The vast forest flourished, filling everyone's field of vision. But as far as Raikage A and the others remembered, Kumogakure had never had a forest like this.
"Wood Release, Hashirama Senju!"
Fourth Raikage A stared ahead, his eyes grave, his heart heavier than it had ever been.
Although he had never personally faced that legendary man, every account of his fighting prowess inspired fear and trembling.
"The only man in the Shinobi World to be called a god!"
As they approached the forest ahead, the sights that met their eyes made their pupils contract once more.
Hanging tree pods and unconscious Kumogakure ninja bound to tree trunks filled the forest, their fates unknown. They were everywhere, so densely packed that a single glance made everyone's skin crawl.
"Who could it be?"
"Who could possess such power?"
A spoke gravely.
Everyone present shared that question, but everything within the forest ahead, as well as the enemy's identity, remained unknown.
Without a doubt, this would be a war of immense pressure, one that could even inflict unimaginable damage on Kumogakure.
"Everyone, we have no idea what awaits us in that forest!"
"What comes next may be the hardest battle in Kumogakure's history!"
"The enemy's target is the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer B, but even if we must stake all of Kumogakure, we cannot let them succeed!"
"Give it everything you have! Show them the spirit and strength of Kumogakure's men!"
Drawing a deep breath, the Fourth Raikage spoke as he exhaled.
His voice was heavy, filled with anger and fierce fighting spirit.
Since Kumogakure's founding, nothing so outrageous had ever happened. Someone had actually broken through every defense, penetrated its heart, and attacked the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.
"Yes!"
Behind him, the densely packed ranks of Kumogakure's elite ninja shouted their response.
These were Kumogakure's