Infiltration Team Established

Having finally unburdened Harusame's heart, Hōzuki Mangetsu let out a sigh of relief.

This master-disciple pair was a rare model of mentorship in the Bloody Mist Era; it would have been a true pity if they had died.

After this bit of guidance, the tragedy that once befell the two should no longer come to pass, right?

This time, Hōzuki Mangetsu returned with a full harvest.

Not only had he secured the full support of the neutral faction, but he had also befriended a heavyweight veteran like Harusame.

Although the neutral faction was not as eye-catching as the forces of Suikazan Fuguki and Terumi Mei, they remained a formidable power within Kirigakure.

Only then did the heart that had been hanging in Hōzuki Mangetsu's chest finally relax.

Ever since he had transmigrated, he had been drifting from place to place, forced to survive in the cracks between various factions.

It was not until he gained the support of the neutral faction that Hōzuki Mangetsu truly possessed the capital to contend for the position of Mizukage.

"To think you weren't finished off—you are truly incredible."

Utakata tilted his head as he looked at Hōzuki Mangetsu, his face filled with admiration.

He was the jinchuriki of the Six-Tails, but he had yet to fully master the beast's power, so his strength was usually kept sealed by Harusame.

This time, in order to gauge the strength of Hōzuki Mangetsu, Harusame had specifically undone the seal on Utakata, allowing him to rapidly undergo Tailed Beast transformation.

He knew his own situation best; once he went berserk, Harusame was the only one capable of restraining him.

Yet, Hōzuki Mangetsu had actually managed to block his five-tailed transformation without being defeated—it was truly inconceivable.

In the depths of Utakata's subconscious, only a few of the village's top brass could possess such strength.

Hōzuki Mangetsu was indeed worthy of his reputation!

Ninjas of the Bloody Mist Era had always worshipped the strong, and after this exchange, Utakata was filled with admiration for Hōzuki Mangetsu, proactively offering to follow him for training.

Harusame was also pleased that his disciple could grow close to Hōzuki Mangetsu, so he entrusted his disciple to Hōzuki Mangetsu's care, calling it "tempering."

In truth, he had his own selfish motives.

Since the neutral faction fully supported Hōzuki Mangetsu, it was possible he would become the Mizukage, and his disciple Utakata would then rise to the upper echelons by virtue of his association with the Mizukage.

He was paving the way for his disciple.

Hōzuki Mangetsu naturally understood Harusame's ulterior motive, and he was more than happy to accept such a subordinate.

Even if this subordinate seemed a bit lazy and prone to incessant chatter.

"Subordinate Hōzuki Mangetsu, reporting to Lord Mizukage. The mission in Konoha has been completed."

After returning from Harusame's place, Hōzuki Mangetsu arrived at the Mizukage's office.

He was there to debrief on his mission.

"Mangetsu!"

The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, set down his scroll and said calmly, "You've worked hard!"

He had already learned the outcome of the mission from the scroll.

To avoid war, Konoha had made certain concessions to the Land of Water.

"It was my duty!"

Hōzuki Mangetsu said modestly.

In reality, Konoha had reached a private agreement with him to release the Dark Release ninja Chukichi, who had since been successfully brainwashed by Hōzuki Mangetsu to become his vital subordinate, Ah Da.

Yagura paced a few steps with his hands behind his back and asked, "Is it true, as the intelligence suggests, that there is a severe confrontation between the upper echelons of Konoha and the Uchiha Clan?"

A cold glint flashed across the corner of Hōzuki Mangetsu's eyes.

He knew that the Yagura before him was being controlled by Obito, and this was a question Obito was interested in.

Although he did not know why Obito harbored such hatred for the Uchiha Clan, judging by later events, his desire to wipe them out was no coincidence.

"According to my subordinates' reconnaissance, the conflict between the Uchiha Clan and the high-ranking officials of Konoha has become extremely acute over these years. Furthermore..."

Hōzuki Mangetsu paused slightly and whispered, "According to rumors, Uchiha Shisui has been assassinated by the upper echelons of Konoha."

What?

Yagura's body trembled involuntarily, and a look of desolation actually flashed across his eyes.

So that was it!

Hōzuki Mangetsu's heart stirred, and he suddenly understood.

Perhaps Uchiha Obito and Uchiha Shisui had some sort of connection after all.

"According to my scouts, the Uchiha Clan is plotting a coup d'état, and the high-ranking officials of Konoha have sensed this; the conflict between the two sides is on the verge of breaking out."

Hōzuki Mangetsu added more fuel to the fire for Obito.

He knew Obito would certainly be unable to resist.

It was said that in the later story, the entire Uchiha Clan was slaughtered, with Uchiha Obito being the primary culprit, and he had collected a vast number of Sharingan during this upheaval.

"I understand. You've worked hard; you may return now."

Yagura's voice turned cold as he issued the dismissal.

Hōzuki Mangetsu turned and retreated.

The technique Obito used on Yagura was, in all likelihood, an Implanted Illusion. To maintain the effect of the illusion, he had to infuse Yagura with Chakra at regular intervals.

Once the Chakra was exhausted, the illusion would naturally dissipate.

Since Hōzuki Mangetsu was already familiar with the secret of the Implanted Illusion, he was confident he could break the spell on Yagura as soon as Obito left Kirigakure.

Rescuing the Mizukage would be a monumental achievement, one that Hōzuki Mangetsu certainly wouldn't pass up, nor would he let that sycophant Ao take the credit.

He wasn't worried about missing his chance, either, because Obito would definitely leave on the day the Uchiha were wiped out.

However, there was still some time before the Uchiha clan's destruction, so Hōzuki Mangetsu had time to prepare.

"Brother, you're back!"

Upon returning home, he was greeted by the little brat, Shui Yue'er.

This time, Shui Yue'er didn't make a move, instead watching him with a beaming smile.

Hōzuki Mangetsu looked at his younger brother in surprise.

Something seemed off, though he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.

Seeing the bewildered look on his older brother's face, the little brat looked a bit displeased.

"Stupid brother, can't you see anything unusual?"

Shui Yue'er said with dissatisfaction.

Unusual!

Hōzuki Mangetsu finally took a closer look at his brother.

He was currently wearing a ninja uniform, with that Kusanagi Sword tucked into his waistband.

This was a Chunin uniform!

Hōzuki Mangetsu was greatly astonished.

Could this kid have been promoted to Chunin?

He was only seven years old.

"You... have you become a Chunin?"

Hōzuki Mangetsu asked.

Seeing that his brother had finally caught on, the little brat smiled triumphantly and said, "Brother, I've broken your records! I just completed an S-rank Infiltration Mission a short while ago, which is why Lord Mizukage specially approved my promotion to Chunin."

Hōzuki Mangetsu was speechless.

Children in Kirigakure matured early; those graduating at six or seven were common, but becoming a Chunin was not so easily achieved.

An S-rank Infiltration Mission, was it?

Hōzuki Mangetsu nodded slowly.

For the Hozuki Clan, who possessed the Hydrification Technique, infiltration missions were hardly difficult at all.

But for Shui Yue'er, who was still a Genin, it was certainly a challenge.

This child was truly a genius.

Thinking of this, a smile suddenly appeared on the corner of Hōzuki Mangetsu's mouth.

"As expected of my brother! Becoming a Chunin at seven—you've already broken the records set by me and Zabuza."

Until now, the youngest age for becoming a Chunin in Kirigakure had been eight for Hōzuki Mangetsu, and nine for Zabuza and Terumi Mei.

Now, the sudden emergence of Shui Yue'er had refreshed that record once again.