The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist arrived accompanied by a thousand Mist-nin.
Orochimaru, Fugaku, and the others had been fully on guard, mentally prepared to join the battle at any moment.
However, just as the vast Mist force subtly encircled them, forming a clear pincer formation, the Seven Swordsmen leading the army not only refrained from attacking, they didn't even spare the Konoha ninja a glance.
Instead, they all simultaneously cast their gazes toward Garp, who was leaning casually against a tree.
"These Mist-nin aren't here for us… Or rather, we are not their primary target."
A thought flickered through Orochimaru's mind, and his snake-like pupils instinctively shifted toward Garp.
"The Mist's target… is Iron Fist Garp."
He wasn't alone. Many Konoha ninja had come to the same realization.
"Interesting. You little brats from the Mist really do manage to surprise me a bit."
Garp crossed his arms, a playful glint flashing in his eyes as he looked at the Seven Swordsmen.
"Is that so? To surprise a hero of the shinobi world, now that is our honor."
Biwa Juzo, the man with a cross-shaped scar on his face, grinned widely, revealing two rows of razor-sharp teeth.
"But what'll surprise you even more is still ahead."
Hozuki Mangetsu's lips curled upward, his expression full of wild arrogance.
"Oh? Let's hear it."
Garp looked at the group leading the Mist-nin with even greater interest.
"It's nothing complicated."
"Today, we Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist have come to challenge you, Hero!"
"With your status and strength, you wouldn't refuse our challenge, would you?"
The moment Garp's voice faded, all seven, Kushimaru, Jinpachi, Raiga, Chojuro, Fuguki, along with Juzo and Mangetsu, drew the swords strapped to their backs and pointed them at him from afar.
Instantly, an oppressive aura exploded from the Seven Swordsmen.
Even seasoned elites among the Konoha shinobi found themselves short of breath. The pressure surged outward like a raging storm.
Even Orochimaru and Tsunade, elite shinobi of Kage-level strength, felt a rare heaviness, let alone the other Konoha ninja.
"You've brought over a thousand Mist-nin… just to challenge me?"
The battle invitation only made Garp's grin grow wider.
It had been a long time since he encountered such an open, straightforward challenge.
After the Warring States Era, only the Third Raikage had barely counted.
As for the fight with Rasa, Chiyo, and Ebizo, that had been unavoidable and forced on him.
"Of course not."
Chojuro shook his head, gripping the twin blades.
"Don't misunderstand. We brought them only so that… unnecessary people won't get in the way."
Juzo swung the blade, his cold, warning-filled gaze sweeping across Orochimaru and the others.
"I believe you should understand our 'dilemma.'"
Kushimaru's calm tone carried a chilling killing intent.
"Seven against one, how shameless."
Kushina suddenly barked coldly.
"Considering our opponent is the hero who ended an era, going in one at a time would be foolish."
"We've heard it many times. Back in the Warring States, Iron Fist Garp fought regardless of the enemy's numbers, always alone."
Jinpachi, and Raiga spoke in turn.
"This low level, pointless provocation… no need to waste it on me."
Before Kushina could protest on his behalf, Garp had already replied.
"So, Garp-san, does that mean you accept our challenge?"
Mangetsu's eyes lit up as he drew the massive Samehada.
"Hahahaha, do you even need to ask?
You've already dug so deeply into my history, so you should know I've never had the habit of refusing a challenge."
Garp laughed heartily.
"The Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, is it?
Your challenge, I accept.
I only hope your generation of swordsmen is more impressive than the one I faced back then!"
With that, he strode toward them casually, completely ignoring the thousand Mist-nin standing behind them.
"As expected of the most fearsome warrior of the old era… what an overwhelming presence."
Jinpachi tightened his grip on the sword, his cold, battle-hungry gaze fixed on the approaching man.
"And what about them?"
Juzo forced down the urge to strike immediately and flicked a glance toward Orochimaru, Tsunade, and the others.
"I'm not a Konoha shinobi. I can't order them around."
Garp shrugged.
"No matter. It's only natural we help ease your burdens!"
Raiga's voice had barely fallen when the thousand Mist-nin all stepped forward in unison.
The Konoha shinobi tensed immediately, dropping into defensive stances.
"Lightning Blade brat, I appreciate the sentiment, but such pointless actions are unnecessary."
As he spoke, and to the shock of the Seven Swordsmen and all of Konoha, Garp walked alone, straight toward the thousands of Mist-nin.
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