76

"They're here! The Sky ninja are finally here!"

In the hidden outposts surrounding the Konoha camp, Hyuga clan ninjas stood vigilant, ready to report any Sky ninja activity to headquarters.

A Hyuga Chunin spotted Sky ninja approaching in the distance. The news quickly reached Senju Ryuken, who immediately called for an emergency high-level meeting.

"Over the past few days, following previous leads, the reconnaissance team led by Aburame-san has pinpointed the locations of the Hidden Sky ninja bases," Ryuken announced, pointing to three locations on a map of the Land of the Sky.

This information had been gathered by tracking insects left by the Aburame clan on the Sky ninja, combined with clothing threads retrieved from the ambush site, and the efforts of the Inuzuka and Hyuga clan trackers.

The other ninjas nodded in understanding.

"Our reconnaissance teams have confirmed that a large number of Sky ninja have left these three bases. This indicates that the bases are currently empty and our operation has the element of surprise!" Ryuken declared.

The ninjas were excited at the prospect of victory and the potential for earning significant merit.

"Ryuken-sama, just give the order! We're ready!" one eager ninja shouted.

"It's not wise to send too many people," Ryuken mused. "It might alert the Sky ninja. Aburame-san, the Hyuga elder, and I will each lead an elite team of 150 to raid the bases. The main force will remain here to divert the Sky ninja's attention."

While it seemed risky to send such a small force, most Sky ninja were low-ranking genin, barely trained in basic techniques. Without their gliders, they posed no real threat to Konoha. In fact, in the original story, Konoha had only sent a small elite squad to eliminate the Sky ninja forces.

"Yes, Ryuken-sama!" the ninjas replied, eager for action.

As Ryuken and his teams mobilized, the Sky ninja launched their attack.

Whoosh!

Countless Sky ninja, clad in their gliders, swooped down upon the Konoha army, raining down a barrage of bombs.

The bombs were numerous and varied, some laced with explosive tags, others filled with shrapnel or spring-loaded blades. It was a desperate, all-out assault.

However, the damage was limited. Anticipating an aerial attack, the Konoha units had prepared accordingly.

The Sky ninja did manage to inflict significant damage on certain targets, however.

Within the Konoha medical unit...

"Quick! Get those kids into the shelters! Do you want to die?!"

"Captain, the Sky ninja's firepower is overwhelming! We're struggling to cope, even with our preparations!"

"Damn it! Why are they so relentless? They're focusing on us, as if they know we're the medical unit!"

It wasn't just the medical unit under attack. Other logistical units, such as supply lines and storage, were also targeted, especially with incendiary bombs, causing heavy casualties and chaos.

News of the attacks didn't reach Ryuken, however.

"Perfect! The Sky ninja are playing right into my hands," he thought with a sinister grin. "Now, let's see how Aizen escapes this!"

"Congratulations, Master! Your plan is working flawlessly! Your two birds with one stone strategy is truly brilliant! Not only are we drawing out the Sky ninja's main force and resources, but we'll also eliminate Aizen with their help!" Senju Kogane flattered Ryuken shamelessly.

Earlier, Ryuken had leaked information to the Sky ninja, including both false intel about an attack on Laguda and the real location of the Konoha logistics unit. This was meant to lure out the Sky ninja's full strength, increasing Ryuken's chances of success in his raid, while also framing the Sky ninja for Aizen's death.

"Hahaha!" Ryuken laughed heartily, his voice full of smugness.

After a moment, he regained his composure and instructed Kogane, "Although the attack was fierce, Aizen is a genius. We can't be certain he's dead. After we leave, you'll secretly detach a team of 400 and head to the medical unit to confirm. If Aizen survived, take advantage of the chaos and eliminate him, making it look like the Sky ninja did it."

Ryuken believed Aizen, with his elite Chunin level abilities, wouldn't be a match for Kogane, a seasoned jonin.

"Yes, sir!" Kogane responded, bowing his head.

Shortly after Ryuken led his team away, Kogane disguised himself and slipped away.

"Did you hear? Aizen-sama was severely injured in the attack and nearly died!"

"Yes, I heard our logistics suffered heavy losses. Those Sky ninja are ruthless!"

"Thankfully, Aizen-sama survived and is recovering in the ICU!"

Kogane overheard this conversation as he returned to the medical unit. "Survived by luck, huh?" he sneered. "Your luck is about to run out, Aizen."

His concealed figure moved stealthily towards the ICU.