At the same time that the Mizukage's party, led by Mei Terumi, encountered Yammy's attack.
Centered around Konoha and spreading outward, the leaders of the other three ninja villages who were currently heading toward Konoha had also, almost simultaneously, halted their advance.
To the east of Konoha, a group had stopped within a vast canyon.
The crimson canyon walls looked as though they had been weathered by the howling winds that swept through the area, twisted into all manner of strange shapes that revealed nature's most mysterious side.
Just then.
From among the group gathered beneath the canyon, an aged yet vigorous voice rang out.
"What is it, Kitsuchi!?"
"Why did you suddenly halt the group!?"
Hearing that aged voice, a broad, middle-aged man who looked honest and simple-faced could not help but reveal a grave expression. He respectfully approached a carriage and said in a deep voice.
"Father, someone has blocked our path..."
At those words, an angry rebuke came from inside the carriage.
"Do I have to teach you how to handle something like this, Kitsuchi!?"
"Cough, cough... You... are you trying to anger this old man to death... Honestly... you can't even handle something this simple. How can I place any hope in you..."
Hearing this, Kitsuchi could not help but show a helpless expression, forcing a bitter smile as he said.
"Father, you should come down and see for yourself..."
"This person seems to be a member of that group we encountered before..."
At those words, the carriage fell silent for a moment. After a while, a short elderly man crawled out from within.
He wore ancient grayish-yellow and green garments. His mottled white hair was loosely tied up, his somewhat reddish bulbous nose stood out, and a grizzled beard hung from his chin.
Compared to