Although the Seven Ninja Swordsmen now enjoyed great prestige in Kirigakure and represented its highest combat power, their actual faction was the smallest. Even counting their respective successors, they numbered only fourteen people. No matter how well they fought, they could never become a force to be reckoned with.
Over the years, they had thoroughly offended the clan faction. Other than continuing to serve as the sharp blades in Yagura's hand, they had no other choice. Fortunately, the seven were exceptionally strong and were Kirigakure's signature enforcers. As long as they banded together, even Yagura could not move against them without cause. Protecting themselves was not a problem, but seizing power was basically impossible.
This time, the seven swordsmen had been assigned to this Shinobi Army composed of the clan faction. Nominally, they were high-ranking commanders, but in reality, they were Yagura's overseers, mainly tasked with preventing the clan faction from dragging their feet and sabotaging the overall strategic plan. Trying to command these clan shinobi was nearly impossible. If the seven had not been so strong and cautious in their actions, they might already have been surrounded and killed within the army.
"Is there really a need for Clan Head Kaguya to be so careful about establishing a supply line?" Jūzō Biwa, half his face covered in scars, asked coldly. "Konoha's defenses are weak right now. Even the coastline is unguarded. Shouldn't we cross the border as quickly as possible and attack the West River region? Once we take that place, we won't need to worry about supplies!"
"Hmph!" Clan Head Kaguya snorted. "Are you teaching me how to wage war? Jūzō Biwa, don't forget your place! How this battle is fought will be decided by me, the commander-in-chief!"
"Hehe..." Suikazan Fuguki said with a smile, "Commander-in-chief, please don't