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"Is it just protesting, then?" Makoto retorted.
"No, it's likely we won't even get to the protesting stage before they take responsibility for the 'Bloody Mist' themselves," Mangetsu spread his hands. "The higher one's position, the stronger their sense of pride. With such a massive stain on their record, their pride will inevitably compel them to bear the responsibility they deserve. However, there's one thing I must tell you beforehand: even if we truly succeed, the new Mizukage will not come from among you."
"You want to do it yourself?" a middle-aged, burly man standing behind Makoto asked.
"I..." Mangetsu was taken aback, then felt Zabuza's gaze on him. He shook his head. "It won't be me."
"I'm not interested in who becomes the new Mizukage. Moreover, I understand someone like me, who can't even read, has no right to be Mizukage. Besides, the ones laughing last might not even be us."
"Indeed. I'm just worried Kirigakure might suffer twice the damage." Mangetsu explained. "Next is the battle plan... Our primary target is Igawa Bu. Kill him, and all problems will be resolved. I know you harbor deep resentment towards the Mizukage. But I'll be honest: the rebels, at full strength, number over a thousand. However, about seven hundred of those are essentially cannon fodder. The ones who can truly inflict damage on the enemy number around four hundred. I dare say, without needing any other Kirigakure ninja, just the two Mizukage could wipe us all out. So, to ensure the operation's success, we must split our forces."
"Be more specific," Makoto said.
"I, Zabuza, and Suigetsu will infiltrate Kirigakure in advance. Among us, Zabuza and I will distract the two Mizukage. Suigetsu will be responsible for communication with you. Once we open the village gates from the inside, you all charge in and kill Igawa Bu. Once he's dead, the fighting in Kirigakure will end."
"You're that confident? Or are you being overly optimistic about the difficulties?" Makoto asked, puzzled.
"We're not the only ones who despise the 'Bloody Mist.' There are people inside Kirigakure who do too. Once the Mizukage regain their senses, they will take responsibility for their actions," Mangetsu stated.
"But I still have a doubt..." Makoto crossed her arms. "From what you say, Jinchūriki are extremely powerful. What if, while we're hunting Igawa Bu, that newly captured Jinchūriki decides to side with him? What do we do then?"
"I've mentioned it before, right? There are many within Kirigakure who detest Igawa Bu but have been unable to resist. They need a catalyst. Once we breach Kirigakure, these people will also step forward. For example, Mei Terumī, whom I mentioned earlier. Her strength is not inferior to mine."
Mangetsu instinctively took another look at Makoto.
This woman seemed rough around the edges, but she was actually quite sharp. When it came to crucial moments, she wasn't as blunt as before.
If she were in Kirigakure, she might well have been an outstanding ninja. The only drawback was her illiteracy.
"I hope you're not lying to me!" Makoto said.
"Mmm, definitely not. However, you hold considerable sway among them, so I'd like to ask a favor of you."
"Speak."
"Once you enter Kirigakure, you absolutely must not harm the villagers. Otherwise, even if we win, because you harmed civilians, many subsequent matters will become difficult to handle," Mangetsu reminded.
"I know. Our enemies aren't them."
"What about them?" Mangetsu looked at the people behind Makoto.
Makoto glanced back at her followers. "They wouldn't dare. And also..."
Her lips moved slightly, the words on the tip of her tongue changing before she spoke. "They know the pain of losing loved ones."
"Good. Next, I'll outline the plan... Each squad will be assigned specific tasks."
The meeting lasted until noon. Afterwards, Makoto and the others who had come with her left the hall, not even staying for a meal.
Mangetsu let out a long sigh, sinking into a chair, his mind unable to settle for a long time.
A large-scale, multi-faceted operation like this was far from his forte. Yet, undoubtedly, among these people, he had the most experience. He could only grit his teeth and proceed. Every single decision he made had to be repeatedly considered in his mind before being voiced.
Among them all, he was unquestionably the most exhausted.
Once everyone was gone, Mangetsu looked at Zabuza and Suigetsu, a helpless smile appearing on his face.
"Sorry for dragging you both into this. Actually, I shouldn't have involved you. After all, tangling with two Mizukage might mean death. But... I really had no other choice." Mangetsu said.
"Do you really think we have a chance of winning?" Zabuza asked.
"If the situation develops according to our earlier projections, with no unforeseen incidents, perhaps a 20% chance." Mangetsu replied.
Zabuza frowned, finding it hard to believe. "The Six-Tails Jinchūriki siding with Igawa Bu isn't the worst-case scenario?"
"Of course not. Even if Utakata sides with Igawa, his heart still resents Kirigakure. So there's a possibility of betrayal. Moreover, he's been in contact with the Six-Tails for a long time; they share a certain tacit agreement. He can control the Six-Tails' power. If Igawa Bu transfers the Six-Tails into himself, it could lead to the Six-Tails going berserk... which means we'd likely be powerless against a rampaging Six-Tails. But even that isn't the worst-case scenario..."
Mangetsu scratched his head, his face full of worry.
"That's still not the worst?" Zabuza exclaimed in surprise.
"You haven't forgotten about the 'Akatsuki,' have you? They control the two Mizukage... It's hard for me to imagine just how powerful they are. If they intervene in our operation, I estimate... our chance of winning drops to zero," Mangetsu explained.
"Where the hell has Midorima gone? If he could come back, he could probably be a big help," Zabuza grumbled.
"We shouldn't rely on him... Besides, Kirigakure wronged him." Mangetsu shook his head.
"It can't be that we're that unlucky, right? With a surprise attack, the 'Akatsuki' shouldn't be able to get here in time. There's a whole sea between here and the other ninja villages!" Suigetsu said.
"That's true." Mangetsu finally managed a smile.
"But... not telling Makoto about these things... is that really okay?" Zabuza asked.
"What use would telling them be? They can't solve these problems. Moreover, I estimate that in the end, less than 10% of those who participate will survive. Regardless of who wins or loses, Kirigakure will need a very long time to recuperate and rebuild," Mangetsu murmured.
Zabuza clicked his tongue but said nothing more.
******
Waves crashed onto the sandy beach, then quickly receded.
Two figures stepped onto the shore, their feet sinking into sand freshly washed by the sea.
"So this is Kirigakure?" Hidan asked, dragging his oversized scythe as he looked around.
"Probably? I'm not familiar with this place either," Kakuzu replied.
"So, do we go left or right?" Hidan asked.
"What do you think?"
"Roll a die. Even numbers go left, odd numbers go right."
"Where's the die?"
"..." Hidan patted his pockets. "Should be at the bottom of the sea?"
"Then we go left."
"Why?"
"When we were in the water earlier, I took a look at the island. There's a large settlement to the left."
"Is that so? Then left it is!" Hidan narrowed his eyes and strode purposefully towards the left.