Each revelation from the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, left the Kiri-nin in utter shock.
Tengen had used Fire Release to obliterate the Kirigakure, his swordsmanship had slain the manifested Six-Tails, and even Hōzuki Shingetsu, the near-invincible member of the Hōzuki clan, had been reduced to nothingness by Tengen.
Most astonishingly, Tengen's power could even revive the dead.
Each fact sent the Kiri-nin's emotions into turmoil. They couldn't fathom that Tengen, beyond his Mangekyō Sharingan and Wood Release, possessed such terrifying abilities. Was this truly his limit?
More critically, the Kirigakure had been devastated by Tengen. They no longer had the strength to continue facing Konoha's ninja on this battlefield. They needed to retreat swiftly to the Kirigakure to recover from the catastrophic blow dealt by this ninja war.
Tengen's destruction of the Kirigakure was a stark warning to the Kiri-nin.
"Mizukage-sama, what should we do next?" Ao said cautiously. They had been locked in a standoff with Konoha for a long time.
With such a calamity befalling the Kirigakure, the decision rested with the Mizukage.
In truth, even staying here, the Kirigakure couldn't hold out much longer, assuming Tengen didn't strike again.
If issues arose on the other three battlefronts, the Kirigakure might have had a chance.
But they couldn't wait any longer. They lacked the strength to do so.
Tengen's destruction of the Kirigakure was a blatant warning, forcing them to choose: continue fighting Konoha or leave the Land of Fire.
Life or death.
"Next." The Fourth Mizukage took a deep breath, "we prepare to pack up and return. This ninja war, we've lost."
"Yes, Mizukage-sama." The Kiri-nin said, breathing a slight sigh of relief. Thankfully, the Fourth Mizukage hadn't declared a fight to the death with Konoha.
Many of the Kiri-nin present had already been considering retreat.
Hearing the Mizukage confirm Tengen's destruction of the Kirigakure, their desire to return grew stronger. That was their home, where their families were.
The Kirigakure then made arrangements.
They didn't tell the lower-ranking ninja about Tengen's attack, only instructing them to prepare to return to the Kirigakure tomorrow.
If the news of Tengen's actions spread, it would cause panic, which could disrupt the retreat.
So, the Kiri-nin leadership kept it concealed for now.
They knew that if they retreated, Konoha's ninja would likely pursue them.
Unless they surrendered.
But surrender would mean signing a deeply unequal treaty with Konoha, a privilege reserved for victors.
For the already-ruined Kirigakure, such a cost was unbearable.
---
One day later.
"Give the order, prepare to withdraw." Yagura said to the Kiri-nin behind him.
"Yes, Mizukage-sama." They replied, relaying the command. The Kiri-nin began moving toward the sea, heading for the site where Tengen had once battled Uchiha Madara, where their ships awaited.
Thousands of ninja on the battlefield started to move. Though some were confused, they followed orders.
The hierarchy among ninja was strict.
Meanwhile, at the Konoha ninja's encampment.
Inside a tent.
"My lords, the Kiri-nin are showing signs of a large-scale withdrawal. Please assign our next tasks." A Konoha ninja reported to Tengen and the others.
Tengen exchanged a glance with Minato.
"Minato, it's time to act." Tengen said.
"Agreed." Minato nodded.
"Then we proceed as planned." Tengen said.
"Understood." The Konoha ninja replied.
On this battlefield, Tengen held significant authority.
Tengen then led a group of ninja out of the encampment, with Minato and the others doing the same.
Konoha was mobilizing in full force.
The Kiri-nin had invaded the Land of Fire, and now they would pay a price.
Otherwise, it would seem their territory was free for the taking.
---
"Hurry, be careful. We're the support unit, so we need to be extra vigilant. If Konoha pursues, it's up to us to hold them off." A Mist Jonin said to the hundred-plus Kiri-nin below.
This group was a defensive unit for one direction.
Several such units existed to ensure the bulk of the Kiri-nin could escape the Land of Fire. Once they boarded their ships, Konoha's ninja would be powerless.
"They're retreating?" A brown-haired girl said softly.
The large-scale withdrawal of the Kiri-nin made it clear they were pulling out.
The war with Konoha was over.
But Terumī Mei was puzzled. Why had the Mist leadership suddenly decided this without any prior signs?
The Kiri-nin hadn't suffered significant losses on this battlefield.
Naturally, she couldn't imagine that their Kirigakure had been destroyed, by Konoha's genius, Tengen.
The same enemy she had always wanted to defeat.
"Trouble! Konoha ninja are approaching! Prepare for battle!" The lead Mist Jonin shouted suddenly, prompting the Kiri-nin to assume combat stances.
Whoosh, whoosh… Countless Konoha ninja appeared around them.
"Looks like you're a resistance squad for the retreat." A young boy with black eyes said, scanning the Kiri-nin.
Seeing him, the Mist Jonin's heart sank.
He had encountered the worst possible scenario.
He had run into the terrifying Tengen.
***
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