"What do you want the Seven-Tails' blood for?"
"I'll keep it as a battery."
"?"
This was far from the first time Kakuzu had failed to keep up with Xuanhui. He couldn't help lamenting that he was getting old and falling behind the times.
The two had set out at dawn, but delays along the way meant they only caught up with the Hidden Cloud Village army that night.
The Third Raikage brought up the rear, with the remnants of his army ahead of him.
The next town was ten kilometers away. Once the Hidden Cloud Village forces passed through it, they would reach their own territory!
Thunderous explosions rang out behind them.
The Iwagakure pursuers had never let up, staying hot on their heels.
"Once we're past these mountains, we'll reach open ground!"
"Lord Raikage, organizing the army's evacuation from the town will take time. What should we do?"
The Third Raikage didn't hesitate. His gaze was firm, carrying an unquestionable authority.
"Everyone, retreat! Once we're past these mountains, I'll hold them off on the open ground!"
Dodai was walking ahead of the Raikage. The moment he heard that, he spun around.
"Lord Raikage, there are ten thousand Iwagakure pursuers! You can't hold them off alone."
"You fool!"
The Third Raikage's furious shout stunned Dodai.
"I'm the Raikage! My attacks are the Strongest Spear, and my defense is the Strongest Shield!
A mere ten thousand Iwagakure troops can't do a thing to me!
Just retreat. I alone am enough to hold them here!"
Dodai gritted his teeth. He had no choice.
"Pass down the order! Once we enter the next town, regroup and evacuate immediately!"
"Yes, sir!"
The message traveled from the rear of the army all the way to the front.
The Hidden Cloud Village forces gradually tightened