After Raiga Kurosuki died, the four remaining Kirigakure ninjas did not hold out much longer before the Guardian Shinobi killed them.
Hiruko whistled, and the giant bird in the sky descended.
He hurried forward and helped the Land of Water's daimyo down.
"Can anyone tell me why Raiga Kurosuki suddenly attacked me?"
The daimyo of the Land of Water looked at Raiga Kurosuki's corpse, his expression dark.
The twelve Guardian Shinobi exchanged glances, but none could answer.
Had it been an ordinary Kirigakure ninja, they could have suggested that the attacker might be a spy from another ninja village.
But Raiga Kurosuki was one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. He could not possibly be a spy from another village.
Were they supposed to say the Third Mizukage had ordered it?
"Send word to the Third Mizukage immediately. I need an explanation."
The daimyo of the Land of Water did not press them further, speaking coldly instead.
"Yes, Lord Daimyo!"
The twelve Guardian Shinobi answered in unison.
"Lord Daimyo."
Hiruko suddenly spoke up. "I suggest issuing another order: forbid the Third Mizukage from entering the metropolis."
"You're right."
The daimyo of the Land of Water paused briefly, then agreed.
With Raiga Kurosuki having attempted to assassinate him, the Third Mizukage was the prime suspect.
"Who are you?"
The daimyo of the Land of Water let out a breath and calmed himself before looking at Hiruko.
Hiruko immediately gave an honest account of his background.
He had become a rogue ninja from Konoha because he conducted human experiments.
But he had not abandoned his experiments.
They simply cost too much money.
Having run out of funds, he had come to the Water Country Metropolis hoping to earn some.
When he heard fighting, he rushed to the daimyo's residence.
"So you saved me