3 Days Later.
Hebidoku Clan
"Clan Patriarch, movements from the Hosai clan have been verified. It seems they really want to start a war," informed Ketsu.
Ketsu, also known as the Pillar of Hebidoku, is the current heir to the Hebidoku clan. Many within his generation regard him as its strongest member.
He wore a brown vest that matched his brown hair and black eyes. His facial expression seemed to never show any emotion.
"Hmm? Why would they? They should be starving by now. Only the big clans have the ability to wage war without any worries about food," Daihi questioned.
Ketsu's father, Daihi, is the current patriarch of the clan. His appearance resembles his son's, though older and marked by multiple scars across his face.
Ketsu answered, "I don't think it's Mashiro, Patriarch. The most likely culprit of this movement is Kise, the sly."
Daihi raised an eyebrow and burst out laughing, "Bahahahaha! Has he finally rebelled, or has Mashiro given up?"
Daihi stood up from his chair and gave an order, "Get me twenty ninjas, and reinforce the rear of the clan. Take the Mole Brothers and have them attack from the east."
Ketsu nodded and disappeared.
Daihi laughed, "I wonder, can I fight you again, Mashiro?"
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Hosai Clan meeting room.
"It seems the Hebidoku clan found out about our movement. The war has officially started," stated Elder Doken.
Mashiro smirked, "I'll go straight to their clan. I know Daihi won't stay still, he'll want to bite."
Fuji laughed, "Hahahahaha! How long has it been since you nearly killed that brute?!"
Doken ignored the laugh and began planning, "Kise is currently leading the newly built sword squad. He should be arriving right now. As for you, Clan Patriarch, you can move straight north for now."
Fuji looked at the map and pointed out the east side of the clan, "What about the east side? We lack the walls there and can't allocate that much force on it. It's a weak spot."
Doken nodded, "I've already sent a few ninjas there. But I doubt they'll attack the east. We're attacking the rear side, they'll need to hold off Kise and the others first before they can even counterattack. And besides, they aren't known for their speed."
Everyone agreed but Mashiro, "No, they'll attack the east. That bastard Daihi probably knows our clan better than most of you. He's been eyeing us since the death of Father, after all. And don't forget, they still have that brat Ketsu."
Mashiro paused and placed a pawn on the east side of the clan, "If I remember correctly, Jiren isn't part of the new sword squad. Have him be the lead on the east side, and send Nao and Taro there too."
All the elders argued, "No! We cannot send Taro! What if he gets injured, or worse, dies on the battlefield?! He's the treasure of the clan!"
"He's right! We shouldn't send him!"
Mashiro sighed, "He might only be five, but he's already at the same level as Nao. Do not forget, he's a ninja. No matter how important he is, he needs experience. And besides, I believe in my own son."
The elders tried to argue further, but Mashiro ignored them all and stood up, exiting and gathering his squad for the upcoming battle.
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Rear of the Hebidoku clan.
Kise held his fist up, commanding the ten ninjas behind him to halt.
The group of ninjas watched the Hebidoku clan from a cliff afar. The group consisted of Kise and Enka, with eight other elite chunin to jonin-level ninjas.
The newly built sword squad had a unique presence in the battlefield, as they wielded the brand-new enchanted weapons and were all master swordsmen.
Kise turned around and saw the smiling, burnt Enka, "Why did you even join this squad? You aren't even fully healed yet… You know what, never mind."
He stopped and looked at everyone, "Remember, if you're gonna die, destroy the sword. I don't care how you do it, just don't let them get it into the hands of the enemy."
From inside the Hebidoku clan.
Ketsu gave orders left and right, then suddenly felt something from afar and stared at the cliff.
"He's here," he murmured.
"Everyone! Get ready for a fight!" he ordered.
Swish
Swish
Swish
In seconds, the battle had started.
The Hosai clansmen took Hebidoku by surprise and killed those who were unprepared.
"Earth Release: Earth Spikes!"
Several spikes formed on the ground, willed by the chakra of Ketsu. The spikes caused the Hosai clansmen to spread throughout the battlefield, allowing the Hebidoku to have breathing space.
"Take them one by one!" yelled Ketsu.
Swish
Clank
Kise dashed toward Ketsu, attempting to kill him in a single shot. However, Ketsu pulled out his short sword and blocked.
Kise smiled and greeted, "It's been a while, Ketsu."
Ketsu scoffed, "Get off me, you snake!"
Ketsu pushed Kise back, but as he was getting ready for a counterattack, Kise's sword suddenly expanded, wielding his right shoulder.
The sword shortened back to its previous size, allowing Ketsu to create space between the two.
"Hmm?" questioned Ketsu.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
Kise released a massive wind pressure that obliterated anything in its path. However, Ketsu quickly countered with his own jutsu:
"Earth Release: Sphere Shelter!"
Boom
The Great Breakthrough struck the spherical shelter, but it dealt no damage. The barrier remained perfectly intact, prompting Kise to click his tongue in irritation.
He pulled back his sword and swung it horizontally, expanding the blade mid-swing. The enlarged sword cleaved effortlessly through the stone, splitting it in half. However, to Kise's disappointment, there was no one inside.
Kise scanned his surroundings, searching for Ketsu, when a sound from below suddenly caught his attention. He leapt back, but it was too late—Ketsu burst from the ground, seized Kise's ankle, and dragged him down.
Although Kise was caught off guard, the strength behind the pull wasn't strong enough to fully submerge Kise. The only thing on the ground was the right ankle that was grabbed by Ketsu.
While Kise was momentarily stunned, Ketsu came out of the ground and performed a jutsu.
"Earth Release: Fist Rock Jutsu!"
Rocks gathered around his fist, forming a massive coating of stone.
He cocked his stone fist and told Kise, "You fraud."
Boom!