The Hidden Mist Village's seat of power—Mist Tower—stood tall in the village's center. Unlike Konoha, which radiated outward in a fan shape from the Hokage's Tower, Hidden Mist had a loosely circular layout, with Mist Tower at the center. Inside the first meeting room, colloquially known as the "small meeting room," a tense atmosphere hung over the gathering.
Per the orders of the Fifth Mizukage, an urgent meeting was taking place to discuss the grim news brought back by Mangetsu Hozuki. After a grueling journey, Mangetsu reported that Hiro Ma from the former Fire Nation's Twelve Guardian Ninja had captured Hiroki Shimizu, an emerging talent with the Boil Release kekkei genkai, just that afternoon. Hiroki's two teammates were dead, leaving Mangetsu as the only survivor.
This could be seen as either a minor incident or a significant crisis.
On the one hand, it was merely a death or two—no big deal for a powerhouse like Hidden Mist Village, which boasted thousands of ninja. Often, such events wouldn't even make it to the Mizukage's desk. However, on the other hand, it could be a serious matter concerning the security of the Boil Release kekkei genkai. Mishandling it could lead to this kekkei genkai falling into enemy hands.
Clearly, this was being treated as a major issue.
In attendance were key figures from the village.
First was the Mizukage's aide, the bandage-wrapped "Demon" Zabuza Momochi. Then there was the head of the Anbu, the "tailless tailed beast" Kisame Hoshigaki, renowned for his immense chakra reserves. Among others were Ao, the "Byakugan Hunter," representing the Elder Council, the head of the Shimizu clan, the Six-Tails Jinchuriki, Bubbles, and Mangetsu Hozuki. Of these individuals, only Ao and the Shimizu clan head were of an older age; the rest were vibrant, energetic youth.
It was clear that the Fifth Mizukage was aiming to build a younger, dynamic administration.
Even the Elders seemed supportive; otherwise, it wouldn't have been so easy to have Zabuza and Kisame as the Mizukage's aide and head of the Anbu, respectively. Though Hidden Mist Village had seen its share of challenges, there were still several capable warriors at the peak of their strength, though only a handful could rival Zabuza or Kisame.
In short, the Hidden Mist Village presented a lively, vigorous front.
"The key issue now is our likelihood of rescuing Hiroki."
Zabuza's gravelly voice reverberated through the meeting room.
It wasn't a profound statement, but it was one that had to be made.
"Kisame, have we sent out tracking teams?"
The Fifth Mizukage looked over at the Anbu head on her right.
"Based on Mangetsu's intel, six tracking teams have already been dispatched, but I can't guarantee they'll retrieve Hiroki," Kisame said, glancing at the Mizukage. "Mizukage-sama, should I disclose the other information?"
"You mean regarding the Cloud and Stone Ninja? Go ahead. If it weren't for that, we might not have even called this meeting today."
The Mizukage, Mei Terumi, nodded, giving him permission.
Upon hearing the exchange between the Mizukage and the Anbu head, there were slight shifts in expression among the attendees; some raised their eyebrows, others focused, while Bubbles, the Six-Tails Jinchuriki, looked indifferent. Known for his laid-back attitude, Bubbles was infamous for his relaxed demeanor, often preferring high perches for naps.
If not for Mei Terumi's order, he wouldn't have bothered attending this meeting.
Leaving Bubbles aside, the others were paying close attention.
"About three days ago, Konoha sent intel stating that over a month ago, a Cloud Ninja with the Storm Release kekkei genkai had been captured. The attacker's identity is unknown, but they left behind a massive crater caused by destructive force."
"Then, about twenty days ago, a Stone Ninja with the Lava Release kekkei genkai was ambushed while on a mission in the Land of Earth. The attacker was revealed on-site as Hiro Ma from the former Fire Nation's Twelve Guardian Ninja."
At that moment, the group realized this was far from simple.
The involvement of the Cloud and Stone Villages…
"These assailants succeeded in both the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth, escaping each time. To be honest, if not for Mangetsu, they likely would've escaped without any losses. Even though Mangetsu forced them to sacrifice one of their own, whether the tracking teams will catch Hiro Ma and his group and, if so, manage to retrieve Hiroki Shimizu…remains uncertain."
Kisame carefully explained why he hesitated to promise a successful rescue.
"Does that mean…Hiroki might…"
The Shimizu clan head paled.
Though Mist Ninja were known for their ruthlessness, there was still a sense of unity within a clan. Internal feuds might occur, but loyalty to the clan was paramount. The Shimizu clan head had the responsibility of protecting Hiroki, an up-and-coming talent. While he couldn't match Mangetsu or Kisame, Hiroki was certainly a promising pillar of his family, someone who could not be sacrificed lightly.
"This may sound harsh, but Clan Head Shimizu, please brace yourself for the possibility of a failed rescue."
Kisame's voice was solemn.
Truthfully, after hearing Mangetsu's report, he had little hope of success. This wasn't due to Hiro Ma and his allies' power or their terrifying Spider Clan jutsu but because they seemed to avoid any direct conflict. They were willing to abandon a comrade if it meant escaping with their target swiftly.
This kind of "professional kidnapper" made it difficult to catch up with them right after the incident, something Kisame had learned from his years in the Anbu.
Of course, certain things were best not stated too bluntly.
One should always hope for a slim chance of success.
"…Understood."
Clan Head Shimizu remained composed.
However, his visible sorrow cast a dark cloud over his demeanor.
"Mizukage-sama, if we can't retrieve him, what should we do next?" Ao inquired, glancing cautiously at the Shimizu clan head, who remained silent and unresponsive.
"What do we do? Isn't that what we're here to discuss?"
