Orochimaru's analysis still echoed through the tent. Jiraiya's fighting spirit and Tsunade's resolve had only just taken shape, and they had not even had time to discuss the tactical details—
"Enemy attack—!!!"
The shrill alarm, like a night owl with its throat seized, violently tore through the relative calm of the rainy night, only to be completely drowned out by roaring explosions, the shriek of ninjutsu, and chaotic cries of battle.
"What?!"
Jiraiya was the first to dash to the tent entrance and yank open the flap.
The once orderly Konoha camp had already descended into sudden chaos.
Fire erupted in several places, illuminating the dark figures of Amegakure shinobi as they moved like phantoms between the tents, cutting through the camp.
The attack had come too fast and too fiercely. Many Konoha shinobi had barely awakened from sleep or turned from their guard posts before they were struck by poison mist, shuriken, suddenly appearing water blades, or Explosive Tags.
Screams, warnings, orders, and the clash of weapons blended into one cacophony. Under the initial assault, Konoha's defenses were clearly showing signs of collapse and steady retreat.
At the center of that chaotic battlefield, a tall figure advanced steadily, like a pillar holding back the sea—or the embodiment of death itself.
A massive chained scythe rested on his shoulder, and his breathing mask gleamed coldly in the firelight. Wherever he passed, whether it was a Konoha jonin trying to form hand seals or a chuunin fearlessly rushing at him, they were either killed or wounded by a casual sweep of his scythe, billowing poison mist, or precise Water Release ninjutsu.
It was Hanzo the Salamander!
"It's Hanzo! He personally led the surprise attack!"
Tsunade's expression changed sharply as she instantly entered a combat stance.
"Bastard! He actually dared to charge