The autumn morning cut through the mist hanging over the mountains. As far as the eye could see, there were only countless peaks and the lonely murmurs of empty hills.
Land of Earth, Iwagakure.
This was a shinobi village built primarily from stone. With the tower-like Tsuchikage Building at its center, the other structures spread outward in uneven layers. From afar, it resembled an ancient fortress.
At the village gate, two guard shinobi made their usual round of inspection. After confirming that nothing was amiss, they began chatting idly to pass the time.
"Did you hear? Apparently, in the Land of Flame, shinobi like us are considered 'nobles.' It seems they don't even need to take missions, yet they still get a sizable monthly salary."
"Seriously? There's something that good?"
"Why would I lie? I also heard they've completely taken control of the Daimyo Palace. Shinobi are calling the shots across the entire country."
"Hiss..." His companion drew in a breath, looked around, and only spoke cautiously after making sure no one was nearby. "Say... if the treatment over there is that good, should we just...?"
"Shh! Don't say things like that carelessly! If the higher-ups find out, you're dead!"
"Come on, I was just saying... Huh? Someone's coming?"
The two looked toward the village gate and saw two figures walking through the thin morning mist, approaching Iwagakure at an unhurried pace. Before long, they had arrived just outside the entrance.
The man in front wore a dark green robe, his long black hair flowing in the wind. A massive war fan was strapped to his back. As he walked, he seemed like a god descending from the heavens atop the morning glow, every gesture radiating an oppressive air of superiority.
The two gate guards exchanged a glance. One stepped