Naruto: Reborn as Kakuzu, the Immortal Assassin

Water Country, Shinri Island.

Nestled in the southwestern region of the Water Country, Shinri Island was renowned for its vast central lake, Shinri Lake. This colossal body of freshwater provided abundant resources, making the island a key hub for villagers and merchants alike. However, a week ago, a thunderous explosion shattered the tranquility as a group of Kirigakure shinobi passed through. Soon after, more Kirigakure forces arrived, issuing orders for all civilians to evacuate immediately.

The abrupt and unexplained expulsion left many residents frustrated, but they had no choice but to comply. Now, the island was devoid of its usual bustle, occupied solely by shinobi.

Standing on the still waters of Shinri Lake, Mizukage Byakuren gazed forward with his eyes closed, arms crossed. The wooden geta on his feet rested lightly on the water's surface, a testament to his mastery. Behind him stood his loyal disciple, Chūki, a stout man with blue markings on his face and striking red glasses.

"Lord Mizukage," Chūki began respectfully, "I've gathered all the intelligence as instructed."

He continued, "We've confirmed that the Three-Tails is indeed one of the more unique Tailed Beasts among the nine. Before its capture, it lived in the southern seas of the Water Country, showing a natural affinity for water. Whether sealed in a scroll or within a jinchūriki, as long as it's near water, it tends to go berserk. If the host lacks control, the Three-Tails will inevitably break free."

Byakuren's eyes slowly opened at this report, his scarred left eye adding a menacing edge to his expression. He mulled over the information before speaking, his tone deliberate.

"So... the Three-Tails's connection to water makes it prone to berserk rages, allowing it to break free of its seals?"

"Yes, Lord Mizukage," Chūki confirmed.

At this, Byakuren suddenly let out a booming laugh that echoed across the lake.

"Why are you laughing, Lord Mizukage?" Chūki asked nervously.

"An amusing thought occurred to me," Byakuren replied, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

"What if we seal the Three-Tails into a regular shinobi, then send them on a diplomatic mission to another nation? Find a place with plenty of water, and let nature do the rest. The Three-Tails would emerge, its immense chakra tearing their village apart. Imagine the chaos we could unleash!"

Chūki swallowed hard, sweat forming on his brow as he listened to Byakuren's scheme. The Mizukage's audacity was terrifying.

"Lord Mizukage, the shinobi world has only just settled into peace. Would it not be wiser to..."

His voice faltered as he caught the darkening expression on Byakuren's face.

"Do you think I'm unaware of that?" Byakuren snapped, his mood souring.

If circumstances allowed, he would have acted on his idea without hesitation, targeting Iwagakure. Relations between Kirigakure and Iwagakure were at an all-time low, and Byakuren still harbored a grudge from the last Five Kage Summit. He had vied for the Eight-Tails, knowing its affinity for water, and was close to claiming it when Tsuchikage Ishikawa intervened, siding with Raikage A and helping him secure the beast. In the end, Kirigakure was left with only the Three-Tails and Six-Tails.

Though enraged, Byakuren reminded himself of his duties as Mizukage. The era of the Warring States had only recently ended, and a premature war could destabilize everything. Moreover, Kirigakure itself was not yet unified.

"How fares the village?" Byakuren asked, his tone colder now.

Chūki lowered his head even further, his voice subdued.

"The Yuki clan has submitted to our authority, but the Kaguya clan remains restless, constantly agitating for conflict. As for the Hōzuki clan, they continue to keep to themselves. They won't provoke us, but they won't assist us either. The other bloodline clans are... stable, for now."

A low growl escaped Byakuren's throat as he absorbed this report. Having visited other villages like Konohagakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure, he was acutely aware of Kirigakure's unique challenges. Unlike the predominantly land-based territories of the other nations, the Water Country was composed of countless islands, each with its own customs and culture. This diversity bred division, not unity.

Byakuren longed for a Kirigakure as unified as its rivals, one where all clans stood together against external threats. But achieving such cohesion required time, and he knew that his immediate priority was solidifying internal stability.

"Very well," he said at last. "If we can't even unite our own people, there's no point dreaming of external conquest. For now, we focus inward."

Chūki nodded, though unease lingered in his heart.

The path ahead for Kirigakure was fraught with challenges, but under Byakuren's iron will, one thing was certain: blood would flow before the Bloody Mist could truly rise.

"The Kaguya clan? Those brainless fools aren't worth worrying about. As long as they don't cause a major rebellion, let them do as they please. However, the Hozuki clan is another matter entirely. They're sharp and notoriously disobedient. Make sure someone keeps a close watch on them."

"Understood!"

"By the way, has that traitor Ruto been caught yet?"

At the mention of Ruto, Chūki didn't respond immediately. Instead, he formed a series of hand seals, sending out a wave of chakra to sense the area around them. After a moment, he replied,

"Mizukage-sama, according to the latest intelligence, the bounty hunter is scheduled to deliver Ruto to us today. 'No Wind' has already been sent to make the arrangements."

Hearing this, Byakuren let out a cold snort. "That traitor Ruto... the loss of the Three-Tails is entirely his fault. To fail the mission and then have the audacity to defect? Unforgivable."

The incident where the Three-Tails went berserk during transport had been unexpected, but Byakuren wasn't particularly concerned. The beast could always be recaptured. As for Ruto, the one entrusted with the mission? Byakuren had already decided to make an example of him. The fact that Ruto was a shinobi with a kekkei genkai made him an even more perfect scapegoat.

"He's the last remaining member of his clan, isn't he?" Byakuren mused aloud. "Once we capture him, I'll personally interrogate him. His fate will serve as a warning to every other clan."

Byakuren's thoughts shifted back to reality as his gaze fell on the lake before him. In his mind's eye, he could already see the massive tailed beast lurking beneath the surface.

"How's the sealing team doing?" he asked.

"Everything is in place, Mizukage-sama," Chūki assured. "The barrier team and sealing team are fully prepared. However, since we're dealing with the Three-Tails, should we consider deploying additional forces from the village?"

"That won't be necessary," Byakuren replied with a dismissive wave of his hand. His steps were measured as he approached the lake, his eyes fixed on the serene waters ahead.

On the lake's edge, ten skilled Kirigakure shinobi, all personally chosen by Byakuren for their expertise in sealing jutsu, were busy finalizing the intricate barrier. Once the seal was complete, the Three-Tails, Isobu, would be as good as trapped.

Of course, Byakuren had briefly entertained the possibility of the seal failing. After all, Isobu was a tailed beast. But that thought lingered for only a moment.

"A mere beast," Byakuren scoffed. "I'll admit its chakra reserves are immense, but beyond that? Hardly impressive. If it manages to break free again, I'll personally subdue it."

Byakuren unfolded his arms, extending his hands slowly. In his palm, a yellow, eye-like symbol began to form, pulsating faintly with power.

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