The Kaguya Clan's compound.
After offering incense at the ancestral shrine, a stern-faced middle-aged man turned and swept his imposing gaze over the remaining people.
But the moment he spoke, that imposing air shattered.
"Is everything ready for tonight's operation at midnight? The plan hasn't leaked, has it?"
His eyes were filled with morbid excitement.
Behind him, the Kaguya Clan members all wore savage grins, rubbing their hands together as though eagerly anticipating the operation he had mentioned.
Ever since Yagura returned to Kirigakure more than ten days ago, the situation within the village had become increasingly delicate.
The Hozuki, Yuki, and Mei Terumi clans had been wiped out one after another, leaving every clan in Kirigakure fearful for its survival. If Yagura's plan had continued as intended, several more clans should have been eliminated over the past ten days.
However, after his battle with Ye Ning, Yagura had suffered extremely severe injuries and had no choice but to put the plan on hold.
And that had given certain clans an opportunity.
They all wanted to take the risk while Yagura was injured—not only to protect themselves, but also to seize power.
The Kaguya Clan was the clearest example.
These lunatics who knew nothing but battle seemed never to have considered what would happen if the plan failed. Every one of them had fallen into fantasies of seizing Kirigakure's authority and having their clan head become the Mizukage.
Even though a few clever people in the clan had raised doubts, their voices were ultimately drowned out by the cheers of the crowd.
"Kimimaro... make sure to bring him along for tonight's operation. His power is the Kaguya Clan's sharpest spear. It is time for him to contribute to the clan!"
The Kaguya Clan was one of the few clans