Kaguya was not expecting that these northern tribes would use tens of thousands of soldiers as bait to draw fire. After all, it was a force of tens of thousands of men—even slaughtering tens of thousands of pigs would take several days.
The largest battles in the Naruto world were only about tens of thousands of people, and that involved the bulk of the ninja from the five great ninja villages.
Faced with an enemy several times, even dozens of times larger, the Imperial Guard did not flinch but showed unwavering resolve and incredible combat power.
The front line of the Imperial Guard held large shields, the second row had crossbows, and the third line wielded spears, with layers upon layers supporting and supplementing each other.
When the northern tribesmen reached the range of the crossbows, the Imperial Guard officer waved his arm and gave the order. With a deep twang of bowstrings, arrows shot forth like a plague of locusts, overwhelming the northern tribes.
Amidst the rain of arrows, piercing screams rose among the northern tribes. Many were instantly turned into pin cushions by the arrows, while others, not immediately killed, clutched their wounds and screamed on the ground, only to be trampled into pulp by the advancing troops.
These northern tribesmen were elite troops, but they were too poor to afford good equipment. Even the elite soldiers wore only leather armor, which was as vulnerable as thin paper against the powerful and penetrating crossbows of the Imperial Guard.
Despite their heavy losses, the northern tribes did not suffer significantly since the Imperial Guard's numbers were relatively small, hitting only a fraction of them, like a wave in the ocean, fleeting and unable to inflict serious harm.
To minimize casualties, the northern tribesmen quickened their pace under the rain of arrows. In the blink of an eye, they were upon the Imperial Guard, brandishing spears and swords, and collided fiercely with them.
Blood splattered, and flesh flew.
The northern tribesmen and the Imperial Guard were locked in intense battle. Although the tribesmen were tall and strong, with superior strength, the Imperial Guard was equally elite and even more formidable. They had undergone rigorous training, greatly improving both their physical abilities and techniques.
Moreover, the Imperial Guard's equipment was far superior. They wore armor made of refined steel, incredibly sturdy yet lightweight, allowing for freedom of movement. Their swords were meticulously crafted, honed to extraordinary sharpness.
Amidst the flashing blades and clashing metal, the Imperial Guard stood like a rock in the sea against the northern tribes' overwhelming assault. With their superior combat skills and equipment, they held a significant advantage.
However, as the battle wore on, the Imperial Guard's disadvantage in numbers began to show. Without fresh troops to rotate in, the soldiers' stamina waned, their arms ached, and they were drenched in sweat. Against the relentless assault of the northern tribes, they began to suffer casualties.
"They are quite a remarkable force," Prince Seika observed the Imperial Guard fighting fiercely in the distance and said, "I didn't expect the Empire to have such elite troops. It is indeed surprising."
"Your Highness, these are the Imperial Princess's Guards, known for their incredible combat prowess," Hank seemed to know a lot about the Imperial Guard. "It is said that these elites were personally trained by the Imperial Princess, with each soldier handpicked."
"Indeed, they are impressive. If possible, I would love to challenge them personally," Prince Seika smiled lightly. "But unfortunately, this is war. Send the order to intensify the attack. Ensure the Imperial Guard is defeated by noon and capture the Imperial Princess alive. Remember, do not harm her."
"Yes, sir."
At this time, under the unrelenting assault of the northern tribes, the Imperial Guard fought fiercely but was increasingly struggling. With Prince Seika's order to intensify the attack, it only added to their difficulties.
"Fight to the death to protect the Princess!" the Imperial Guard officer shouted, gripping a sword whose edge was dulled from the prolonged battle, and slashed fiercely at an oncoming tribesman, slicing him in half with a spray of blood.
"Fight to the death to protect the Princess!"
The soldiers of the Imperial Guard roared with determination, their morale soaring, as they cut down the tribesmen before them who cried out in pain.
Seeing the Imperial Guard's indomitable spirit, the northern tribes faltered, with some hesitating to engage them.
At that moment, a spear shot forth like a rainbow, flashing coldly as it swept through the air, knocking the blood-soaked Imperial Guard soldiers aside, halting their fierce assault.
Standing before them was a tall, handsome young man wielding a spear.
"His Royal Highness the Prince!"
The surrounding northern tribesmen shouted like a tidal wave. The previously demoralized troops, littered with bodies, found renewed vigor and attacked with increased ferocity, like a storm battering the Imperial Guard's formation.
Prince Seika was incredibly powerful. Despite the Imperial Guard's fortified defenses, his spear moved like a serpent. Ordinary soldiers had no way to counter him, and even if they fought desperately, they were no match for him.
Just as the Imperial Guard's formation was torn open, and they were on the verge of collapse, a brilliant light flashed across the sky like lightning, striking Prince Seika's spear.
Seika's pupils contracted as he felt an immense force from the spear, giving him the illusion that it was irresistible. He was pushed back more than ten steps before he could stabilize himself by driving the spear into the ground.
He looked up in confusion to see a silver-haired girl emerge gracefully from the ranks of the Imperial Guard. It was Kaguya, having just restored her chakra. She smiled faintly, though her clear eyes shone with a cold light.
"Your Highness, how would you like to die?"