Within the Land of Water, in air that was damp, cold, and clammy.
Danzo stood on a hidden height, gazing at the country in the distance, shrouded beneath a hazy curtain of rain.
Ambition was like the fine raindrops that kept falling—dense, relentless, and seeping into every crack.
In the past, when Danzo had served as the Hokage's aide...
He had taken advantage of Kirigakure's internal chaos to quietly plant a large number of Root pieces there, firmly taking root in this war-torn country.
Waiting for a chance to stir up even greater chaos...
He knew very well that, if used properly, these pieces would play a major role.
What surprised Danzo somewhat, however, was that he had only just defected from Konoha...
When an invitation from the Land of Water arrived in his hands first.
The Fourth Mizukage of Kirigakure, after learning of his defection from Konoha, had actually taken the initiative to extend an olive branch, expressing willingness to accept all of Konoha Root's forces without conditions.
This sudden invitation stirred Danzo's heart slightly, and the next move he had not yet settled on instantly became clear.
In truth, for Danzo, this invitation was a rare opportunity.
Kirigakure's proactive attitude directly swept away all his concerns.
Of course, Danzo was not without doubts. He knew full well that Kirigakure, a mysterious shinobi village filled with internal turmoil, had always been infamous for schemes and betrayal.
Behind the Mizukage's friendly gesture, there might be an even greater conspiracy and trap hidden.
But Danzo did not care...
The man he was now was already different from the past.
The powerful strength he controlled was enough to control the Mizukage...
At that thought, the corners of Danzo's mouth lifted slightly in a confident, gloomy sneer. "The Mizukage, is it..."
Kirigakure...
And