After a brief rest, the squad set out again. Following the map through the rugged valley, they had to cross a treacherous pass ahead called Soulbreak Ridge before reaching the relatively flat terrain leading to the Land of Swamps.
Shion's attitude had clearly changed. Rather than trailing silently behind, she worked to muster her modest sensory abilities, trying to detect danger ahead of time. Though her efforts fell far short of Ling's Senjutsu perception, her willingness to try earned silent approval from both Ino and Shikamaru.
"The pass ahead... the energy readings are very chaotic." Shion pointed uncertainly toward the ridge, which looked as though a giant axe had cleaved it apart. "There are a lot of... cold stones... and a very unpleasant sense of fanaticism."
Ling had already sensed it all. Large numbers of puppet Stone Terracotta Soldiers lay in ambush on either side of Soulbreak Ridge. More importantly, a source of dark chakra far stronger than that of the previous minor leader stood in the center of the pass, seemingly waiting for them.
A proper leader has finally shown up. Tobirama's voice held a hint of scrutiny. His energy is fairly strong, but unfortunately, it's muddled and impure. He's completely controlled by negative emotions and his so-called 'faith.'
"Stay alert. There's a powerful enemy in the pass," Ling calmly told the squad. "Prepare to force our way through."
Everyone tensed and immediately readied themselves for battle.
As they approached the pass, a cold, fanatical voice rang out from above:
"At last, you've arrived, you lapdogs of the priestess! You dared murder our faithful and obstruct our grand mission to bring the great god Yomi into this world!"
A tall, thin, pale-faced man stood atop a huge boulder in the pass, dressed in the robes of a high-ranking Yomi