The Mizukage Was the One They Overlooked

The Land of Water, the Kirigakure.

Inside the Mizukage's Office, the Fourth Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura, had a baby face but a sinister look about him. As he looked down at the situation in his hands, a red light flashed in his eyes. If anyone were paying attention, they would see that this fleeting red light was actually a trace of Sharingan.

"The Third Hokage Konoha is preparing to use the pretext of increasing troop numbers to intimidate the Mist Ninja, either by expanding their gains or by negotiating."

The methods of the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, can only be described as brilliant. They were blatant schemes. The Mist Ninja could not outlast the Konoha. If they did not want to become the last of the Five Great Ninja Villages, they had to consider this issue.

Even the Kage of other ninja villages had considered this issue; no one thought the Mist Kage would risk a direct confrontation with Konoha, as it wouldn't be in their best interest.

"Hehe."

An eerie laugh echoed in the Mizukage's Office. The intelligence scroll in his hand slowly turned to dust. Everyone had been calculated, but unfortunately, one thing was overlooked.

That means the current Mizukage of Kirigakure doesn't care about the village's interests at all. What does Kirigakure have to do with him?

With a sinister smile Fourth Mizukage Karatachi Yagura, coldly addressed the doorway, "Where are you?"

Swoosh~

Three Mist Ninja Anbu appeared in the office in an instant. They knelt on one knee before the terrifying Mizukage, not daring to show the slightest disrespect.

Karatachi Yagura coldly stated, "According to intelligence, Konoha is preparing to send 500 elite troops to the battlefield in the Land of Whirlpools. I have decided to secretly send 300 elite troops from the village to the front lines, while also secretly contacting other ninja villages. I imagine the Tsuchikage, Raikage, and Kazekage don't want to see Konoha's plan succeed either. Tell them to join forces and wipe out this reinforcement."

"Yes!"

While Mist Ninja may not be as large or powerful as Konoha is also situated in a region of Fourth Shinobi War. Thanks to its fertile geography, Konoha borders almost all the major ninja villages, resulting in the longest border defenses and the largest number of Ninja legion stationed along its borders.

The news of Konoha mobilizing its Ninja legion was not kept secret. Hiruzen Sarutobi had a well-thought-out plan: once this elite force reached the border of the Land of Water, they would then make a show of slowly marching to support the Land of Whirlpools.

However, his order had barely been issued when it was discovered by the Raikage, Tsuchikage, Kazekage, and Mizukage, who then devised a plan to sabotage him from the very beginning.

In particular, the Third Hokage, in order to appease the turbulent morale at the front lines, directly sent a message to Uchiha Yoru at the front, informing him of the plan and telling him not to worry about reinforcements from the rear. This was all to deter the Mist Ninja.

It seems that starting from the Third Shinobi War, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, known as the "Hero of Shinobi Hero," began to have bad luck. First, he suffered heavy losses in the Third Shinobi War, and then one after another, the Kage Level shinobi in the village defected or left. Nothing good happened.

Not only did the other ninja villages learn of the Third Hokage's deterrence plan from the very beginning, but the reinforcements were also extremely disorganized from the start, deliberately delaying the process, as if they were afraid that the other ninja villages wouldn't have enough time to prepare.

In the border region between Konoha, the Land of Fire, and the Land of Iron, countless Mist Ninja, Stone Ninja, Sand Ninja, and Cloud Ninja are hidden in the forest. The elites of the four countries have mysteriously joined forces, numbering a total of six hundred. Although this is only one hundred more than the reinforcements from Konoha, it is important to know that they are all elites.

"Damn it, we traveled like dogs to seize the initiative, and now we've been waiting for five days! Five days of scorching sun Konoha's reinforcements are still so slow."

Although the elite forces of the four countries joined forces, their actions were limited to ambushing Konoha's reinforcements; each force ambushed from their own chosen locations.

"Hmph, it seems there are quite a few problems within Konoha. Such a slow march, it's as if they're afraid of receiving reinforcements at the front."

"Alright, let's hurry on our way. Konoha has given us time to rest."

Within the ambush area, the Stone Ninja, Sand Ninja, and Cloud Ninja groups seemed to be somewhat ostracizing the Mist Ninja. There was nothing they could do; the Mist Ninja didn't establish diplomatic relations, and their policies within the Bloody Mist were naturally unpopular.

The leaders of the Three Great Shinobi Villages met, all wearing masks, their small eyes fixed on each other with their own thoughts.

"It seems the Mist Ninja have been brainwashed by the policies within the Bloody Mist; they're actually going to wear down Konoha."

"It's because the Land of Whirlpools is so strategically located. Once we take it, the Hidden Kirigakure can use it as a springboard to invade the Land of Fire at any time."

"Alright, while our combined strength may seem overwhelming, it's also a hindrance."

