The next day.
Kirigakure's Mizukage Office.
A stifling atmosphere hung in the air.
The Anbu ninja kneeling on the floor was filled with unease, drenched in sweat.
He had just reported to the Third Mizukage about what had happened at the Kuja Pirates' base last night.
"What do you mean all eighteen people have disappeared?"
The one who spoke was an elderly man.
He was Genji, an elder of Kirigakure.
In terms of status, he was no less important than the Third Mizukage.
In the original story, after the Fourth Mizukage Karatachi Yagura died, he had temporarily managed Kirigakure.
He was also the one who supported Terumi Mei and helped her become the Fifth Mizukage.
He had appeared now because the disappearance of two Seven Ninja Swordsmen was involved.
For Kirigakure, this was an unprecedentedly serious matter.
Aside from Genji, the other high-ranking officials of Kirigakure had also arrived.
"With their strength, it was impossible for them to vanish without anyone noticing."
The Third Mizukage slowly said, "But it happened. That leaves only one possibility: they were all captured or killed."
A commotion immediately broke out among the crowd.
"Eighteen people, including two Seven Ninja Swordsmen—unless one of the Five Kage came in person, how could they all have been captured or killed?"
Kushimaru Kuriarare asked with a puzzled expression.
As one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, he naturally understood Suikazan Fuguki and Jūzō Biwa's strength quite well.
The others nodded in agreement as well.
"Perhaps that really is possible."
The Third Mizukage narrowed his eyes.
Everyone could not help showing surprised expressions.
"Mizukage-sama, are you saying that one of the Five Great Ninja Villages is behind the Kuja Pirates?"
Genji gripped his cane and asked thoughtfully.
"That's right. If it truly is one of the Five Great Ninja Villages,