In the former Sand Ninja, the capital of the Land of Rivers.
Suikazan Fuguki received news of the Sand Ninja invasion immediately, and even had precise information about the number of Sand Ninja and their commander.
" Rasa? That one who's rumored to be the disciple of the Third Kazekage, and the strongest of the younger generation of Sand Ninja who also masters Magnet Release Technique?"
He listened to the report from his subordinates.
Suikazan Fuguki also raised an eyebrow, revealing a faint look of surprise.
Although unlike Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade, who earned their great reputations during the Second Shinobi World War and were recognized by the shinobi world as the Konoha Sannin Shinobi World (although the three of them certainly weren't so happy about it, since it was a title given by the enemy who defeated them, so it's no wonder they weren't pleased),
Rasa's performance in the Second Shinobi World War wasn't particularly outstanding, but he was still Magnet Release Technique, and the terrifying Gold Dust he could control was enough to wipe out most of his enemies. In addition, he was rumored to be the Third Kazekage's personal disciple and the top candidate for the next Kazekage. Naturally, other ninja villages would pay some attention to Rasa.
The arrival of such an enemy.
Suikazan Fuguki naturally needed to be extremely vigilant. Although he was very confident in his own strength, he couldn't possibly think he could defeat a Suikazan Fuguki candidate like Rasa in a one-on-one fight, no matter how Kazekage he was.
What do you think, Qi Jun?
Whether it was Yagura's special instruction or Suikazan Fuguki's own high regard for Kei, in the past few days, Suikazan Fuguki had been taking Kei with him everywhere he went, treating him like a trusted subordinate.
It gave Qi the feeling that he had taken Kisame's place in the original work.
There was an indescribable, faint sense of unease.
However, on the surface, Qi maintained his usual composure as soon as Suikazan Fuguki finished speaking.
After frowning and pondering for a moment, Qi said, "I think this is probably just a probing attack. After all, even if the Sand Ninja didn't mobilize again, there are already over a thousand Sand Ninja gathered at the border. But this time, even including those who invaded from other places, the number of Sand Ninja dispatched is less than two hundred. Such a force, even if Rasa himself led it, couldn't possibly defeat or annihilate us or drive us away. They probably don't know what our intentions are, and they also got information that we have reinforcements. They want to use a probing attack to test our strength!"
Even in battles between ninjas, it's impossible for an overwhelming result to occur immediately unless the strength of the two sides is vastly different.
The repeated stalemates at a border outpost, escalating into a protracted war, have been commonplace in the history of clashes between ninja villages over the past few decades!
This is not yet considered a formal declaration of war between the two major powers.
There will definitely be a certain degree of self-restraint between them.
The geographical location and interests of the Land of Rivers are important, but not that important. Neither side is likely to put all their chips on the line at once, especially for Rasa. Even if the odds aren't high, if he suffers a major setback here, his position as the top candidate for Kazekage could be shaken.
"Hmm, that's about what I guessed. We still need to touch it a little first!"
Even the rugged-looking face of the Suikazan Fuguki showed a deep sense of agreement as he nodded and said.
"All personnel, prepare for battle!"
Then, the conversation shifted abruptly.
A chilling look appeared on his face.
The aura emanating from this member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of Might and Magic also became incredibly cold and sinister!
"Yes!"
Several days of suppression and mopping-up operations.
Almost all of the Sand Ninja strongholds within the Land of Rivers were wiped out by the Mist Ninja forces led by Suikazan Fuguki. After occupying the entire Land of Rivers, Suikazan Fuguki did not disperse and station all the Mist Ninja like the Sand Ninja!
Instead, after selecting a few key locations and deploying some Mist Ninja as the first line of reconnaissance and defense, the remaining Mist Ninja gathered at the core stronghold!
Don't forget, the initial goal of the Mist Ninja was to secure the trade route between the Land of Rivers and the Land of Tea.
This is the most important fundamental interest.
It's the part that Kirigakure had already devoured.
Land of Rivers, it was a matter of luck if I gained it, and fate if I lost it, Yagura didn't care much about it.
Therefore, there's no need to be overly concerned about the edges and corners.
Even making a profit is already a huge gain.
Unless the three major families are willing to allocate their own resources and strength, Yagura is unwilling to expend the collective strength of the village for a strategic goal that is not set by him.
All that's needed is to fulfill basic obligations and responsibilities.
Suikazan Fuguki was well aware of this as well.
This clash could very well determine the future situation: if you can defend, then defend; if you can't defend? Then don't defend!
"Swoosh"
"Swoosh"
"Swoosh"
"Whoosh!"
The Mist Ninja, assembled at the command of the authorities.
Leaving aside the Mist Ninja were still in the Land of Tea, waiting for reinforcements to arrive, and the Mist Ninja who had come with them, led by Minazuki Fuuka, as well as those stationed in several key strongholds in the Land of Rivers, the number of Mist Ninja gathered here at this moment had reached nearly two hundred.
Leave a portion of the men behind to guard the stronghold.
The remaining Mist Ninja were all brought out by Suikazan Fuguki to fight the arriving Sand Ninja.
A large portion of them are from various ninja clans in Kirigakure.
As mentioned before, this special conscription order was a plan led by the three major clans. Karatachi Yagura was just going along with it. The three major clans have sent a total of more than 300 members, which is a considerable number for them!
The Kaguya Clan, which has the largest number of members, currently has fewer than 500 active ninja members.
The smallest group is the Hozuki Clan, with only around three hundred members.
The sheer number of participants demonstrates just how strong the will of the three powerful ninja clans was in this operation.
Yagura could be indifferent to the gains and losses of the Land of Rivers.
But the three great ninja clans are different!
Although the number dispatched to the Land of Rivers was slightly smaller, there were still over a hundred people.
Especially the Kaguya Clan!
The tribesmen they sent this time comprised nearly half of the total number of the three tribes.
There are more than fifty members of the Kaguya Clan in the Land of Rivers.
The person walking almost side-by-side with Suikazan Fuguki at this moment is none other than Kaguya Mashin, Jonin of the Kaguya Clan!
And the nearly fifty members of the Kaguya Clan who were following the main force at the back also had expressions of fanaticism on their faces!
The Kaguya Clan is the most notorious warmonger among the Mist Ninja Village!
They are also the Mist Ninja that all the major ninja villages least want to encounter!