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The Land of Whirlpools.
Once, this was the territory of the Uzumaki Clan, one of the powerful families in the ninja world. Unfortunately, the Land of Whirlpools has vanished into the annals of history, leaving behind only a name whose origins are now unknown to people. Even the bloodline of the Uzumaki Clan is on the brink of extinction.
The Land of Whirlpools is a large island, closely neighboring the Land of Fire. It's only 250 miles away from the Land of Fire's mainland. Should Hidden Mist Village take control of this place, their ninja forces could easily use it as a springboard to attack the Land of Fire at any time if war breaks out.
Similarly, if the Land of Whirlpools falls into the hands of the Hidden Leaf Village, it would effectively thwart any advances from the Land of Water toward the Land of Fire. If you dare bypass it, I'll dare cut off your retreat.
Ever since the Land of Whirlpools was destroyed, this island has become a crucial strategic point between the Land of Fire and the Land of Water.
The disappearance of the Land of Whirlpools left the Hidden Leaf Village without this natural barrier against the Land of Water. Later battles between the two countries were waged on this island.
Strategically, this island is a must-contend area and serves as a buffer zone for both sides.
On the tumultuous sea, as waves surged, over a hundred silhouettes appeared, swiftly skimming the waves.
The sounds of rapid footsteps echoed crisply on the sea, as a group of stern-faced ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village looked toward the now-visible island with determined expressions.
"Lord Yoru, the Land of Whirlpools island is up ahead. Our stationed forces there have been frequently attacked by ninjas from the Hidden Mist Village."
They had hurriedly crossed the border, and setting foot on the Land of Whirlpools—an area no one governs—meant that they had entered a war zone.
"The Hyuga Clan ninjas, be on high alert and prepare to land on the island."
"Yes!"
…
Waves lapped against the shore as the sounds of battle rang out on the island. Hundreds of Mist ninjas engaged in frenzied killing, while the Leaf ninjas, battered and bruised, were pushed back to the shoreline.
"Where's the reinforcement? We can't hold on much longer without it!"
"Damn it, these Mist crazies launched a suicidal attack specifically against us. Despicable!"
"Exploding tags! Quick!"
"Fire Style…"
In the Land of Whirlpools, the Leaf forces had three bases. Nobody expected that Mist would focus most of their forces on a single base, catching them off guard and pushing them back.
The beach was a cacophony of ninjutsu explosions. Kunais and shurikens flew everywhere, splattering blood. The Mist ninjas, shrouded in mist, were merciless war machines. Under their relentless assault, Leaf suffered heavy casualties.
"It's Zabuza!"
Given the island's natural geography, the Mist ninjas had the advantage. Their Water Style was unleashed without restraint, effectively countering Leaf's predominantly Fire Style.
Suddenly, someone yelled, pointing out to the sea, "Reinforcements! It's our reinforcements!"
The Mist ninjas also noticed the Leaf reinforcements emerging from the sea. Their commander, a towering figure named Suikawashanhetubugui, showed his sharp, shark-like teeth and laughed menacingly, "Leaf's little bugs are quite timely. Perfect to feed to the sharks."
Standing atop a summoning, a giant snake, was Uchiha Yoru with his Sharingan eyes spinning madly, "Great Snake, all the Mist ninjas are your offerings. Eat as many as you can!"
The snake roared and began to swim rapidly towards the beach. The Mist forces, shocked by the appearance of this colossal beast, started to panic. After all, the snake's summoner was Orochimaru, one of the legendary Three Ninjas.
Angry and prepared for battle, Suikawashanhetubugui cursed the intelligence department for not knowing Orochimaru would be here.
Uchiha Yoru, standing on top of the giant snake, looked confidently at the battlefield. He needed to build his reputation while consolidating Orochimaru's remaining forces.
As the snake reached the battlefield, he began to form hand seals.
"Fire Style: Great Fire Annihilation!"
Taking a deep breath, Uchiha Yoru gathered chakra at the back of his throat and spat out a wave of flames that resembled a sea.
The flames fell like a waterfall from the sky, instantly becoming the most dazzling sight on the battlefield.
Seeing this ninjutsu, Watermelon Mountain Pufferfish Ghost was taken aback. The elite ninjas from the Hidden Mist Village quickly responded, forming hand signs.
Water Style: Water Formation Wall
One after another, the Hidden Mist ninjas spit out large amounts of water, colliding with the incoming flames. A loud hissing sound emanated as water vapor filled the air, enveloping a large part of the battlefield.
The sea breeze conveniently blew towards the Hidden Mist Village, shrouding many of their ninjas in mist.
Observing the mist, Watermelon Mountain Pufferfish Ghost sneered, "Kid, the battlefield isn't just about powerful ninjutsu."
"Ghost Exchange, show the Leaf ninjas our Silent Killing Technique."
In the mist, many Hidden Mist ninjas were calm, showing malicious smiles. The mist was their natural battleground.
"All Leaf ninjas, prepare to counterattack."
At this moment, standing atop Orochimaru's giant snake, Uchiha Yoru gave the opposite order, opting for an attack instead of defense.
Before the Leaf ninjas could react, Uchiha Yoru coldly said to the snake below him, "Orochimaru, eat as many offerings as you can."
"Youngster! Don't forget what you promised me."
Some undisclosed agreement had been reached between them, and the unruly snake obeyed Uchiha Yoru's command, burrowing underground.
"Lord Yoru, we're up against elite Hidden Mist ninjas skilled in Silent Killing Technique."
A concerned Leaf ninja hurriedly relayed this information. Yet after Orochimaru went underground, Uchiha Yoru smirked, "Silent Killing Technique! This is also my battlefield."
Water Style: Hidden Mist Technique
As the Hidden Mist ninjas performed their techniques in the mist, a thick fog started to rise, advancing towards the Leaf ninjas.
Leaf ninjas started panicking, quickly evading the thick fog as if it were poisonous.
"Quick, prepare Wind Style to disperse the mist!"
An experienced Leaf ninja was about to instruct when Uchiha Yoru stopped him.
"Snakes can sense warm-blooded beings in the mist," Yoru said, revealing a confident smile.
A large snake emerged from his sleeve, connected to a surge of chakra. The snake opened its mouth and a nauseating sound filled the air.
Suddenly, countless venomous snakes poured out, creating a sea of snakes that would terrify anyone with a phobia.
Ten Thousand Snakes Net Formation
"This is a technique I worked hard to develop," Yoru chuckled.
The snakes opened their mouths, spitting out sword-like fangs, and dived into the mist. Screams filled the air.
"If it were Orochimaru, he wouldn't mind using this technique. But I've modified it slightly."
"Yoru, this technique!" Uchiha Yoru's companion was enthralled, unafraid of the snakes.
"The chakra cost is high; I'll teach you later," Yoru said, patting her head affectionately.
"SNAKES! POISONOUS SNAKES!"
Screams echoed in the mist. Snakes, capable of sensing heat, thrived in this foggy environment, leaving many Hidden Mist ninjas dead or injured.
Just then, Orochimaru erupted from the ground, launching a furious attack. The resilient snake, coupled with the Ten Thousand Snakes Net Formation, achieved great success on the battlefield.
"Reinforcements have arrived," cheers erupted among the beleaguered Leaf ninjas as shadows appeared on the shoreline. Meanwhile, the mist started to clear, revealing snake corpses everywhere.
The Hidden Mist ninjas abandoned their mist technique, revealing a fearful look as they saw the dead snakes, as if reminded of the horror Orochimaru once brought to the battlefield.