The sky was blue.
The sun hung high in the sky, its warm, gentle light bathing the peaceful village of Konoha.
Outside the village of Konoha.
In a lush forest.
Rumble—
A violent roar erupted from a hidden corner of the woods!
"O Ruler! Mask of flesh and blood, all creation, soaring on wings, crowned with the name of humanity! Heat and strife, surging back across the sea toward the south, march onward!"
A clear voice slowly chanted.
A pretty young girl in black mesh ninja gear held both hands out before her, her eyes fixed intently on a thick tree ahead.
When she finished chanting, she stared at the tree, narrowed her eyes, and called out in a low voice,
"Hadō #31: Red Fire Cannon!"
Brilliant crimson light instantly gathered in her palm!
"Boom!"
The huge burst of red light shot toward the tree!
A crimson trail of flame flashed through the air!
"Boom!"
A tremendous explosion rang out!
The girl lowered her hands and watched the tree ahead, now reduced to a blazing heap of broken branches. She breathed softly.
She lowered her head and sighed.
"Still can't hit the target precisely? Am I just too stupid?"
A gentle smile flashed through her mind. Her cheeks turned faintly red, whether from embarrassment at her own ability or for some other reason.
Just then!
"Roar!"
A sudden, thunderous bellow rang out from the forest nearby!
Crash—
A swath of trees toppled as if trampled by a giant beast!
The girl's face changed. She whipped around, and her pupils instantly turned a blood-red hue!
Two black tomoe appeared in those crimson eyes.
She warily watched the forest. When she saw the two enormous beasts, an unpleasant memory seemed to surface in her mind.
She blurted out in disbelief,
"No way..."