423.The Mist Ninja Arrives  

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Konoha Battlefield. 

With the involvement of the Cloud Ninja in the war, the tide of the battle was gradually shifting in Konoha's favor. 

In the dense forest nearby, countless elite Stone Ninjas lay in wait, concealed in their positions. Their expressions were vigilant, ever-alert to potential dangers from their surroundings. 

Perched atop a tall tree trunk, Ōnoki, the Third Tsuchikage, was receiving treatment from a medical ninja. His sharp eyes and somber demeanor betrayed his inner turmoil. 

"So, even that old scoundrel, Raikage, has decided to wade into this mess?" 

As he spoke, he lifted his head slightly, his piercing gaze fixed on the tall figure standing before him. His voice was low and severe. 

Hearing Ōnoki's words, Rasa, standing in front of him, nodded slowly, his expression heavy. 

Rasa then walked forward, stopping at a vantage point. His gaze seemed to pierce through the forest in front of him, as if he were observing the flames of war engulfing Konoha. His voice was hoarse as he spoke. 

"Indeed. With the Cloud Ninja joining the fray, Konoha's disadvantage is gradually being reversed." 

"If Hueco Mundo hadn't struck at the critical moment, we wouldn't be in such a position now. And to think, it was under your leadership that we signed that agreement, Lord Tsuchikage." 

As Rasa spoke, he glanced sideways at Ōnoki. 

Ōnoki's expression darkened slightly, his eyes flashing coldly as he responded sternly. 

"Rasa, are you accusing me?" 

Despite Ōnoki's reprimand, Rasa didn't appear worried. Shaking his head lightly, he replied hoarsely. 

"There's no point in assigning blame now. What we need to consider is how to navigate this crisis." 

His eyes flickered as he continued in a deep voice. 

"This war has cost both the Sand Ninja and the Stone Ninja a massive amount of manpower. If we retreat now…" 

"The immense losses incurred during this conflict will render our villages unable to maintain any semblance of initiative in future wars." 

Ōnoki rose slowly and walked to Rasa's side. Despite his short stature, his overwhelming presence forced Rasa to give way slightly. 

Looking up at Rasa, Ōnoki's slightly clouded eyes glinted sharply as he said sternly. 

"You're not a Kazekage yet, Rasa, so your perspective is still too narrow." 

"This war won't end so easily!" 

Rasa's face showed a mix of surprise and doubt as he questioned. 

"Lord Tsuchikage, are you suggesting we should continue the war even under these circumstances?" 

Ōnoki's eyes narrowed as he gazed into the distance toward Konoha. His voice was deep and resolute. 

"The Five Great Ninja Villages… This war has already drawn in four of them. Do you think that scheming Mizukage will continue to sit back and watch from the sidelines?" 

Rasa's expression stiffened as he replied gravely. 

"But the Mist Village has no reason to intervene now. Even if they remain spectators, they can still reap significant benefits from this." 

Ōnoki shook his head lightly, his eyes gleaming with sharp insight as he responded. 

"Rasa, your thinking is too naive." 

"Or perhaps… you're underestimating Aizen." 

Rasa froze for a moment, his confusion evident as he asked. 

"What does he have to do with this? If it weren't for his actions and Hueco Mundo's interference, we…" 

Before Rasa could finish, Ōnoki cut him off with a wave of his hand. Fixing Rasa with a solemn gaze, Ōnoki said slowly. 

"The chaos among the Five Great Ninja Villages—that is the true goal of that man. Even I was deceived by him…" 

Rasa's expression changed, disbelief coloring his voice as he exclaimed. 

"Are you saying all of this is Aizen's plot?!" 

Ōnoki's face was tense as he nodded slightly and said grimly. 

"I'm afraid so. It wasn't until the Cloud Ninja joined the war that I realized… we've likely all been pawns in his game." 

His eyes narrowed as he added coldly. 

"However, that man shouldn't think everything will go his way. The Stone Ninja will not remain his tools forever!" 

Hearing this, Rasa's expression shifted, and he quickly asked. 

"Lord Tsuchikage, do you have a plan?" 

Ōnoki's gaze was heavy as he replied resolutely. 

"I've made preparations long before now. Just wait and see. Aizen… I won't let you pull my strings so easily!" 

As his words fell, Rasa's expression lit up with excitement. 

The war was only just beginning. 

---

Meanwhile… 

"Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" 

Far away in the forests outside Konoha, a group of cloaked Mist Ninjas moved swiftly through the dense woods. Their movements were quick and silent, like phantoms weaving through the trees. 

"Thud!" "Thud!" "Thud!" 

Suddenly, they halted in their tracks, stopping on the thick trunk of a concealed tree. 

"What's wrong, Captain Ryuuko?" 

A nearby Mist Ninja stepped forward and asked the older ninja in the group in a low voice. 

The elder Mist Ninja, his face as sharp and cold as a blade, scanned the hidden forest ahead with a frosty gaze. His tone was grim as he said. 

"The war has reached even this far… It seems Konoha is truly in dire straits." 

Hearing this, the Mist Ninjas behind him froze momentarily before turning their attention to the same area. 

In that instant… 

"Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" 

Sharp projectiles suddenly shot out from the hidden forest. 

"Attack! We've been discovered!" 

At the shout, numerous Konoha Ninjas leaped out of the forest, launching a coordinated assault on the Mist Ninja! 

The Mist Ninjas' expressions turned cold. Far from showing fear, they responded with calm determination, charging toward the Konoha forces. 

"Clang!" "Clash!" "Clang!" "Clang!" 

The clash of weapons echoed across the battlefield as sparks flew, landing on the lush green grass below. 

"Shlck!" "Shlck!" 

"Ahh!" "Ahh!" 

Cries of pain and the sound of bodies being struck filled the air, painting the scene with blood as the conflict turned brutal. 

At that moment, the Mist Ninja Captain, Ryuuko, narrowed his eyes, his hands forming seals at lightning speed. 

"Water Style. Raging Torrent!" 

With his words, a torrent of water surged into existence, swirling violently in his hands like a sharpened blade. 

"Swish!" 

He charged into the fray, his movements a blur as he swung the raging water. Wherever it touched, enemies fell, their blood splattering like rain. 

"Shlck!" 

When the battle finally subsided, every Konoha Ninja in the vicinity lay slain. 

Ryuuko lifted his head sharply, his icy gaze fixed in the direction of Konoha. His voice was low and menacing. 

"This time, we will not disappoint Lord Mizukage. Any who stand in the Mist Ninja's way… will be eliminated without mercy!"