Chapter 175:
Konoha's ninjas had initially gained the upper hand on the battlefield through their elite skills and powerful secret techniques. But the sudden involvement of the Sky Ninjas had complicated matters, forcing Konoha to dispatch several specialized teams to locate the Sora Ninjas' stronghold.
Alongside Orochimaru, these teams included various clan-based forces like the Aburame, Akimichi, and Uchiha. Since the battlefield was split, not all members of these clans could stay on the same line of defense; they had to divide their forces across both fronts.
Orochimaru led his team past the known Iwa Ninja activity zones, quickly moving in the direction the Sora Ninjas had retreated. The team pressed forward relentlessly, with little time for talk.
After two days of travel, they finally spotted their target, a massive fortress floating on the sea to the north of the Land of Haze. This country lay east of the Land of Grass, meaning the Sky Ninjas had flown across multiple countries, covering thousands of miles to strike at Konoha's base. It was no small effort.
From a distance, Orochimaru observed the Sky Ninjas moving in and out of the floating fortress. A fortress on the sea with flying units? It was almost like an aircraft carrier. Even Orochimaru couldn't help but feel a sense of amazement at the ingenuity. While most shinobi were limited to traditional techniques and ninja tools, the Sky Ninjas had created something truly unique.
"An impressive setup... Is that really their headquarters? Building something like that on the sea?" Nawaki murmured.
"Keep your voice down, or they'll spot us," Orochimaru warned quietly as Nawaki quickly fell silent.
"Teacher, how are we supposed to get up there?" Nawaki asked, looking concerned.
Orochimaru didn't even turn around as he replied, "Hizashi, how many rockets do you have left?"