The Mizukage Is Strong But Overly Cautious

Mizuki Ryosuke began analyzing all possible strategies, calculating in his mind the odds of securing a decisive victory while avoiding direct confrontation with Uchiha Madara, the legendary ghost of the Uchiha clan, whose name alone struck fear into the Five Great Nations.

At the same time, Mizuki Ryosuke meticulously reviewed the intelligence reports, scrutinizing every detail. Suddenly, he recalled the words of Third Mizukage, Mizuki Taki, who had warned that a "great upheaval" was about to shake Kirigakure, a crisis that would demand a significant portion of Mist Shinobi's forces.

As Anbu Commander, it was inconceivable that Yagura Karatachi was unaware of this looming conflict. If nothing else, he and the Iwagakure shinobi lurking in the shadows would exploit the chaos. Yagura would seize the opportunity to consolidate power, using the Rock Shinobi to eliminate Third Mizukage—the final obstacle in his path.

But how could Yagura ensure that, after the Third Mizukage's fall, Kirigakure wouldn't spiral into internal strife, allowing factions like the Kaguya clan or Hōzuki clan to contest his claim? Would Ao, the loyal guardian of the Mizukage, stand aside? The future of Kirigakure was a tangled web, and for the first time, Mizuki Ryosuke found himself uncertain.

His intelligence was still incomplete. To act decisively, he had to uncover what Third Mizukage meant by the "great upheaval."

"I have no choice—I must return to the village first to confirm everything," Mizuki Ryosuke resolved, his mind set.

Time was of the essence. He had to reach Kirigakure before Yagura realized something was amiss. However, he also had to move discreetly, lest he alert Yagura and provoke a premature confrontation. Sending the entire team back at once would be reckless; their presence would be too conspicuous.

Turning to his three subordinates, Mizuki Ryosuke issued his orders in a low, authoritative voice:

"You all understand the gravity of our situation. Every move we make will affect the entire village. The complexity of this crisis is far greater than it appears on the surface.

"I will return to the village alone to report directly to the Mizukage. To avoid unnecessary risks, you three will remain outside Kirigakure and await further orders.

"You have three days. If I return within that time, everything will proceed as planned. However, if I do not return… you are to take the head of a Rock Shinobi and present it to the Mizuki clan's elder council. Explain everything to them.

"Do you understand?"

Mizuki Ryosuke's tone left no room for negotiation.

The three shinobi exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the weight of his words.

"Yes…" they responded in unison, though their expressions betrayed their concern.

"Captain…"

Terumi Mei hesitated before speaking. Despite her usual composure, worry flickered in her bright green eyes.

Mizuki Ryosuke smiled faintly and ruffled her auburn hair. Their team had not been together long, yet a bond had already formed between them.

Without further delay, Mizuki Ryosuke vanished into the night, his silhouette blending into the mist as he raced toward Kirigakure.

Watching his retreating figure, Terumi Mei clenched her fists.

"I swear… this will never happen again," she vowed.

Beside her, Mizuki Mitsuhiko, usually brimming with pride, wore a look of frustration. The feeling of knowing the truth yet being powerless to act was unbearable. He, too, swore to himself that he would never again be so helpless.

Even Takeda Yoichi, the team's usually cheerful and carefree member, had lost his easygoing smile.

For now, all they could do was pray for their captain's safe return.

Kirigakure

In the dimly lit Mizukage's office, Third Mizukage Mizuki Taki sat behind his desk, his breath labored. Opposite him stood Maeda Genshi, a veteran Jōnin squad leader, engaged in a hushed conversation.

"Cough… cough…"

"How much longer can Okubo hold out?" Mizuki Taki's rasping voice broke the silence, his ever-present cough serving as a grim reminder of his declining health.

"Not long," Maeda Genshi admitted. "The chief medical officer from Amegakure has already assessed his condition. He can hold on for two days at most."

Maeda's normally stern features were unusually tense. As Kirigakure's third-in-command, he understood the gravity of the situation.

"Two days…" Mizuki Taki sighed, his expression unreadable. "Are the successors prepared?"

"They are," Maeda Genshi confirmed, though hesitation flickered across his face.

"When the time comes, I will deploy half of the Mizuki clan's elite forces," Mizuki Taki stated. "Additionally, the entire Mizukage Guard will be mobilized. I have already arranged for Xiguashan Kujō and Kurohō to assist. That should be enough… even with my failing body."

Despite his confident words, a heavy silence settled over the room.

"Maeda," Mizuki Taki continued, "you understand why I am entrusting this to you now, don't you?"

"Cough… cough…" His body shook violently as another coughing fit seized him.

A knowing light flashed in Maeda Genshi's eyes.

"I will personally mobilize twenty Jōnin," he vowed, his gaze unwavering. "Everything is for the village."

A rare smile crossed Mizuki Taki's lips.

"Haha… cough… cough…"

"I knew you were different from that fool Gōji."

"Are you sure we shouldn't alert Kaguya or Anbu?" Maeda asked cautiously, eyeing Mizuki Taki's worsening condition.

"No," Mizuki Taki shook his head. "I don't trust them."

His voice, though weak, carried the full weight of authority.

"Maeda, I know you harbor resentment toward me and the Mizuki clan, but such things are meaningless now. Nothing is more important than the village. We cannot afford any unexpected variables."

"Understood," Maeda Genshi replied, standing at attention. "Everything is for the village."

After Maeda left, a somber expression returned to Mizuki Taki's face.

"Everything… is for the village…" he muttered to himself.

His body trembled, and he reached for a handkerchief. When he pulled it away, crimson blood stained the white cloth.

Mizuki Taki sighed.

His time was running out.