Dense tree shadows blocked the sunlight overhead on the mountain behind Hidden Leaf's South District military camp.
The dark golden Light Gate in the air trembled a few times, then silently contracted, dissolving into a faint scattering of golden specks.
Qian Ye planted his feet firmly on the soil and exhaled a stale breath tinged with the salt of the sea breeze.
Behind him, Hatake Sakumo, Pakura, and eight elite ninja including Uchiha Yan landed in orderly formation.
All eleven still carried the pungent smoke of the Marineford battlefield.
The surfaces of their black Black Tortoise heavy armor were covered in blade marks and shattered volcanic debris, while dark red bloodstains had long since dried into crusts.
"Finally, solid ground."
Pakura reached back and undid her shoulder guard's clasp. The heavy alloy plate struck the grass with a dull thud.
"That Admiral Sakazuki's magma was even more troublesome in terms of temperature than Sunagakure's quicksand."
Hatake Sakumo drew the Seastone Black Blade at his waist and wiped its scorched marks with a coarse cloth.
"Logia abilities really are difficult to deal with."
"But as long as your Armament Haki is sufficiently condensed, breaking through their defenses isn't difficult."
Qian Ye turned and watched everyone remove their bulky Black Tortoise heavy armor.
"Put all your gear away and change back into your Hidden Leaf Patrol Force vests."
"This isn't Marineford. If people in the village see this equipment, we'll inevitably face another round of questioning."
Uchiha Yan led his seven clansmen in swiftly removing their armor, revealing the tight black clothing underneath.
The seven Uchiha clansmen's shoulders rose and fell slightly, a fine sheen of sweat seeping across their foreheads.
Through the head-on clashes of the Paramount War, they had directly faced the unmatched might of Marine Admirals and a Four