Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 146 The Ghost Fleet of the Mist Ninja

night, deeper.

The thick fog that shrouded Kirigakure became even thicker under the sea breeze, as if it would swallow the whole world.

The port in the eastern part of the village, however, was unusually brightly lit and bustling with people.

This place has been transformed into a massive military base.

Dozens of massive, jet-black warships, like lurking steel behemoths, lay silently at the dock, forming a formidable steel forest.

These warships are the pride of Kirigakure.

Their design was entirely tailored to adapt to the complex and dangerous waters of the Land of Water.

The ship's long and narrow hull minimizes water resistance; its hull is made of a special mixture of ironwood and metal, making it incredibly sturdy; and its sails are inscribed with wind and water techniques, allowing it to maintain high-speed navigation even in the absence of wind.

At this moment, these warships were covered with a special black coating made by Kirigakure that could absorb light.

On the sails, all the symbols representing Kirigakure were removed and replaced with a jumble of flags that looked like those of pirates or ordinary merchant ships.

This is the ghost fleet about to embark on its expedition.

The Hidden Mist ninjas were gathering in neat rows on the dock, exuding a cold and murderous aura.

The warriors of the Kaguya clan, carrying ferocious bone blades on their backs, have fanatical and bloodthirsty eyes.

The elite members of Hozuki, like shadows, silently blended into the team.

There were also ninjas from other clans. Although they did not have powerful bloodline limits, each of them had a burning desire for war and a determination to win in their eyes.

They are the sharpest blades in Kirigakure.

At the highest point of the pier, on a makeshift command platform.

The Third Mizukage, dressed in the Mizukage's robe and wearing a straw hat, stood with his hands behind his back, quietly overlooking the army below that was about to set off.

Behind him stood the Master, as well as the heads of the three major families: Kaguya, Yuki, and Hozuki.

"Lord Mizukage, all troops are assembled and ready to depart at any time!"

Hozuki Kaigetsu, one of the commanders of this operation, stepped forward and reported to his superiors in a cold voice.

Jian Yue nodded without saying anything.

His gaze swept over the young and enthusiastic faces below, and a surge of pride welled up in his heart.

This is his village, and his army.

A fierce and ruthless army that thirsts for blood and battle.

The Third Mizukage took a deep breath, the salty sea breeze filling his lungs.

Then, he took a step forward, and his voice clearly reached the ears of every ninja.

"The ninjas of Kirigakure!"

Jian Yue's voice carries a power that can penetrate the heart.

"You are the sharp blades living in the thick fog."

"Peace has dulled the edge of your blade."

"Let your tranquility gradually erode your murderous intent."

"But today!"

Jian Yue's voice suddenly rose in pitch.

"I will lead you to find a new whetstone!"

"I will lead you to polish your blades anew with the blood of our enemies!"

"The Land of Whirlpools, that bountiful island, that sacred land harboring countless sealing techniques, awaits our conquest!"

"Use your claws to tear their defenses apart!"

"Use your fangs to devour their wealth!"

"Let them tremble in the name of the Mist Ninja!"

"Ooo ...

Seeing the moon's words was like a fire, instantly igniting the bloodthirsty desire in the hearts of all the ninjas.

They raised their weapons high, responding to the call of the Water Shadows.

Mitsuki watched all of this with satisfaction.

That's exactly the effect he wanted. He didn't need to use the Will of Fire to gloss over the war; he just needed to awaken the most primal desires in these ninjas' bones.

This is the way of survival for Kirigakure.

"Set off!"

Jian Yue suddenly waved her hand and gave the final order.

"set sail!"

With a command given, the massive anchor was slowly pulled up.

Dozens of warships, like black phantoms, silently slid into the sea shrouded in night and thick fog.

On the ship lies the ambition of Kirigakure's rise.

It also carries countless lives that are about to wither away.

Meanwhile, on the fleet's flagship, in the room of the Third Mizukage, Mitsuki.

Master Yuan was having his final conversation with Jian Yue.

"Lord Mizukage, although we have Kumogakure as an ally on our journey to Uzushiogakure, we must not be careless."

On Master Yuan's aged face was a hint of worry. "Especially that Hiruzen Sarutobi, I have a feeling that he won't let us succeed so easily."

"I see."

Jian Yue nodded, walked to the window, looked at the vast sea of ​​fog with deep eyes, and said, "Master Yuan, don't worry. I have made all the necessary preparations."

"Oh?"

"I dispatched the water ghost squad, the most skilled in disguise and stealth from our village, to infiltrate Konoha Village first."

A cold smile curled at the corner of Jian Yue's lips. "Their mission is not to fight, but to... set fires."

"Create a few minor disturbances. There's no need for many casualties; just enough to temporarily draw Konoha's attention away."

"By the time Hiruzen Sarutobi realizes that this is just a smokescreen we've set up, our fleet will probably have already crushed the Land of Whirlpools."

Upon hearing this, Master Yuan's eyes flashed with approval.

Feint to the east while attacking in the west.

"Lord Mizukage, your wisdom and foresight are truly admirable."

"I learned this from you too."

Seeing Yue turn around, she smiled and said.

A storm sweeping through the ninja world has begun.

Its first target was that peaceful, secluded island nation.