Arrogance? Confidence?

The Third Mizukage was right.

Although Sunagakure was half destroyed by Katsuki's attack, all the major ninja villages investigated thoroughly afterward and found that the Third Kazekage was not in the village at the time, and neither were Chiyo and other powerful ninjas. This gave Katsuki the opportunity to take advantage of the situation. Of course, the disaster was also well-deserved, since they managed to escape from the Third Kazekage's clutches.

Even the name "natural disaster" originated from the Third Kazekage.

However, the Mist Ninja had half of their village destroyed by this damned natural disaster, and it happened right under the nose of the Third Mizukage. If word got out, they would be even more shameful than the Sand Ninja.

The concept of "face" is directly linked to the interests of the village. The Sand Village is a good example. Because of repeated defeats on the battlefield, their reputation among the nobles, led by the Wind Daimyo, declined, resulting in a reduction in military spending. They were forced to take the so-called elite route, and this is the miserable end of having their face stripped away.

The Third Mizukage still remembered how cold the old man's gaze was when he met the ailing Water Daimyo.

It's true that ninjas possess the power to move mountains and create land, but the true rulers of this world are still the daimyo of various countries. Even if these daimyo are greedy and foolish, it cannot be denied that the system of one country and one village ended the chaotic Warring States period and created this limited peace.

The system of one village per country has existed for over forty years and has been fully adopted by the nobles of various countries who have tasted its benefits. Wars are now confined to battles between ninjas, no longer life-or-death struggles between nations. No matter how many people die on the front lines, the nobles don't have to worry about their entire families being wiped out if they are defeated. Although defeat might come at the cost of some benefits, it's still a good deal compared to losing their lives, isn't it?

A safe war—that's how the nobles perceived the Shinobi World War.

No one would think of undermining the system of one village per country. Although the major ninja villages fought fiercely during the Shinobi World War, shouting that they would eradicate each other, the higher-ups knew very well that no one expected to completely kill the other. They were just trying to grab some benefits. On the one hand, there was no absolute difference in strength between the major ninja villages, and on the other hand, even if they could kill a major ninja village, it would be of no use.

For example, Konoha defeated Iwagakure, but not long after, the Earth Daimyo would gather all the major and minor ninja clans in the Land of Earth to establish a new ninja village.

War can only exist between ninjas; this is a consensus reached by the nobles of various countries. The Five Great Ninja Villages have been restraining and fighting each other for so many years. Although they understand the key to this, they are helpless.

The daimyo and nobles of various countries in the Shinobi World can trace their bloodlines back to each other and claim kinship. They can fight amongst themselves, but they will not allow outside forces to encroach on the interests of the noble class. Ninjas cannot do this, as years of fighting have long since created a blood feud between them.

One or two ninja villages might form an alliance due to circumstances, but for the Five Great Ninja Villages to join forces? Ha! If it weren't for Madara Uchiha being so drunk that he planned to take the whole world out for a party, there would never have been such a strange thing as the Allied Ninja Alliance.

Do you really think that Gaara's talk-no-jutsu can easily resolve the decades-long feud between the Five Great Ninja Villages? It's just that they were forced by circumstances. If they didn't unite, they would all die together. If they united, there might be a glimmer of hope. This is the real reason why the Ninja Alliance were able to be established.

In conclusion, for various reasons, the seemingly weak, incompetent, greedy, and vulgar daimyo of various countries are actually the truly formidable figures who are not to be trifled with.

The Mist Ninja need to make up for the points they lost in the eyes of the Water Daimyo through their performance.

"But why didn't you bring Shitsukura? Wouldn't it be safer to have the power of the Three-Tails?" Hozuki Clan Head asked, puzzled. He had been holding it in all this way, and now that they were about to go to the battlefield, he finally blurted it out.

"Shitsukura is a candidate for the Fourth Mizukage... If he falls along with me, the Mizukage, wouldn't the village be in chaos?" The Third Mizukage's answer left the Hozuki Clan Head speechless. Wasn't this answer far too pessimistic?

"Uzumaki Katsuki... Konoha's natural disaster... To be honest, I'm not sure if our methods will be effective. That guy is a living monster, a walking calamity... But we have no choice but to do it, so we can only prepare for the worst..."

After the Third Mizukage finished speaking, he got up, pushed open the door, and went out. They were almost at the shore.

The clan leaders exchanged glances, and couldn't help but smile wryly, hoping that the Lord Mizukage could finally deal with this calamity from Konoha.

Standing on the deck, through the mist, you can see the black reef area, the white sand beach, and a lone figure on the beach.

"To think that one person would dare to wait for us... is that arrogance or overconfidence?"

The Third Mizukage's expression was complex.

"The command of the main force is now in your hands, Hozuki Clan Head," the Third Mizukage said, turning around.

"Yes, Lord Mizukage."

Without another word, the Third Mizukage waved his hand, and the twelve masked figures beside him jumped off the bow of the ship, rushing towards the figure on the beach.

Beach.

Katsuki remained alone, welcoming the arrival of the Mist Ninja.

Yuki Hatsuzuki and the old man from the Kaguya clan both retreated, directing the Yuki and Kaguya clan ninjas to defend the island in case any Mist Ninja to slip through the net. Indeed, Katsuki arrogantly boasted that he alone was enough to stop the invading Mist Ninja.

However, after witnessing Katsuki's strength in Kirigakure, Yuki Hatsuzuki did not refute him and turned to leave decisively. The old man of the Kaguya family also obtained enough information from the clansmen, chatted with Katsuki for a few words with a smile, and then leisurely left.

"Mizukage, we meet again."

Looking at the Third Mizukage approaching from the sea, Katsuki grinned, raised his hand, and a bolt of lightning tore through the beach in front of him, leaving a deep trench.

"However, I must say our island is poor and has nothing good to offer such an important guest as yourself. It would be best if you did not come to the island..."

The rising and falling seawater poured into the deep trench, pushing sand and gravel to fill the ravine. However, the Third Mizukage did stop, standing on the swaying waves, quietly watching Katsuki.

"Do it!"

There was no answer, or rather, that was the answer from the Third Mizukage.

"Boiling Release, Art of the Boiling Mist"

The Third Mizukage exhaled a grayish-white acidic mist, which swirled towards Katsuki.

"That's all?"

Katsuki frowned. This probing attack was completely useless to him. He didn't believe that the Third Mizukage Chakra that. With a flick of his finger, a rock wall rose up and blocked the path of the acid mist. Although it was eroded and collapsed in an instant, most of the acid mist was also consumed.

Twelve masked members of the Anbu rushed onto the beach, but instead of heading towards Katsuki, they dispersed and subtly surrounded Katsuki in the center.

"Are you planning to besiege us?"

Katsuki looked around in confusion, scrutinizing the masked figures.