"A Xin... died in last night's attack," Mei Ling finally revealed the truth.
Mei Terumi's trembling eyes froze. She staggered back two steps, tears spilling from her eyes as she could no longer hold back. "No! Brother Xin! This isn't real! No!"
Seeing her daughter's heartbroken cries, Mei Ling's heart ached terribly. She wrapped her arms around her daughter and did everything she could to comfort her.
At last, Mei Terumi cried herself out and fell into a deep sleep against her mother's shoulder.
Early the next morning, inside the Mizukage Building, the Third Mizukage sat wearily in his chair. The office was packed with people.
"Lord Mizukage, yesterday's losses have been calculated. The Hozuki Clan suffered a devastating blow. Their compound was practically destroyed. Aside from the ninja who had gone out to fight, over a third of the ninja left behind were lost. All four advisers were killed. The Yuki Clan, Kaguya Clan, and Terumi Clan compounds were also attacked, but casualties were light and the losses remain within manageable limits," a Kirigakure Anbu said.
"It seems last night's enemies were targeting the Hozuki Clan and the advisory group. The disturbances elsewhere were merely meant to mislead us and divert our attention!" the Third Mizukage said, his words brimming with fury.
"Do we have any leads on the enemy's identity?!" the Third Mizukage asked.
"Reporting to Lord Mizukage! All information gathered so far indicates that the enemy was extremely skilled in Water Release and setting traps! The Anbu are still tracking and investigating their specific identity!" the Anbu Ninja replied.
"Someone skilled in Water Release, causing such massive disturbances across so many places in Kirigakure... I'm afraid there were Kirigakure traitors aiding them! Damn it!" The Third Mizukage slammed his hand on the table.
The losses suffered by