[Naruto : Yellow Flash] Chapter 731 - 735

Chapter 731: Each of them returns to their village

SWISH!

Shisui and Shō stared at each other, locked in a silent battle of wills that lasted several seconds.

Gradually, the four-pointed windmill pattern of Shisui's Mangekyō began to rotate, the connected tomoe slowly separating until they reverted to the original three-tomoe formation of the standard Sharingan.

"Haaah!" Shisui gasped violently, his eyes flickering as his vision blurred around the edges. He staggered slightly, catching himself with one hand pressed against his knee.

I didn't expect the consumption of chakra and ocular power to be so intense, he thought, surprised by the toll. The technique called "Kotoamatsukami" residing within his Mangekyō had drained him far beyond his expectations.

"Are you alright?" Mei Terumi stepped forward with concern etched across her features. The concept of fundamentally altering another person's mind seemed almost unfathomable, even in a world of extraordinary abilities.

Shisui managed a weary smile, shaking his head slightly. "It's done," he confirmed.

Though the cost had been immense, the potential of this technique—Kotoamatsukami—had exceeded even his own anticipations. It could fundamentally rewrite a person's thoughts and motivations, leaving them completely unaware they had been influenced. The target would live the rest of their life believing these implanted thoughts were entirely their own.

The ultimate genjutsu, Shisui marveled inwardly. Perhaps the most powerful illusion technique in existence.

Reaching into his tool pouch, he retrieved a military ration pill and swallowed it, feeling a portion of his strength return as the medicine took effect.

"I should return and report to Lord Hokage," Shisui said, turning his gaze toward Mei Terumi. "The illusions binding the others will dissipate in fifteen minutes. You should leave before then."

He continued, explaining the implanted scenario: "In Shō's modified memories, he has developed strong suspicions about the Fourth Mizukage's true identity. After returning to the village, he'll seek you out specifically to discuss these concerns, which will initiate our plan."

"Understood," Mei nodded, hesitating briefly before adding, "Please tell Minato, the Fourth Hokage, that if the Mizukage is indeed being manipulated as we suspect, I will find an opportunity to visit Konoha personally once our village's troubles are resolved. I wish to express my gratitude properly."

"I will convey your message to Hokage-sama," Shisui promised solemnly.

With a few graceful leaps, he returned to where Kimura's body lay. Kneeling beside his fallen comrade, Shisui's eyes lowered, a flicker of renewed grief passing through them. He carefully arranged Kimura's disheveled clothing, treating his sacrifice with the dignity it deserved.

Lifting the body into his arms, Shisui turned and exchanged a final, respectful nod with Mei Terumi. Then, channeling chakra to his feet, he stepped onto the vast expanse of sea, quickly disappearing from Mei's sight.

After watching Shisui's departure, Mei surveyed the numerous Kirigakure ninja still trapped in genjutsu. Without further delay, she too vanished from the scene, leaving no trace of her presence.

Ten minutes later, among the Kirigakure forces caught in Shisui's illusion, Shō was the first to break free.

His eyes snapped open, his last memory being the moment Shisui had suddenly materialized before him.

"Uchiha Shisui," he whispered the name, a mixture of awe and apprehension in his voice.

One by one, the others began to stir—the wielder of Hiramekarei, Ringo Ameyuri, and finally the rank-and-file ANBU operatives. While the regular ANBU seemed relatively unaffected, the two Swordsmen had clearly suffered profound psychological trauma from whatever they had experienced within the genjutsu. Their bodies trembled visibly, faces pale with shock.

"He subdued us with just a glance..." they murmured, pupils constricted as they struggled to process what had happened.

Though Shisui had overwhelmed them with genjutsu, he had left them alive—damaged, but breathing.

Ringo Ameyuri raised her head suddenly, looking toward Shō. "Where is Uchiha Shisui?" she demanded.

Having been trapped in the same illusion, Shō couldn't answer with certainty. He called for the remaining ANBU to gather, piecing together their fragmented recollections. The conclusion was inescapable—everyone present had fallen victim to Shisui's genjutsu in rapid succession.

"If he controlled all of us with his illusions," the Hiramekarei wielder wondered aloud, "why didn't he simply eliminate us?"

The observation hung in the air, heavy with implication. Once they were all incapacitated by genjutsu, killing them would have required minimal effort.

Ringo Ameyuri frowned thoughtfully. "There are more than thirty Kirigakure ANBU here, plus the three of us—the elite of our village," she reasoned. "We're currently in a time of nominal peace. The Five Great Nations maintain a treaty, at least on the surface. He had already killed over a dozen of our operatives earlier. If we all perished here, Kirigakure would not simply accept it."

