The thick fog that descended upon the Hidden Leaf Village appeared suddenly, yet most villagers dismissed it as unusual weather.
Beyond the village gates, however, the same dense white mist concealed a far more dangerous presence.
A group of shinobi stood silently outside Konohagakure.
They were from Kirigakure.
At the front stood seven figures, each distinct in stature and presence. Some were tall and broad, others lean and sharp. Their appearances were peculiar, even intimidating. In their hands, every one of them carried a massive, unmistakable blade.
Anyone familiar with the shinobi world would feel their heart sink at the sight.
They were the elite of Kirigakure.
They were the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
Each of the seven was a Jonin with formidable strength. When paired with their unique blades, their lethality multiplied. Acting together, they possessed the capability to devastate a small nation overnight.
And now, all seven had gathered at the gates of the Hidden Leaf.
Behind them, hidden within the thick mist, moved a squad of elite Kirigakure Anbu. Their figures blended seamlessly with the fog, invisible to anyone not trained in sensory detection.
One of the Seven stepped forward.
Fuguki Suikazan scanned the distant silhouette of Konoha and spoke calmly.
"The orders are clear. We create chaos within the Hidden Leaf. You infiltrate and capture the girl named Rin Nohara."
His voice carried no emotion.
"This is a capture mission. If confronted by Konoha shinobi, prioritize diversion. Avoid prolonged engagement."
From the mist behind him came several cold replies.
"Understood."
Another of the Seven, Juzo Biwa, rested the Kubikiribocho against his shoulder with a metallic clang.
"My blade has been chipped for too long. It could use fresh blood."
Fuguki gave the final command.
"Begin."
Instantly, multiple figures flickered forward through the mist, executing the Body Flicker Technique and slipping toward the village.
At the gates of Konoha, two guards frowned as they observed the unnatural fog.
"The weather changed too fast."
"The sun is still up. This is strange…"
Before they could react further, hands emerged from the mist and clamped tightly over their mouths.
Two blades flashed.
Blood sprayed briefly before being swallowed by the white haze.
The bodies fell silently.
The infiltration had begun.
It did not take long for Konoha to sense something was wrong. This was no ordinary fog. Investigation quickly revealed the source.
Water Release, Hiding in Mist Technique.
Kirigakure shinobi had infiltrated the village.
The report reached Hiruzen Sarutobi without delay.
His expression darkened.
Not long ago, Iwagakure had made its move. Now Kirigakure followed. Did they truly believe Konoha had grown weak?
Orders were issued immediately. Jonin were mobilized. Sensory units deployed.
To counter the mist, several powerful shinobi gathered and unleashed Wind Release, Great Breakthrough, dispersing the dense fog through sheer force.
But by the time visibility returned, the enemy had already scattered.
Kirigakure shinobi were now hidden within the village.
…
"Why did the fog suddenly clear?"
"This is definitely not normal."
Ryūjin, Kurenai, and Might Guy had already sensed something was wrong even before the mist dispersed. Now, the unnatural silence pressing against the streets only deepened that suspicion.
"The village feels too quiet," Kurenai murmured.
Then faint sounds reached them.
Clashing metal.
Explosions in the distance.
Fighting.
The three immediately rushed toward the source.
Turning a corner, they froze.
Seven towering figures walked down the street as if strolling through their own territory. Each carried a massive blade that radiated killing intent.
They did not belong to Konoha.
"Who are you? Why are you in the Hidden Leaf?" Kurenai demanded sharply, forcing steadiness into her voice.
Might Guy's eyes widened as recognition struck him.
"Kurenai… those swords… They are the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."
His throat went dry.
Seven Jonin.
Any one of them could overwhelm the three of them effortlessly.
And here they all stood together.
Kurenai's fingers tightened unconsciously.
"The Seven Ninja Swordsmen…"
Juzo let out a low chuckle.
"Oh? Even brats from another village recognize us. How flattering."
His expression hardened instantly.
"My Kubikiribocho has a chip in it. A few of your heads should be enough to restore it."
The air grew heavy.
Kurenai felt cold sweat run down her back. Guy's muscles tensed, every instinct screaming danger.
Only Ryūjin remained composed.
So this is that incident.
In the original timeline, Might Duy would arrive and unleash the Eight Gates, defeating four of them at the cost of his life.
But due to the changes already set in motion, the ones beside Guy now were not Ebisu and Genma.
It was him.
Would Might Duy still arrive in time?
Ryūjin dismissed the thought almost immediately.
It does not matter.
With his current strength, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were not insurmountable.
Guy leaned closer and whispered urgently.
"We cannot win against them."
Kurenai nodded.
"We should retreat and report this immediately."
Before they could act, Juzo sneered.
"Retreat? If children escape from us, we might as well throw our swords away."
Without another word, he lifted the Kubikiribocho and charged forward, killing intent surging violently.
The blade cut through the air with terrifying force as he closed the distance in an instant.