"How many have learned it?"
Zabuza scratched his head. "Thirty-seven have mastered the basics. There are over a hundred and eighty promising candidates, too, but they still need more practice with that Breathing Technique."
Out of a ninja force numbering in the tens of thousands, only a few dozen had mastered the basics. That ratio was truly painful to look at.
But Gekkō Raito knew where things stood. This couldn't be rushed. Given time, sixty percent of Kirigakure's people would be able to use a trick or two.
When that happened, the entire village's fighting strength would multiply.
"My lord, are you really not taking more people? You're heading into a wolves' den."
The sea wind at the harbor was biting that morning. Ao had brought a group to see them off, concern written all over his face.
Gekkō Raito rubbed his temples helplessly. "Didn't I tell you not to see me off?"
Ao and the others turned a deaf ear, still staring at him as though he were a martyr.
"Kumogakure isn't hell. What, are they going to eat me?"
Although Ao knew how powerful Gekkō Raito was, he still couldn't put his mind at ease.
"How about stationing a team outside the village to support you?"
Gekkō Raito waved a hand. "That's unnecessary."
He glanced at Kyuji and Ameyuri beside him, signaling them to prepare to leave.
Seeing that the others still wanted to fuss, Gekkō Raito gave a direct order. "Stick to the plan. If the sky falls, wait until I'm back to hold it up."
With that, he turned toward the sea, and the seawater beneath his feet suddenly churned wildly.
With a thunderous boom, an enormous water dragon shot into the sky.
Gekkō Raito hadn't used the Nimbus Cloud or taken a boat. He had