Obstruction!

The ninjas from the four countries all had different motives; to be honest, they all had the mentality of wanting others to risk their lives while they watched to minimize their losses.

After getting to the point, the captains of the three ninja villages —Stone Ninja, Sand Ninja, and Cloud Ninja— all showed serious expressions. In the end, it was Sand Ninja Baki, whose face was covered, who remained the most composed. He did not want their individual reasons to cause the ambush to fail.

Baki said in a deep voice, "I suggest that when Konoha's reinforcements are about to arrive, we shouldn't set up an ambush. After all, the Byakugan among Konoha Ninja is not to be underestimated. How about we, the four elite groups, directly charge out and divide the Konoha ninjas into four sections, each attacking the Konoha Ninja we surround?"

Baki's words made the Stone Ninja nod thoughtfully, "That's right, directly launching a hunting and encirclement plan can also catch the Konoha Ninja off guard."

"Hmph, Konoha's reinforcements number less than five hundred. We'll each take responsibility for a hundred or so Konoha Ninja from each of the four sides. Whoever finishes their kills first can retreat."

"Alright! In that case, inform the Mist Ninja and tell them our plan."

"Wait, what are your identities this time?" Sand Ninja Baki hesitated for a moment before asking the question, since they couldn't very well use their own village's name.

Moreover, their plan to frame other major ninja villages this time could not be carried out, and the three of them looked at each other in bewilderment.

Finally, the Cloud Ninja simply snorted coldly, took out a Forehead Protector from his robes, and tied it on his head. "I'm a member of the Rain Ninja."

Under the gaze of the Cloud Ninja, the Sand Ninja and the Stone Ninja silently and slowly took out their Forehead Protector from their robes; one was from the Land of Iron, and the other was from the Grass Ninja.

Good heavens, the three great nations of Stone Ninja, Sand Ninja, and Cloud Ninja are truly despicable. The small nation is impersonating the ninjas of the great nation to instigate war, while they are impersonating the small nation to sabotage relations and also trying to provoke friction between the small nation and Konoha.

"My lord, this is a plan devised by the Stone Ninja, Sand Ninja, and Cloud Ninja."

As a Mist Ninja respectfully reported, the masked Mist Ninja leader's eyes flashed with anger. "Damn it, they've all planned this and are here to inform us Mist Ninja!"

But they had no choice. The Mist Ninja also wanted to use the strength of these three ninja villages to reduce their own casualties. He grunted and said, "Pass down the order: the plan is changed to a surprise attack. Everyone prepare for battle."

"Yes!"

The Mist Ninja also changed into Forehead Protector from smaller countries to conceal their identities. In an instant, the ninjas from the four countries tacitly chose the common Shinobi World trick of framing someone.

The Mist Ninja dispatched 300 elite troops this time, but Mist Ninja also secretly kept 100 elite troops hidden on the beach as backup.

The Konoha ninja support force of nearly 500 was initially quite cautious, but as their captain deliberately slowed down, the cautious atmosphere lessened considerably.

They walked and stopped frequently, even having picnics in the forest. Occasionally, they would stop to send people to nearby towns to collect supplies. To the uninitiated, it would seem as if they were on a sightseeing trip, which made their guard down considerably. However, many ninjas were secretly getting anxious.

They were supposed to be supporting the front lines, but their commander and captain are being so negligent; it's outrageous.

"Captain Sarutobi, are we moving too slowly?"

Most ninjas still possess a passionate heart; after all, ninjas trained as tools are very pure in their emotions.

Faced with yet another question, this time the leader, Commander Sarutobi, stared coldly at the frustrated ninjas with a stern face, clearly wanting him to speed up the march.

"You guys! It's not that I'm unwilling, but this is a secret mission for the village!"

Faced with this situation, Captain Sarutobi was somewhat dissatisfied. This was because his lack of prestige had led to doubts among his subordinates. However, he also knew that they were approaching the border and he had other missions to fulfill. If he caused discord among his men, it would affect his future plans.

"This is a top-secret mission personally issued by the Third Hokage. Now that we're almost at the border, you can find out about it."

Captain Sarutobi took out a scroll and handed it to the group, lowering his voice and saying in a deep tone, "The Third Hokage's purpose in sending us here this time is not to support the front lines, but to intimidate! To make it appear as if we are ready to support the front lines at any time, thereby deterring the Mist Ninja."

When everyone saw the intelligence scroll, they all nodded in silence. However, someone noticed something amiss between the mission scroll and the current situation and said in a deep voice, "Captain Sarutobi, the Third Hokage clearly stated in the mission scroll that we should raise our flags only after reaching the border area. But isn't our current marching inconsistent with the mission? Moreover, deliberately delaying the march by one day increases the danger we face."

