Dawn broke over the horizon, and the morning sunlight spilled across the land, dispelling the darkness while bringing life and warmth to this earth.
In the distance, around twenty black figures appeared on the horizon. Moving at tremendous speed, they entered the valley where the Uzumaki Clan had been the previous night within minutes.
The twenty wore Konoha forehead protectors and identical black ninja robes, led by a ninja wearing a cat-faced mask.
In fact, all of them wore cat-faced masks. It was simply that the leader's mask seemed somewhat distinctive—well, distinctive in a way only they themselves could tell.
Looking at the devastated valley—or perhaps it could no longer even be called a valley—the Konoha reinforcements all wore varying expressions. Of course, no one could see their actual expressions beneath those masks.
One ninja leaped down into the valley, crouched, and lightly brushed the ashes. "Sir, there is still residual warmth. It appears the battle ended no more than six hours ago. It was an extremely brutal fight."
The Anbu ninja leading them fell silent for a moment before saying, "Split up and search. Do not overlook any trace. We must find the Uzumaki Clan. They could not have vanished into thin air. Even if it is only one person, find them.
"Also, the ninjas who suddenly attacked the Uzumaki Clan could not have fled very far, even if they succeeded last night. Immediately send word to every outpost in the Land of Fire. The moment any suspicious ninja is spotted, intercept them at once."
"Yes!"
All the ninjas answered in unison and quickly split up to search for any clues left behind.
"Sir, there are traces of a barrier being used, but it is impossible to determine what kind. The remaining chakra signatures on the battlefield are chaotic,