Yet even as she spoke, everyone present understood the underlying reality. ANBU operations existed in shadow, deniable by their very nature. Even if they all died on this remote island, what meaningful action could the Hidden Mist Village or the Fourth Mizukage truly take against Konoha?

Such retaliation might be possible if Kirigakure's power exceeded Konoha's—but the current reality was quite different. Konoha's strength far surpassed that of the other major villages, and the Fourth Hokage was widely acknowledged as the most formidable shinobi in the world.

"Regardless, this operation has failed completely," the Hiramekarei wielder concluded, his expression darkening. "We need to consider how we'll explain this to the Fourth Mizukage upon our return."

The prospect clearly unsettled him. Despite having risen to his current position through countless kills, even he feared the Fourth Mizukage's notorious methods.

In the Hidden Mist Village, mission failure carried severe consequences. This failure was particularly catastrophic—they had lost more than a dozen ANBU and narrowly escaped total annihilation.

As for lying about mission outcomes, there were numerous precedents in Kirigakure's history. The fate of those caught in such deception had invariably been brutal.

The Fourth Mizukage's governance was even more bloody and merciless than his predecessors', transforming the village's training system into what many called a "Demon Purgatory." Any Kirigakure ninja who survived this system might rightfully be considered a demon rather than a human.

Both Swordsmen turned to Shō simultaneously. As both the Mizukage's confidant and the commander of this failed operation, the fate of everyone present depended entirely on how he chose to explain their defeat.

The Fourth Mizukage...

Shō's thoughts drifted, his eyes narrowing slightly as doubts he couldn't fully understand swirled within his mind. These suspicions felt both foreign and deeply familiar, as though he had harbored them for a long time.

Quickly composing himself, he surveyed the two Swordsmen and the dozens of ANBU operatives. His expression grew somber as he addressed them.

"If you wish to minimize the punishment that awaits us," he said deliberately, "it depends entirely on whether you're willing to follow my guidance."

Hearing this, a ripple of uncertainty passed through the assembled ninja.

After a moment, the wielder of Hiramekarei offered a soft, humorless smile. "Of course," he agreed. "We're all grasshoppers tied to the same rope now. If we hope for a better outcome, unity is our only option."

Such sentiments seemed strangely out of place among Kirigakure's forces. These killing machines, trained in the bloody traditions of the Mist, had little concept of unity or collective action. Yet fear of the Fourth Mizukage's retribution united them now, and Shō represented their only potential lifeline.

Many among them were already Shō's confidants. Though all Kirigakure ANBU technically served the Mizukage, most had never seen his true face.

Gradually, the gathered forces expressed their willingness to follow Shō's direction. They had no other choice.

Observing their reactions, Shō nodded with satisfaction. Beneath his composed exterior, an astonishing idea—one that would have seemed entirely foreign to him just an hour earlier—began to take shape in his mind.

Chapter 732: Hero in the Dark

Late at night, in a secluded room at the Konoha ANBU headquarters.

Shisui had rushed back to the village without stopping for rest, driven by duty and grief. Now, he gently placed Kimura's body on the stone platform in the center of the room and turned away, his shoulders heavy with exhaustion.

"I'll leave him to you," Shisui said quietly to an ANBU operative standing nearby. He prepared to depart for the Hokage's office to report on the mission's outcome.

"Understood," the ANBU replied with a nod.

Suddenly, the operative's eyes shifted toward the doorway, and his demeanor changed instantly. He turned and bowed respectfully.

"Hokage-sama, Yoruki-sama, Captain Itachi!"

Minato, Uchiha Yoruki, and Itachi—who had recently been promoted to squad leader—had already arrived at the threshold.

Shisui turned, lowering his head slightly in deference. "Hokage-sama, Yoruki-sama," he acknowledged before offering Itachi a tired smile. He had heard from the ANBU operative earlier about his friend taking over as an ANBU captain.

The three entered the room with measured steps. As the ANBU operative withdrew and closed the door behind them, they immediately noticed the profound sadness lingering in Shisui's eyes.

Minato's gaze moved past Shisui to Kimura's motionless form on the stone platform. A flicker of sorrow passed through his deep blue eyes.

He approached Shisui, placing a comforting hand on the young man's shoulder. "You needn't blame yourself for your companion's death," he said gently. "I assigned you this dangerous mission. If anyone bears responsibility, it's me for my failure as Hokage."

"No," Shisui protested, his composure finally cracking. His voice emerged hoarse with emotion. "This isn't Hokage's fault. The decisions made were mine alone. I should face whatever consequences come."

