The village of Kurosin, once a land of strength and pride, had remained unstable for many years. War after war had drained its spirit, and just as the people began rebuilding from Yukato's previous attack, another war loomed over them.
This time, the preparations were meticulous. Every strategy was planned, every move calculated. Before the enemy arrived, all women and children were gathered inside a heavily fortified house, encircled by a troop of elite Shinobis. Their safety was the top priority.
The remaining warriors were divided into three defensive layers:
First Layer: At the front stood Kagutsuchi, leading the strongest warriors. Their duty was to face the first wave of Yukato's army head-on.
Second Layer: Behind them, Getsu commanded another unit of soldiers, ready to provide backup.
Third Layer: The final line of defense, Ayu, Kento, and Kaito, stood firm with their troops. Their role was to strike down any enemy that broke through the previous layers.
Meanwhile, Rai stayed with the women and children, ensuring their safety. If the enemy attempted an aerial attack, a group of elite Shinobis rode on twilights and mystical creatures, stationed in the sky, led by Narahime.
Everything was going according to plan. But then…
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A Sudden Attack
BOOM!
A deafening explosion tore through the battlefield. The first layer trembled under the impact. A thick mist spread rapidly, swallowing everything in its path.
The sky darkened. Furious clouds gathered overhead, and with a mighty roar, thunderstorms crashed into the land, shaking the very foundation of Kurosin.
Suddenly—
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
A series of explosions erupted across the village, throwing warriors off their feet. Fire and debris rained from the heavens, and in mere moments, the first layer was left in ruins, crushed beneath the rising dust.
---
Defense Formation
Through the chaos, a lone figure stood firm.
Kaito, his eyes burning with determination, raised his hands. A surge of energy crackled around him as he cast a massive shield, protecting the second and third layers from the ongoing blasts.
"Kento! Help us!" Kaito 's voice thundered through the battlefield.
Without hesitation, Kento leaped into action, pouring his energy into the shield. The two warriors stood together, their combined strength barely holding back the overwhelming force of the attack.
But something was wrong.
The battlefield had changed.
The structured strategy was falling apart.
---
The 4th Layer: Escape to the Ant Forest
Meanwhile, in the fourth layer, where the women, children, and the last remaining villagers were sheltered, the tension was rising.
"We have to protect everyone!" Rai shouted, struggling against the incoming attacks.
Beside him, Karen grinned, his fingers twitching eagerly.
"Can I handle things my own way?" Karen asked, his voice eerily calm.
Rai, barely dodging an incoming blast, gritted his teeth. "Everything is fair in love and war! Do whatever you need to!"
Karen smirked.
He placed his sword against the ground, his eyes flashing with power.
In an instant, the entire fourth layer—along with the remaining villagers—vanished.
---
A New Battlefield
Rai stumbled as the world around him shifted. The battlefield disappeared, replaced by a dense forest.
Ant Forest.
The villagers stood in confusion, their eyes darting around. The once-familiar sights of Kurosin were now gone.
"What just happened?!" Rai demanded, turning toward Karen.
Karen dusted off his sword. "Relax. I teleported us miles away from the village. Everyone is safe."
Rai clenched his fists. "But we need to support the troops!"
Ema, who had been silent until now, stepped forward.
"Can I say something?"
Rai exhaled sharply. "If you have a plan, say it. But if it's nonsense, stay quiet."
Ema crossed her arms. "Three of us should return to the battlefield. The remaining swordsmen here can protect the villagers."
Rai's expression shifted. He nodded slowly. "That's actually a good idea."
Karen smirked again. "Then let's go."
Once more, he plunged his sword into the earth.
A surge of energy erupted.
In the blink of an eye, Rai, Karen, and Ema vanished—teleported straight back to the battlefield.