The Eve of Great Battle

Kirigakure.

Amidst the vast, white mist, a young man with a calm expression walked quietly along the path.

His gray hair, crimson pupils, and the scar upon his cheek left no doubt as to his identity: he was Yagura, the same man who had appeared in the Mizukage's office earlier.

The surroundings were deathly silent, with only the slow, rhythmic echo of his footsteps.

Suddenly, he came to a halt.

Without a single change in his expression, he cast a glance toward a dark corner behind him and spoke in a low voice.

"Juzo, what is your purpose in tailing me?"

The thick fog behind him slowly parted, and a tall man with black hair emerged from the shadows.

He bore a cross-shaped scar on his face, giving him a fierce and menacing appearance.

Yet, as he faced Yagura, he showed no malice, merely letting out a soft, raspy chuckle.

"You caught me, Yagura. As expected, your senses remain as sharp as ever..."

Yagura remained expressionless, his arms crossed over his chest. He swept a glance at him and said coldly.

"You still haven't stated your intent. If Lord Mizukage were to learn of your actions, he might draw some unfavorable conclusions. At that point, I fear even I would be implicated."

He cast a faint glance at him and added in a deep voice.

"Speak. Why are you here?"

Hearing Yagura's indifferent tone, Biwa Juzo narrowed his eyes, a faint, ambiguous smile playing on his lips as he spoke in a low voice.

"Are you still speaking up for that man, even after you've been changed like this?"

Yagura remained cold and silent.

Biwa Juzo stared at him and continued.

"Forced to become the Jinchuriki of the Three-Tails—do you truly harbor no resentment in your heart?"

"If I recall