Two months later, Kirigakure had entered the depths of winter.
As the temperature plummeted, snowflakes of all sizes began to drift down from the sky. Even the fog that shrouded the village year-round was mixed with tiny ice crystals, which stung faintly like needles when inhaled.
At this time of year, Kirigakure entered the only season when it was completely sealed off and cut off from the outside world.
Standing atop the Mizukage Building, Shisui looked down from the rooftop at the entire village, veiled in icy fog, his feet planted in deep snow.
"Another year has passed since I came to this world."
In the blink of an eye, it was now the forty-eighth year of Konoha, and Shisui Uchiha was already nine years old.
He would spend this New Year in Kirigakure.
"My life has been like treading on thin ice. I've made it this far..."
Sorry, wrong scene.
The icy fog that obscured ordinary people's vision only added a touch of winter to Shisui's Mangekyo vision. It couldn't hinder his sight at all.
At that moment, his gaze was fixed on a cluster of ancient buildings not far from the Mizukage Building. That was the Kaguya Clan's compound.
"Master, everything is ready. We can begin tonight." Danzo had appeared on the rooftop at some point. Kneeling in the snow on one knee, he reported on the preparations to Shisui.
"Then begin the operation," Shisui said slowly, looking toward the Kaguya Clan's compound.
Danzo could handle the extermination of the clan. There was no need for Shisui to get involved personally.
"Yes."
After receiving the order, Danzo withdrew, the Gunbai slung across his back.
Next came his performance with Karatachi Yagura.
Over the past two months, Shimura Danzo had grown used to life as the "unofficial Mizukage." As long as he accomplished the goals Shisui assigned him, Shisui never asked what methods he used.
Even if he never became Fifth Mizukage, Danzo felt that his trip to Kirigakure had been worthwhile.
Today, Kirigakure's Special Assassination and Tactical Squad had also been mobilized with great efficiency. A grim atmosphere filled the Anbu headquarters.
Kirigakure's Anbu had been established by the Second Mizukage Gengetsu Hozuki, who modeled it after the organization created by the Second Hokage, Tobirama, to strengthen the village's development.
Gengetsu Hozuki valued the passing down of the Ninja Blades. Through the Anbu, he trained a large number of young ninja to become members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. They took orders directly from the Mizukage and carried out difficult missions on his behalf.
"Dōyuya, are you still not ready? Honestly, women are such a hassle." At Kirigakure's Anbu headquarters, Sakon stood with his arms crossed, waiting outside the changing room for Tayuya, an annoyed look on his face.
Kidomaru and Jirobo were waiting nearby as well.
"Since we still have time, can I have one more cake?"
Jirobo was still thinking about his snacks.
As for Ukon, he had already merged into Sakon's body.
"What are you nagging about? This is the first mission Lord Shisui has assigned us. Of course I need to be fully prepared," Tayuya called impatiently from inside the changing room, accompanied by the clinks of metal.
"This is a present from Lord Shisui. I'm going to give Sakon and the others a real surprise this time."
Tayuya secretly tucked a metal device into her sleeve, then joined Jirobo and the others.
After Shisui had guided them through practical combat training, he pointed out that Tayuya's attacks were too limited and that Doki had significant weaknesses.
Drawing on the attack methods used by Otogakure ninja during the Chunin Ninja Exams in his previous life, Shisui had developed a wider range of offensive techniques for Tayuya.
Her secret weapon was hidden in her sleeve.
Once the former "Sound Four" had gathered, Kidomaru glanced at the time on his wrist. "Now that everyone's here, let's get going."
Of the five, Kidomaru had been appointed squad leader by Shisui. He was responsible for managing the team during missions and adapting to unexpected situations.
Clever Ukon had also had a chance at the position, but he disliked showing himself and preferred to stay inside Sakon's body. That made Kidomaru the best choice among the rest.
"You're finally here. If you'd taken any longer, we would've had to leave without you." At the designated meeting point, a Kirigakure Anbu standing at the head of the group spoke with exasperation.
The Anbu's name was Karatachi Suirō. His surname made it clear that he belonged to the same clan as Fourth Mizukage Karatachi Yagura.
A little over a month ago, Shisui had used Karatachi Yagura to arrange for Kidomaru and the others to join Kirigakure's Anbu, hoping they would grow quickly there.
However, Karatachi Suirō, the Anbu Captain, considered the group a burden. He had accepted his cousin's arrangement only with great reluctance.
At this time, Kirigakure had yet to implement the Blood Mist Policy as it had in Shisui's previous life. Children under ten were unlikely to appear in the Anbu.
Given the circumstances, Karatachi Suirō had no fondness for Kidomaru and the others.
"Sorry, Lord Suirō. This is our first mission, and we wanted to be thoroughly prepared, so we took longer than expected." Kidomaru used all six hands to hold back Tayuya, who was about to retort, then patiently apologized.
Thanks to Shisui's recent guidance, Kidomaru had mostly shed his old carefree attitude. He had become much more mature and composed.
"You think that'll make a difference? It doesn't matter how well prepared you are. Just don't get in our way on the battlefield." Karatachi Suirō was deeply dismissive of Kidomaru's explanation.
Still, Kidomaru and the others had been assigned by his cousin, Karatachi Yagura. In a sense, they were Karatachi Suirō's own people.
So, after venting his displeasure, he let the matter drop and once again went over the target's defining traits.
"As members of the village, we all know what the Kaguya Clan is like. Those battle-crazed maniacs would disregard their own lives just to defeat an opponent. They're certainly troublesome enemies."
That was what made their opponents so intimidating.
"But their strengths are also their greatest weaknesses. If you know how to provoke them and use your strategy wisely during battle, you can get twice the results with half the effort."
After a pause, Karatachi Suirō swept his gaze over the Anbu and said gravely, "In short, do your best to survive the mission. The dead are no use to the Mizukage."
The words were harsh, but they laid bare the essence of a ninja's purpose.
"It's getting late. As planned over the past few days, everyone, move out."
"Yes, sir."
Before you continue