Steel warships plowed white wakes through the azure sea as the Allied Forces' main fleet advanced through the waves in a wedge formation. At the bow of the flagship leading the way, Fourth Raikage A stood like a mountain, faint lightning circling his body. Beside him, Tsunade stood with her arms folded, her sharp gaze fixed on the increasingly clear outline of an island shrouded in purple-black mist.
"All forces, battle stations!" The Raikage's chakra-amplified voice rang across the fleet. Countless ninja hurried across the decks as explosive tags, ninja tools, and sealing scrolls were swiftly distributed. The Medical Corps set up temporary treatment stations in secure areas, and a grim tension mingled with the scent of smoke and the sea breeze.
Almost the instant the fleet entered the waters surrounding the island, disaster struck!
Splash-!
Beneath the sea, countless thick, purple-black vines studded with suckers and sharp teeth shot out like giant pythons, frantically coiling around the ships' hulls! At the same time, hordes of twisted, red-eyed monsters emerged from behind the coastal reefs and within the dense forest. Some retained humanoid shapes, their skin covered in wooden or crystallized armor, while others had transformed completely into abominations with multiple arms and legs and hideous mouthparts. These were the "Fallen," deeply corrupted and controlled by the god tree remnant!
"An ambush, just as expected! Stay calm! Follow the plan! Assault teams, clear the obstacles! Defense teams, protect the ships! Medical teams, prepare to receive casualties!" Darui, commanding the front line, shouted his orders. Though his tone remained languid, his movements were decisive. He unleashed Lightning Release: Black Panther, instantly blasting a swath of incoming vines into charcoal.
The battle immediately reached a fever pitch. The light of ninjutsu clashed violently with dark energy above the beach, explosions, roars, and