The peaceful days passed slowly, and by the evening of the fifth day, no abnormalities had been detected.
After dinner, the small snakes guarding the sea line relayed intelligence, translated by Big White.
More than two kilometers from the Land of Fire coast, three cargo ships were approaching from the Land of Water—but they were not heading toward the port.
"Is something happening?" Mikoto asked from inside the tent.
"Yes," Hayashi replied, nodding. "Cargo ships are coming from the Land of Water. Himeji, can you sense how many enemies there are?"
Himeji shook her head. "The distance is too great; I can't confirm the number."
Hayashi paused in thought. "Let's move to the shore. Himeji, observe again once we're there. If the enemy numbers are too high, we retreat as planned."
"Understood!"
The campsite was only a kilometer from the coast—a short distance for ninjas. The three reached the shore in barely a minute.
The sea surface was pitch-black, and the Sharingan offered little help, so they relied on the Byakugan.
After careful observation, Himeji whispered, "The enemy is less than a kilometer away. Two ships are empty, and the third has eight crew members, all ordinary people. There are also three ninjas."
Judging by their chakra, they were all Jonin-level, and one had exceptionally strong chakra.
"So few?" Hayashi murmured, incredulous. Even if they couldn't win outright, escaping wouldn't be a problem.
Could it be… this isn't Madara's scheme, and I'm overthinking it?
He stared at the dark sea, speechless. For days, he had imagined plots woven by Madara. That man was terrifying; only a handful of people could confront him directly. Hayashi felt both fear and exhilaration.
He had already planned contingencies: if a large number of enemies appeared, he would unleash the Intertwining Explosive Tags and retreat, forcing Madara into temporary frustration.
Perhaps the old man would even smile mysteriously from the shadows, thinking, You are the successor I've chosen; you are the strongest.
The thought sent a thrill through Hayashi. Yet now, realizing the enemy was small, he felt a mix of relief and mild disappointment. All that worry for this?
"Do we engage?" Mikoto asked, seeing the ship's hull emerge from the dark waters.
Hayashi nodded. "Prepare for battle."
With only three enemy ninjas, there was no reason to hesitate. He was confident he could handle them—even a brief skirmish with the Third Mizukage would have been within reach. He also needed to release the frustration of the past days.
"Hmph, let these Hidden Mist ninjas witness my Italian Cannon!"
He formed the hand signs for Summoning Jutsu, and a towering blaze of fire erupted, nearly lighting the sky.
Even in the cold sea, the Intertwining Explosive Tags retained their power. Hayashi did not concern himself with the survival of ordinary crew members; a ninja hardened by war felt no psychological burden.
After a moment, he cut the chakra to the tags. The once-churning water gradually calmed.
"How is it?" he asked Himeji.
"The ship has sunk… the enemies are gone," she reported, then froze. "No, one enemy is approaching fast!"
Hayashi was unsurprised. The tags had been placed near the hull; any fast ninja could escape.
Soon, two figures appeared in the moonlight: the remaining Hidden Mist ninja carrying an unconscious child.
The ninja running across the water was severely injured, but the child looked pale yet unharmed.
"Be careful. Don't force the attack if you can't handle it," Hayashi instructed Mikoto and Himeji from the tree.
Even at this distance, he could sense the enemy's formidable chakra. Their ability to dodge the explosive tags while carrying the boy proved their strength. Fortunately, they had not noticed the three hidden in the trees. This was the perfect opportunity to strike.
With a few hand signs, Hayashi vanished from sight. Himeji and Mikoto crouched, minimizing their breathing and entering full stealth. Sneak attacks against such strong opponents were unwise; he did not take the risk.
Lightning Release chakra surged through Hayashi midair. With Second Stage Acceleration, his speed maxed instantly.
He appeared behind the ninja, Chidori igniting in his right hand. The lightning energy surged through the air, so powerful that even Hayashi felt a slight numbness.
The ninja gasped in recognition. "Chidori?"
Hayashi was surprised. The enemy recognized the technique instantly. Though Hidden Mist was one of the Five Great Nations, it had remained isolated overseas and hadn't participated in the Great War. Most ninjas there had no firsthand knowledge of the conflict.
The battle commenced. Their eyes met, and a Genjutsu from Hayashi pierced the ninja's will. Yet he chose not to press the attack further, leaping away instead.
From behind, a sharp sonic boom rang out.
Water Release: Water Gun Technique!
A narrow jet of water shot toward him. Hayashi had not anticipated being put on the back foot so quickly. The gloomy weather had masked the presence of a Water Clone, demonstrating the opponent's extraordinary skill.
Midair, he was hit, and quickly used Substitution Jutsu, landing just as more water jets fired behind him.
The enemy's battle awareness and control of Ninjutsu were flawless—perhaps even surpassing Orochimaru's mastery. They had also avoided the explosive tags while running on the water's surface.
Kage-level? Hayashi thought, stunned.
What had happened to the plan to vent frustration and show my power? How did the enemy react so flawlessly?
Could it be that the era where Kage-level ninjas dominate and Jonin are comparatively weak is truly arriving?