"Rather than drowning in grief, you should channel that energy into completing the mission," Uchiha Yoruki interjected solemnly. "That would truly honor your fallen comrade."

How could any leader remain completely unmoved when their operatives perished? Yet the shinobi path was fraught with peril. The day one became a ninja was the day one accepted the possibility of death.

To dwell excessively on sorrow was merely escapism.

"Yes, sir!"

Shisui's trembling expression hardened with renewed resolve at Yoruki's words, even as tears traced silent paths down his face.

His black pupils suddenly transformed, crimson flooding into his irises. The three tomoe began rotating slowly, then merged to form an entirely new pattern under the shocked gazes of those present.

"Mangekyō Sharingan?!"

Minato and the others exclaimed in unison.

Uchiha Yoruki understood better than most what awakening the Mangekyō meant for its wielder. Kimura and Shisui had been close friends and partners in ANBU for many years. His sacrifice had catalyzed Shisui's evolution into this legendary dōjutsu.

"What happened after we lost contact with you?" Minato asked, regaining his composure quickly. His familiarity with the Mangekyō's secrets allowed him to move past the initial shock.

So it's finally recovered, Shisui thought to himself. During his journey back to Konoha from the island in the Land of Water, he had been unable to reactivate the Mangekyō despite numerous attempts. The ocular energy consumed by "Kotoamatsukami" had been truly staggering.

Lifting his gaze to meet the eyes of his leaders, Shisui recounted everything that had transpired over the past months, withholding nothing from his report.

"Kotoamatsukami? An ocular power that can fundamentally alter another person's thoughts?"

Even formidable shinobi like Minato and Uchiha Yoruki couldn't hide their astonishment at what they were hearing.

Itachi's surprise manifested openly on his normally composed face. Though he had awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan himself and excelled in genjutsu, the ability to manipulate another's thoughts so completely was almost beyond comprehension.

In a very real sense, Kotoamatsukami represented an invincible power.

After a thoughtful pause, Minato inquired, "After using Kotoamatsukami, were you unable to maintain the Mangekyō state for a period of time?"

Uchiha Yoruki had experienced something similar after his confrontation with Nagato, though in that instance, Nagato had used the Rinnegan's power to forcibly suppress his dōjutsu.

For Minato, who had spent years researching ways to mitigate the Mangekyō's side effects, the implications were concerning.

If it were merely a temporary inability to use the Mangekyō, with a transitional weakening of ocular power, that would be manageable.

"After we conclude here, you will immediately report to Konoha Hospital for a complete physical examination with Lady Tsunade," Minato instructed.

To Minato's heightened perception, Shisui's chakra signature seemed unusually subdued, though it didn't display typical signs of simple exhaustion.

The Mangekyō could indeed grant its wielder tremendous power, but the price it extracted was equally significant.

Shisui was both his disciple and subordinate—Minato refused to leave his health at risk.

After brief hesitation, Shisui nodded in agreement.

"You handled this mission exceptionally well," Minato continued, his tone shifting to one of approval. "Barring unforeseen complications, it should prove successful."

The plan Shisui had devised, utilizing his newly awakened ability, appeared virtually flawless. If Shō's Byakugan could identify the individual manipulating the Fourth Mizukage from the shadows, their control over the Hidden Mist Village would crumble.

The person controlling Kirigakure was almost certainly the masked man who had attacked Konoha years ago.

This masked figure, along with the black-robed individual and others like Kakuzu, Sasori, and newer recruits such as Deidara, represented a force that had already surpassed the Hidden Mist Village in strength.

However, their activities had been conducted with the utmost secrecy for years. Even if the truth were revealed, the Hidden Mist Village would likely emerge relatively unscathed.

If Kirigakure suffered a significant blow, the masked man and his allies would become the focus of intense scrutiny throughout the shinobi world. According to Minato's analysis, this would create immense obstacles to whatever grand plan they intended to implement.

For the sake of preserving its reputation, Kirigakure would undoubtedly conceal the fact that their Mizukage had been manipulated by outside forces.

Following their conversation, Minato, Uchiha Yoruki, and Shisui proceeded to Konoha Hospital.

Tsunade conducted a comprehensive examination, with results that weren't available until midnight.

Holding the medical report in her hand, she regarded the three men before her with grave seriousness. "The reason Shisui's chakra appears abnormal is due to extreme chakra depletion, which has significantly reduced cellular activity throughout his body."

Uchiha Yoruki and Shisui didn't fully grasp the medical terminology, but Minato—who had once assisted Tsunade in developing her medical techniques—understood the implications all too well.

