"One kilometer out—halt."
A Konoha relief force stopped dead.
Their commander, Nara Shikaku, narrowed his eyes at the fog shrouding Kannabi Ridge.
"Shibi," he said quietly. "Does this weather make sense?"
"No. Early autumn. No natural fog patterns."
Shibi released his kikaichū.
Minutes later—
"…Too late."
He turned grim.
"Our people are already dead. The ones inside are impostors."
A bug was pinned to a wall by a kunai.
"Eyebrows like dots," Shibi added. "They've noticed us."
Shikaku clenched his fist.
"Withdraw. Now. Inform Kushina-sama—Kannabi Ridge has fallen."
Inside the captured stronghold.
Mei, disguised in a Konoha jōnin uniform, stared at the pinned kunai.
"Why attack early?"
"Aburame insects," Rei replied, removing his headwrap.
"They won't come today."
He sighed.
"Missed the chance to wipe out the reinforcements too."
Mei shrugged.
"Your mist gave you away."
"Like I had a choice," Rei snapped. "Xiguashan didn't give me a sensor."
He kicked the wall.
Then paused, eyes thoughtful.
"This mist… it still needs work."
Inspired by Rain Tiger at Will.
If perfected—
No.
Later.
Mei watched him quietly.
"…You're terrifying when you think."
Rei waved it off.
"Worry about what comes next."
"Konoha won't let this go."
Mei smiled nervously.
"So we might really meet the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki?"
"If this drags on," Rei replied lightly,
"we'll also meet Konoha's future Fourth Hokage."
Mei stared.
"…You say that way too confidently."
Rei just smiled.
The fog rolled endlessly over the ridge.
The stage was set.
And the war—
was finally beginning to sing.
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