At this moment in the cabin of the Mist fleet, Yagura had completely fallen into a coma. He was covered in blood, his small face deathly pale, breathing more out than in—clearly on the verge of death. Several medical ninja were desperately using Palm Healing Technique on him, racing against time in a tug-of-war with death.
"We can't wait any longer. Every minute we stay here is dangerous. We must set sail immediately and return to the village."
Suikazan Fuguki said in his muffled voice.
"Return?! The sea route is extremely rough, and with Mizukage-sama's injuries..."
Kuriarare Kushimaru said with considerable worry.
Suikazan Fuguki's beady green eyes rolled around as he grabbed Kuriarare Kushimaru's arm.
"Come, let's go outside and talk."
Kuriarare Kushimaru followed Suikazan Fuguki out of the cabin, confused.
After a night of fierce battle plus a day of rushing around, it was now mid-morning. Warm sunlight shone on the sea surface, and the gentle sea breeze felt comfortable on one's face—this beautiful scene formed a stark contrast with last night's bloody carnage.
"Brother Kuriarare, you and I have known each other for years. It wouldn't be wrong to call us blood brothers."
Suikazan Fuguki put his hand on Kuriarare Kushimaru's shoulder, speaking sincerely.
"That's natural."
Kuriarare Kushimaru nodded.
These two were the only surviving members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen from the Second Mizukage Hōzuki Gengetsu's era until now. Their relationship was naturally different from others.
"Then let me speak some words from the heart, brother."
Suikazan Fuguki gradually lowered his voice.
"After this battle, the Hidden Mist's power structure will likely change again. We went on this expedition against Sunagakure and suffered a crushing defeat. How should you and I conduct ourselves when we return to the village?"
"This...?"
Kuriarare Kushimaru was one of the simpler-minded among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. He'd never thought about such complex issues. That's just how he was—otherwise he wouldn't have become a madman who liked holding funerals for living people in the original story.
"The expedition army now has less than one in ten remaining. Yagura's capital accumulated over ten years has been destroyed in one stroke. The Elder is advanced in years. Under these circumstances, where will Hidden Mist Village go? Have you thought about it, brother?"
"This... I haven't thought about it!"
Kuriarare Kushimaru scratched his head, suddenly feeling his brain wasn't enough. Then he had a flash of inspiration.
"Brother Suikazan, you've always been clever. I'll just listen to you."
This was exactly what Suikazan Fuguki wanted to hear.
"It looks like Yagura, this Fourth Mizukage, won't live much longer. So who will be the Fifth Mizukage?"
Without waiting for Kuriarare Kushimaru to answer, Suikazan Fuguki gave his own answer.
"In terms of qualifications and reputation, those who truly have hope are none other than ANBU's Ao, Master Aopeng, and you and me."
"Me? Forget it. Being Mizukage is too mentally taxing—I can't do it."
Kuriarare Kushimaru shook his head like a rattle drum.
A flash of disdain appeared in Suikazan Fuguki's eyes, which he quickly converted to gentle words.
"Hidden Mist is now in a crisis of survival. In my view, Aopeng is too weak, and Ao only knows underhanded tricks—neither can shoulder great responsibility. I intend to turn the tide when it's about to collapse. Will you help me, brother?"
"Oh! You want to become Mizukage!"
Kuriarare Kushimaru said in surprise.
Suikazan Fuguki slapped his forehead.
This fool. Well... at least he understood.
"Helping you is naturally a given, but..."
"But what?"
"There are still over four thousand ninja on the island. Most of them belong to the Elder and ANBU. Can we compete with our remaining force of less than two thousand?"
Huh! This guy isn't completely stupid after all.
"Actually, I've been cultivating an underground force, led by my disciple Kisame."
"Oh! How many people?"
Kuriarare Kushimaru's eyes lit up.
"About a thousand. All skilled fighters."
Kuriarare Kushimaru pondered again.
"I'm willing to help you."
Suikazan Fuguki became extremely excited, putting his arm around Kuriarare Kushimaru's shoulder.
"If I gain the position of Mizukage and the power of Hidden Mist, I'm willing to share it with you, brother!"
"Hey, I'm not helping for free."
"Whatever conditions you have, brother, just say them."
Kuriarare Kushimaru smiled foolishly.
"Give me Raiusu Island. That's the island where I was born."
"No problem."
Suikazan Fuguki readily agreed.
...
What they didn't know was that while they were plotting how to seize the position of Mizukage, an unprecedented riot was unfolding in Hidden Mist Village...
————————————————
"Can this broken bird of yours be trusted?"
Shiranui Genma examined the not-particularly-attractive pigeon in the cage.
"Don't worry, Captain. Don't let this pigeon's listless appearance fool you—it has a scientific name: decoy pigeon."
A short, fat Leaf ninja said with a smile.
"Decoy pigeon? How so?"
Shiranui Genma became interested.
"My family has raised messenger pigeons for the village for three generations, but this type of pigeon is specifically for intercepting enemy messages!"
"Oh!? That amazing?"
"Absolutely! Whether it's Mist's fish eagles, Cloud's golden eagles, Sand's war falcons, or Rock's vultures—as soon as they encounter my pigeon, they chase it desperately like they've been drugged. When the time comes, you'll see... eh, looks like one's coming. Look."
The fat ninja pointed to the sky, where indeed there was an inconspicuous black dot.
Shiranui Genma quickly opened the cage. The fat ninja rapidly formed hand seals, and the decoy pigeon seemed to receive some command. It shed its previous laziness and shot into the sky like an arrow released from a bow.
...
Before long, the war falcon was in Shiranui Genma's hands.
"Your decoy pigeon really has skills. I'll note this as a merit."
Shiranui Genma gently removed the small bamboo tube tied to the falcon's leg, pulled out the stopper, and lightly tapped it. A small paper slip appeared in his palm.
"Haha, the Mist has sent troops! Quick! Get the camera."
Shiranui Genma unfolded the paper slip, and the fat ninja hurriedly brought up the camera to take photos.
"Urgent: Mist ninja forces have invaded Yuexi Peninsula. Request immediate reinforcements. Respectfully, Kakuzu."
"Got the shot?"
"Got it!"
"Good."
Shiranui Genma carefully rolled the paper slip back up, put it back in the bamboo tube, and retied it to the falcon's leg.
"Give me the camera."
Taking the camera, Shiranui Genma carefully placed it in his backpack.
"You stay here for two days and take good care of this falcon. Don't let it die, understand? The day after tomorrow at this same time, release it. Got it?"
"Got it."
The fat ninja replied.
"Good. If this works out, I'll request a commendation for you from Hokage-sama!"
With that, he quickly ran toward the direction of Konoha.
🔥 Want to read the next 60 chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/DarkGolds]