Tsunade fixed her gaze on Shisui intently. "In the future, you must avoid using this Mangekyō Sharingan technique if at all possible."

Her voice dropped lower, more solemn. "Based on my findings, using this ocular technique not only consumes massive amounts of visual prowess and chakra—it actively shortens your lifespan."

Both Uchiha Yoruki and Shisui reacted with visible alarm.

Minato's expression darkened as well. After a moment of contemplation, he addressed Shisui with firm resolve. "Effective immediately, Kotoamatsukami is classified as a forbidden technique. You are prohibited from using it again unless absolutely necessary—when no other alternative exists."

Shisui recognized Minato's protective intention. He had no desire to rely excessively on this power anyway. It was an ability granted to him through his best friend's death—Shisui would use it solely to protect Konoha when truly needed.

He nodded in acceptance, and Minato's expression softened slightly. "Take proper rest in the coming days. I'll entrust you with arranging support for Kimura's family."

When ANBU operatives died in service, they couldn't follow the normal village procedures. Their names would never be engraved on the memorial stone that commemorated fallen heroes.

They lived in shadow, and they died in shadow—unsung heroes whose sacrifices remained known only to a select few.

Chapter 733: Summoning

The Hidden Mist Village.

Perpetually shrouded in dense fog, Kirigakure presented an especially gloomy appearance. Its winding streets and angular buildings seemed half-formed in the mist, like a place not quite existing in the material world.

In a secluded corner of the village, Shō—having just reported to the Fourth Mizukage—made contact with Mei Terumi.

His mind fundamentally altered by Shisui's Kotoamatsukami, Shō shared with Mei his observations about the Fourth Mizukage and the details of his recent report.

"If nothing unexpected occurs," he said, his eyes hidden beneath his mask narrowing slightly, "it won't be long before the Fourth Mizukage summons you and issues an order."

Mei's emerald eyes reflected the muted light as she asked, "What sort of order?"

"He will command me to lead my ANBU operatives to capture you," Shō replied calmly, though an underlying chill had already settled in his voice.

"Is that even possible?"

Shō's eyes widened with genuine shock. He understood Mei Terumi's position better than most. Not only did she hold considerable authority within the ANBU, but her background made direct action against her politically dangerous.

Mei Terumi was the only daughter of the Terumi clan's leader.

Despite the Fourth Mizukage's notorious ruthlessness, such a provocative move would inevitably undermine his standing within the Hidden Mist. Unless...

"Has he realized his secret has been discovered?" Shō ventured, alarmed by the implication. Only under such circumstances would the Fourth Mizukage risk his reputation with such a brazen move.

Mei nodded solemnly. Shisui had shared the Fourth Hokage's theories regarding the identity of the person manipulating the Mizukage from the shadows.

The masked man.

Among his associates was a particularly enigmatic figure—an individual who specialized in intelligence gathering. Despite years of investigation, Konoha's ANBU had failed to uncover any concrete information about this person.

Yet his existence was undeniable. It explained how the Fourth Mizukage could immediately discern falsehoods when his ninja reported mission failures. Even his ANBU benefited from incredibly swift and accurate intelligence sources.

The information about Shisui's location had likely been gathered by this mysterious operative.

Before entrusting their plan to Mei, Shisui had used his Mangekyō Sharingan to thoroughly scan their surroundings for any sign of surveillance. But if this person had successfully tracked Shisui despite such precautions, and based on the content of Shō's conversation with the Mizukage, Mei concluded that Yagura—and by extension, his puppetmaster—might have discovered her connection to the Konoha shinobi.

While they probably lacked concrete evidence, the Fourth Mizukage's modus operandi was clear: he would never tolerate potential threats to his authority. Even at the cost of antagonizing the Terumi clan, he would eliminate Mei as a precaution, permanently removing her as a threat.

Once she was neutralized, any evidence of her communication with Konoha would ensure that no one believed the words of a "traitor."

"So what do you intend to do?" Shō asked, puzzled by Mei's composed demeanor. Even with her considerable resources and clan support, directly opposing the Fourth Mizukage seemed suicidal.

"Don't worry," Mei replied with a soft chuckle. "I won't throw the village into chaos merely to protect myself."

She understood Shō's internal conflict. If the Fourth Mizukage were acting on his own legitimate authority rather than being manipulated, Shō—as a loyal Kirigakure ninja—would unhesitatingly execute his orders to apprehend her.

"Then what will you—" Shō began, staring at her in bewilderment.

"When the time comes," Mei explained, "you will use your Byakugan to confirm the Fourth Mizukage's true nature, just as we discussed."

