Few weeks before, when Obito "died" by Sukuna's hands, the chains around Yagura's mind shattered. His eyes widened as if waking from a long, heavy sleep. Memories came rushing back—the screams of his people, the rivers of blood, the endless killings done in his name. His chest tightened.
He staggered to the mirror in his quarters, staring at his reflection. "All this… because of me," he whispered, voice hoarse. "I am the Mizukage, a Jinchūriki… yet I let myself become a puppet." His fists trembled.
Strong, dangerous chakra started to react to his emotions, radiating out of him like waves. It wasn't just his own chakra but also the Three-Tails.
The outburst was substantial—enough to attract many shinobi's attention. They all could feel the terrible chakra of the tailed beast pouring out from the Mizukage's building, an alarming thought forming in their minds.
Rage burned inside Yagura, but so did grief. "I am a disgrace." Both emotions canceled each other out soon enough for him to regain his composure.
But this was no time for self-pity. His village was falling apart, and only he could stop it.
He summoned every available Jonin to the council hall. The order was executed at lightning speed—his earlier outburst had already put the entire village on edge.
The room filled with tense faces—Ao stood tall, Mei Terumi's sharp eyes narrowed, and even Zabuza Momochi leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his presence heavy. But there were gaps—too many seats empty.
Yagura's voice cut through the silence. "Many are not here. Kisame Hoshigaki is gone. Mangetsu Hōzuki has left. Utakata… defected. Ameyuri Ringo, Jinpachi Munashi… the Seven Swordsmen are broken."
This wasn't news to him—everything he did, he remembered. Including those he killed and those who left the village. He wasn't asking but rather lamenting his fate.
Yagura lowered his head. Each name was a blade to his chest. "And many others are already dead," he muttered. Then louder, steadier, "This is my fault. All of it."
Mei's narrowed eyes lost their edge, surprised. Of all things, she wasn't expecting that. If anything, she thought the Mizukage had another full-scale elimination plan ready for them.
"Your fault?"
Zabuza scoffed, pushing off the wall. "What are you playing at, Mizukage? You're finally admitting what you've done?" He had long been dissatisfied with the current rule of the village.
The council stirred uneasily.
Yagura drew in a sharp breath, then spoke firmly. "Listen everyone, I know it sounds rather ridiculous but, for years now, I was under Genjutsu. A masked man placed me under his control. Everything—the Bloody Mist policy, the bloodline purges, the senseless slaughter—it was his will. Not mine."
Gasps rippled across the room. Zabuza narrowed his eyes but stayed silent. He definitely wouldn't believe that kind of excuse.
Yagura knew most wouldn't believe him—until Ao stepped forward, bowing his head.
"It's true. I saw the foreign chakra controlling him. I tried to resist, to rally an opposing faction, but… no one listened." His voice carried bitterness, but also vindication.
Another spread of murmurs went around the room. Yagura sent a grateful glance at Ao for his help.
However, that didn't mean he was blameless. "I have no excuse. I should have been stronger. But I swear to you all—this ends now."
Mei crossed her arms, her tone sharp. "You expect us to believe this masked man exists? That everything was his doing?"
"I don't ask you to believe only my words," Yagura said, lifting his chin. "I ask you to believe Ao's testimony, and to believe my actions from now on. You all saw what this policy did. Was that truly the will of a Mizukage who fought to defend this village for years? Or was it something darker?"
The silence stretched. Finally, Zabuza gave a low laugh. "Hmph. Whether you were controlled or not, the village is still in ruins. So what now, Mizukage?"
"Now," Yagura said, voice firm, "I end the Bloody Mist policy. I end the bloodline purges. From this moment, those laws are gone."
A stunned murmur ran through the Jonin. Mei's lips curved into a small, almost relieved smile. "Might have been the best thing I heard in the entire decade after the Fourth Hokage's death."
Many nodded in affirmation.
"Not just that," Yagura continued. "I will recall every shinobi who defected. Their bounties are removed. Any who wish to return will be welcomed back."
Ao frowned. "Do you think they will come back? After so much blood has been spilled?"
"They must know," Yagura said, "that this village is their home. That the Mist is not their enemy. If they return, we rebuild. If they do not, then at least we tried."
Zabuza's grin was sharp. "You're offering amnesty? Hah. Some will call you weak."
"Let them," Yagura snapped, anger finally flashing through his sorrow. "Strength built on butchering your own people is not strength—it is rot. No more."
Ao stepped forward, nodding. "I will send the word out immediately, Mizukage-sama."
