Main World.
Summer, Year 29 of Konoha.
In orbit above Iron Remains Star.
The fleet set out.
Over a thousand Starships departed from Iron Remains Star's orbit, their silvery-white hulls gleaming coldly in the starlight. The flagship, the Lord of All Mechanisms, led the way, its ten-kilometer hull resembling a moving city of steel. Gun barrels bristled across it, carrier aircraft stood in formation on its decks, and marines awaited orders inside. The fleet's destination-Deep Forest Ancient Vine Star. The target had been chosen three months earlier, one of the Life Planets closest to Iron Remains Star. It had a moderate Chakra concentration, native intelligent races, and no Six Paths level powerhouse guarding it. It was not the richest, the strongest, or the most important. But it was the "next stop."
Sasori stood on the flagship's bridge. His 2.2-meter frame looked small before the enormous viewport, but there was light in his eyes. Not "radiance," but "data." Deep Forest Ancient Vine Star's coordinates, terrain, ecology, civilization, distinctive features, and dangers-every set of data flowed through his mechanical eyes.
"Seven days until we reach Deep Forest Ancient Vine Star," Tiegu said from behind him. "The fleet's speed is steady. Energy reserves are sufficient, and ammunition is fully stocked."
Sasori nodded.
"Notify Yutian. We land in seven days."
Tiegu lowered his head.
"Yes."
Seven days later.
In orbit above Deep Forest Ancient Vine Star.
The fleet arrived.
Over a thousand Starships arrayed themselves in orbit around Deep Forest Ancient Vine Star, their hulls blotting out the sky and casting a shadow over the boundless green below.
Seen from space, Deep Forest Ancient Vine Star was an ocean of green. Not the green of "grassland," but the green of "forest." Dark green, pale green, inky green, emerald green-layer upon layer, stretching without