After several hours of rapid travel, a magnificent village built on several huge peaks finally appeared in their field of vision.
Kumogakure.
Seeing this village, even the knowledgeable Gen couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
The entire village was built on steep peaks, connected by dozens of huge suspension bridges and plank roads, forming a natural aerial fortress that was easy to defend and hard to attack.
The architectural style was also full of roughness and boldness, looking incredibly solid.
Gen's gaze swept over the surrounding peaks standing like the fangs of giant beasts, sighing inwardly.
Kumogakure, being able to establish a powerful ninja village famous in the ninja world on this barren and dangerous land, indeed had its extraordinary qualities.
Just as they reached a canyon pass.
Hozuki Umitsuki's steps suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong, Brother?"
Hozuki Shio also stopped immediately and asked vigilantly.
"There's someone ahead."
Gen and the other Anbu ninja also instantly entered a state of alert.
At the pass of the canyon, a team of burly Kumogakure ninja was standing there at some point.
They all wore the white combat uniforms of Kumogakure, arms crossed over their chests, blocking their only path like a wall.
The leader was an exceptionally burly young ninja with dark skin.
He wore a unique, one-shouldered white combat uniform of Kumogakure, revealing muscles as hard as rock. He had wild white short hair and an unruly smile on his face, looking back and forth at Gen's group with interest.
"Halt."
The man spoke, his voice as loud as thunder.
"You few probably aren't ordinary travelers, are you?"
He grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth, his gaze finally landing on Hozuki Umitsuki, whose aura was the most restrained and unfathomable.
"State your identity and purpose, otherwise, don't blame us for being impolite!"
This man was one of the most outstanding elites of Kumogakure's new generation, known as the Thunderous Martial Ninja—Satsuki.
Satsuki's thunderous voice echoed in the canyon.
The several Kumogakure ninja behind him also stepped forward simultaneously, emitting powerful auras, staring unkindly at Gen's group.
The atmosphere instantly became tense.
Looking at this arrogant Kumogakure ninja, Hozuki Shio raised her eyebrows, extremely displeased.
What kind of attitude was this?
"Hey, you black charcoal head, speak politely!"
Hozuki Shio put her hands on her hips and retorted unceremoniously, "We are envoys from Kirigakure, here on the orders of our Mizukage to visit your Raikage. If you know what's good for you, get out of the way!"
"Envoys from Kirigakure?"
Hearing this, the smile on Satsuki's face grew wider, but it was filled with contempt and provocation.
"Heh, a bunch of guys who only know how to hide in the fog and play sneaky tricks?"
He looked Hozuki Shio up and down, as if looking at a noisy but harmless kitten.
"What did you say?!"
Hozuki Shio's temper flared up instantly. With her hands on her hips, she retorted unceremoniously, "A brat who hasn't even grown hair yet dares to talk big here?"
"Want to fight? Fine! Let this lady play with you, I guarantee I'll beat you until even your mother won't recognize you!"
"Oh?"
Sensing the chakra on Hozuki Shio, a flash of surprise crossed Satsuki's eyes, but it was mostly excitement.
"Interesting. It seems Kirigakure isn't entirely made of weaklings."
He clenched his fists, his knuckles cracking loudly. "Little girl, you talk big."
"I just don't know if your fists are as hard as your mouth."
Seeing that a conflict was imminent.
"Shio, stand down."
An aged but majestic voice sounded.
Gen leaned on his cane and slowly walked out from behind Hozuki Umitsuki.
He looked up, calmly meeting Satsuki's oppressive gaze.
"We are here on the orders of the Mizukage to discuss important matters with your village. Here is the scroll."
Gen took out a scroll from his robes and handed it over, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant, possessing the calm demeanor of someone in a high position.
A Kumogakure ninja stepped forward, took the scroll, checked it, and handed it to Satsuki after confirming it was correct.
Satsuki glanced roughly at the contents of the scroll, then casually threw it to the ninja behind him.
His gaze never left Gen's group, especially Hozuki Umitsuki, who had remained silent from beginning to end, his aura as unfathomable as an abyss.
"Scroll? Heh."
Satsuki grinned, revealing a wild smile. "In our Kumogakure, fists are the best pass."
His gaze locked firmly onto Hozuki Umitsuki.
"You look like the strongest among them."
Satsuki pointed his finger straight at Hozuki Umitsuki. "Fight me. If you win, I'll let you pass. If you lose..."
He paused for a moment, terrifying fighting intent erupting from his eyes.
"Leave your life here!"
"You guy...!"
Hozuki Shio trembled with anger and was about to rush up to argue.
"Shio."
Hozuki Umitsuki reached out and stopped her.
He slowly raised his head, his eyes hidden under the hat meeting Satsuki's gaze for the first time.
Two equally powerful yet distinctly different auras collided silently in the air.
One, like violent thunder, full of destructive power.
The other, like the endless deep sea, calm on the surface, but with undercurrents surging beneath.
"Brother?"
Hozuki Shio looked at her brother worriedly.
She knew her brother was strong.
But fighting a seemingly strong Lightning Release ninja in an environment like the Land of Lightning was indeed a disadvantage.
Hozuki Umitsuki didn't answer her, but just bowed slightly to Gen.
"Lord Gen, apologies, it seems we have to delay for some time."
Gen looked at the two young men whose auras had climbed to the peak and sighed in his heart.
He knew this battle was unavoidable.
He had long heard of Kumogakure's muscle greeting. He just said four words lightly.
"Do not be careless."
"Understood."
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