Under the cover of night.
From the clouds, one would have seen scattered flames flickering across Konoha.
By the pale moonlight, it was clear that many parts of the once orderly, prosperous village had been reduced to ruins.
Little black figures flashed across the wreckage. Some fought one another, while others pressed on toward the dark forest without regard for their own safety.
At that very moment, the fighting in the shadowy Konoha Forest nearby was even more intense.
Caught in a planned assault by the numerous Rock Ninja and Sand Ninja of the Allied Forces, Konoha's resistance seemed utterly powerless.
Though Konoha had reacted with great speed, it was suffering heavy casualties against the Allied Forces' overwhelming numbers and strength.
Inside the village, in the Hokage Building at its very center.
"How is it? Any news about Lord Hokage?"
Mitokado Homura's anxious voice rang through the office.
An Anbu Ninja was kneeling rigidly on the floor. He hurriedly replied,
"Reporting to you, Advisor, Lord Hokage's whereabouts have been discovered!"
"He's currently fighting the Tsuchikage in the western part of Konoha Forest. Some clan leaders have already taken their clans' ninja there, and the Anbu are holding their positions nearby, ready to follow Lord Hokage's orders at any moment!"
At the Anbu Ninja's words, the anxiety on Homura's face eased. But only a moment later, he asked in a grave voice,
"Have you found out what defeated the One-Tail, Shukaku? And where has it gone?"
The Anbu Ninja's expression darkened. After a moment's thought, he replied,
"According to the ninja who returned from there, a summoned beast called out by the rogue ninja Aizen defeated it. From their description, it seemed to be a bear."
Homura's expression faltered at that. He furrowed his brow and asked in confusion,
"A bear?"