Return

The silver-blue giant tore through the clouds like a falling star, landing steadily before the defensive position along Sunagakure's eastern coastline. The oppressive presence of its enormous body instantly put the stationed Sunagakure shinobi on alert, but when they recognized its distinctive, imposing form—and the two familiar figures leaping from the open cockpit—the deafening cheers immediately replaced the alarm.

"It's Lord Shaye! Lady Pakura!"

"They're back!"

"They succeeded! They must have succeeded!"

Shaye and Pakura landed on the ground. Though exhaustion from their long rush and intense battle showed on their faces, their eyes shone like stars. The murderous aura of those who had just emerged from a great battle had yet to fully fade, inspiring both awe and profound reassurance.

Pakura quickly gave several orders to the approaching garrison commander, steadying the troops and strengthening their vigilance. Shaye, meanwhile, headed straight for the communications unit without pausing.

"Prepare the fastest ninja hawk with the highest encryption level immediately!" Shaye's voice carried an unquestionable urgency. "Intelligence report, top priority, delivered directly to the Kazekage's office!"

Seeing Shaye's grave expression and the powerful chakra fluctuations still rolling off him, the communications shinobi did not dare delay in the slightest and immediately prepared everything at top speed.

Shaye swiftly tied a scroll containing the key results of the battle to the ninja hawk's leg and patted its wing. The hawk let out a piercing cry, spread its wings, and soared into the sky, becoming a tiny black dot as it sped toward Sunagakure Village.

What followed was waiting. Shaye and Pakura remained at the eastern defensive line, resting and recovering while keeping a close watch on the sea, wary of a possible frenzied counterattack from the Hidden Mist Village. As the Sunagakure shinobi at the position looked upon the silver-blue giant standing