Chapter 48: The Mizukage's Gambit
"The Fourth Mizukage's scheme is truly ambitious!" After briefly analyzing the information, Uchiha Naoki remarked with feeling. "On the surface, he's facing the enemy alone, placing himself in an extremely dangerous situation where, even if a battle breaks out, it's difficult to contact the village for reinforcements in time, making his eventual death seem inevitable."
"However, isn't he using himself as bait to lure out the enemy, in order to quickly resolve Kirigakure's external crisis?"
Hearing this, the Scarlet Sand Scorpion beside him nodded in agreement. "But doing so is extremely risky! Because the village is in a state of panic, the opposition would gladly see him sacrificed so they can elect a new Mizukage to take charge."
"Therefore, when they learn the Fourth Mizukage is under siege, the opposition will most likely want to use our hands to eliminate the Fourth Mizukage's confidants. This way, the crime of 'Kage-slaying' falls on us, while they can become heroes in the village and win the people's praise."
Uchiha Naoki agreed with Sasori's analysis.
"However, what I fear most is the emergence of an extraordinary individual within Kirigakure, someone who can unite all the village's forces to besiege us, causing our mission to ultimately fail."
Hearing Uchiha Naoki's sudden words, the Scarlet Sand Scorpion was taken aback. "Does such a person truly exist in Kirigakure?"
Uchiha Naoki smiled mysteriously. "Perhaps there will be?"
An image flashed in his mind: a captivatingly beautiful face with iconic fiery red lips. "Who would have thought that the future ruler of Kirigakure, the one who would eradicate all the malpractices since the Third Mizukage's era, abolish the high-pressure policies of the 'Village of the Bloody Mist,' restore the village to a normal environment, and actively re-establish communication with the shinobi world, would be a woman?"
"She is the biggest variable this time."
Of course, this distraction was momentary. He took a deep breath and prepared to dive in.
"Water Style: Hidden Mist Jutsu!"
The mist created by Juzo Biwa slowly spread in all directions, reducing visibility. Kirigakure was originally a village shrouded in mountains and year-round fog. The gradually thickening mist was hardly noticeable.
Ten Minutes Later...
"Everyone, move out!"
Once the mist was sufficiently distributed, no words were needed. Uchiha Naoki, the Scarlet Sand Scorpion, and the others understood the operation was beginning.
Uchiha Naoki, responsible for perception, led the group as they stealthily advanced through the fog, avoiding the patrolling Mist ninja. With almost inaudible movements, the Scarlet Sand Scorpion used poison needles and Uchiha Itachi employed genjutsu to eliminate all the guards.
Finally, the residence of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, was just ahead. Only four or five guards remained inside.
However!
"Wind Style: Typhoon Water!"
This strangely named but canonically existent Wind Release ninjutsu, unique to Yagura, erupted, swiftly dispelling the surrounding fog. Instantly, the surroundings were clearly revealed.
The Fourth Mizukage Yagura looked as if he had been waiting for a long time. A slight smirk touched his lips as he remarked, "Interesting! I never expected the trap I deliberately set would catch not the ninja from surrounding forces, but a few... remarkable individuals like you."
His eyes swept over Uchiha Naoki, Uchiha Itachi, and the Scarlet Sand Scorpion, finally settling coldly on Juzo Biwa. "Juzo, I didn't expect you to be involved. I'm very disappointed."
Before Juzo Biwa could speak, the Fourth Mizukage continued, "I have as many things to say to you as there is seawater, but for now, I should take back the Kubikiribōchō from you."
As he finished speaking, a signal flare shot straight into the sky from the stronghold behind him. His four personal guards appeared beside him, looking coldly at the four intruders.
"Surrender, all of you. Since you've fallen into my trap, there's absolutely no chance for you to leave. Even with the famed Scarlet Sand Scorpion and Sharingan Itachi among you."
Hearing this, Uchiha Naoki spread his hands. "I'm afraid that won't be possible."
The Fourth Mizukage wasn't surprised. He brandished his unique weapon, a long staff with a hooked, flower-adorned end, and ordered the four guards behind him, "Go!"
Whoosh!
The four personal guards were all at the Jonin level, or even stronger. They moved like phantoms, heading straight for Juzo Biwa and Uchiha Itachi. Their goals were clear: entangle Uchiha Itachi and kill Juzo Biwa. The Mizukage would handle the other two. Then, they just needed to wait for reinforcements from the village army.
"Sigh, it seems the worst-case scenario has arrived," Uchiha Naoki thought. Of course, this situation was also anticipated by him and the others. If Uchiha Naoki could see through the purpose of the Mizukage's beachfront position, how could they not imagine falling into a trap deliberately set by the Fourth Mizukage? The only thing not fully expected was that the Fourth Mizukage seemed to have reinforcements waiting. But they were mentally prepared for this. Invading Kirigakure and capturing the Fourth Mizukage was bound to disturb the village's army.
"Then, let's proceed according to the original plan!" He and the Scarlet Sand Scorpion would handle the Fourth Mizukage. Uchiha Itachi and Juzo Biwa would deal with the Mizukage's guards.
"Hah!" Although the Fourth Mizukage spoke arrogantly about keeping them there, his actions showed no underestimation. He immediately formed hand seals, borrowing the Tailed Beast's power as a thick tail appeared behind him.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Blast!"
A torrential wave, equivalent to the volume of an entire lake, surged forth violently, causing the very earth to tremble. Being close to the sea with abundant water vapor made using Water Release particularly effective.
Seeing this, how could Uchiha Naoki let him succeed? Water Release not only countered him, robbing him of home-field advantage, but also hindered the Scarlet Sand Scorpion's performance. Moreover, he knew of another tricky ability of the Fourth Mizukage: the Coral Palm, which could immobilize ninja. If they were truly in the water, a puppeteer like the Scarlet Sand Scorpion would definitely suffer.
"Too slow!"
A magma fist, blazing at 960 degrees Celsius. Even just its emergence made the four Mizukage guards in the distance feel as if their bodies were about to melt. The temperature was so high that the surrounding woods withered rapidly, and water evaporated violently.
Sizzle!!!
Water met fire. A sharp, piercing scream erupted as scorching steam enveloped the area at an incredible speed. Yet, within the still-powerful monstrous wave, an extremely red, scorching path broke through rapidly. It was as if a supreme swordsman's blade had torn through the water flow. This colossal wave was forcibly ripped in two, rendered completely ineffective.
"Hah!!!"
The scorching fist, its power undiminished after breaking through the water, closed in on the Fourth Mizukage.
"Not good!" The Fourth Mizukage had expected his massive wave to be blocked, but he never imagined someone would not only break through it head-on but also continue to pose a direct threat.
"This guy..." The Fourth Mizukage looked at Uchiha Naoki, who resembled a lava warrior, and gritted his teeth. "How can he be this strong?!"
Bizarre Lava Release, a youthful face... How could he not guess Uchiha Naoki's identity? But this level of strength truly exceeded his expectations!