The Forest of Birds
Between the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind lies a small, once-peaceful country known as the Land of Birds. This land, once blanketed in lush green forests and the songs of chirping birds, now echoes only with the screams of battle and the clash of steel. The forests are no longer a sanctuary—they are soaked in blood.
When the Third Great Ninja War erupted, the Village Hidden in the Sand (Sunagakure) was among the first to strike. Suna dispatched hundreds of shinobi, seeking to conquer the Land of Birds and use it as a springboard to push into Iwagakure territory. But their surprise assault did not go unanswered. The ninja of Iwagakure rose to defend the region, halting the advance and launching their own counteroffensive.
The fighting intensified rapidly. Massive battles broke out across the Land of Birds, forcing both sides to construct provisional bases throughout the country to maintain supply lines and organize their troops. The tranquil country had become a war zone.
A Mysterious Visitor
Deep within the dense forests of the Land of Birds, hidden among thick canopies, stood one of Iwa's temporary bases.
Inside, the tension was high as always, until a Chūnin entered the command tent, kneeling before his superior.
"Commander, someone wishes to speak with you."
The Iwa Commander looked up from his maps. "Let him in," he said calmly.
A tall figure stepped inside. He wore deep red armor, striking and formidable. His presence radiated strength. The commander narrowed his eyes.
"What business brings you here?" he asked.
The man nodded respectfully. "I'm here under direct orders from the Tsuchikage. It's a confidential mission. I've brought a small unit with me."
The Commander leaned back. "So, you're not here to aid us in this battle?"
"No," the man replied. "Our mission is... precise. We're just passing through."
The Commander grunted. "Well, you're welcome to rest here. But if you plan to move ahead, be cautious. The Suna ninja have fortified their positions. They've grown stronger."
"Thank you for the warning," the man said. "We plan to move through a quieter zone. It should be fine."
"Very well," the Commander said. "Just don't get yourselves killed."
The red-armored man bowed slightly and turned to leave. Outside, four Iwa shinobi stood waiting.
"We rest here tonight. At dawn, we head to... you know where," said the man.
The others nodded silently and followed him to the resting area arranged by the base. Despite the war, they were given a comfortable tent—no doubt a privilege earned by the man's high rank.
Into Enemy Territory
As morning broke, golden light filtered through the trees. The Iwa squad moved out, heading toward regions of the forest where fighting was rare. The Land of Birds, even in times of war, remained breathtaking in its natural beauty—towering trees, rivers like silk ribbons, and birds that still dared to sing.
They traveled deep into enemy-controlled territory, moving calmly, even leisurely. It was dangerous—reckless, some would say—but the red-armored leader seemed utterly unfazed.
Elsewhere in the same forest, three Suna shinobi were patrolling a sector.
"Huh? What was that sound?" asked the youngest of the trio, a boy no older than ten.
"It's just an animal," the team's Chūnin leader replied, glancing casually at the bushes.
"You're always getting scared for nothing," teased the third, a Genin around twelve.
The young one frowned. "Captain, why are we even here? We've been patrolling for hours. There's nothing here! Can we go back to base?"
"Stop whining," the Genin snapped. "We have a mission. We don't run like chickens!"
"Quiet," the Chūnin ordered suddenly. "There are four individuals ahead. Get into formation—now!"
The Suna shinobi tensed, positioning themselves in a triangle formation.
Through the trees, four figures emerged. The metallic shine of Iwa headbands glinted in the light. Tension crackled in the air.
The Chūnin was about to give the command to attack when the tallest Iwa ninja stepped forward and raised his hand.
"Wait," the man said calmly, his voice deep and commanding.
The Suna Chūnin narrowed his eyes. "State your business, Iwa ninja."
"I'm looking for Suna shinobi," the man said. "I need to speak with your Commander. It's urgent."
The Chūnin blinked. "What?"
"I have no hostile intent," the man continued. "These three with me are my guards. Our mission is diplomatic."
The Chūnin hesitated. His young teammates were clearly nervous, and the red-armored man exuded power. A confrontation could end very badly.
"You're on a diplomatic mission?" the Chūnin asked warily.
"You could put it that way," the man said.
Reluctantly, the Chūnin agreed. He didn't like it, but better to escort them than risk an unnecessary battle.
An Unlikely Meeting
The Iwa shinobi were led deeper into enemy lines, to a provisional Suna base hastily built in the heart of the forest. Six adult Suna ninja stepped forward as they arrived. They looked skeptical, ready to fight—but after hearing the Chūnin's report, they allowed the red-armored man to proceed alone.
His companions remained outside under guard, but were promised safe passage.
Inside the command tent, an older man waited—clearly a veteran of the Second Great Ninja War, his face lined with scars and wisdom. He looked Han over carefully.
"You've come for this, then?" the Suna Commander asked after hearing Han's message. "Interesting… I'll deliver this information to the higher-ups. You have my word."
Han nodded. "Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time."
The two men—warriors from opposing nations—locked eyes for a long moment. There was no friendship between them, but perhaps… a trace of understanding.