Meanwhile.
On a rain-soaked battlefield in the Land of Rain.
"Thwack!"
As the sound of blood spurting rang out, a Sand Ninja clutched his chest, blood pouring from the wound. His face was deathly pale as he slumped to the ground. Before long, blood mingled with rainwater and spread across the earth.
In front of him, a cold-eyed young man slowly withdrew his bloodstained kunai. His crimson eyes flashed briefly through the white veil of rain.
"Splatter!"
Just then, someone appeared beside him and crouched down. Weariness showed on his face as he panted, his breathing uneven. Yet his gaze was unwavering as he said,
"C-Captain Tokino! We spotted Sand Ninja up ahead. We can catch up to them right away!"
He stared at Tokino with red eyes, waiting for his reply.
Tokino stood before him, his face cold. Long bangs hung low, obscuring his expression. His voice was a little hoarse as he said,
"Is... that so... Then let's go... Ma... It's time to avenge Dan..."
Yuhi Ma's expression grew heavy at his words, though a flicker of excitement shone in his eyes.
Dan!
You gave your life, but Captain Tokino, the others, and I will avenge you!
Sand Ninja, we'll never let you get away with this!
That was what Ma thought, hatred for the Sand Ninja flashing in his eyes.
Beside him, Tokino's eyes flickered with a complicated emotion as he thought to himself,
Have peace talks already succeeded...? Using Amegakure as a base... What are you planning to do...?
Whatever you do... I'll keep lying low... until the day I kill you...!!
The two men, each carrying a deep-seated hatred of his own, vanished with a whoosh, leaving only the ceaseless rain pouring down around them...
Another of their old companions' names had been carved onto