A Thousand Hidden Cloud Enter the Trap, Close the Door and Set Off the "Fireworks"!

The frost wind at the border of the Land of Hot Water was like steel blades scraping against bone.

In this uninhabited region ravaged by snowstorms, a thousand-man Hidden Cloud vanguard marched through knee-deep snow, pushing at maximum speed toward the heartland of the Land of Fire.

Leading them was Darui, a Senior Elite Jonin of Hidden Cloud.

Wrapped in a heavy cloak, he narrowed his eyes at the completely undefended border ahead.

There were no sentries, no barrier fluctuations—not even a patrol ninja hound in sight.

"Lord Darui, Konoha doesn't even have anyone standing watch?"

A Hidden Cloud Jonin stepped closer and asked in a low voice.

Darui sneered and spat.

"Pah! The greatest village in the Shinobi World, my ass. They're so broke they can't even afford to post a lookout!"

Staring at the valley defense line ahead, devoid of lights or the slightest Chakra fluctuation, he burst into loud laughter.

His laughter carried far across the empty snowstorm.

The Hidden Cloud elites behind him erupted into mocking laughter as well.

A deputy stepped forward, clutching a tattered map.

"Sir, the intelligence sent back by our scouts was completely accurate."

"Konoha can't even feed its Genin anymore. Their outer defenses might as well not exist. Those big clans are afraid of dying, so they've all holed up in the village fighting over power and profit."

"That useless Minato Namikaze can't even send out patrols now. With no food and no money, what can he use to support all those shinobi under him?"

Darui pointed his long blade forward, unable to hide the greed in his eyes.

"If they have no money and no food, how are they supposed to support the troops at the front? Tonight, we'll pass through the valley ahead and drive straight into Kawamachi Akiha