The Konoha Main Fleet anchored like iron islands in the gradually dispersing mist of the southeast sea.
Inside the flagship command room, Hiruzen Sarutobi stared intently at the enemy and ally markers on the tactical sea chart.
The Uzumaki Clan members brought back by Kagami had all been properly settled, and the Medical Corps was inspecting them ship by ship, but the terrifying chakra fluctuations continuously transmitting from the main battlefield direction kept the Hokage Assistant, known for his composure, constantly ill at ease.
"Report!"
A Sensory Team ninja rushed into the command room, his voice carrying a rare urgency: "North-northeast direction, a large-scale chakra reaction detected!
The number exceeds eighty, moving at extremely high speed, contact estimated in fifteen minutes! The leading energy strength... confirmed to be the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki!"
Hiruzen's pupils constricted sharply.
Did Ōnoki personally lead a team to attack? Then over at the main battlefield—
"Assistant-lord! Two people spotted on the sea surface!" The lookout's cry of alarm came almost simultaneously: "Approaching on foot! One of them is... is the Hokage-lord!"
On the sea, two figures staggered over.
Nangō Kumoi pressed almost his entire weight onto the shoulder of Uzumaki Clan Head Shui Yuan, and every step they took caused the water film condensed beneath their feet to ripple unsteadily.
His face was as pale as paper, and though the residual blood from his seven apertures had already been wiped away, anyone could tell at a glance that he was utterly exhausted.
The patrol speedboats on the periphery of the fleet quickly greeted them.
When they clearly saw the faces of the newcomers, the Konoha ninjas at the bow almost lost their voices:
"Hokage... Hokage-lord?!"
"Hurry! Drop the rope ladder! Medical Corps, prepare!"
When Kumoi was supported onto the flagship deck, Hiruzen and Kagami were