At this moment, if a modern person were present on the battlefield at the sea port, they would feel as if they were caught between modern warfare and science fiction warfare.
Above the coast, a Sunagakure Shinōbi stood armed with a modern technology gun, surrounded by semi-permanent cannons.
The sound of gunfire and artillery did not cease for a moment.
Hovering above the sea was a large ship connected by chains, enveloped in a light blue halo, absorbing all the damage.
Occasionally, powerful jets of high-pressure water would surge out from the battleship, attacking Sunagakure on the shore.
The tug-of-war between the two sides had been ongoing for a long time with no breakthrough.
The combat experience of the Shinōbi hadn't improved much, but their Chakra reserves and physical endurance had greatly improved.
On the battleship, the once gentle face of the Third Mizukage now wore a stern expression, his teeth clenched, and behind him stood the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, the Kaguya Clan Leader, and the Hōzuki Clan Leader.
"Mizukage-sama, this can't go on. We should try to launch a direct assault," the war-hungry Kaguya Clan member said eagerly.
He had been feeling stifled being confined to the ship all day, unable to take action, only exporting Chakra to maintain the ship's protection.
"The gunfire is relentless, and there is an elite team led by Yasuke guarding the shore. If we send too many people, we won't be able to sustain ourselves here," the Third Mizukage sneered.
"The enemy's Chakra weapons are far superior to ours. For now, we have no choice but to wait," he added with a touch of sadness, gazing up at the sky.
As a member of the Yuki Clan, whose appearance brought him advantages, the Third Mizukage's skin had been suffering recently.
Everyone was concerned.
"And how long do we have to wait?" the Kaguya Clan member asked angrily.
He couldn't endure waiting for much longer. It was too stifling.
"We must wait for the arrival of the Three-Tails. With the Three-Tails, our Chakra will be replenished, and then we can launch an attack," the Hōzuki Clan Leader interjected, baring his fangs.
His intelligence exceeded that of the Kaguya Clan member, and he could sense the Third Mizukage's agitation.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist and the Kaguya Clan members became excited upon hearing the Hōzuki Clan Leader's words. They began discussing eagerly how they would slaughter Sunagakure once they breached the shore and engaged in combat.
"Research and make the Hōzuki Clan's water gun technique as widespread as possible, so that anyone can use it. Additionally, I recall someone proposing a technique to seal Ninjutsu Scrolls and then release them. Research that carefully, and when the time comes, unleash a massive tsunami upon Sunagakure. Flood their land," the Third Mizukage suddenly interrupted their discussion.
"Yes, Mizukage-sama," the others responded promptly.
The Third Mizukage gazed at the Suna Shinōbi on the shore and at the Chakra energy relentlessly bombarding the ship's protective halo. His heart trembled.
He felt stifled, terribly stifled.
If not for the chains that held the ship, constant bombardment would have overturned it.
If not for Kirigakure's numerous boats encountering rough seas and developing this barrier resistance technology, etching it onto the ship, they would have been obliterated by the cannons that periodically struck them.
The Third Mizukage possessed a broader perspective than most people. He understood deeply that Kirigakure needed to undergo reforms. The use of Chakra had to evolve; otherwise, they would inevitably be ousted from the stage of history.
He glanced at the group of muscle-bound idiots with no brains standing behind him.
The Third Mizukage was exhausted.
Muscles alone did not equate to strength, and having a brain didn't guarantee satisfaction. What use were these losers?
This was the Third Mizukage's conviction.
Simple and clear.
With a cold snort, the Third Mizukage glared fiercely at the heedless men and walked towards the cabin.
"Stand watch for me and ensure no one launches a surprise attack. Also, rotate personnel to maintain the barrier. We need to be prepared to unleash the tsunami," he commanded, his voice filled with indifference.
Upon seeing the Third Mizukage leave, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist and the Kaguya Clan members were about to become excited again when they heard the indifferent voice emanating from the cabin.
On the shore, Yasuke stood on a rock, gazing blankly at the battleship floating on the sea.
"Another day has passed, and Kirigakure still hasn't made a move. It's quite disappointing compared to the Shinōbi of Konoha or the other Five Great Hidden Villages," a young Suna Shinōbi sighed and commented to Yasuke.
From his tone, one could tell he was an experienced Suna Shinōbi.
"Don't be foolish. The Shinōbi of Konoha are also stalling for time. I don't believe that Kirigakure has no tricks up their sleeve," Yasuke chuckled lightly, sounding somewhat disappointed.
As one of the Five Great Hidden Villages, with tens of thousands of Shinōbi under its command, controlling an entire sea area, Kirigakure certainly possessed trump cards.
"If they have tricks, why haven't they launched an attack? They're wasting so much money and food every day at sea," the young Suna Shinōbi responded disdainfully.
In his opinion, spending the entire day at sea was a waste of food.
Wasting food was a disgrace.
"That's true. But regarding wasting food, Sunagakure is the only Hidden Village facing such restrictions. Other villages are self-sufficient in terms of food, and Kirigakure, being alone overseas, has no shortage of food," Yasuke said, his eyes flashing with a fierce light when the topic turned to food.
Food was the factor restricting their development, while other Hidden Villages faced no such problem.
The battle between Sunagakure and Kirigakure was tedious.
Kirigakure's Shinōbi spent their days attacking with a battleship protected by a barrier.
Sunagakure, on the other hand, bombarded them with cannons.
The fight between the two sides was a waste. Whoever faltered first would lose.
Unfortunately, both sides had strong backgrounds.
The Chakra consumption might be unbearable for smaller Hidden Villages, but for both Kirigakure and Sunagakure, it was not an issue.
Both possessed methods to store Chakra.
After several years, their storage capacities were substantial.
"Don't worry, it won't be tedious for much longer. If Third Mizukage can hold on, the other Mist Ninjas won't be able to endure the psychological pressure. They're on the verge of madness. I believe they're about to act," Yasuke predicted.
Perhaps it was due to the mentality of his subordinates, but Yasuke furrowed his brow and offered a warning.
On another side, in the desert, a massive ancient nation welcomed a guest.
Engraved on the Hokage's fan, one of the crucial links was the ancient nation of Roran.
The place where the power of time and space converged.
And today, Hitoshi had arrived.
It was time to explore the treasures.