"Elder Genji, will we proceed entirely according to Fuguki Suikazan's plan tomorrow?"
Ao glanced outside and lowered his voice. "Fuguki Suikazan has suffered losses at the hands of the Hidden Sand several times in a row. Is his plan unreliable?"
Ao was somewhat skeptical of Fuguki Suikazan's ability.
Genji shook his head.
"I understand Fuguki's capabilities."
"Among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, his ability in this area is the strongest. Otherwise, Lord Mizukage wouldn't have given him command of the entire six-thousand-strong army before."
"Leading three thousand troops is already Jinin Akebino's limit."
"Kushimaru Kuriarare can lead a thousand at most."
"Juzo Biwa is just a brute. He's good at killing, but if you ask him to formulate strategies and command an army, he has absolutely no ability in that regard."
"Hozuki Mangetsu is a sword fanatic."
"Jinpachi Munashi is about the same as Jinin Akebino."
A look of suspicion appeared on Ao's face.
Regarding the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Genji only mentioned six. What about the last one?
"Elder Genji, what about Raiga Kurosuki?"
A look of disdain appeared in Genji's eyes.
"Among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Raiga Kurosuki is the one this old man thinks least of. Whenever he encounters a little trouble, he loses his wits as if his soul has left his body. He is unworthy of heavy responsibility."
"It's just that there is temporarily no other more suitable user for the Kiba blades in the Mist Village. Otherwise, it wouldn't be his turn at all."
Genji paused for a moment and continued.
"Moreover, the strength of our Hidden Mist Village is already much greater than the Hidden Sand."
"Even if the plan formulated by Fuguki isn't very effective, our Mist army can absolutely defeat the Sand army. Crushing the Sand Village is only a matter of time."
"And it won't take too long."
"Before, Fuguki only dragged things out to reduce the village's losses."
"But now, Lord Mizukage doesn't want to wait anymore."
"Ending this early is the only way to gain other opportunities."
Hearing this, Ao couldn't help but glance in the direction of the Land of Fire.
"Elder Genji, are you referring to... Konoha?"
Genji nodded.
"Correct."
"Konoha's situation right now isn't good. The Uchiha clan's rebellion caused immense losses to Konoha. Not only did they lose the Uchiha ninja, but the Sarutobi and Shimura clans also suffered significant casualties that night."
"Furthermore, Konoha needs to dispatch a ninja army specifically to pursue the Uchiha."
"If they don't pursue the Uchiha, the Uchiha will inevitably find an opportunity to take revenge on Konoha."
" coupled with the fierce offensive from the Hidden Rock, there is a high probability that Konoha will be defeated."
Genji also looked in the direction of the Land of Fire.
"If we can partition Konoha, the gains will be far greater than crushing the Sand Village."
"Gaining a few more Byakugan would be a huge boost for our Hidden Mist. These eyes have excellent effects, whether in missions or on the battlefield."
"You should have a deep understanding of this, Ao."
Ao nodded.
As the only ninja in the Mist Village possessing a Byakugan, Ao's status in the village was extremely special.
It could be said that he was one of the most valued people among the younger generation.
However, regarding the matter of obtaining more Byakugan, Ao's feelings were slightly subtle.
On one hand, Ao felt that having more Byakugan would affect his status in the Mist Village.
However, on the other hand, more Byakugan would indeed be of great help to the Mist Village.
On the other side, Mei Terumi didn't care about this.
Also a highly valued member of the younger generation in the Mist Village, Mei relied on her dual Kekkei Genkai.
One was Lava Release, the other was Boil Release.
Because both were Kekkei Genkai users and both were kunoichi, many people within the Mist Village compared Mei Terumi to Pakura.
Many believed that in the future, Mei Terumi was very likely to grow into the Mist Village's version of Pakura.
However, Mei Terumi had a different opinion on this.
Mei didn't think her limit was Pakura; she believed she could surpass Pakura.
"I hope there will be a chance to fight this time."
"Pakura, don't disappoint me."
"Let me see just how strong you really are."
The next day.
Before dawn, the Mist army had already begun to move. According to Fuguki Suikazan's plan, they were divided into two parts. One part, composed of elite ninja, launched a surprise attack on the Sand army.
The other part moved as a whole to the flank.
Once the Sand army's attention was attracted by the Mist elite ninja, this larger portion of Mist ninja would launch a full-scale attack on the Sand ninja.
"Pass my order: All forces attack!"
Kushimaru Kuriarare was the first to rush out.
"Kill!"
Holding the Nuibari, his killing intent was intense. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the opposing Sand ninja, extending his tongue to lick his lips.
"Enemy attack!"
A Sand ninja warned in time.
Immediately, the nearby Sand ninja all looked over.
"Kushimaru Kuriarare!"
"One of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen!"
"User of the Nuibari."
Since Kushimaru hadn't disguised himself, the Sand ninja immediately identified the attacker.
The Sand ninja had a deeper memory of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen than even the Third Mizukage.
After all, too many people from the Sand Village had died at the hands of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen before.
And each of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen was extremely distinct.
"Quick, notify Lady Pakura!"
Some Sand ninja moved to intercept on their own initiative, but they were no match for Kushimaru Kuriarare at all.
Squelch!
A huge gash appeared on one Sand ninja's body, blood spraying out violently.
Another Sand ninja was slightly luckier but was still sent flying.
Who knew how many bones he had broken.
"Lady Pakura, enemy attack..."
This Sand ninja managed to run over with difficulty, but as he spoke, his voice involuntarily trailed off.
Because this Sand ninja saw that Pakura was already engaged in a bitter struggle.
Two figures, one on the left and one on the right.
On the left was Fuguki Suikazan, on the right was Juzo Biwa.
Pakura was fighting one against two, and while she hadn't fallen into a disadvantage, there were not only these two Mist ninja but also over a dozen elite ninja on the periphery.
Moreover, the Samehada held by Fuguki Suikazan possessed extremely strong chakra absorption capabilities.
One-on-one, Fuguki Suikazan was not Pakura's match.
But now, Fuguki was only pinning her down, and he had many helpers. For a time, Pakura had no good solution.
More Mist ninja appeared.
Sounds of fierce fighting erupted nearby.
The Sand ninja looked around blankly.
"Why have so many Mist ninja suddenly appeared?"
"How did they get close so silently?"
"Where are our scout ninja?"
Not far away, Ao revealed a smile, looking at the dead Sand Village scout beside him.
"These Sand Village scout ninja hid well, but I have the Byakugan."
Genji nodded.
"Pass my order: Have Hozuki Mangetsu launch a full-scale attack and deal the fatal blow to the Sand army!"