Her voice grew firmer. "If our suspicions prove unfounded, then we shall follow Mizukage-sama's directives without question."

She met his gaze with unwavering resolve. "As a shinobi of Kirigakure, I will accept whatever punishment the Mizukage deems appropriate."

Mei had committed herself to this course because she implicitly trusted Minato's judgment.

The choice had crystallized in her mind: either sacrifice herself as a loyal member of the Hidden Mist Village, or expose the person who had been manipulating her village for years from the shadows.

This was Mei Terumi's decision.

Half a day later, as night descended over the village, the Kirigakure ANBU mobilized.

SWISH!

A masked operative appeared outside Mei Terumi's quarters. Noticing the light still illuminating her window, he hesitated momentarily, his eyes narrowing behind his porcelain mask.

After a brief deliberation, he knocked on her door. Despite his mission, protocol demanded respect—Mei Terumi was an ANBU squad leader who had earned considerable prestige through years of dedicated service.

This particular ANBU operative wasn't under Mei's direct command but answered to Shō.

"What is it?" Mei asked as she opened the door. In her heart, she had been anticipating this moment.

The ANBU responded promptly, "There's an urgent mission. Mizukage-sama requests your immediate presence."

"Understood," Mei replied calmly. She stepped back inside, retrieving her ANBU sword.

A flicker of emotion passed through her eyes before she took a deep breath, composed herself, and emerged from her quarters. Following the ANBU operative's lead, she proceeded toward her meeting with the Mizukage.

The commotion naturally drew attention from other ANBU members residing in the vicinity. However, Mei had previously warned her confidants against any premature action.

Under the operative's guidance, Mei traveled to a forest at the village's periphery.

SWISH!

The pair continued through the dense woodland, finally arriving at a small clearing.

"Mizukage-sama," they announced in unison, immediately dropping to one knee before the diminutive figure standing with his back toward them.

Fourth Mizukage Yagura turned slowly to face them. Despite his youthful appearance—he resembled a boy of no more than thirteen—his handsome features conveyed none of the innocence one might expect. For years, he had ruled the Hidden Mist with methods more brutal than any of his predecessors.

Mei raised her eyes to meet his gaze. Yagura's expression remained completely impassive, his eyes utterly devoid of emotion. The coldness of his stare sent chills down her spine.

As Yagura completed his turn, the ANBU beside Mei nodded almost imperceptibly before retreating. He didn't withdraw completely, choosing instead to conceal himself behind a nearby tree.

"Lord Mizukage," Mei began respectfully, "you summoned me at this late hour. Is there an important task you wish to assign?"

"It is indeed a very important matter," Yagura replied, his voice as expressionless as his face.

"Mei Terumi, you serve as a captain in Kirigakure's ANBU, yet you have conducted private negotiations with Konoha shinobi, harboring treasonous intentions."

His tone hardened imperceptibly. "Today, I will take you into custody."

Mei, having steeled herself for this moment, allowed her eyes to lower slightly before responding. "Lord Mizukage, unauthorized negotiation with foreign powers constitutes a grave offense. However, even as Mizukage, you cannot simply declare me guilty without evidence."

"You dare question the Mizukage's orders?" Yagura's voice turned glacial as he raised his hand in a subtle gesture.

SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!

The surrounding forest came alive with movement. Hundreds of Kirigakure ANBU operatives emerged from concealed positions, forming a tight circle around Mei, who remained kneeling before the Mizukage.

Yagura spoke dispassionately, addressing the assembled ANBU with absolute authority.

"Apprehend this traitor."

Chapter 734: Exposed

"Yes, Mizukage-sama!"

Shō responded immediately to Yagura's command. He raised his eyes toward Mei Terumi, who remained half-kneeling within the encirclement of ANBU operatives. Her expression remained calm, showing no intention of resistance.

He knew well that with Mei's formidable abilities, if she chose to fight, none of the assembled ANBU could restrain her—not unless the Fourth Mizukage himself intervened directly.

In truth, Mei's emotions were in turmoil beneath her composed exterior.

Minato-senpai...

Her thoughts drifted to the young man who had rescued her on that blood-soaked night over a decade ago. As the Fourth Hokage now, was his plan truly to help Kirigakure escape the shadow conspiracy manipulating it from within? Or was this merely a stratagem to weaken Kirigakure's power?

Though her instinct was to believe the former without reservation, years of service in ANBU had taught her a harsh reality: in the shinobi world, nothing remained constant. Allies became enemies, and enemies, allies—all according to the shifting winds of advantage.

SWISH!

