The Mizukage Is Strong But Overly Cautious

At this moment, for the Third Mizukage and the Mizuki clan, the situation was truly a matter of life and death.

Even Mizuki Ryosuke suspected that, in the original timeline, this very crisis might have led to the downfall of the Mizuki clan and the assassination of the Third Mizukage, much like how Yagura eventually came to power under sinister circumstances.

The stakes were immense, and time was critically short. Only by personally negotiating with the Hōzuki clan—descendants of the formidable Second Mizukage, Gengetsu Hōzuki—could the Third Mizukage secure the greatest chance of success. Any lesser representative would fail to earn their trust.

Right now, the key players in this game of war were the Third Mizukage and Yagura.

Already at a disadvantage, the Third Mizukage had to act swiftly to turn the tides.

Tomorrow marked the crucial moment—the sealing and reassignment of the Three-Tails, Isobu, to a new Jinchūriki. This transition would be a moment of immense vulnerability for the village, as the Tailed Beast's temporary detachment from its host would disrupt the balance of power. There was no time to hesitate.

Realizing this, the Third Mizukage prepared to make his move.

"Ryosuke, you have done well this time," Mizuki Taki said, his voice carrying both urgency and trust.

"The situation is dire, and I have little time for formalities."

"I must personally visit the Hōzuki clan to secure their aid."

"But to prevent Yagura from catching on, I need someone to hold my position in the Mizukage Office, maintaining the illusion that I am still present."

"I entrust this critical task to you."

Mizuki Taki's eyes burned with intensity.

Secrecy was paramount. The fewer people aware of this plan, the safer it would be.

For Mizuki Ryosuke, this was an opportunity. His careful maneuvering had always been to secure a position where he could influence the outcome from the shadows while ensuring his own survival.

"Mizukage-sama, you can count on me."

"I will ensure no one notices the deception."

Mizuki Ryosuke bowed slightly, his expression unwavering.

Seeing this, Mizuki Taki gave a firm nod. He had complete faith in Ryosuke's abilities.

Without further delay, the Third Mizukage performed a series of hand seals, molding his chakra.

A puff of smoke erupted, and when it cleared, Mizuki Taki had completely transformed into an unfamiliar, nondescript Chūnin—a flawless execution of the Transformation Jutsu.

"Keitaro, you're coming with me," he ordered, turning to the masked Anbu operative at his side.

Keitaro was no ordinary shinobi—he was one of the Third Mizukage's most trusted confidants, possessing a unique sensory jutsu that could discern truth from deception, a crucial skill for the upcoming negotiations with the Hōzuki clan.

Without hesitation, Keitaro bowed. "Understood, Mizukage-sama."

With the plan set in motion, the disguised Third Mizukage stepped out of the office, Keitaro following closely behind.

Meanwhile, within the Mizukage Office, Mizuki Ryosuke performed his own Transformation Jutsu, seamlessly taking on the appearance of the Third Mizukage. He settled behind the desk, adopting the Mizukage's mannerisms with precision.

For the next few hours, he played the role perfectly, dismissing reports, delaying decisions, and avoiding unnecessary interactions.

Once office hours ended, Mizuki Ryosuke wasted no time. Imitating Mizuki Taki's usual routine, he walked out of the building, heading toward the Mizuki clan compound.

There was still one critical matter he had to handle.

Meanwhile, across the village, Yagura was making his own preparations.

Within the heavily fortified Anbu headquarters, the young shinobi sat with an air of icy authority, issuing his orders with calculated precision.

"Send word to the Kaguya clan. Inform Kaguya Terumi that he must be ready."

"Tomorrow, we strike."

"And tell him that once this is done, I will personally ensure his path to the Mizukage seat."

Yagura's voice was devoid of warmth, his crimson Sharingan-like eyes reflecting his unwavering conviction.

The Anbu operative in front of him bowed deeply. "Yes, Yagura-sama!"

Without hesitation, the masked shinobi flickered out of existence, vanishing into the darkness to carry out his orders.

As silence returned, a sinister glint flashed across Yagura's gaze.

The Kaguya?

A clan of mindless berserkers, obsessed with battle and destruction.

Did they truly believe that, once their role was played, he would allow them to seize power?

No.

The Kaguya were nothing more than expendable pawns in his grand design.

Once they fulfilled their purpose—eliminating the Third Mizukage—he would turn against them, eradicating their entire clan under the guise of "restoring order."

And with their deaths, he would cement his claim as the undisputed Fourth Mizukage.

But even with all his meticulous planning, one thing irked him.

Turning to another Anbu operative, Yagura narrowed his eyes.

"What about the Iwa-nin?"

"Why haven't we received confirmation from the Rock Shinobi yet?"

The Anbu agent hesitated before responding.

"We have attempted to establish contact, but they have not yet responded."

"They should be en route."

The reply did little to ease Yagura's irritation.

"Tch. Iwagakure shinobi are unreliable."

Although he spoke with disdain, an unsettling feeling crept into his mind.

Why hadn't the Rock Shinobi moved yet?

Had something gone wrong?

Yagura clenched his fists, suppressing his growing unease.

No.

It had to be nerves.

Tomorrow would be the day Kirigakure changed forever.

He would see to it personally.

In the darkened Mist Village, two unseen forces moved in parallel—each manipulating the tide of war.

The Mizukage and Yagura.

One battle.

One winner.

And the fate of Kirigakure hanging in the balance

JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 30+ CHAPTERS

patreon.com/Kora_1