But Mei raised her hand. "Before you recall anyone, there's the matter of the Kaguya clan." Her eyes hardened. "They're planning a coup. They won't listen to reason."
Yagura's expression darkened. "The Kaguya are battle-mad. If they rise now, the village will drown in blood again. I will not allow it."
Zabuza smirked. "Finally. Something I can agree with. When do we cut them down? I was itching for some blood out of those bony muscle heads."
"No," Yagura said, shaking his head. "Not unless they force my hand. First, I will meet them. I will make it clear—this village will no longer kill its own. If they stand down, they live. If they do not…" His eyes hardened like steel. "Then I will put them down myself."
The room fell silent. Mei's gaze softened, just slightly. "Perhaps… the real Mizukage has finally returned."
Yagura straightened, the weight of his crimes still heavy, but his resolve unshaken. "And once the unrest in the village is over, once the village is stabilized, I'll step down as Mizukage."
Another gasp spread around the room.
"I have done too much to remain in this position anymore. Now all I wish is to find the identity of that masked man and get revenge for everything he did to the Hidden Mist through me."
For the first time in years, hope flickered in the council chamber. However, now the question remained—who would be the next Mizukage?
…
[Present Time]
"Tch. What a pain," Sukuna snorted with discontentment.
Now he knew—this guy was a complete trouble magnet. No way in hell he was taking him back to Kiri. It was a fucking trap.
After learning everything he had to know about the current state of the Hidden Mist, he was sure nothing good would come from associating with the matter.
But even though the situation had been annoying, Sukuna couldn't deny it—Mangetsu was strong. This was the best fight he'd had since Itachi.
Sukuna got up quietly and looked at the four blades now lying in front of him—Nuibari, Kabutowari, Shibuki, and Kiba. All gleaming, legendary weapons, each with its own terrifying reputation. Sukuna crouched and picked up the Kiba blades, twirling one in his hand. Lightning sparked faintly along the edge. His grin widened.
"Now this puts a smile on my face."
Mangetsu groaned weakly from where he was tied up near the riverbank.
"Hmm, can you please don't take them? You're not going to get any buyers for them anyway. They have a reputation—the Mist shinobi will always come after them sooner or later."
"Heh… as if. This is the only way I'll recover the waste of time you were…" Sukuna complained, to which Mangetsu coughed in embarrassment. From all the talk and attitude of this kid, Mangetsu had at least figured out that this bounty hunter with a mask wasn't the same masked man who trapped the Mizukage in Genjutsu.
Sukuna walked over, crouched, and tapped him on the forehead with the flat side of Kiba.
"Like I said, I was never here to kill you. Whether you live or not doesn't matter anymore, but still, I don't wanna kill for no reason. I'll just take the blades." He hoisted Mangetsu up without much care and tossed him into the rushing river.
"Oi, what are you doing?" Mangetsu panicked.
"Didn't I tell you? I'm throwing you down the river." Sukuna chirped in a sing-song tone, making Mangetsu struggle harder.
"No… never. Let me go, you damn brat!"
"Don't struggle. Your chakra's sealed, but don't worry. I made sure the bindings are weak. Downstream, you'll be able to break free. You live. Consider it a gift."
"Like hell! Let me go and give those blades back. You have no idea how many Mist shinobi will come after you once they learn you took four of the seven blades." Mangetsu rambled on.
"Really?"
"Of course. Don't underestimate the desire of those who covet those swords."
"Hmm. Okay, let them come. I don't mind."
"Huh?"
"Yeah. Just make sure they have a good bounty on their head before you guys send them, okay…"
"This brat…"
Splash
With effortless ease, Sukuna threw the slimy caterpillar who refused to go near water into the river.
Mangetsu disappeared under the current, leaving only ripples behind. Sukuna dusted off his hands as if finishing some light chore.
Then he slung the swords over his back—though it was an awkward, heavy load. "Should've bought more sealing scrolls."
Still, as he walked away from the river, Sukuna couldn't help the crooked smile tugging at his lips. "Heh. Fine. If the Mist is in chaos, that's their problem. I've got what I want."
However, something in him—that bratty instinct drawing him toward doom—told him to check it out.
It could be fun.
xxx
Please Consider Donating Power Stones if you like the Chapter.
Every 250 Stones for an Additional Bonus Chapter.
"Thank you Very Much for All Your Support"
If you want to read up to 20+ Chapters in advance, check my Patreon on
Patreon.com/Kamidemond