Among the hundreds of ANBU surrounding her, more than a dozen moved forward cautiously. Despite Mei's apparent passivity, they approached with extreme caution—her reputation as a powerful kunoichi well-earned.

In this crucial moment, Shō formed a series of hand seals. Veins bulged prominently around his eye beneath the black eye patch.

Byakugan!

"What are you doing?" Yagura demanded, anger flashing across his face as he noticed Shō's inaction.

Before the Mizukage could say more, the formidable power of the Byakugan activated, revealing everything within a one-kilometer radius to Shō's enhanced vision.

Suddenly, Shō's gaze locked onto a specific direction. "Who are you?!" he shouted, pointing toward a dense cluster of trees.

"What's happening?"

Several dozen meters away, hidden behind a tree, the masked man's eyes narrowed in displeasure. While using Yagura's identity, he had explicitly forbidden Shō from activating the Byakugan in his presence.

Shō's unexpected outburst momentarily stunned the ANBU encircling Mei Terumi.

"Where did she—?" One operative glanced to the spot where Mei had been kneeling, only to find it empty.

"Water Style: Water Gun Jutsu!"

Taking advantage of the distraction, Mei had already broken through the encirclement. Her hands completed the necessary seals as water collected in her mouth, forming into several concentrated jets.

WHOOSH!

The water bullets shot forward with devastating force, piercing through trees as if they were paper. In mere seconds, they crossed dozens of meters. One water projectile tore through the very tree concealing the masked man.

"Impressive reflexes," the masked man commented as the water bullet passed harmlessly through his intangible form. Though his tone remained light, the expression behind his mask had darkened considerably.

Shō had been a confidant he'd carefully cultivated over years; the possibility of him conspiring with Mei Terumi should have been nonexistent. Yet here was the impossible, unfolding before him.

As the tree trunk splintered from the impact, Mei's keen eyes detected the shadowy figure behind it. Her beautiful face instantly hardened, killing intent surging through her as she rushed toward the masked man's position.

"Lava Style: Melting Apparition Technique!"

Forming seals with both hands simultaneously, Mei opened her mouth once more. This time, molten lava gushed forth in a broad, cascading curtain, engulfing the masked man's location in superheated magma.

Just as the lava was about to reach him, a mirror-like surface formed from rapidly flowing water materialized before the masked man.

Within this watery reflection, the incoming lava appeared—and then an identical stream of magma emerged from the mirror, colliding with Mei's attack.

HISSSS!

Mei's Lava Release possessed extraordinary corrosive properties. As the two streams of magma collided, the humid air evaporated instantly, filling the clearing with thick steam. Magma splattered onto the ground and surrounding vegetation, dissolving everything it touched.

"The Water Mirror Technique—the Fourth Mizukage's specialty," Mei identified immediately, her gaze shifting sideways.

Yagura stood nearby, his hands forming complex seals, yet his eyes remained vacant and soulless—like an empty vessel controlled by unseen strings.

"Coral Palm!"

Yagura unsheathed the staff-like weapon from his back, swinging it violently. A formation resembling coral extended from its tip, shooting toward Mei with frightening speed.

Reacting instantly, Mei changed her technique, expelling another wave of magma to form a defensive barrier.

BOOM!

The techniques collided with a thunderous explosion, sending shockwaves through the forest.

"These two are planning a rebellion," the masked man called out, his voice carrying through the clearing. "Capture Shō immediately!"

Having operated within Kirigakure for years, the masked man wasn't about to surrender his influence so easily. His only option now was to subdue both Mei and Shō, then execute them before the truth spread further.

Concealing himself among the trees, he remained temporarily beyond the reach of most Kirigakure ANBU.

The hundreds of assembled operatives stood frozen in confusion, this sudden shift leaving them uncertain whose orders to follow.

Shō, who had first spotted the masked man with his Byakugan, turned sharply toward the gathered ANBU. "The Fourth Mizukage has been manipulated by an outside force!" he shouted. "That masked individual hiding in the woods is controlling him. Don't let him escape!"

He explained that the masked man couldn't stray too far while maintaining control over the Mizukage—he couldn't leave their immediate vicinity.

The Kirigakure ANBU hesitated, torn between conflicting loyalties. Seeing their uncertainty, Shō fixed his gaze on those he knew he could influence. "If we fail to expose him now, do you think any of us will survive the aftermath? Remember what happened after our last mission."

His reference to the failed capture of Shisui struck home. If they had concealed that failure and allowed the Fourth Mizukage—or rather, his puppetmaster—to discover it independently, they would have faced certain death.

Several ANBU operatives exchanged glances before making their decision. Gritting their teeth, they chose to trust Shō, following him as he charged toward the masked man's position.

