Flames soared into the sky. The roar of an explosion rolled outward from the heart of Kirigakure, shattering vast stretches of glass. For a moment, the air itself seemed to freeze, and then—
A scorching gale roared past.
The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, stood amid the ruins of the courtyard, looking down at Zabuza Momochi, Mei Terumi, Ao, and a crowd of Kirigakure's mid- and low-ranking ninja.
Hozuki Mangetsu still lay on the ground, his life hanging in the balance.
Obito and Pain had vanished before the others arrived.
The gale scattered the thick mist swirling through the air. A black rod dropped down, its hooked tip catching Elder Genji by the throat and hoisting him up like a dead fish.
Yagura reached out, grabbed Genji's head, and forcibly twisted it ninety degrees, making him look at Mei Terumi and the others.
"Old man, I'd wanted you to enjoy your retirement—tend your fields, grow some flowers, and let me find you a dignified old lady to marry. What a shame... they wouldn't let me."
"Come on, Elder. Take a good look at every one of their faces. Make sure you don't forget—"
Yagura tightened his grip. Genji's neck twisted grotesquely.
"Save him!"
Mei Terumi shouted and formed Hand Seals.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!"
A narrow, high-pressure stream of water shot from her mouth like a spear, stabbing toward Yagura.
At the same time, Zabuza and Ao charged at Yagura from either side.
Mei Terumi, Zabuza, and Ao were among the few remaining elite fighters in Kirigakure after the previous generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had been wiped out.
But faced with the three of them attacking together, Yagura didn't react at all. He kept hold of Genji's head and whispered in his ear:
"...You're dying because of them."
Crack!