High in the sky, an imposing fortress slowly approached the bunker where Fuma was stationed.
The fortress bore intricate carvings of masked demonic faces, exuding an aura of primitive tribal culture. Yet its methods of combat were deeply infused with advanced technology, creating an eerie blend of tradition and modernity.
At the center of the fortress was a massive cannon, with a radius of several meters.
It was amassing a terrifying amount of energy while methodically adjusting its aim, seemingly ready to unleash its devastating power.
Not far from the sea's surface, several mechanical ships, resembling aircraft carriers, launched hundreds of flying units.
The peculiar aspect of these flying ninja tools was their launch process. Before taking off, they had to pass through a ramp for pre-flight preparation, during which another ninja would strike them with a hammer to inject energy.
This strange takeoff method epitomized the peculiar blend of primitiveness and technology in this army's style.
These flying ninjas used ninja tools resembling gliders, allowing them not only to fly freely but also to perform highly agile maneuvers in mid-air.
Their combat approach involved wielding gun-like ninja tools that fired compressed, high-density chakra, raining down barrages from above on every visible enemy.
Even more frightening was the fact that each of them carried powerful explosive bombs, effectively turning them into hundreds of small-scale bombers capable of targeting and destroying key enemy positions at any moment.
Using the sea and sky as their primary battlefield, they unleashed an overwhelming assault on enemies on the ground—an unimaginable scenario for the ninja still relying on foot travel, making it nearly impossible to counter.
Minato and Kushina frowned as they tried to deduce the origin of these ninjas but found themselves at a loss.
Orochimaru's expression was equally grim as he turned to Fuma and spoke in a low voice:
"Fuma-kun, this massive airborne structure is something we've never encountered before. It seems they intend to launch a full-scale attack on us today..."
"Send the order: have all the ninjas in the organization assemble immediately and prepare for battle!"
However, upon seeing the technologically equipped ninjas, Fuma's expression turned... complicated.
To describe it precisely, it was akin to the feeling of discovering your girlfriend behaving intimately with a stranger, only to later learn it was her father. That odd mix of emotions was the best way to explain his reaction.
"I thought it was Ōtsutsuki Isshiki... Turns out it's just these guys from the Land of Sky. What a waste of my worry these past few days. Tsk."
Letting out a long sigh of relief, Fuma's previously tense aura relaxed as he looked at the Sky Nin with newfound interest.
The Land of Sky, in the original timeline, was a mysterious nation that declared war against all five great nations simultaneously during the Second Shinobi World War.
Although Konoha had destroyed it, the Land of Sky remained dormant for over thirty years, only to reemerge under the leadership of Shinnō, who wielded the "Zero-Tails," launching another attack on Konoha.
Now, the Land of Sky had resurfaced earlier than in the original timeline. Perhaps they had encountered some unforeseen issues.
But to Fuma, such details were irrelevant. As long as these so-called wielders of scientific power didn't invent a spicy, flavorful, and devastating nuke, it was of no concern to him.
To adapt is to survive. Fuma had a flexible bottom line when it came to handling different enemies.
If the intruders had been Ōtsutsuki Isshiki leading the Kara organization, the situation would have been far more complicated. Even Fuma, despite his strength, would engage only minimally to avoid a full-blown clash.
The Ōtsutsuki clan was not to be underestimated. Even a weakened Isshiki likely had hidden cards that could threaten Fuma, making it impossible to guarantee a flawless victory.
After all, Isshiki could traverse dimensions, drain a planet's energy, and even kept a miniature Ten-Tails in his pocket—a true final boss archetype.
If Fuma were to fall, there would be no shortage of people celebrating: Danzo, the Third Hokage, and even Uchiha Madara would likely pop champagne. However, the ones mourning his death would undoubtedly be Tsunade and Minato.
At his current strength, Fuma could be classified as "half a step into the super-kage level," with defensive abilities surpassing even that.
Unless he faced foes like the Shinigami invoked by the "Reaper Death Seal" or a perfect Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, his life was in no immediate danger.
However, against an Ōtsutsuki, conventional ninja logic would no longer apply. To Fuma, engaging an Ōtsutsuki should only happen after he had absorbed most of the tailed beasts and mastered extensive methods of harnessing natural energy.
As he gazed at the massive battleships and fortress in the distance, Fuma couldn't help but feel a sense of dissonance.
The ninja world was supposed to be a backward region where people chanted their techniques' names before attacking—so why was there suddenly a group emulating modern warfare?
"The Land of Sky's combat style really feels like playing Red Alert... But judging by their current strength, they're far more formidable than when they attacked Konoha thirty years later."
"These flying tools combined with that fortress... If used effectively, they could paralyze the Five Great Hidden Villages in an instant. No wonder this technological group had the foresight to dominate the skies."
The integration of advanced ninja tools and traditional combat tactics showcased a level of ingenuity that surpassed even the scientific ninja tool organizations of the future.
A smile appeared on Fuma's face as he imagined his clan taking to the skies, already planning to secure new benefits for his people.
"If the clan's kids could use these flying tools to commute to the academy, wouldn't they be thrilled?"
"Lord Orochimaru, everyone is assembled. Please give the next orders!"
Guren led the way, followed by an impressive army of two to three thousand ninjas.
In stark contrast to the situation in Kirigakure, these ninjas stood in neat rows, with many bearing distinct chakra signatures that hinted at the presence of Kekkei Genkai abilities.
These were ninjas who had been persecuted as outcasts in Kirigakure's "Blood Mist Village". To Orochimaru, however, they were precious treasures, entrusted with critical roles in his organization.
Although they often had to endure blood extractions at Orochimaru's hands, the backing of the wealthy Uchiha clan ensured they received ample material compensation, which to them felt like heaven.
Years of persecution had left these ninjas mentally scarred, some harboring deep self-destructive tendencies. For many, survival was their only goal, far from Guren's blind devotion to Orochimaru.
Orochimaru scanned the group of downtrodden misfits, many of whom avoided his gaze, clearly harboring their own doubts.
The recent bombing by the Sky Nin had shaken the morale of Orochimaru's organization. Yet, as the attacks were indiscriminate, they had no choice but to remain together for now.
Such was human nature—most people thrived in favorable conditions but faltered in adversity. This was especially true for the ninjas from Kirigakure, whose worldviews had been shaped by the oppressive "Blood Mist Village".
Orochimaru glanced at Fuma, who wore a faint smile, and frowned slightly before offering a reminder:
"Fuma-kun, the destructive power of these weapons is considerable. Even with your body, you should exercise caution."
"If I'm not mistaken, that massive cannon on the fortress likely condenses a vast amount of chakra for its attack. Its power might rival that of a Tailed Beast Bomb!"
Not wanting to offend Fuma, Orochimaru refrained from stating the obvious and instead walked over to Minato, discussing the battle plan.
For a taijutsu specialist like Fuma, losing contact with the ground would severely limit his power, reducing it by at least ninety percent.
Orochimaru's strategy heavily relied on Minato's "Flying Thunder God Technique". By planting seals on the fortress, they could teleport decisive forces onto it and swiftly capture the enemy's stronghold.
After hearing the plan, Minato nodded silently, smiling as he remarked, "As expected of Lord Orochimaru, the plan is meticulous. If we proceed this way, we'll infiltrate the enemy fortress in no time."
"But perhaps there's an even simpler solution. You might want to turn around and see for yourself..."
Orochimaru turned back in confusion, only to witness a pair of massive black wings blotting out the sky, creating twin sonic booms as they sped toward the floating fortress.
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