Madness

Inside the underground command post, four Jonin—Xuandou, Shisui, Hizashi Hyuga, and Shinku Yuhi—sat in command.

The brothers Uchiha Inabi and Tekka stood quietly to the side, responsible for relaying intelligence and maintaining communications.

After hearing the scout captain's report, the group fell into deep contemplation.

Just then, a system notification chimed in Xuandou's mind:

[Ding! Host has triggered a main quest.]

[Main Quest Issued: Kill at least five hundred Sunagakure ninja on the battlefield against Sunagakure.]

[Current Progress: 0/500]

[Quest Reward: Lottery Draw ×1]

At least five hundred ninja?

Looking at the newly triggered quest, Xuandou questioned the scout captain:

"How many Sunagakure ninja are heading this way in total?"

"There are about one hundred ninja."

Hearing the answer, Xuandou looked thoughtful:

"Sunagakure ninja are certainly cautious. Not satisfied with the reconnaissance team's findings, they've actually sent an additional vanguard."

Inabi felt a sense of unease upon hearing how cautious the enemy was:

"Our ambush... could it be discovered by them?"

Xuandou shook his head at these words.

"Aside from Earth Release, no other conventional ninjutsu can detect our hidden ninja or the explosive tags buried underground."

"Sunagakure specializes in Wind Release. Even if they have a few ninja capable of Earth Release, they wouldn't use such high-profile ninjutsu while infiltrating the Land of Fire."

"As for Kekkei Genkai... not every hidden village possesses a Kekkei Genkai like the Byakugan, and Sunagakure doesn't have many to begin with, so rest assured."

Hizashi Hyuga couldn't help but take another look at Xuandou upon hearing this.

The other Jonin also nodded to themselves, impressed by Xuandou's clear and logical analysis.

"Then how shall we deal with this vanguard? They are about to enter the designated trap zone; should we detonate the explosive tags?"

Xuandou shook his head.

"I have prepared such a lavish feast that a mere few hundred ninja won't be enough to finish it."

"Let them pass."

The people nearby all wore different expressions upon hearing this.

Hizashi Hyuga was the first to question him:

"But... is it not inappropriate to allow such a force of ninja to enter the territory of the Land of Fire?"

To this, Xuandou's only response was a single sentence:

"I am the commander-in-chief!"

"...Understood."

Thus, the Sunagakure vanguard was not intercepted and successfully passed through the trap zone, entering the Land of Fire.

They pushed deep into the territory and soon arrived at the first town.

Shazou Town was located on the border of the Land of Fire, with a permanent population of about one thousand.

The small town sat on the edge of a wind-eroded zone, famous for its raw mineral processing and camel caravan post.

Although they hired ninja as guards, the town was primarily defended by ordinary soldiers.

That night, two sentries were chatting while on duty.

"Man, standing night watch is so boring. Don't you wish we were big-shot ninja? The mayor arranges beauties to serve them every single night."

"Hmph, keep dreaming. If anyone were to become a ninja, a handsome man like me would have a better shot at it."

Suddenly, a gust of night wind blew past.

The bodies of the two sentries were eerily sliced in half at the waist.

Blood splattered across the ground.

Until their deaths, these sentries never knew that it was the very "big-shot ninja" they longed to be who had killed them.

Immediately following, one hundred Sunagakure ninja did not pause, quickly entering the town under the cover of darkness.

They were highly experienced and moved directly toward the most luxurious rooms in town.

Sure enough, inside the most opulent rooms, they discovered ninja enjoying themselves with several women.

These were the only three ninja in the small town.

The group of Sunagakure ninja didn't say a word and struck immediately.

Before long, the three Konoha ninja had their bodies sliced by wind blades and breathed their last.

A ninja laughed excitedly toward the side:

"Captain, this is great! Konoha really doesn't have any defenses!"

The leading ninja revealed a cruel smile and said:

"In that case, execute the mission according to the plan!"

Hearing their captain's order, the surrounding ninjas all wore expressions of wild joy.

They scattered at once, rushing rapidly toward the homes of the townspeople.

Their mission had only one word: Plunder!

The sounds of doors being smashed open rang out one after another.

The Sunagakure ninjas kicked open doors violently, holding gleaming ninja blades directly against the residents' throats.

"Hurry! Hand over everything of value!"

Some were trembling with fear, hurriedly digging out their hidden wealth.

Those who hesitated for even a moment were cut down with a single strike.

The Sunagakure ninjas ransacked the rooms, tore up floorboards, and smashed pottery jars, not missing any place where money might be hidden.

Gradually, cries and screams merged into one.

Residents who were awakened and tried to resist were easily slaughtered.

The wailing of children was abruptly cut short.

An old man knelt to beg for mercy, only to have his last bit of savings stolen.

There was nothing but greed in the eyes of the Sunagakure ninjas.

They tore decorations off the walls, pried open warehouse locks, hauled away grain vats, and stripped jewelry from the dead.

Everything of value—jewelry, cash, antiques, medicinal herbs, ninja tools, and fabrics—was scavenged piece by piece and stuffed into the sealing scrolls they had brought.

Two hours later, the town had been completely looted.

Whether it was the town treasury, the mansions of the nobility, or ordinary households, none were spared.

"As expected of the Land of Fire, they are truly rich... Who would have thought such a small place would yield nearly three hundred million ryo!"

The captain weighed the scroll in his hand and smiled with satisfaction.

A sleazy-looking Sunagakure ninja leaned in from the side:

"Captain, the brothers have been pent up at the border for too long... The women of the Land of Fire are much more delicate than those in the Land of Wind. What do you think..."

The captain saw through his subordinate's intentions at a glance.

"Look at how pathetic you are!"

He casually pointed to one person:

"You, go back and report the situation to Shatie. As for the rest..."

He swept his gaze over his expectant subordinates and waved his hand:

"You have thirty minutes. During this time, indulge yourselves to your heart's content!"

With that, he headed toward the mayor's residence himself.

He had noticed while looting earlier that the mayor's concubines looked quite succulent.

The ninja who had been pointed out looked reluctant but dared not disobey; he turned and left.

As for the other ninjas, they let out a cheer after the captain finished speaking and immediately rushed into the town to find the women they had set their eyes on.

Soon, the screams of women rang out across the town once again.

On the other side, the ninja returned quickly and told the commander of this invasion into the Land of Fire, Shatie, about the situation encountered by the vanguard.

After hearing the report, Shatie stuck out his tongue and licked his dry lips, a flash of greed crossing his eyes:

"Pass on my order. All ninjas, advance at full speed and invade the Land of Fire!"

The order spread rapidly through the troops.

Over a thousand Sunagakure ninjas were stirred to a frenzy upon learning that the border of the Land of Fire was undefended and receiving the command to attack with full force.

They knew well the prosperity of the Land of Fire.

Now, while Konoha had not yet reacted, it was the perfect time for massive looting.

According to the rules, they could keep fully half of the wealth they obtained for themselves!

Driven by greed, the Sunagakure ninjas poured chakra into their feet and surged madly into the territory of the Land of Fire.

Before long, the thousand-plus Sunagakure ninjas had unknowingly entered the trap set by Xuandou.