Chen Xing, the Fourth-generation Star Shadow, sat at the head of the room, facing the Third-generation celestial Shadow and Summer Celestial.
"The village is facing an imminent crisis," Chen Xing said calmly. "Sunagakure will not wait any longer. I have already ordered all external celestial Village operatives to return and prepare for battle."
The Third-generation celestial Shadow frowned. "Chen Xing… Sunagakure truly intends to wage war against us?"
Even though he had anticipated this, hearing it confirmed filled him with unease. Celestial Village was small. Compared to one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, their strength was insignificant.
"Yes," Chen Xing replied without hesitation. "If celestial Village continues to rise, it will threaten their interests—especially mission distribution. Even if the elders in Sunagakure oppose it, the Fourth Kazekage will still force this war."
The Third-generation celestial Shadow fell silent.
The Fourth Kazekage was ruthless. He had once dared to cooperate with Orochimaru to attack Konoha. Someone like that would never tolerate a growing neutral power on his borders.
"Summer celestial," Chen Xing said, turning to her. "Report our current strength."
"Yes." Summer celestial opened a scroll. "celestial Village currently has twenty elite ninja, one hundred and twenty-one chūnin-level ninja, and over two hundred genin and support personnel. Including non-combatants, the total population exceeds eight hundred."
The numbers were clear—and grim.
Compared to the massive military forces of the Great Villages, celestial Village was painfully small.
"And Sunagakure?" Chen Xing asked.
Summer celestial's expression darkened. "Conservative estimates place Sunagakure at over six thousand ninja. At least eight hundred are elite jōnin-level fighters. Even with their declining national funding, their military strength far surpasses ours."
The Third-generation celestial Shadow inhaled sharply. "The gap is that large…"
"Yes," Chen Xing replied evenly. "But Sunagakure cannot afford a prolonged war of attrition. Heavy losses would weaken them among the Five Great Villages. That is our only advantage."
The room fell silent.
Chen Xing had already accepted that celestial Village would bleed. What mattered was making Sunagakure bleed more.
---
That night, Chen Xing issued his first command as celestial Shadow.
All border patrols were reinforced.
He remained in the outer valley of the Land of Bears, refusing to return to the village center in case of sudden attacks.
---
Late Night — Border of the Land of Bears
A dozen figures in black cloaks appeared silently in an open clearing.
Each wore a mask.
Each carried a blade.
Every one of them was at least chūnin-level. The three at the front possessed unmistakable jōnin-level chakra.
"We split into three squads," said the leader, wearing a cat-faced mask. "Infiltrate the forest. If discovered, eliminate the enemy immediately. No retreat. No survivors."
"Yes."
The squads dispersed instantly, vanishing into the darkness.
Their destination was clear—the deep forest near celestial Village.
---
Bear Country Forest — celestial Village Patrol
A five-man celestial Village covert squad moved swiftly through the trees.
"Captain," whispered the operative wearing a mouse mask, "there are rumors… that celestial Village is facing destruction."
"Watch your mouth," the captain snapped quietly. His crimson mask glinted faintly. "Even if it's true, you don't say it out loud."
"I'm not afraid," the mouse mask replied softly. "Compared to my old village, life here is better. No constant purges. No endless internal slaughter."
A ninja wearing a monkey mask nodded. "celestial Village treats us well. But don't forget—our lives are still bound to the Fourth celestial Shadow."
"Five years," another whispered. "That's the term. If Chen Xing keeps his word, the seal will be removed."
The captain said nothing.
He remembered the day he had been forced to submit—how he had once planned to assassinate Chen Xing. Now, he knew it was impossible.
"Enough," the captain said. "Stay alert."
At that moment—
His body stiffened.
"…Enemy presence."
The others instantly spread out.
"I sense killing intent," the captain said coldly. "They're close."
The forest trembled.
"Attack!"
A sharp shout rang out.
The ground exploded upward.
"Earth Release: Earth Spears!"
Jagged stone spikes burst from the soil, surging toward the Star Village squad.
---
The sudden attack nearly caught them off guard.
But this was only the beginning.
The forest erupted into chaos.
---