"Shut up! I am the commander this time!" Faced with the questioning, Captain Sarutobi immediately became angry, staring wide-eyed at everyone. It was clear that his strength and prestige were insufficient to convince them.

Frustrated, he could only give a cold smile. "What do you know? This is a decision made on short notice by Shin'nosuke Sarutobi based on the Third Hokage's objectives. We'll march slowly to make the front lines more anxious, so that when we raise our banners to reinforce, the shock in the Mist Ninja will be even greater."

Faced with such a weak and perfunctory excuse, everyone wasn't stupid. It was obvious that this was to suppress Orochimaru's old team on the front lines, namely Uchiha Yoru.

Suikazan Fuguki was a renowned and powerful ninja. Uchiha Yoru defeated him on the battlefield, severely injuring him, even while facing an encirclement. When this news spread, his fame soared even higher.

As Konoha Ninja had just experienced the Third Shinobi War, he naturally knew the terrifying strength of the man wielding Great Sword: Samehada, who controlled the Suikazan Fuguki. Samehada was an absolutely renowned figure in the Shinobi World, yet he was defeated.

Uchiha Yoru has now officially established his prestige on the front lines.

As for Shin'nosuke Sarutobi's suppression, the more important point is something they all understand: after Shin'nosuke Sarutobi replaced Orochimaru as the front-line commander, he personally came to the front-line border and encountered this Kirigakure Mist Ninja, Suikazan Fuguki.

After a fierce battle on the border, the two were evenly matched. If we disregard Uchiha Yoru's record, Shin'nosuke Sarutobi's record was definitely impressive.

After all, Suikazan Fuguki had been famous for a long time, and the Shin'nosuke Sarutobi could fight him to a draw proved that he was an elite among Jōnin. However, after Uchiha Yoru's achievements appeared later.

As the saying goes, people are afraid to compare themselves to others, and goods are afraid to compare themselves to other goods. After comparing them, doesn't this make Shin'nosuke Sarutobi?

But some people had mixed feelings; in their eyes, Shinnosuke shouldn't be like that. And it should be said that their judgment was correct; although Shin'nosuke Sarutobi hesitated, someone else made the decision for him.

Battlefield in the Land of Whirlpools.

Support from the rear was constant, except for the arrival of reinforcements. After all, the Land of Land of Fire was known as the most fertile, resource-rich, and economically powerful country in the Shinobi World, and Konoha was the number one ninja village.

"Brother Yoru, this reinforcement has been unusually slow since it set off. The news has already leaked out. Isn't he afraid that someone will sabotage it?"

Having waited so long for news that the reinforcements were only slowly approaching the border, Uchiha Shisui was filled with rage and was currently venting his frustration in his tent.

Seeing Shisui's angry expression, Uchiha Yoru calmly said, "Shisui, calm yourself down, otherwise you'll only let the stimulation of the Mangekyo affect your mind."

"And you should have been mentally prepared for the worst when you knew that the leader of this reinforcement was a ninja from the Sarutobi Clan."

Seeing the frustrated look in Uchiha Shisui's eyes, Uchiha Yoru shook his head gently. "Shisui, you need to calm down. Besides, didn't the original reinforcements just arrive at the front lines? Although they weren't many, they still replenished our fighting strength."

It would have been better if this hadn't been mentioned, because upon hearing this, Uchiha Shisui became even more aggrieved and said, "Brother Yoru, how great are our casualties this time? There are no fewer than fifty wounded ninjas who need to return to the rear for treatment, not to mention the ninjas who are temporarily unable to fight due to their injuries. Their delaying tactics are trampling on the lives of the ninjas on the front lines."

"Shisui!"

Seeing Uchiha Yoru's solemn expression, Uchiha Shisui said with resentment and frustration, "Brother Yoru, aren't you worried about the village becoming like this?"

Shisui's anger stemmed more from the village's corruption and the Sarutobi Clan's greed and various misdeeds.

Uchiha Yoru stood up and solemnly said in a deep voice, "Shisui, please remain calm and restrain your impulses. No one wants to see the village so corrupt, but the village's leadership has become stagnant. Change is necessary, and change requires bloodshed and sacrifice. To prevent more young ninjas from being shed, we are here."

"But! We are still very weak right now. We need to accumulate strength, unite all forces that can be united, and then clench them into a powerful fist. Only then will we have a chance to change everything! Individual strength is limited. I hope you can learn from the mistakes of Lords White Fang and Orochimaru."

Under Uchiha Yoru's solemn gaze, Uchiha Shisui remained silent for a long while before taking a deep breath and lowering his head, saying hoarsely, "Brother Yoru, I understand. I'll go down now; Itachi and the others are still waiting for me."

Uchiha Shisui, his sorrowful figure fading alone, slowly walked out of the tent.

Thanks for your support, brothers. Jinli will work hard to write every chapter well.