Not long after Araki led the Third Mizukage through Kumogakure's gates.
With a faint whistle of wind, three figures cloaked entirely in black quietly appeared behind a massive boulder.
"Captain, the Mizukage has already entered Kumogakure. We were a step too late..."
A ninja with completely white eyes and bulging veins around them spoke softly.
Bang!
The blond young ninja smashed his fist hard into the rock beside him, his voice thick with unwillingness. "Retreat!"
The night was as black as ink, with a lone moon hanging high overhead.
After settling the "Third Mizukage" into an inn, Araki immediately found an excuse to leave on his own.
The ceaseless rumble of thunder in the sky seemed to echo his somewhat turbulent thoughts.
The streets of Kumogakure were deserted at night. Only the occasional Anbu ninja could be seen darting and leaping across the rooftops.
Araki's identity was clear enough with Samehada on his back, so no one stopped or questioned him.
Of course, that might also have had a great deal to do with the fact that he had not headed toward important locations such as the Raikage Office.
Sea of Clouds.
Because of the nighttime curfew, this tourist spot, bustling with crowds during the day, was now completely empty.
Araki entered alone and reached a small mountain peak after only two or three leaps.
He sat cross-legged, placed Samehada across his knees, and slowly spread out his senses beneath the moonlight flowing down like water.
[Mind's Eye]!
After carefully searching himself and confirming that no foreign chakra remained on his body, the anger and killing intent he had maintained on his face finally faded completely.
It seemed he had not yet been infected by spores.
What should I do with you, Third Mizukage? Or rather, Zetsu?