A few breaths later.
A powerful shock wave rolled in from afar.
Konoha and the Rock Ninja alike raised their arms to shield their faces against the surging gale.
Even Yechen on the western heights was affected. He flipped backward, drifted to the ground, and instantly deactivated his Byakugan.
The sheer power of that Tailed Beast Bomb was astonishing!
Roshi's intentions were easy to guess: he had planned to launch a surprise attack under cover of darkness.
Unfortunately for him, Konoha was highly vigilant, and his plan had failed.
Nor could Roshi launch another attack like that anytime soon. A single Tailed Beast Bomb consumed an astonishing amount of energy.
He could not afford that drain himself unless he released more of the seals, but doing so carried risks. If the tailed beast's energy grew too strong, he could lose his reason.
That was why a jinchūriki would never choose to do so unless the situation became critical.
"Kill!"
Although the surprise attack had failed, they were already committed. A Jonin in the Iwagakure force shouted at the top of his lungs.
Instantly, the densely packed Rock Ninja split into three groups, swarming toward the Willow Town outpost like locusts in a fan-shaped formation.
At the same time, Konoha's ninja emerged from the outpost and advanced to meet them in squads.
In an instant, an all-out battle erupted.
Under the moonlight, the ninja on both sides clashed and unleashed fierce attacks.
On the western heights, Yechen was still considering whether to lend support and rack up a few kills when a subordinate came to report.
"Captain, a group of enemies is approaching our position."
"Just what I was hoping for!" Delighted, Yechen immediately called out.
"Which direction?"
"Southeast!"
At that, Yechen turned his gaze southeast.
He immediately spotted over a