After daybreak, the war began.
Beneath the gloomy sky, fine rain fell in threads, blurring the entire world.
At first, the rain was light, but in an instant, it swelled into rivers.
The sudden rain disrupted everyone's arrangements.
Through the curtain of rain, the two forces of Ninja stood several hundred meters apart, killing intent spreading like mist.
The morning light was faint, yet it was difficult to see clearly.
"Whoosh..."
The rain grew heavier, pelting them so hard they could barely keep their eyes open.
Under these conditions, many Ninja could barely keep their footing, let alone fight.
Worse still, Ninja skilled in Fire Release made up the majority of Konoha's force. Fighting in rain like this would put them at a severe disadvantage.
Shikaku Nara offered a suggestion from beside him. "Naraku, what should we do? Should we postpone the decisive battle?"
"There's no point asking me that."
Shihōin Naraku looked up toward the distant Cloud Ninja force. Rather than retreating, they were advancing, their morale clearly rising. It seemed Naraku, a Fire Release Ninja, had put them under tremendous pressure before, but now, with the weather on their side, the Cloud Ninja were immediately brimming with confidence.
"Rain like this is a rare opportunity for the Cloud Ninja. However you look at it, the Raikage won't let it slip away."
"That's true."
While Shikaku considered countermeasures, Shihōin Naraku smiled happily.
"The sky has turned to rain, so I'll be the sun."
"If the battlefield isn't fit for combat, I'll reshape it!"
Before his words had faded, Shihōin Naraku strolled out of their position alone, heading toward the center of the battlefield.
"Whoosh-"
Fire lit up beneath his feet, burning into a torch with Shihōin Naraku as its fuel.
The pouring rain could not extinguish the flames on