The Mizukage Is Strong But Overly Cautious

In just a few minutes, Mizuki Taki's mood plummeted to the depths of despair.

"How dare he…"

Mizuki Taki whispered hoarsely, his voice strained as if he was still struggling to process the sheer audacity of Yagura's betrayal. For a man once revered as a "gentle" Mizukage, this level of fury was nearly unprecedented.

Keitaro, standing beside him, had seen the truth firsthand. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead as the implications sank in. The secret machinations behind the coup were now exposed, and with that knowledge came a horrifying realization: Kirigakure was on the precipice of civil war.

At that moment, Mizuki Ryosuke spoke, his tone unwavering.

"Mizukage-sama, is there any way to de-escalate the situation?"

"The reinforcement squad from Iwagakure has already been neutralized by me. If there is even a chance…"

A cold, murderous glint flashed in Ryosuke's eyes. If Third Mizukage was willing to act, this was the perfect opportunity to eliminate Yagura. Testing Mizuki Taki's resolve was crucial.

"Let me think, Ryosuke…"

Mizuki Taki began pacing furiously, his furrowed brows forming deep creases. He was faced with a decision that could determine the fate of Kirigakure itself.

...

Yagura had orchestrated an intricate, high-stakes game.

The transition of the Three Tails' Jinchūriki was imminent, a critical period where Kirigakure's military strength would be heavily concentrated on securing the host vessel. As the leader of Anbu, Yagura was keenly aware of this vulnerability.

Mizuki Taki, as the Third Mizukage, had no choice but to divert a significant portion of his forces to safeguard the transfer process. He himself would have to be present, ensuring that no external threats interfered.

This, undoubtedly, was the moment Yagura had been waiting for.

At the peak of the transition, Yagura would strike. The Mizukage's attention would be locked onto the Three Tails, making him an easy target. With the covert support of Iwagakure, Yagura's forces would descend upon the battlefield, eliminating Mizuki Taki in one swift, decisive blow.

From there, the plan was simple:

1. Blame Iwagakure for the assassination.

2. Rally the village behind him as the Fourth Mizukage.

3. Cement his rule under the guise of avenging the fallen Third Mizukage.

Even if the assassination attempt failed, Yagura had a fallback—sabotaging the Three Tails' transfer. If the process was disrupted, the beast could run rampant, throwing the village into chaos. Either way, Mizuki Taki would take the blame, and Yagura would emerge as the only viable leader.

It was a ruthless, calculated strategy.

However, thanks to Mizuki Ryosuke's intervention, the element of surprise was now gone. Yagura was unaware that his plan had been exposed.

But one critical question still lingered in Ryosuke's mind:

What role would the Kaguya Clan play in this conflict?

For decades, the Kaguya had harbored resentment toward the Mizuki Clan. Their thirst for bloodshed, their desire for war—these were traits easily exploited.

If Yagura was truly as cunning as Ryosuke suspected, he wouldn't overlook such a powerful yet reckless ally. The Kaguya Clan could be the deciding factor in this battle.

...

"Kingtaro, deliver my orders—assemble the entire Mizukage Guard at once!"

After careful deliberation, Mizuki Taki had finally made his decision. If chaos was inevitable, then he would take the first step.

"Wait a moment!"

Mizuki Ryosuke's sudden interjection stopped Mizuki Taki in his tracks.

The Mizukage turned, eyes narrowing. He hadn't expected Ryosuke to question his judgment.

"Mizukage-sama, are we truly choosing the best course of action?"

Ryosuke's brows furrowed. A direct attack was only an option if all alternatives had been exhausted. At this moment, Mizuki Taki's odds of victory were slim—less than thirty percent.

"Ryosuke, what's your plan?"

The Mizukage's voice was measured but laced with curiosity. The situation had shifted, and he was willing to listen.

"Mizukage-sama, have you forgotten something?"

A flicker of understanding passed through Ryosuke's sharp gaze.

"Oh? What are you suggesting?"

Mizuki Taki remained skeptical.

"The enemy behind this attack is 'Iwagakure.' Shouldn't we turn to the Hōzuki Clan for support?"

The weight of Ryosuke's words struck Mizuki Taki like a thunderclap.

The Hōzuki Clan—descendants of the legendary Second Mizukage, Gengetsu Hōzuki.

Since Gengetsu's death at the hands of Iwagakure's Second Tsuchikage, Mū, the Hōzuki Clan had withdrawn from politics, their influence fading into the background. However, their resentment toward Iwagakure had never wavered.

Despite their isolation, they still held immense sway within Kirigakure. They controlled vital administrative positions, commanded respect among the village's elite, and boasted formidable shinobi—including the prodigy, Hōzuki Mangetsu, rumored to be the future wielder of all Seven Swords of the Mist.

Ordinarily, the Hōzuki Clan refrained from internal disputes, maintaining a neutral stance. But if the issue involved Iwagakure…

They wouldn't stand idly by.

Yagura's collaboration with Iwagakure was an unforgivable sin in the eyes of the Hōzuki Clan. The blood of their forefather had been spilled by Iwagakure's hands, and they would never allow history to repeat itself.

"Brilliant…"

Mizuki Taki's grim expression lightened, his mind racing through the implications.

Yet, Ryosuke wasn't done.

"Furthermore, we must expose Yagura's treachery to Anbu."

Mizuki Taki's eyes sharpened.

"Anbu? Do you believe they would turn against him?"

"Most Anbu agents serve Kirigakure, not a single leader. If they learn that their commander has conspired with Iwagakure, their loyalty will waver. Some will still side with Yagura, but others will begin to question his rule."

The plan was simple yet devastating.

1. Rally the Hōzuki Clan using their blood feud against Iwagakure.

2. Sow dissent within Anbu by revealing Yagura's betrayal.

3. Turn the tide of the battle before the first kunai is thrown.

Mizuki Taki fell silent, absorbing the weight of Ryosuke's proposal.

Then, a slow smile crept onto his lips.

"Excellent… Excellent!"

The Third Mizukage rarely praised others, yet now he uttered the word three times.

With these strategic adjustments, the battlefield had changed. No longer was he walking blindly into a trap—now, he was the one laying the groundwork.

The odds of victory had shifted dramatically in his favor.

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