Chapter 21: Shocking News! The Mist Ninja Squad
After traveling for a while longer, the mountain paths around them became noticeably fewer, and their view was increasingly obscured by countless trees. However, the sky above grew clearer. Seeing this familiar scenery, a faint smile appeared at the corner of Chizuki's lips.
At their current pace, it would take less than three days to reach Konohagakure.
Hatake Kakashi, Might Guy, the Sannin, the Third Hokage—he would finally get to see them in person. Most importantly, he would finally witness the legendary "Ōtsutsuki Ichiraku" fabricated by netizens. Ichiraku Ramen… truly terrifying.
Imagining the ramen, Chizuki smacked his lips and wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth. After eating nothing but dry rations these past two days, he had almost forgotten what real food tasted like. Compared to those dry, hard flatbreads he carried, grilled meat and ribs were far more appealing.
Thinking about his future life, Chizuki's steps became lighter and quicker.
...
Meanwhile, in the Hokage Building of Konohagakure, Land of Fire.
"Is this information reliable?"
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, wore a grave expression. He tapped his pipe against the desk, then raised it again and took a deep drag. Smoke spread through the air with each breath.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. For reasons unknown, Kirigakure has suddenly withdrawn a large portion of its forces from the frontlines against Sunagakure. They are now launching attacks on our border from two directions."
Standing nearby, Nara Shikaku—one of Konoha's key strategists—flipped through the intelligence report in his hands and spoke seriously.
Hearing Shikaku's report, a trace of helplessness flashed across the Third Hokage's face. He took another puff from his pipe.
Age was clearly catching up to him. Wrinkles lined the corners of his eyes, proof that he was no longer in his prime. Once hailed as the "Professor of Ninjutsu," a figure who struck fear into countless enemies, he was now merely an old man approaching sixty. And yet—who would dare underestimate him?
When Hiruzen first assumed the position of Hokage, he was only in his twenties. The village factions had been restless, and war still loomed. Facing both internal and external threats, he ruled with an iron hand. Together with Danzō, he ushered Konoha into one of its most prosperous eras.
If time taught people anything, it was how to wear down their sharp edges. The current Hiruzen had grown weary of war. In his youth, he had sought recognition—proving his strength to his teacher and comrades through battle. Now, however, he favored tolerance and pursued a more moderate political approach.
"Hiruzen, let Root handle this. We must remind Kirigakure of Konoha's strength."
From the shadows, Shimura Danzō spoke coldly. His rough hands were clasped together on the table, his expression dark and severe.
"Very well. Although we don't yet know what kind of scheme lies between Kirigakure and Sunagakure, we must not lower our guard."
The Third Hokage nodded solemnly.
"Hokage-sama, urgent report from the frontlines."
Suddenly, a shadow appeared in the room, kneeling on one knee. No one present showed any surprise—it was clear they had already sensed the ANBU operative's presence.
"Report."
"Yes, Hokage-sama. According to intelligence from an ANBU reconnaissance team, a Kirigakure squad has been spotted within the Land of Fire. They are currently hunting our logistics units and reconnaissance personnel."
The ANBU ninja wearing a goat mask paused briefly before continuing.
"And Hokage-sama… according to the latest intelligence, that squad is… the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."
"Hmm?!"
At those words, everyone present changed expressions. Even Danzō, who had maintained a perpetually stern face, widened his eyes slightly in surprise. At this critical juncture—when all the great ninja villages were preparing for decisive battle—Kirigakure had dispatched one of its most powerful forces, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, as an independent squad with no support.
It was undeniably a brilliant move.
By withdrawing troops from the Sunagakure front and striking Konoha's borders from two directions, they forced Konoha into constant reactive defense. Then, they sent an elite team deep behind enemy lines to intercept supply routes and eliminate intelligence operatives.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen wielded seven unique blades forged by Kirigakure through special methods. Each of them possessed unfathomable strength. Together, they were powerful enough to annihilate an entire nation.
Moreover, these swords were not something just anyone could wield. A single misstep could result not in killing the enemy—but in killing oneself.
Currently, Konoha's frontline forces could not be withdrawn, and the village itself was relatively under-defended. To eliminate them would likely require the Third Hokage to personally take action—but that was impossible. As the supreme commander, he had to oversee the entire battlefield.
"Hiruzen, this is a provocation. I'll go."
A chilling light flickered in Danzō's narrowed eyes as he spoke.
"Hokage-sama, let the Uchiha Clan handle this. We will bring back their heads."
From the side, the Uchiha Clan head—Uchiha Fugaku, in the prime of his life—spoke confidently.
"Hokage-sama, the Hyūga Clan can also take action. With the Byakugan, we can locate them and guarantee their corpses within two days."
Hearing Fugaku's words, Hyūga Hiashi, the clan head, also spoke in a deep voice. As Konoha's two great dōjutsu clans, the Hyūga and Uchiha were far from harmonious. Each sought to outshine the other—Hiashi would not let the Uchiha take all the credit.
"We only need one day."
Fugaku glanced at Hiashi and said calmly.
"…Then the Hyūga will need less than a day."
Hiashi met Fugaku's gaze, momentarily speechless, before replying coolly.
"Enough. Stop arguing."
The Third Hokage slowly opened his slightly clouded eyes—like a slumbering lion awakening. A faint but imposing aura emanated from him as he looked around at the clan heads and elder advisors. With a sigh, he said:
"No need to argue. The Uchiha and Hyūga will go together. Find them immediately. No matter the cost—eliminate them."
"As for Danzō, take Root and reinforce the frontline troops immediately. Orochimaru and Sakumo are already handling the Iwagakure and Kumogakure fronts—they are not a concern. But we cannot afford any mishap on the Kirigakure front."
"Yes."
Everyone responded in unison.
...
Half an hour later, the Hyūga and Uchiha squads gathered at the gates of Konoha. Acting squad leader Hyūga Hiashi was briefing them on the mission details. Though the Uchiha were somewhat dissatisfied, this was wartime—unity against the enemy took priority, so no one voiced objections.
At that moment, someone who had just returned to Konoha after completing a mission passed by and stopped.
"The Seven Ninja Swordsmen? The Land of Fire border? This is bad… Guy."