The Mizukage Is Strong But Overly Cautious

Ryosuke?"

"What is the problem?"

The flicker of surprise in Mizuki Taki's sharp eyes vanished almost instantly. Years of experience had honed his instincts—if Mizuki Ryosuke had resorted to such secrecy to meet him, something was gravely wrong.

"Mizukage-sama, this matter is urgent. Please forgive my abrupt intrusion."

Mizuki Ryosuke first offered a formal bow, then shot a glance at Mizuki Lian beside him. Recognizing his intent, Lian nodded and silently stepped out of the office, granting them privacy.

Outside Mizukage's office, the shinobi stationed in the Mizukage Building exchanged knowing glances as Mizuki Lian emerged alone.

Eyebrows raised, whispers began circulating among them. One Mist ninja, recalling the ethereal beauty of the woman who had entered, murmured in admiration, "As expected of Mizukage-sama… even with his condition…"

Before he could finish, a comrade jabbed him sharply in the ribs. He quickly swallowed the rest of his words.

The two men exchanged a wordless understanding—before long, rumors of the Third Mizukage's affair would ripple through Kirigakure.

Back in the office, Mizuki Ryosuke's gaze was unwavering, his expression grim. What they were about to discuss could shape the fate of the Bloody Mist itself.

"My lord, before I disclose my findings… I need the truth."

His eyes burned with resolve as he locked stares with Mizuki Taki.

"You spoke of a significant event approaching. What exactly is happening?"

Only by knowing the full scope of the situation could Ryosuke determine how much of the truth to reveal. There was no room for hesitation. Even if exposing himself meant death, he would not retreat.

A powerful aura radiated from him, one that did not belong to an ordinary shinobi.

Mizuki Taki's brow furrowed. His pupils contracted ever so slightly.

This aura… it was the pressure of someone prepared to challenge authority.

In response, the Third Mizukage's own presence surged forth like an unseen tide—cold, oppressive, and unyielding. The office became a silent battlefield of wills.

For a moment, it seemed as if neither would back down.

Then, after a pause, Mizuki Taki's expression shifted. Perhaps it was Ryosuke's unrelenting gaze or the sheer force of his conviction, but the Mizukage finally relented.

His voice was low and steady as he revealed the truth.

"There is only one day left."

"The current Three-Tails Jinchūriki, Okubo Genichiro, is dying."

"The transition of hosts is imminent."

"When the time comes, most of Kirigakure's forces will be deployed to secure the sealing ritual—ensuring there are no… interruptions."

His words hung heavy in the air. The years of strain from leading Kirigakure had worn upon him, yet in this moment, his sharp, golden-tinged eyes gleamed with renewed energy.

Mizuki Ryosuke's mind clicked into place.

"I see…"

This was the missing piece.

A conspiracy to dismantle Kirigakure from the shadows had fully taken shape before his eyes.

"Now," Mizuki Taki's voice turned razor-sharp, "it's your turn to give me an explanation… Mizuki Ryosuke."

If Ryosuke had demanded the truth from him, then Mizuki Taki expected nothing less in return.

The atmosphere was tense. Ryosuke could feel the weight of the Mizukage's scrutiny. Even if he was someone Lian cared for, even if he carried the name Mizuki, Taki would not hesitate to eliminate a threat to Kirigakure.

Ryosuke inhaled deeply. There was no point in hiding anymore.

He pulled a fūinjutsu-sealed scroll from his pouch, unrolling it with a practiced motion. With a soft puff of chakra smoke, a severed head fell into his hand.

A grotesque reminder of the battle fought in the shadows.

Of the eleven invading shinobi from Iwagakure, only three bodies remained intact—one jōnin and two chūnin. Ryosuke had chosen to bring the head of one of the chūnin as evidence.

"Mizukage-sama," Ryosuke stated coldly, "I assume you have someone who can extract information from this."

"The truth will be plain to see."

There was no need for further words.

Seeing is believing.

This severed head was the proof that no amount of words could convey.

Mizuki Taki's gaze darkened as he observed the unmistakable Iwagakure forehead protector strapped to the lifeless head.

A foreign agent—on Water Country soil.

Why?

Hadn't he sent Ryosuke after a group of missing-nin? What did Iwagakure have to do with this?

Reaching for a small bell on his desk, Mizuki Taki rang it once.

Before long, a ninja with a cruel expression entered.

"Mizukage-sama."

The newcomer bowed with practiced respect before flicking his sharp gaze toward the severed head on the table.

His trained eye caught the Iwa symbol in an instant.

"Kentaro," Mizuki Taki's voice was low and authoritative, "extract the intel from this head."

The sensor-nin nodded, picking up the head before closing his eyes.

Moments passed.

Then, Kentaro's breath hitched. His expression twisted in shock.

Without hesitation, he approached the Mizukage and placed a hand on his shoulder, initiating a silent genjutsu-sharing technique.

Mizuki Taki's eyes snapped open.

The Mizukage stood abruptly from his seat.

"Damn it!!!"

A wave of murderous intent erupted from him, thick as mist on a battlefield.

Even Mizuki Ryosuke—who had steeled himself for this moment—felt the pressure.

There was no mistaking it.

The Third Mizukage, known for his iron grip over the Bloody Mist, was furious.

Whatever information had been uncovered from that head…

It had changed everything.

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