The rising sun painted the vast ocean in flowing gold.
Dozens of Kirigakure warships cut through white waves, advancing toward the shores of the Land of Fire like a pack of sharks drawn to blood.
Gray sails swelled with the salty wind, and the iron rams at the bows gleamed coldly in the sunlight.
On the deck of the lead ship stood two figures, their killing intent thick in the air.
Two of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
On the left, Momochi Zabuza rested the Executioner's Blade across his shoulder, its edge reflecting a chilling gleam. His lips curled into a cruel grin, sharp teeth bared beneath the sunlight.
"Finally here. The Land of Fire… even the air smells rich."
On the right, Kisame Hoshigaki's massive frame blocked half the sunlight. Samehada, strapped to his back, twitched excitedly, sensing the faint scent of blood carried by the wind.
Kisame inhaled deeply, his voice low like waves crashing against rock.
"The vanguard has already torn open a gap. Wiped out a hundred-man Konoha unit."
"They're scouting now—mapping the eastern defenses."
"We brought three thousand. The Mizukage's order is clear—devour the entire eastern defense force. Leave nothing behind."
Zabuza narrowed his eyes, analyzing calmly.
"Konoha's main forces are tied down by Sunagakure, Kumogakure, and Iwagakure."
"With superior numbers, taking the eastern front won't be difficult."
Then his tone shifted, cautious.
"The only question is whether we can swallow them quickly—before reinforcements arrive—and still have enough strength left for the counterattack."
Kisame's expression remained indifferent.
"What's there to worry about? Shinobi only need to complete their mission."
"If we lack manpower, the village will send more."
"The Mizukage cares about results, not the process."
Zabuza's grin faded slightly.
For a moment, a chill ran through him.
The village… had changed.
—
Waves crashed against the hull as the ships docked.
Kirigakure shinobi disembarked one after another.
The moment Kisame stepped onto land, an intelligence ninja rushed forward and knelt.
"Lord Kisame! Latest intel—Konoha's Uchiha clan has formed an independent army and is heading for the eastern front at full speed!"
Kisame's brows furrowed instantly, his mood darkening.
Zabuza stepped forward, voice sharp.
"How many?"
"Around two hundred."
"Two hundred?!"
The number made both swordsmen pause.
Then they exchanged a glance—and burst into cruel laughter.
"Then let the so-called strongest clan of the shinobi world… follow the Senju into history."
—
By noon, the Red Armor Army—having crossed mountains in a straight line—arrived outside a rapidly growing coastal trade city.
Infinite City.
They established camp on high ground overlooking the surrounding terrain.
Under Fugaku's direction, the troops dispersed efficiently.
Some stood guard.
Others rested.
Within moments, the camp took shape.
—
Inside the central command tent, the core members gathered.
A detailed coastal map—drawn meticulously by ninja cats—was spread out by Mikoto. The coastline and settlements were marked with precision.
"The Land of Fire's coastline is vast," Ren said calmly. "Finding the Mist's landing point won't be easy."
"But one thing is certain—they didn't come here to play nice."
His gaze shifted to Hyuga Hizashi.
"Hizashi, time is short. We need their exact movements."
"Have your three clansmen form three reconnaissance teams and scout the major coastal towns."
"The Byakugan's range surpasses the Sharingan. There's no reason not to use it."
"Understood."
Hizashi bowed without hesitation.
Ren pointed to a marked location.
"Inabi—assign Uchiha to accompany them. Ensure their safety."
"You will personally escort Hizashi to Konoha's eastern command base and assess the situation."
His tone hardened.
"If the Mist shows signs of attack, report immediately via ninja cats."
"Yes, General!"
Inabi departed swiftly.
—
Ren continued.
"The Mist's vanguard is already scattered across the region. They know we've arrived."
He looked toward two others.
"Yashiro. Yakumi."
"Take twenty men each. Form ten patrol squads. Sweep a ten-mile radius."
"Detain any suspicious individuals. Use the Sharingan for interrogation."
"Yes, General!"
They left without delay.
—
"Mikoto. Hazuki. Intelligence is yours."
Both women nodded.
—
Finally, Ren turned to Fugaku.
"Brother Fugaku, I leave the camp to you. I'll be heading into Infinite City."
A flicker of concern crossed Fugaku's eyes.
"General… forgive me for speaking plainly."
"You're going alone? That's too dangerous."
"The Mist may already have agents inside. You are the core of this army—and the clan's future."
"Please—at least take an escort."
Ren met his gaze calmly.
After a moment of thought, he said,
"Shisui will come with me."
"…Me?"
Shisui blinked in surprise, then quickly stood and saluted.
"Yes, General!"
Fugaku hesitated, but Ren raised a hand.
"That's enough. Everyone, carry out your duties."
"Shisui. With me."
The tent flap lifted—and the two figures stepped into the blazing midday sun.
—
At that very moment, inside Infinite City—
A tall, imposing figure stopped before a bustling tavern.
Kakuzu.
Behind him stood a red-haired woman, clutching a swaddled infant.
Her face was pale, her expression filled with lingering fear and uncertainty.
"Come."
Kakuzu pushed the door open.
Inside, the tavern was dimly lit, filled with the aroma of food. A ninja cat insignia—paired with the Uchiha fan crest—marked the establishment.
A waiter approached.
"Sir, please follow me upstairs."
Kakuzu ignored him and walked up.
The woman followed quickly, not daring to hesitate.
—
Inside a private room, Kakuzu formed a simple summoning seal.
With a soft poof, a black ninja cat appeared.
Its emerald eyes assessed him—then shifted to the red-haired woman and child.
"The goods are delivered. Intact."
"Tell the Uchiha to pay the remainder."
The cat nodded and produced a specially crafted note.
Warm white, edged with intricate patterns.
At its center—the Uchiha fan crest, stamped alongside a cat paw seal.
Below it, a large sum was written.
"Same as always," the cat said.
"This note can be used at any affiliated store—or exchanged for cash."
Kakuzu took it, satisfied.
He knew its value well.
To him, this was as good as money.
Better, even.
—
The cat turned to the woman.
"Please wait here. The Uchiha will ensure your safety."
At the words "Uchiha" and "safety," the woman's tense body relaxed slightly.
Hope flickered in her eyes.
Once, the Uzumaki had been allies of Konoha.
Now… they were gone.
Abandoned.
She did not trust Konoha.
But the Uchiha—
Who paid to bring her here—
That was different.
Clutching her child tightly, she held onto that fragile hope.
Outside—
The storm was already gathering.
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