Under the penetrating vision of the Byakugan, the masked man's space-time techniques lost much of their effectiveness—his movements could be tracked.

"Ha... hahaha."

The masked man's laughter carried a bitter edge. It seemed Shō had also developed leverage over these ANBU members during his years of service.

At this point, the masked man realized his carefully constructed control was crumbling.

SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!

Within moments, Kirigakure ANBU swarmed his hiding place, surrounding him from all directions.

"You dare manipulate the Fourth Mizukage, toying with the entire Hidden Mist Village?" Killing intent radiated from Shō's eyes as he confronted the masked figure.

The other ANBU, initially skeptical that their Mizukage could be controlled by an outside force, began noticing the unnatural behavior of Yagura nearby.

More ANBU joined the encirclement, until hundreds surrounded the masked man.

Not far away, Mei Terumi remained locked in stalemate with the puppet-like Fourth Mizukage.

"I manipulated you all. What of it?" the masked man snarled, his voice dripping with sarcasm yet tinged with unmistakable frustration.

Decades of meticulous planning within Kirigakure—ruined in a single day.

His words ignited fury in the eyes of the assembled ANBU, their expressions hardening with betrayal and rage.

In the clearing, Yagura suddenly froze mid-attack, his body becoming completely motionless.

Mei Terumi observed this with slight surprise. After confirming Yagura's incapacitation, she rushed into the forest toward the confrontation.

Cutting through the ring of ANBU, she landed gracefully before the masked man. Removing her mask, she revealed eyes blazing with murderous intent.

Her love for the Hidden Mist Village ran deep. The man before her had manipulated her home for years, his schemes reaching far beyond the current Mizukage's tenure. The ambush that had nearly claimed Minato's life and the death of her own mother—surely this manipulator had orchestrated it all.

Facing the combined hostility of Mei Terumi and the surrounding Kirigakure forces, the masked man's expression remained hidden. Yet his voice carried unmistakable venom as he addressed Mei directly.

"I should have eliminated you the moment Minato Namikaze departed from the Hidden Mist Village!"

Chapter 735: Being a Mizukage

"You deserve to die!"

Upon hearing the masked man's admission of orchestrating the past incident, Mei Terumi could no longer contain the rage that surged within her. Despite years of emotional discipline forged through ANBU service, her killing intent erupted like a volcano.

Her hands flashed through a rapid sequence of seals, chakra radiating from her body with such intensity that it created visible distortions in the surrounding air.

Mei Terumi was the Terumi clan's most exceptional prodigy in generations. At merely five years old, she had accidentally awakened two distinct Kekkei Genkai—a feat almost unheard of in the shinobi world. Though she had spent her career in the shadows of ANBU, her prowess had long since elevated her among the elite of the ninja world.

Yet facing her murderous intent, the masked man remained unmoved. "You're merely wasting your energy," he stated with cold indifference.

Mei paused mid-seal, her eyes burning with hatred. "Eight years ago, you led the attack on Konoha," she accused.

The masked man shrugged dismissively. "Even knowing that, what can the entire Mist Village possibly do against me?"

His contemptuous tone ignited fury among the surrounding Kirigakure shinobi.

SWISH!

While Mei remained motionless, the ANBU surrounding them could no longer restrain themselves. Several operatives lunged forward simultaneously, their blades targeting the masked man's vital points.

CLING! CLANG!

He neither dodged nor evaded. The attacks passed harmlessly through his body as if striking air, the blades colliding with each other within the space he occupied.

The masked man tilted his head slightly, eyes narrowing. Under Mei Terumi's watchful gaze, however, he refrained from retaliating.

"You're nothing but a rat that fled after being beaten by the Hokage," Mei taunted with a derisive smile. She understood that even Minato had been unable to permanently stop this man. She and the assembled Kirigakure forces stood little chance of detaining him.

At her words, the face beneath the mask contorted briefly before his eyes darkened. "The outcome of a single battle determines nothing," he replied coldly.

Mei Terumi had no interest in further debate. "You've manipulated Kirigakure for years," she declared. "We cannot simply allow you to leave."

Despite knowing she couldn't truly stop him, she refused to stand idle as he escaped.

"Is that so?" The masked man's voice deepened ominously. "You should worry about yourselves first."

His cryptic warning left everyone momentarily stunned.

The tomoe pattern in his visible eye began to rotate slowly, pulsing with malevolent energy.

ROAAAAR!

Yagura, who had been immobilized, suddenly convulsed violently. A terrifying roar erupted from his body, shaking the ground beneath their feet.

