Soon after Saigoji Youmu and Konan left, a few dark figures rushed in from a distance and came to a halt beside the ninja's corpse on the ground. The two stone symbols on their forehead protectors revealed their identities: they were ninjas from Iwagakure Village.
"Is it Nishino?"
The Rock Shinobi exchanged glances, realizing the gravity of the situation. They were merely passersby who had come to check on the commotion, only to find that the dead man was a comrade who had been on a mission with them.
"Could it be that the people from Kirigakure got involved?" The leader of the Rock Shinobi, Fujikawa, had a grim expression. His concern lay more with the sharp icicle embedded in Nishino's chest than with his fallen companion. It was widely known that Ice Release was a technique associated with the Shui Wu Yue clan, one of the Bloodline Limit Families from Kirigakure. The presence of Ice Release in the Land of Rain held significant implications.
"What should we do, Fujikawa Jōnin?"
After a brief silence, the other shinobi turned their gazes toward their leader, understanding the weight of Ice Release's appearance.
"We can't delay. We need to report this to Lord Yuan immediately."
"Take Nishino's body and let's head back."
Fujikawa made a quick decision, issuing orders promptly.
"Yes." One of the Chūnin produced a sealing scroll to store the corpse. Soon after, the group of Rock Shinobi left the scene.
A Camp Outside the Village at one of Rock Shinobi's secret rally points, the atmosphere was tense.
"What did you say?" A ninja sitting at the head of the camp, Yuan Yeyi, exclaimed, his expression shifting dramatically after hearing Fujikawa's report.
"Master Yuan, this matter is absolutely true." Fujikawa glanced at the Chūnin who had sealed Nishino's body. Understanding the signal, the Chūnin quickly unsealed the corpse.
"This..." With the evidence laid out before him, Yuan had no choice but to believe. An inexplicable heaviness settled over the camp, and silence reigned.
Yuan's mind raced, his expression shifting rapidly. He felt uncertain about how to handle the situation. The chaos of the ongoing conflict between Konoha, Sand Shinobi, Rock Shinobi, and Rain Shinobi was already overwhelming. If Kirigakure were to become involved, the ramifications could be catastrophic.
Moreover, Yuan was puzzled. Since the end of the First Ninja World War, the country of water had isolated itself. Its geographical position made it challenging for its ninjas to appear before other villages. The rare sight of Wuying shinobi had become increasingly uncommon.
"Could they be formulating a new plan?" Yuan wondered, unable to fathom the intentions behind Wuying Village's potential involvement.
"Fujikawa."
"Yes?" Fujikawa straightened at the sound of his name.
"If Wuying Village is indeed involved, they won't leave anytime soon." Yuan assessed the situation. "Starting tomorrow, you will lead a team to patrol the area around the village. If you encounter anything suspicious, handle it accordingly."
"Understood." As a Jōnin, Fujikawa grasped the implications of Yuan's orders.
"Alright, you can all go." Yuan waved his hand dismissively, indicating that he needed time to consider the matter of Ice Release further.
"Yes." The shinobi retreated, leaving Yuan alone with his thoughts.
After a moment of contemplation, he bit his thumb and performed a hand seal.
"Summoning Technique!"
Boom!
Meanwhile...unbeknownst to Saigoji Youmu, the Rock Shinobi had mistakenly identified him as a member of Wuying Village. This misunderstanding could escalate into war.
The next morning, outside Konan's house, Saigoji Youmu called out, "Let's go, Konan."
"Coming!" Konan took one last look at the place she had called home for ten years before resolutely turning away to follow him.
A Tall Tree Outside the Village
"Fujikawa Jōnin, do you really think Wuying Village is involved?" A Chūnin beside Fujikawa voiced his concerns, worry etched on his face.
"I have no idea," Fujikawa replied calmly. "Even if they are involved, that's a matter for Master Tsuchikage to handle. Our priority is to complete the tasks assigned by the village."
"But—"
Boom!
Before the Chūnin could finish, a loud roar interrupted him, echoing through the trees.