The desert's cruelty lay not only in its life-devouring heat and drought, but also in how it honed hatred until it was as sharp and enduring as wind-eroded rock.
Today, the Sandstone Fortress, Sunagakure's frontline fang, welcomed its destined executioners.
No flanking, no probing, and certainly no tactical deception!
The four members of the Hatake Squad appeared directly on the sea of sand before the fortress, like four blades tempered to scorching heat by fury and humiliation, bearing an almost tangible killing intent that threatened to crush everything!
Their arrival was itself a thunder of war drums, announcing vengeance that would end only in death!
Inside the fortress, Wenshu and Huxia sensed that familiar yet utterly different presence almost instantly.
The people were familiar. What had changed was their soaring desire for vengeance, fierce enough to set the air ablaze, and the overwhelming power of their transformation!
For the first time, Wenshu's expression turned deathly grave. The composure he had shown at Wind Howling Gorge, certain of victory, had long since vanished.
"They-they're here to fight to the death." Huxia's voice held a dryness even she failed to notice.
"Then we'll make sure they never leave!" Wenshu gritted his teeth, viciousness flashing in his eyes, but unease coiled around his heart like a venomous snake.
Outside the fortress, Hatake Sakumo slowly raised his hand and pointed toward its heart. His voice was cold enough to freeze the sand. "Targets: Wenshu and Huxia. Kill them all!"
"Yes!"
Three voices rang out together, each holding back a volcano of battle fury!
Boom!
Hatake Sakumo moved!
He was no longer the captain from Wind Howling Gorge, restrained by his need to protect his teammates. He was a demon of vengeance, every shackle cast aside!
The sand beneath his feet exploded into a deep