Mei's beautiful eyes widened as a monstrous chakra signature flooded the area. "It's the Three-Tails!" she exclaimed in horror.

The masked man lowered his gaze, his thoughts clear despite his silence.

Since you sealed the Three-Tailed Beast within him to win the war, today you shall experience its power firsthand!

"This is bad!" Mei burst from the forest clearing, recognizing the masked man's intention—he was attempting to release the Three-Tailed Beast from Yagura's body.

Though they stood at the village's periphery, if the Three-Tails manifested here, Kirigakure would suffer catastrophic damage.

"It won't be that easy!" the masked man snarled, his composure finally fracturing.

"I'll give you the same resistance. Your scheme won't succeed so readily!" A voice suddenly resounded, not in the clearing, but within the masked man's mind.

Mei Terumi emerged from the forest, her hands already forming complex seals as she concentrated her chakra. Though not versed in sealing techniques, she hoped to suppress the Three-Tails' chakra within Yagura's body long enough to formulate a better solution.

Yet as she prepared to strike, she noticed something unexpected—the Three-Tails' chakra emanating from Yagura was gradually receding, being contained once more.

Only one person could accomplish this: Yagura himself.

"Such powerful will still remains!" The masked man gritted his teeth in frustration.

He had used his ocular powers to simultaneously suppress the Three-Tailed Beast and control Yagura through genjutsu. Now, having directed most of his visual prowess toward releasing the beast's seal, his remaining influence couldn't fully subdue Yagura's resurgent consciousness.

After all, Yagura was once the Fourth Mizukage for good reason.

"As Mizukage, I was manipulated to harm my family—my village," Yagura spoke with difficulty, his partially liberated will allowing him brief control. "At this juncture, how could I stand idle and watch your conspiracy succeed again?"

"Lord Mizukage!" Mei exclaimed, comprehension dawning as she assessed the situation.

"You think you can resist me?" The masked man's voice chilled with deadly intent as the three tomoe in his scarlet eye rotated faster, merging to form the distinctive pattern of the Mangekyō Sharingan.

"Even if I cannot defeat you," Yagura replied, his voice strengthening with resolve, "even if it costs my life, I will never again be your instrument to harm the Hidden Mist Village!"

Yagura's eyes gradually regained their clarity as the seal containing the Three-Tails weakened. Within him, the beast thrashed frantically against its constraints.

"Then you can die!" the masked man roared. The Mangekyo pattern of his Mangekyō reflected in Yagura's eyes.

THUMP!

Yagura's heart convulsed violently as his chakra signature rapidly deteriorated.

The masked man's control over the Fourth Mizukage relied on more than just his formidable ocular powers. From the moment he began manipulating Yagura, the Mizukage had been trapped in a complex genjutsu.

Now, as that illusion lifted, Yagura's life force began to fade—a failsafe built into the manipulation.

His vitality dissipated rapidly, and with it, the chakra suppressing the Three-Tails diminished precipitously.

"Mei Terumi," Yagura said, turning to her with effort, "the future of the Hidden Mist Village rests in your hands."

Mei stared back, shock evident in her expression. The Fourth Mizukage offered her a final, genuine smile.

In the next instant, his face hardened with determination. "You must resent being manipulated by others, Isobu!" he shouted.

BOOM!

Yagura's body shuddered violently as he channeled every remaining fragment of his chakra into the Three-Tails' seal. As a perfect Jinchūriki who had once maintained complete control over his tailed beast, his chakra reserves were immense even in his weakened state.

The last vestiges of his life force penetrated the seal, flooding directly into the Three-Tailed Beast's consciousness.

ROAAAAR!

Isobu, the Three-Tails, who had been thoroughly dominated by the Sharingan's power, roared as a flicker of its original will returned.

As Yagura's chakra surged into its body, it disrupted the beast's own chakra flow, creating chaotic interference patterns.

The masked man's eyes widened in alarm. The ocular power he had used to control Isobu suddenly faltered, broken by the turbulent mixture of Yagura's dying chakra and the beast's own disrupted energy!

"Forgive me, Isobu," Yagura whispered with a serene smile. "This time, I must take you with me."

The seal within his body remained partially intact. As every Jinchūriki knew, if the host perished while the seal remained, the tailed beast would also fade from existence—at least temporarily.

Yet the Three-Tailed Isobu harbored no hatred toward its host in these final moments, seeming instead to share in the sorrow of Yagura's sacrifice.

In the last fleeting seconds of consciousness, Yagura gazed at Mei Terumi, relief softening his eyes.

"Please," he implored, "bring a new future to our village."