Ryōken moved through the dense forests of the Land of Fire.
His eyes flickered as he recalled the mission details on the scroll.
An elite Kirigakure squad had entered the Land of Fire. Leading them was one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. According to the intelligence, it should have been Suikazan Fuguki, the wielder of Samehada.
Konoha's forces were tied down at the front lines. As Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi had to remain in Konoha. The Uchiha would have been a good choice, but their relationship had become somewhat strained after that duel, making them difficult to mobilize.
As for everyone else, most lacked the strength to handle the situation. Thus, they had chosen Ryōken, a ninja capable of slaying a Kage-level opponent.
At a time like this, they absolutely could not let other nations see Konoha's predicament.
Otherwise, they would take it as a sign of weakness and start shitting all over them.
What was more, if the Land of Lightning and the Land of Water saw an opportunity and joined the war directly, things would become dangerous.
After all, if those two nations entered the war, their first target would undoubtedly be the most prosperous Land of Fire at the center of the continent.
Therefore, they had to strike this invading Kirigakure squad with thunderous force, completely severing the tentacles they had extended here and ensuring they never dared act rashly again.
This was an attitude!
An attitude that had to be made clear!
The intelligence on the Kirigakure squad had been brought back by an ANBU ninja who had broken through their encirclement, though he later died from his severe injuries.
According to the report—
Suikazan Fuguki had not even made a move. He had merely watched from the sidelines. That ANBU ninja had identified him through his