The Mizukage Attacks

Deep in the dense forest, the air was so oppressive it felt as though water could drip from it.

Sixteen Root ninja carried the unconscious Rin on their backs, just about to withdraw, when more than thirty Kirigakure ANBU completely blocked their path.

Inside a specially made stone vat, the Three-Tails' violent Chakra hissed outward, corroding even the weeds on the ground into a grayish green.

The Root captain in a tanuki mask pressed his fingers against his sword hilt and secretly signaled his men to break through.

Leading the Kirigakure side was a man with a scarred face.

He narrowed his one eye, staring fixedly at the standard-issue Short Swords at Root's waists, his grin utterly crazed.

"Konoha ANBU standard equipment. Special issue for Root."

The scar-faced man flicked the Ninja Sword in his hand, his voice harsh and grating. "Danzo's watchdogs came here to steal food?"

The tanuki mask tensed all over without saying a word, Chakra already quietly gathering beneath his feet.

The scar-faced man suddenly raised his blade, pointing directly at Rin, who was slung over someone's shoulder. The fanaticism in his eyes could not be suppressed.

"Huh?"

"Short brown hair, Konoha forehead protector, medical ninja."

"She's the 'container' the Mizukage wants. Saves me the trouble of searching everywhere!"

Seeing this, the tanuki mask knew there would be no peaceful resolution today. He immediately roared, "Take the target and retreat!"

The sixteen Root elites instantly scattered, splitting into three groups and leaping frantically toward the treetops at the sides.

"Take the girl! Kill everyone except that container!"

The scar-faced man howled at the top of his lungs.

More than thirty Kirigakure ANBU drew their Ninja Swords and pounced like rabid dogs tearing into food.

A brutal close-quarters slaughter erupted in the forest.

Root's swordsmanship was disciplined