The battlefront shifted to the Fire Country's coastline. Half a month had passed since the skirmish between Kirigakure and Konoha, and the war showed no signs of abating. The appearance of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had momentarily disrupted Konoha's dominance on this front, tilting the scales in favor of Kirigakure. The devastation these elite warriors brought to large-scale combat was undeniable.
Fortunately, Konoha had its own counterbalance. Fighters like the Ino-Shika-Cho trio and Uchiha Yoruki had ensured the situation remained stable. Over the past weeks, Konoha had initiated multiple offensives, but Kirigakure's forces, entrenched along the coast, had stubbornly held their ground.
The Kirigakure ninjas' mastery of water-based jutsu, coupled with the geographical advantage of the coastline, allowed them to narrow the gap in numbers. As a result, the skirmishes yielded no decisive results, even as the larger conflict brewed across other fronts. Both Iwagakure and Kumogakure had been consolidating their forces, preparing for a massive assault on Konoha's defenses.
In response, the Third Hokage had ordered Konoha's forces to shift their tactics. They withdrew their frontlines 500 meters inland, away from the coastline, to strip Kirigakure of its natural advantage. This strategic retreat also involved relocating residents living within a dozen kilometers of the battle zone to safety in the Fire Country's interior.
To further bolster their efforts, Konoha dispatched reinforcements, including additional Hyuga ninjas, whose Byakugan abilities were critical in monitoring Kirigakure's movements. The strategy was clear: deny the enemy their edge and grind them down in battle.
On the Coastline
"Rustle, rustle!"
A massive formation of Kirigakure ninjas surged forward, moving across the water in perfect unison. The sight of more than 1,500 warriors advancing on the waves was breathtaking, their synchronized movement creating a tidal swell as they approached the shore.
"Bang!"
A burst of flame streaked across the sky from Konoha's position, exploding in a brilliant flash just 500 meters from the beach.
"They've spotted us already," Terumi Ryunosuke muttered, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. He knew the Byakugan of Konoha's Hyuga clan could detect their approach from over a kilometer away. Their landing hadn't gone unnoticed.
On Konoha's side, the response was swift. The assembled ninjas moved into formation, weapons at the ready. As the Kirigakure troops reached the shoreline, Konoha was already prepared to meet them.
"Kill!"
The cry echoed from the Kirigakure ranks, a chilling sound that carried the weight of countless battles. The Mist ninjas advanced with murderous intent, their eyes gleaming with the cold determination of those hardened by bloodshed.
At the Konoha Camp
Among the gathered Konoha ninjas stood a young man, unshaken by the bloodlust emanating from the Kirigakure forces. His eyes remained fixed on the seven figures at the forefront of the enemy ranks, each wielding a distinct ninja sword.
"Are those the Seven Ninja Swordsmen?" Nawaki muttered, his voice calm yet curious.
Standing beside him, Uchiha Yoruki remained silent, his expression unchanged. But at the mention of Minato's name, a flicker of emotion crossed Yoruki's face.
"Minato's probably already battling the enemy in the Land of Grass," Nawaki continued, glancing at Yoruki. "We can't let ourselves fall behind."
Yoruki's grip on his katana tightened slightly, but he gave no verbal response. The fact that Kirigakure had launched such a bold attack on Konoha's coastline meant that other fronts were likely under heavy assault as well. Nawaki understood this was no isolated battle; the larger war was unfolding all around them.
"Of course," Yoruki finally replied, drawing his katana with practiced precision.
"Follow me!" Fugaku shouted, his Sharingan flaring to life. The three tomoe in his scarlet eyes spun with purpose as he led the charge.
Behind him, the Konoha forces surged forward, weapons drawn and ready to meet the Kirigakure troops head-on.
"Who is that boy?" Terumi Ryunosuke asked, his eyes narrowing as he noticed Nawaki amidst the Konoha ranks. He didn't recognize the young ninja, but something about him seemed unusual.
"He's the grandson of the First Hokage, Senju Nawaki," a subordinate answered after performing a quick sensory scan. "His chakra is unmistakable."
Terumi Ryunosuke's expression darkened. The Senju clan's influence had long faded from the world, but their legacy remained. The unique chakra of their descendants was well-known and feared. Facing a Senju on the battlefield was no small matter.
"Be careful when fighting him. Don't underestimate that boy!" Terumi commanded, his tone sharp.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen, who had gathered at the forefront of the Mist forces, nodded grimly. Among them, Kushimaru Kuriarare, still recovering from his injuries, glared at Yoruki with pure hatred.
"It seems you've made quite the impression," Nawaki said to Yoruki, smirking as he noticed the murderous intent radiating from the Mist swordsmen.
Yoruki remained silent, his focus entirely on the battle ahead. The tension was palpable as the two sides closed the distance between them.
When they were mere meters apart, Nawaki moved first. His hands blurred as he formed a series of seals with incredible speed, his chakra surging.
"Water Style: Great Waterfall!"
A massive wave of water materialized out of nowhere, towering nearly ten meters high as it surged toward the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. The sheer scale of the technique left even the Mist ninjas momentarily stunned.
"What incredible water-style jutsu!" one of the Mist swordsmen exclaimed, their eyes widening. Even in a waterless area, Nawaki's technique was stronger than anything they could muster.
Realizing the danger, Fuguki , and the other quickly began forming their own seals. Moments before the colossal wave could crash down on them, the three unleashed their counterattack.
"Water Style: Great Waterfall!"
"Boom!"
The two massive water-style techniques collided with a deafening roar. The resulting explosion of water sent shockwaves rippling across the battlefield, marking the beginning of a fierce and chaotic battle.
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