About ten li outside Thundercloud City, in an inconspicuous grove beneath an earthen mound, white spores poked out from the soil one after another. After emerging from the mud and shedding the White Zetsu, they revealed the figures of Kumogakure's ninja.
The Second Raikage brushed the dirt from his body and casually asked, "How was it? Were we discovered?"
"A few waves of scouts came by, but they definitely didn't find us."
"Well done."
Because they had been transported in batches, those who arrived first had to conceal their tracks until everyone was assembled. Fortunately, they were all ninja; hiding themselves was merely a basic skill, and they would not be easily discovered.
Gurgle, gurgle—
Beside them, Black Zetsu slowly emerged halfway from the ground and said sinisterly, "Everyone has been delivered. What happens next is up to you."
"You don't need to tell me that."
Although Black Zetsu had delivered timely aid in this operation and deserved tremendous credit, for some reason, the Second Raikage simply disliked him. He always felt Black Zetsu was a treacherous and sinister sort, not someone worth associating with.
Black Zetsu did not care about that. As long as he achieved his goal, he did not care what happened in between.
"Hehe, then I wish you good luck."
Only after Black Zetsu sank back underground and left did the Second Raikage sharply wave his hand. "Move out!"
"Yes!"
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—
Countless figures surged forth, racing toward Thundercloud City!
Elsewhere, atop Thundercloud City, Uzuki Riten was carrying out his usual patrol. Though he did not believe the enemy would come knocking at their gates, since he had accepted the duty of defending the city, he would fulfill it conscientiously.
"Good morning, Lord Riten."
"Morning!"
As he greeted the clansmen guarding the city, Uzuki