Tamura Hiroshi had once again entered a phase of laying low and steadily growing stronger. He focused on developing Chidori and sparred with Uchiha Hikari once every day. Though he always ended up getting crushed by that girl, he continued to improve at a steady pace, putting Uchiha Hikari under considerable pressure.
Meanwhile, Kumogakure's many schemes were also underway, including its plans for Kirigakure.
Just as expected, tensions between the Mizukage faction and the Ninja Clan faction grew increasingly fierce. Especially after the Mizukage used the Uzumaki sealing techniques they had obtained to create Tailed Beast Jinchuriki, everyone knew that a battle was inevitable.
"Genji, they're ready to launch their coup."
In an old residence in Kirigakure, a ninja hurried in and reported to the Elder, Genji.
"So it's come to this after all."
Genji sighed. The very thing he had least wanted to happen had come to pass.
"The Ninja Clans that lost most of their elite forces won't win. This will be a loss for all of Kirigakure."
Terumi Kyu, the head of the Terumi Clan, sighed. He was also a member of a Ninja Clan, but belonged to the neutral faction.
Kirigakure was now divided into three factions: the Third Mizukage's faction, the Ninja Clans led by the Second Mizukage, and the neutral faction headed by elders like Genji.
This battle had nothing to do with the neutral faction. It was a struggle between those Ninja Clans and the Third Mizukage's faction.
"I tried to dissuade the First Mizukage back then, but he insisted on passing the position of Mizukage to the Second, who was in a weak position. That enraged that madman, Gengetsu. He joined forces with those Ninja Clans, launched a rebellion, seized the position of Mizukage, and became the Second Mizukage.
"Then he died,