The battlefield.
With Shukaku gone, the battle returned to an even match.
Despite this, his sudden rampage had inflicted significant damage on Konoha's forces.
Orochimaru and Fugaku led their troops in a fierce struggle, eventually managing to push Sunagakure back—at least for the time being.
Meanwhile, in the camp, three young shinobi had already heard about the battle. They paced anxiously, unable to sit still.
"Obito, Kakashi, do you think Sensei will be okay?"
Rin's face was filled with worry. Even though they had been stationed at Kikyō Pass when Shukaku appeared, they had all seen that massive, oppressive figure looming over the battlefield.
And they had also witnessed its sudden disappearance.
The only one capable of something like that was their teacher, Kazuyama, with his Flying Thunder God technique.
"Rin, don't worry. You know how strong Sensei is."
"He has so many giant snakes helping him. Even if he was up against a Tailed Beast… he should be fine… right?"
Obito's voice grew quieter toward the end, his own doubts creeping in.
Sure, the serpents were strong, but in the face of a creature as fearsome as a Tailed Beast… could they really hold their own?
"Heh, it's rare to see Kazuyama's students this concerned about him."
"But there's no need to worry. Instead of stressing over him, you should focus on the war ahead."
A cool, measured voice suddenly came from behind them.
The three turned in unison to see Orochimaru standing there, arms crossed, a faint smile on his lips.
"Lord Orochimaru…"
Kakashi was the first to speak. He had been silent earlier, but that didn't mean he wasn't thinking.
"Kakashi, are you planning to go search for your sensei?"
"Your eyes tell me you have something in mind."
Orochimaru had already pieced it together. Given the current situation, it wasn't difficult to guess what the boy was thinking.
But there was no way he was going to let them act on it.
"Drop that idea immediately. I understand Kazuyama's abilities far better than you do."
"He may have relocated One-Tail, but if he wants to leave, he can. No one is faster than teleportation."
"Don't forget your teacher's motto—escaping is the most important skill."
"Now that he's not here, you're under my command."
"I'll consider letting you join the next battle, so be prepared."
Orochimaru turned and left, his words easing some of their anxiety.
But the moment he mentioned that they would soon be part of the fighting, their nerves sharpened, and their focus intensified.
Kakashi and Obito exchanged glances, both seeing the same determination in each other's eyes.
"Kakashi, you should sharpen your blade. Don't mess up when it counts."
"You'd better worry about yourself—this is war."
Rin sighed at the two of them, bickering like fighting cocks, but she clenched her fists in quiet resolve.
She would prove herself.
She was a Medical-nin, yes—but that didn't mean she would back down from battle.
Outside the tent, Orochimaru hadn't actually left. He had been watching them the entire time.
Seeing their spirits reignited, he felt a rare sense of satisfaction.
"Kazuyama, your disciples are just as exceptional as you."
"Don't die..."
In the middle of the vast desert, Chōmei's massive form had already vanished, leaving Kazuyama to walk alone through the endless, barren sands.
"Seriously, I told you to head north. Where exactly did you end up going?"
"Oh, I don't know. You saw that sandstorm—it's normal to lose your sense of direction, alright?"
Yes, Chōmei had gotten lost. Not long after they left the battlefield where they fought Shukaku, they were caught in a powerful sandstorm.
While the storm didn't harm Chōmei, it did throw off his sense of direction completely, leaving him disoriented.
With no other choice, he had to let Kazuyama take the lead again.
Which, of course, annoyed Kazuyama to no end.
"Forget it. Let's just fly there. If I keep walking in this heat, I'll end up as a dried corpse."
The desert's scorching temperatures were unbearable, and Kazuyama had no fondness for such an environment. Without hesitation, he spread his wings, found his bearings, and took off.
...
A day later, Kazuyama finally emerged from the desert and stepped into a lush forest.
"The Land of Birds… north of the Land of Wind, huh?"
"If I remember correctly, it's supposed to be a beautiful place."
"And one of the few countries untouched by war."
As he walked through the forest, Kazuyama recalled what he knew about the Land of Birds.
Its capital was nestled by a tranquil lake where migratory birds gathered, surrounded by endless greenery—a peaceful and picturesque city.
The entire country had an air of serenity, a place that longed for peace. Perhaps in the future, that peace would be disturbed, but for now, it remained unbroken.
Wanting to take advantage of this calm before sneaking into the Land of Earth, Kazuyama decided to rest here for a while.
Peaceful places had a way of making people let their guard down without realizing it.
Kazuyama was no exception. He had always been someone who enjoyed the finer things in life. Sitting in a small restaurant, savoring the local cuisine, he almost forgot about the battle he had just endured.
"Ahh, this is nice."
"Hmm? What's that?"
His gaze drifted to the main street, where a carriage was slowly making its way into the city.
Seated inside was a young man, his face adorned with a contented smile, as if he was deeply satisfied with his homeland.
"The Daimyō of the Land of Birds?"
"He's younger than I expected."
Indeed, the man in the carriage was Ōwashi, the Daimyō of the Land of Birds.
At this point in time, the country had yet to be invaded by rogue ninja. There was no sign of conflict, no looming war.
After all, with no shinobi of its own, the Land of Birds wasn't a target for the great nations.
Perhaps sensing Kazuyama's gaze, Ōwashi suddenly turned toward him.
Their eyes met for a brief moment, and a hint of curiosity and surprise flashed across the Daimyō's face.
"Stop."
At his command, the carriage came to a halt, and to Kazuyama's surprise, Ōwashi stepped down and walked straight toward the restaurant.
"A ninja from Konohagakure?"
"That's a rare sight. Why would a shinobi be in the Land of Birds during wartime?"
As expected of a Daimyō, Ōwashi got straight to the point.
Kazuyama blinked, slightly caught off guard.
"Just passing through on a mission. I'd heard the Land of Birds was beautiful, so I figured I'd stop by for a look."
Hearing this, Ōwashi chuckled softly.
"Is that so? Ninjas don't visit the Land of Birds often. Since you're here, take your time and enjoy yourself."
"However, I must ask that you refrain from using any shinobi techniques while you're in my country. It would cause unnecessary trouble."
"This is a land of peace—I don't want anyone disturbing it."
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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