Empty

"We've finally arrived. Even though I hate working with you people, I'm making an exception." Crossing his arms, Ohnoki frowned. Next to him, the third Raikage, Kazekage, and Mizukage were all sitting around a large table, with guards by their side. All of them seemed tense, seeing as they didn't trust one another.

They rode an enormous sedan-like carriage, with beasts pulling from the front. Soon, they would reach Uzushiogakure.

"You're the craftiest out of all of us, Ohnoki. If someone weren't worthy of our trust, it would be you." Furrowing his brows, the Raikage also crossed his arms, refusing to give the old man an inch.

"You dare!" With a furious expression, Ohnoki let out his pressure, clashing with the Raikage. Seeing them act like this, the Mizukage eyes narrowed.

"Infighting is the last thing we need. We've come here with a purpose, so cooperation should be stable until it is fulfilled. Stop acting childish."

Nodding, the Kazekage spoke in a flat tone. "I agree. We won't get anywhere if you two keep disrupting the peace. The Uzumaki clan must be taken care of today, remember that."

"Hmph." Turning away from each other, both Ohnoki and A returned to their seats, refusing to look at each other.

"We've arrived." Staring at Uzushigakure with an emotionless expression, the Mizukage got up and gestured for his guard to listen.

"Have all troops prepare... Remember, kill everything that moves."

"Hai!"

After his orders were given out, their troops quickly flooded the Uzumaki's village, with war cries creating an ominous cacophony.

The Kage all stared at this event, expectant of the results. Once they received information on the Uzukage's location, they would move and kill him together.

Quickly, the roars died down, replaced by a deathly silence. At first, they didn't think much of it, but after thirty minutes, it became a concern.

As the great four were about to make a move, one of the Kumo ninja came running back from the village, yelling out to them.

"The village is empty!"

"What!?"

Catching his breath, the ninja fell to his knees.

"They laid a fuijutsu trap... Our frontal troops have been almost wiped out!"

Disbelief showing in their faces, the four Kage rose from their seats.

"Impossible!"

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Morale was low amongst the people as they crossed the sea in the land of fire's direction. Jun sat near Nagato's family, keeping a close eye on them.

Walking up to him, Nozomi had a curious expression as she spoke up.

"Who are those people?"

"They're acquaintances."

"Acquaintances...?" Perplexed, she took another good look at them before facing Jun once again. "You had an acquaintance in Uzushiogakure?"

"It's a long story." Crossing his arms, Jun reclined on the taffrail, letting his hair flow with the sea breeze. Many things were on his mind, making him sound a little apathetic.

"Mm..." Nodding, Nozomi smiled and sat on the floor beside him, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You know, Tsunade-san accepted to test me as an apprentice today."

"Oh, really?" Raising an eyebrow, Jun turned to face her. "That's pretty good."

"Thanks... I had to bug her for the entire week, though, haha." Giggling, she wrapped her hands around her knees, drawing them closer to her chest. "It's just that she's such a great kunoichi. She holds the same level of respect as Jiraiya-sensei and Orochimaru-san. I want to be like her one day..."

Hearing the young girl's words, Jun nodded. He knew that becoming the heiress of the Hyuga clan was a considerable weight that had been shoved onto her shoulders, and the incoming war didn't make things better.

"It's just; I feel like it's too much sometimes... I wish that I could be as confident as Tsunade-sensei."

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Special thanks to Frozoka Swaggins, God Erebos, Daniil, Bradley, Garim, and MrOtter!

Don't forget to drop some stones!

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