the front lines?
Just as the captain was about to call an end to the rest and send them forward to resume their scouting, a young man appeared above them. He wore loose clothing, had a face as handsome as fine jade, shoulder-length black hair, and