Only now did the meeting delve into the real issue at hand. After all, if the tracking teams had a high likelihood of success, there'd be no need for this meeting.
"The intel from Konoha doesn't just mention the Cloud and Stone ninja incidents; both villages have sent emissaries. Cloud's envoy is already in Konoha, lodging a formal protest and demanding an explanation. The Stone envoy is still en route but likely has a similar intent," Mei continued.
Looking at everyone in the room, she added, "So, I'd like to hear your thoughts. As Konoha's allies, what should our response be? Should we issue a protest like the Cloud and Stone Villages, or consider other options? Don't hold back—share whatever you think."
"Any suggestions?"
Everyone looked at each other in silence. The six-tailed jinchuriki, known for being lazy and avoiding trouble, simply closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair, pretending to rest. Watching this, the Fifth Mizukage felt a vein throb at her temple. This guy wasn't just too lazy to think—he couldn't even be bothered to pretend to pay attention!
Fortunately, not everyone here was so unreliable.
"Since we're allies, we definitely can't handle this like the Cloud Shinobi would," Zabuza Momochi said resolutely.
"What, are we supposed to just play deaf and dumb?"
Ao, looking grim, voiced his objection.
Every time he thought about their so-called ally, the Leaf Village, he couldn't help but remember the loss of his Byakugan. A phantom pain lingered around his eye socket, reminding him of the humiliation of being bested. But it seemed like none of the younger shinobi around him felt the same.
"Of course not," Zabuza replied calmly. "I just mean we can't push all the blame onto the Leaf Village like the Cloud Shinobi might. Don't forget, strictly speaking, this incident has nothing to do with the Leaf Village. That rogue, Kazuma, isn't even a Leaf ninja. Demanding that they explain themselves would be both unreasonable and unfair."
"So, what do you suggest we do?" Ao asked, his tone growing more hostile.
"Ask for help."
The words didn't come from Zabuza.
It was Mangetsu Hozuki who spoke up.
"Ask for help?" Ao's expression darkened further at this suggestion of "showing weakness." "You're saying we should ask the Leaf Village for assistance? Do you realize that doing so would trample our village's pride?"
"True, but if Kazuma and his group manage to escape, they'll most likely flee to the Land of Fire. That's Leaf Village territory. So, if they end up there, it only makes sense to request the Leaf's help in capturing them, doesn't it?"
Mangetsu looked around meaningfully. "And let's not lose sight of the main issue here. We're discussing how to handle Kazuma and his people. To be honest, the way they've been capturing shinobi with kekkei genkai makes me suspect they're planning something sinister. If we don't crush their plans now, things could get very troublesome later on."
Ao frowned but stayed silent.
Suppressing his own frustration, he had to admit that Mangetsu had a point. From the intelligence gathered so far, their village, the Mist, was the third to be attacked. It was clear that Kazuma's group was planning something serious, something big enough that they'd continue their actions even after being wanted by the Leaf and taking on the Cloud and Stone as well.
Zabuza glanced at Mangetsu, who he considered a "semi-friend," realizing they shared the same view.
"As for the matter of pride," Mangetsu continued with a carefree grin, "we lost that five years ago, didn't we? Our Fourth Mizukage was reduced to a puppet, so what pride do we really have left? Besides, pride isn't worth more than actual results. And speaking of the Fourth…this might even involve that guy calling himself Madara Uchiha. Otherwise, I can't figure out how a rogue ninja from the Land of Fire would know our whereabouts so well."
Well, okay. That last line was a bit of a stretch.
Mangetsu had no real evidence linking Kazuma's group to the supposed Madara, but he also didn't have proof that they weren't involved. It didn't hurt to connect the two, making it clearer to veterans like Ao just how serious this situation was.
He had seen similar tactics used in the Leaf, where his old department head—the Hokage's advisor—had often leveraged the hunt for Madara to eliminate rivals and expand influence. This spread the advisor's control over nearly every department in the Leaf, beyond just the Anbu. As far as Mangetsu was concerned, that "advisor" was the true Hokage, while the frequently ill Hokage himself…well, he was just a puppet.
"Mangetsu, zip it. If you have something to say, stick to the point and stop making stuff up," Mei Terumi snapped, shooting the loose-tongued shinobi a glare.
What he said was technically true, but some things were better left unsaid! Statements like that only made it harder for her, the Fifth Mizukage, to keep her dignity intact.
"Anyway, I don't think this is the end of it. First, it was the Cloud. Then the Stone. Now us, the Mist. Next…who knows? Maybe the Sand or the Leaf are part of the plan too." Having finished his last statement, Mangetsu leaned back and closed his eyes, mimicking the six-tailed jinchuriki's pose to rest.
"I agree with Mangetsu's perspective," Zabuza said, the first to show support.
Following him, Kisame Hoshigaki, with a nod from the Mizukage, agreed with the plan to request aid from the Leaf. Then came the clan head of the Kiyomizu clan, and even the six-tailed jinchuriki, Utakata, followed suit. Finally, Ao, despite his personal bitterness, also nodded in agreement, setting aside any intention to use his master's name for sabotage.
He didn't like the Leaf, but for the village's sake, even if it meant losing his Byakugan, he wouldn't let personal grudges cloud his judgment now.
The meeting continued smoothly from there.
In the end, the Fifth Mizukage made the decision: if the Anbu pursuit team failed to retrieve Hiroshi Kiyomizu, who had been abducted, then Mangetsu Hozuki would lead a team to the Leaf to request aid, joining forces with them to capture these troublesome "rats" on the run.
After all, Mangetsu had been planning to visit the Leaf anyway. Plus, he had spent nearly five years in the Leaf, developing quite a network of connections among its high-ranking members. They trusted him completely with this task.
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