Land of Rivers border.
Kakashi and Shinji stood at the forefront, looking at the assembled ninja troops.
"Shinji, there is no unified ninja village within the Land of Rivers."
"However, intelligence indicates the presence of three forces within the territory that need to be dealt with. There's the wandering ninja group Poison Fang Gang entrenched in Black Swamp."
"According to intel, they have long been hired by Sunagakure to specifically harass surrounding small nations, but it has always been minor skirmishes so they were ignored."
"The intel returned by Anbu indicates that this organization helped Sunagakure launch a silent attack this time."
Shinji nodded, pointed to another red dot marked on the map, and asked, "What about the Ibu clan?"
"The Ibu clan is a Kekkei Genkai clan within the Land of Rivers, whose Kekkei Genkai is Smoke Release."
"During the Third Great Ninja War, due to the war between Konoha and Sunagakure, only one in ten survived."
"Now, like the Poison Fang Gang, they govern themselves, but they are extremely hostile towards Konoha and Sunagakure."
Shinji nodded. Regarding these historical problems, he had no mood to dwell on them.
"Actually, the most important thing is this." Kakashi's fingertip lightly tapped the coastal area of the Land of Rivers on the map.
"A group of smuggling organizations is active here. Previously, most of them were small organizations, but after the Third Great Ninja War, a certain individual appeared. He integrated all the smuggling teams and created a large smuggling group."
"This group is called the Sea Serpent Gang. According to intelligence reports, they have close trade ties with Sunagakure. Shikaku said that Sunagakure's supply route might depend on them."
Smuggling group, that's the nice way to put it. The ugly way is a bunch of pirates.
The Second and Third Great Ninja Wars shattered the entire Ninja World's pattern.
Moreover, the Land of Rain dared to challenge several great nations with a small ninja village back then, with the Land of Rivers responsible for logistical support.
After that, there's no need to think about it. Daring to do so practically means waiting to be liquidated.
The Land of Rivers, without a unified ninja village, can be said to be in utter chaos.
This is also why, after the Third Great Ninja War, despite more than ten years of peace, the Land of Rivers still couldn't establish a ninja village.
Amegakure dared to fight because they truly had strength, producing a Hanzo. But the Land of Rivers, which doesn't even have a ninja village, dared to act as a big shot. Then it should never rise again.
Shinji estimated that the Ibu clan was the first to bear the brunt and contribute the most at that time. Otherwise, Konoha and Sunagakure would not have purged this clan.
"Did Shikaku-senpai arrange a priority order for disposal?" Shinji asked Kakashi.
Kakashi's mission was not these. His mission was to find and control the Land of Rivers Daimyo, ensuring that Sunagakure's use of the Land of Rivers' official channels and infrastructure was cut off.
"Poison Fang Gang, exterminate — Ibu Clan, exterminate — Sea Serpent Gang, capture." Kakashi's gaze showed no mercy, pointing to each one without emotion.
Shinji's expression was calm, ignoring Kakashi, who seemed to be like a King of Hell deciding the fate of these forces.
Whether these organizations were innocent or not, it was unclear. However, Konoha must ensure that the war with Sunagakure does not take place on the Land of Fire's mainland.
"Choza will be with you. I will arrange one hundred ninjas for you, but it must be resolved within five days." Kakashi immediately set a deadline.
This was war, not child's play. And considering that Shinji was leading such a large mission for the first time, he assigned the experienced Choza to Shinji.
"Understood." Shinji said in a deep voice.
"Keep up." After putting away the map, Shinji gestured towards Choza's position.
Choza nodded to Kakashi, then led the troops to follow Shinji's footsteps.
—
Land of Rivers, Poison Fang Gang stronghold.
The bright moon hung in the sky, but tonight it was overcast. With winter fast approaching, even the night wind carried a biting chill.
On the outermost perimeter of Black Swamp, a man dressed as a wandering ninja rubbed his shoulders, muttering, "Damn it, I still have to patrol in such cold weather."
Another man walking at the front scolded, "Shut up! Sunagakure is about to go to war with Konoha. If you don't want to die, then patrol properly—"
As the scolding man spoke, he didn't notice the complaining man's suddenly constricted pupils. Before he could finish his sentence, the scolding man felt a warmth on his neck.
Bang!
A corpse had already fallen to the ground, its eyes still open in death, with a hint of confusion.
"Now, I ask, you answer." A voice appeared behind the complaining man.
Ignoring the continuous trembling of the man being held hostage, the voice calmly said, "Are all the Poison Fang Gang members inside?"
"Just nod or shake your head."
The pale-faced man nodded. Just as he was about to beg for mercy, he felt his body weakly collapse to the ground.
From the corner of his eye, he saw the person who had just stood behind him, wearing a Konoha forehead protector.
Why did Konoha's people appear here so quickly?
Clearly, no news had been received.
Shinji ignored the wandering ninja lying on the ground, lifeless, and looked towards the front. That was the gathering place of the Poison Fang Gang, Black Swamp.
"It's completely surrounded."
Under the dim moonlight, Choza's figure appeared beside him.
"Good, then let's begin."
Choza nodded and waved his hand behind him.
Rustle—
The figures hidden in the dense forest behind them stealthily moved, quickly heading towards Black Swamp. It was called Black Swamp, but in reality, it was only because the surrounding terrain was entirely encircled by swamps.
The Poison Fang Gang's stronghold was built in the very center. Generally speaking, they would use the surrounding swamps to set traps, thereby blocking the first wave of invasion.
Unfortunately for them, among the team Shinji led, there was a Hyuga Chunin. These so-called traps, from the perspective of the Byakugan, were like ridiculous child's play.
"Choza-senpai, it's our turn to go." Shinji called out to Choza, then charged towards the Poison Fang Gang's base.
"Yes." Choza nodded, and with a raised hand, he immediately used a secret technique.
Partial Multi-Size Technique: Right Arm!
Rumble—
A giant right hand smashed open the gate of the Poison Fang Gang's stronghold. The seemingly sturdy gate shattered like building blocks under Choza's punch.
The silent atmosphere was broken in an instant, and countless shouts erupted from within the stronghold.
"Enemy attack!"
"It's Konoha's scum!"
"Stop them!"
Looking at the wandering ninjas charging towards them, Shinji formed a single hand seal, condensing a large amount of Fire Chakra in his mouth. Then he exhaled sharply, spewing out.
Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!
Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!
As Shinji's flames erupted, the Konoha ninjas proficient in Wind Release among the surrounding forces all used Wind Release Ninjutsu to enhance the power of Shinji's Fire Release.
In an instant, the Poison Fang Gang's stronghold was engulfed by towering flames.