Kazuyama was still a step too late. By the time he arrived in the Land of Rice Fields, the Iwa ninja had already surrounded the country.
The Hive Mind was teeming with movement—figures darting across the ground and leaping between tree trunks. Warriors of all shapes and sizes filled the area, creating a dazzling spectacle in Kazuyama's eyes.
"Damn, Kazuyama, the Land of Rice Fields is about to face a major disaster."
"So many Iwa ninja."
Kazuyama, concealed nearby with the Transparent Escape Technique, nodded. He had long known that Iwa would deploy 10,000 ninja, but witnessing their sheer numbers firsthand was still shocking.
Moreover, Iwa had moved with alarming speed. By now, they had likely flooded the entire Land of Rice Fields, completely upsetting the balance of power on the battlefield. Kumo would either have to retreat or face annihilation.
"Kazuyama, do you want to engage them?"
"No, we need to head southeast, to the border of the Land of Hot Water."
As soon as Kazuyama finished speaking, he sprinted away at full speed, leaving Chōmei puzzled.
"Why go southeast?"
"Wouldn't it be better to attack them directly here in the Land of Rice Fields?"
Chōmei eyed the Iwa ninja ahead, unconsciously licking his lips. Kazuyama sighed.
"Big brother, we're here to gather intelligence, not start a fight."
"There are 10,000 of them. If they all spit on us, we'd drown."
"I'm not about to go looking for trouble."
Chōmei scoffed at Kazuyama's cautious approach.
"Forget it. Even if you found 100,000 people to spit on me, I still wouldn't die. Hmph."
"What the hell is wrong with you?"
Chōmei, now entirely distracted, was visibly frustrated. He couldn't stand the idea of avoiding trouble. Seeing so many enemies within reach and then watching Kazuyama turn away instead of striking made his blood boil.
"Iwa's target is Kumo. You have to remember that Konoha and Kumo are still at war."
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. We don't know how long this 'friendship' will last, but for now, we can't act."
"If we do strike, it'll be after they've exhausted themselves against Kumo."
"As for where I'm going… Kumo will definitely send a distress signal to their base in the Land of Hot Water."
"I plan to intercept them. Lightning Bro has been pushing me around for too long—there's no way I'm letting them off so easily."
"Chōmei, lend me your chakra. I'm flying."
Chōmei nodded in understanding. He didn't quite follow all of Kazuyama's logic, but it sounded impressive enough.
Forget it. He wouldn't bother thinking too hard about it—he'd just transfer the chakra.
In an instant, wings formed on Kazuyama's back, and his speed skyrocketed.
Meanwhile, in the eastern part of the Land of Rice Fields, battle erupted once more.
"Die, Ōnoki!"
A lightning-clad fist sent an Iwa ninja flying. The Third Raikage, wrapped in crackling thunder, stood like a war god.
"Damn you, Ōnoki!"
"How dare you sneak attack me! Do you really think Kumo are pushovers?"
He fought while retreating, leading the hundreds of Kumo ninja withdrawing behind him. But soon, the Iwa army caught up.
The easternmost part of the Land of Rice Fields was an open plain with no cover. At this moment, 10,000 Iwa ninja were pressing in on the Kumo troops.
The air was thick with killing intent. The Raikage glared at the approaching Iwa forces. Though his fury had been boiling over moments ago, he suddenly calmed. Then, he smiled—facing 10,000 enemy ninja with a fearless grin.
"I'll break through in a moment. Use the opportunity to retreat."
"Lord Raikage! No! We'll fight with you! It's just a few Iwa ninja! We—"
"Shut up!"
The Raikage's voice cut through the air, his overwhelming presence silencing his subordinates. His Lightning Release Chakra Mode flared, lightning crackling violently around him.
"I am the Raikage! The battlefield is my home!"
"But if a mere 10,000 people think they can take me down, Ōnoki is dreaming!"
"Everyone, get ready! The moment I make an opening, rush out immediately!"
Suddenly, he remembered something. "Has the contact from the Land of Hot Water escaped?"
"He got away. Many were killed, but a few managed to escape under our cover. The message will definitely reach the Land of Hot Water."
Hearing this, the Raikage felt reassured, then roared, "Break through!"
However, the liaison they were counting on was already lying lifeless at the border of the Land of Hot Water.
"Damn it... Raikage..."
The Kumo ninja's final words were cut short as his life slipped away.
Kazuyama slowly drew his Wing Blade, a hint of derision in his eyes.
"Trying to warn Lightning Bro? Not happening."
"Chōmei, this is all thanks to you. A little later, and the message might have actually gotten through."
Looking at the four bodies at his feet, Kazuyama let out a light chuckle before slicing his finger with the Wing Blade.
"Summoning Technique!"
A burst of white smoke rose, revealing an eight-meter-long, pitch-black snake.
Huo, this bastard is actually a black mamba.
Well, it made sense—black mambas were the fastest snakes. If Kinrin weren't so massive, he would've used her instead, but something that large would be too easy to spot.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, so you're the fastest snake?"
"Hiss..." Yes. What do you want?
Kazuyama froze for a moment, then stared at the snake.
"Huh?" Why are you looking at me? Just say what you want.
"Shit! I can understand what the snake is saying?!"
"Hiss..." You're sick...
Kazuyama's face darkened. He was actually getting mocked by a snake. What the hell was happening?
Then it clicked. It was probably because Tagitsuhime had modified his contract, granting him the ability to communicate with snakes.
Tsk, tsk, worthy of the Snake Princess of Ryūchi Cave.
Considering this generous gift, he'd have to bring her some extra snakeberries next time.
"Deliver this information to Tsunade at the Konoha garrison on the Land of Fire's border."
"Hiss?" Never seen her. Any distinguishing features?
"Distinguishing features... Oh! She's huge! Yeah, she's huge!"
"Hiss" Got it.
"How long will it take you at full speed? This information is crucial."
"Hiss..." I'll be quick.
Kazuyama placed the handwritten scroll on the ground. The black mamba snatched it up in its fangs, then in the next instant, transformed into a streak of black lightning and shot off into the distance.
Watching it disappear, Kazuyama was left speechless.
Damn. A snake twisting that fast was terrifying.
"That's enough. The information is sent. Chōmei, let's keep watching the show."
"We should stay airborne—it's safer than the ground."
Wings unfurled once more, and Kazuyama's figure vanished.
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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