Since joining the war, Anya had experienced countless battles large and small. The one that left him with the most painful lesson was his fight against the Seven Swords of the Bloody Mist from Kirigakure. He had never fully recovered from that battle. During a casual chat with Sasori, he once offhandedly mentioned that he would deal with them someday when he had the time.
What was meant as a passing comment was still vividly remembered by Sasori. The intelligence report contained detailed information about those seven individuals—ninja from various villages that the Zero Organization had "picked up" on the battlefield. Some had already been reassigned after being carefully selected by Sasori. In terms of intelligence gathering, the Zero Organization was now fully operational.
According to reports from Kirigakure, the seven warriors had secretly departed the village. Meanwhile, Kiri ninja were mobilizing for war—an obvious sign of major movement.
This was all the intelligence gathered so far. There was no conclusive evidence regarding the seven's exact movements, but Anya's instincts told him they were heading straight toward Konoha.
I wasn't planning to come find you guys this soon, but since you're coming right to me, I have no reason to let this chance slip away.
Anya had never forgotten this vendetta. After burning the intelligence scroll, he immediately sought out Jiraiya.
"What? You want to return to Konoha? Now? Why?"
Jiraiya asked in surprise. At this moment, Iwagakure was severely weakened after its desperate attempt to kill the Raikage. On the main battlefield, Konoha had complete strategic dominance. Jiraiya was ready to capitalize on this momentum when unexpectedly, Anya wanted to leave.
"Don't you find it strange?" Anya decided to share part of his reasoning. "The Third Battle has dragged on for far too long. Kirigakure only briefly supported Iwa once and has remained passive ever since. Do you really think they'll just sit back and do nothing forever?"
Jiraiya's expression darkened. Looking at Anya thoughtfully, he asked, "Do you know something I don't?"
"Just a gut feeling." Of course, Anya wouldn't reveal his source of intelligence. Calmly analyzing, he continued, "The last time Kirigakure intervened in the war was precisely when Konoha stood on the brink of victory. I suspect they might try the same strategy again—and right now, the village itself is vulnerable."
Jiraiya remained deep in thought for quite some time, wavering in indecision. Although Anya's reasoning made sense, it was ultimately still speculation rather than confirmed facts. However, if the speculation proved accurate, Konoha would indeed be in serious danger.
After carefully weighing his options, Jiraiya finally agreed. What would be the point of achieving overwhelming victory here if their home village fell in the process? Besides, Anya possessed a flying puppet, allowing him to conveniently shuttle between the two fronts. Considering how long Kirigakure had held back, it certainly created anxiety—like a hidden viper ready to strike at any moment.
Before departing, Anya went to say goodbye to Minato and casually brought up the mission they had previously discussed: "Kannabi Bridge lies deep within Iwagakure territory. Given its immense strategic value, I'm sure the Tsuchikage has laid numerous traps there. For now, avoid going there. Let's wait until I get back—then we'll take care of it together."
Minato replied with a bitter smile: "I can't make any promises though—you know better than anyone how rapidly battlefield conditions can change."
"Then you must be careful," Anya murmured. This covert mission had given her a glimpse of Iwagakure's Will of Stone—the awe-inspiring sight of ten thousand ninja charging forward fearlessly, knowingly stepping forward as cannon fodder against the Raikage, not a single one retreating or fleeing, fighting nonstop for three full days and nights. That kind of strength was truly admirable indeed. To lead such a group of shinobi, Onoki truly was a man of remarkable caliber.
Minato nodded solemnly. "I will."
After their farewell, Anya immediately mounted her battle hawk and took off without another word. As her figure disappeared into the horizon, a member of Anbu on the ground grumpily kicked a small pebble by the roadside and muttered, "Another one leaving me behind."
Beside him, Yugao—much more cheerful now—teased, "Hehe, Big Sis Haku, after this war ends, let's sneak out and follow him next time. What do you say?"
Haku, who had been feeling down moments ago, lit up with excitement and nodded in agreement. "Okay."
In a forest at Konoha's border, Might Guy, Genma Shiranui, and Ebisu stood facing seven encircling ninja, their expressions heavy with worry.
"We're surrounded! We can't get out!"
"How could we run into them... Aren't those the Seven Swords of the Bloody Mist from Kirigakure?"
A crushing killing intent rolled over the three young ninja as they broke into cold sweat.
Biwa Juzo sneered mockingly, "Who'd have thought even brats from other villages would recognize us—we've actually become celebrities."
With that, Biwa Juzo deliberately raised his large blade in mockery, saying, "Oh dear, there's a tiny chip on my blade. It needs a taste of blood before its edge sharpens again."
Between his teeth, Genma Shiranui held a senbon needle, muttering, "What should we do? We're no match for them with just the three of us."
"Not so fast, Juzo." Hozuki Kisaragi stepped forward with a smile. "Brats, don't be scared. If you answer just one question of mine, I'll personally grant your release."
Upon hearing this, Might Guy and the others exchanged surprised glances.
Then Hozuki Kisaragi quickly asked, "Do you know a swordsman from the Uchiha clan in your village? He's a few years older than you, incredibly skilled with blades—and also uses poison."
After asking, silence fell. The three opponents remained completely unresponsive. A sharp glint flickered through Kisaragi's eyes as he chuckled lightly. "Tenzo, they're all yours."
"Hahaha, leave it to me!" Biwa Juzo laughed. "Chop off their limbs, and I can make them sing like birds."
Just as Biwa Juzo was about to strike, a green-glowing figure descended from the sky, landing in front of Might Guy and his companions. Calmly and confidently, he said, "Good thing I made it here in time."
"Dad?"
Might Guy called out in shock, confused as he asked, "Dad, what are you doing here? You're just a genin!"
Might Duy replied sternly, "No time to talk. You three run. I'll buy you some time."
"But running away?" Might Guy cried anxiously. "Dad, they're the Seven Swords of the Bloody Mist! They're all jonin! There's no way you can defeat them alone!"
"I have the Eight Gates," Might Duy replied. "If I open the [Death Gate], it'll be enough."
He gave his son a thumbs-up and smiled. "I've always stood by my personal code. Right now is exactly the moment I have to fight with everything I've got for what matters most."
"Youth, burn... Youth!!!"
Red steam engulfed Might Duy's entire body. The excruciating pain almost made him pass out. A terrifying aura surged toward the seven opponents like autumn leaves before the wind.
"Ohoh, so this is a Konoha Genin? He's kinda scary-looking, actually," Biwa Juzo casually teased.
In the next instant, Might Duy vanished from the seven's sight. A thunderous shout rang out: [Evening Elephant]
The previously relaxed group suddenly felt an overwhelming aura of destruction and death...
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