East of Kirigakure, water burbled softly.
A small stream ran crystal clear.
But now, one terrifying ripple after another spread across its surface.
By the stream, inside a wooden cabin.
Here gathered the true core of power in all Kirigakure—the elder Genji and several gray-haired elders!
They were the ones who truly held authority, aside from the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura.
At this moment, they sat around a massive water-mirror technique.
The water mirror rippled, clearly reflecting the scene at the village center: a sight of utter devastation!
A gigantic dark-red turtle, as huge as a small mountain, rampaged wildly!
Watching the scene, Genji's old hand trembled slightly as he gripped his snake-headed cane.
On his wrinkled, furrowed face, so aged that it was almost unrecognizable, an uncharacteristic trace of hesitation appeared.
"What should we do, Lord Genji? Should we... step in?"
"That's right! If we don't act soon, the village may suffer a catastrophe!"
At this, Genji's brows shifted, as if he wanted to frown.
But he was so old, and his face so deeply wrinkled, that he gave up after the slightest movement.
"The Three-Tails running wild... might not be a bad thing for us."
"Hm? What do you mean?" A gray-haired elder suddenly looked up.
His eyes, previously clouded with age, suddenly grew much clearer.
"Those loyal to the Fourth Mizukage won't be able to sit still..."
"When that happens, we may be able to root out Yagura's faction once and for all! Then Kirigakure can finally recover..."
"Even if... we have to rebuild."
As he spoke, Genji slowly lowered his head.
The back he had kept straight all his life bent ever so slightly.
He had devoted his entire life to the village, never imagining that in his old age, he would have to trade the village's