After a while, as the Hyuga-led forces penetrated deeper into Kirigakure's main island, the intensity of the battle escalated.
The village's defenders, though surprised, were quick to organize a robust resistance. Many shinobi came from behind the mountains to defend the village's outermost parameter area.
The preparedness of the Kiri forces suggested that they had anticipated some form of attack recently, leading to a swift and coordinated response.
Meanwhile, they were also taken aback by some additional forces' sudden, unexpected arrival. The presence of Kumogakure shinobi among the Kirigakure ranks was a significant escalation, altering the battlefield dynamics in a way that they didn't fully anticipate.
Hikari's eyes narrowed as he observed the new arrivals, their distinctive uniforms mingling with those of Kirigakure's defenders,
"It seems we have more than just Kirigakure shinobi to contend with...", He noted with a hint of urgency in his voice,
"Kumogakure has joined the fray indeed as reinforcements to the Mizukage. Thankfully, they are not all that numerous."
Takumi, his expression grave, added, "This alliance could be more entrenched than we anticipated. We need to be even more cautious now. We need to accomplish the overthrow fast, or our shinobi here are simply not numerous enough to handle them for very long."
Amidst the unfolding chaos, with clashes erupting all around, Hikari quickly assessed the situation objectively once again. Then, turning to Hiashi, Takumi, and Hizashi, he recommended with a strategic calm.
"Hizashi, stay back and support the team. Use your arrows for surprise attacks from afar. Your ability to strike without being seen will be crucial...", He instructed, recognizing the tactical advantage Hizashi's unique jutsu provided.
He then focused on Takumi and Hiashi, "Takumi-sensei, Hiashi-san, we need to take this opportunity to infiltrate deeper somehow and target the key figures in the Mizukage's faction alone, it seems. They were way more prepared than we thought.",
His eyes briefly scanned the battlefield, witnessing the fierce engagements between their forces and the Kiri troops.
"We also need to join with Toru-san and Arata-san and them on the inside...", Hikari continued, plotting their next move, "Let's form an elite squad, like we initially discussed back then, and push forward."
Acknowledging Hikari's plan, Hiashi and Takumi nodded in agreement. They quickly gathered Shibi Aburame, Tsume Inuzuka, Ryosuke Gekko, and Isamu Sumi.
These Elite Jonin and clan leaders, each formidable in their own right, formed a formidable group that could adapt to any combat scenario and was closest to them in terms of strength.
Then, after finalizing their plans with a brief but intense discussion, Hikari's elite group moved decisively through the battlefield.
Their combined skills and strength resulted in significant losses for Kirigakure's forces, allowing them to break through defensive lines slowly with lethal efficiency over time.
Each member of the team utilized their unique abilities to great effect, navigating through the chaos of battle and diminishing the enemy's numbers.
As they advanced, the terrain presented its own challenges. The village was nestled among steep, mountainous landscapes shrouded in a persistent, dense mist.
The mist curled around the mountains' rugged outlines, occasionally clearing just enough to reveal glimpses of Kirigakure's distinct architecture.
The buildings of Kirigakure were unusual in their design, reflecting the village's adaptation to its mountainous environment.
Structures were built to be high and narrow, often perched on elevated platforms to maximize space and provide defensive advantages.
The roofs were steeply pitched, designed to handle the heavy rainfall common in the region, and constructed with materials that blended into the natural foggy backdrop, making them difficult to spot from a distance.
As the mist shifted from time to time, these high-rise buildings loomed ghostly over the skirmishes below, their silhouettes eerie and imposing through the fog.
The environment was a maze of shadows and sounds, with the echo of combat reverberating off the stone and water.
Navigating this misty, mountainous terrain required constant vigilance and adaptability. The group moved with purpose, but sudden rocky drops occasionally obstructed their path.
However, just as they were closing in on the Kirigakure amidst the chaos, an unexpected development stopped their progress.
Six figures emerged through the mist from the direction of Kirigakure, moving with determined speed towards Hikari's group.
Raiga and Kushimaru, two formidable swordsmen of the Mist whom Hikari had previously encountered and knew well, led the group.
However, accompanying them were four other current generation swordsmen of the Mist: Juzo Biwa, known for his ruthless tactics; Fuguki Suikazan, a giant of a man wielding the infamous Samehada before it eventually passed to Kisame; and Katashi, the current wielder of Hiramekarei, renowned for its ability to change forms based on the user's chakra.
Completing the group was a young Kisame Hoshigaki, who, though not yet armed with the legendary Samehada, was already a formidable shinobi and an Elite Jonin in his own right.
Hikari quickly assessed the situation and spoke in a low tone, "I believe I can break through and continue toward the village to hit our targets. I need you all to engage them and keep them from following me.",
"Once I create an opening and slip past, I'll make my way into the village alone. I'm quick and alert, and I'm confident in my ability to assassinate the Mizukage and the other key leaders.",
"It seems most of their forces are either here or occupied with the Yuki and Kaguya. I'll have a window of opportunity—just hold these six here for me and help me evade them now."
Hiashi, always the strategist, nodded in agreement, but his concern was evident, "It's risky, Hikari, but it might be our best chance right now. We'll handle them here. Make sure you're not seen, and use the mist to your advantage."
Takumi, known for his wisdom and experience, added, "Be cautious, Hikari. Your speed and perception are unmatched, but so is the cunning of the enemy. Also, make sure not to underestimate the Mizukage in any way."
Shibi Aburame, said, "I will release my insects to provide you further help in obtaining intelligence. They'll also keep you informed of any changes everywhere."
Tsume Inuzuka, fierce and fearless, cracked her knuckles, ready for the fight, "Don't worry about us. We'll keep them busy. Focus on your mission, and get in and out quickly."
Ryosuke Gekko and Isamu Sumi nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of their task as he looked at the six figures approaching them closer and closer and knowing of their reputation,
"We'll hold the line...", Isamu stated firmly, "Focus on the mission. We trust in your abilities, Hikari-san."
Hikari looked at them with focus and discipline in his eyes. "Thank you..." he said simply. I'll try to make this quick and clean. Keep safe."