Land of Hot Water border, Lightning Gorge. Lightning flashed and thunder rolled here all year round, and the air was filled with violent lightning-natured chakra. For Lightning Style ninja, it was an excellent training ground, and also an excellent place to hide.
The defected Raiga Kurosuki had been operating here for half a year, drawing in a group of desperate men and using the terrain to build simple fortifications and an early-warning network. However, he did not know that Kirigakure's fangs were already quietly closing in.
On the outskirts of the gorge, three Hidden Mist ANBU moved like phantoms. Leading them was Kisame Hoshigaki. He was highly experienced, and skillfully avoided several hidden sentries.
"Three hundred meters ahead, there are two fixed checkpoints and one roaming patrol," Kisame said in a low voice, passing orders with hand signals. "Zabuza, you take the left checkpoint. Silent kill. Ameyuri, right checkpoint. Use the smallest Lightning Style disturbance you can to create chaos. I'll handle the roaming patrol. Move fast. Leave no one alive."
"Understood." Zabuza's figure flickered and merged into the shadows, vanishing like a true ghost.
"Hehe, watch me!" Ameyuri formed hand seals, tiny arcs of electricity dancing over her fingertips.
A moment later, a few faint thuds and the brief hiss of electric current sounded out. The outer sentries were wiped out in an instant. Like a shark in water, Kisame silently dealt with the patrol team of ninja, not even letting them sound the alarm.
"Advance." Kisame made a gesture, and the three of them swiftly pushed deeper into the gorge.
However, Raiga Kurosuki was no mediocre fighter. The loss of contact with the outer checkpoints immediately put him on alert.
"Enemy attack! Prepare for battle!" Raiga's roar echoed through the gorge, and the remaining rogue ninja quickly gathered.