As Cloud Village's thunderous assault tore through Sunagakure's border, drawing the attention of the entire Shinobi World toward the Land of Wind...
In the Land of Earth, a country famed for its rugged rocks and towering mountains, another leader known as a "Shadow"...
Ōnoki of Both Scales was scrutinizing the sudden storm with his characteristic stubbornness and cunning, silently weaving a plan of his own.
Iwagakure's architecture was rugged and sturdy, as if carved straight out of the mountains. Unlike Cloud Village's soaring towers, it seemed more solid and imposing, as though it had become one with the earth.
In the highest command room, deep inside the mountain, the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki—the short old man whom no one dared underestimate—hovered in midair, gazing at the enormous strategic map before him.
On the map, a blue flag representing Cloud Village had been planted in the sands of the Land of Wind, while a yellow flag representing Sunagakure looked ready to topple.
"Father," said a steady voice, breaking the silence. The speaker was a tall, powerfully built ninja with a resolute face and a prominent scar across his left cheek. He was Kitsuchi, an elite jōnin of Iwagakure.
"The detailed battle report on Cloud Village's surprise attack on Sunagakure's Yellow Stone Pass has been compiled.
"We've confirmed that A and Killer B, the Third Raikage's son and the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, led the force. They acted swiftly and ruthlessly, and not one of Sunagakure's defenders survived."
Ōnoki gave an inscrutable snort. His wrinkled face bore the marks of age, but his eyes remained as sharp as an eagle's.
"A and B, huh? That old Raikage was willing to send his heir and his most important weapon out to gain experience. He must be determined to seize this opportunity."
Ōnoki floated slowly toward the