Trap! Fierce Battle with the Fourth Mizukage

"The Fourth Mizukage has quite the scheme in mind!"

After briefly analyzing the intelligence, Uchiha Ye remarked, "He appears to be facing the enemy alone, placing himself in an extremely perilous position."

"But isn't this simply using himself as bait to lure the enemy out, so he can swiftly resolve the external crises facing Kirigakure?"

"Once that is done, he can calmly handle the internal strife, re-establish order within Kirigakure, and solidify the absolute authority of the Mizukage!"

Upon hearing this, Sasori of the Red Sand, standing beside him, chimed in with approval: "But the risks are immense! Because of the village's internal policies, the opposition has already conceived the idea of overthrowing him and installing a new Mizukage to take control."

"And now, our intrusion has given them the perfect opportunity to realize that plan."

"The opposition can not only pin the crime of 'regicide' on us, but they can also justify the election of a new Mizukage!"

Uchiha Ye fully agreed with Sasori's assessment.

"That may be so, but we must still prepare for the worst."

Though the analysis was optimistic, no one could predict how the situation would actually unfold.

"Kirigakure is, after all, one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages. If someone can temporarily set aside their prejudices and unite the village's strength to intercept us, the pressure on our mission will increase exponentially."

Hearing Uchiha Ye's words, Sasori couldn't help but nod: "That is true!"

An image of a stunning, seductive face with iconic, fiery red lips surfaced in Uchiha Ye's mind, and he thought, "After all, she is the one who will eventually rule Kirigakure, purge the corrupt policies left behind since the Third Mizukage, lift the high-pressure 'Bloody Mist Village' policy, restore the village to normalcy, and actively re-engage with the Ninja World."

"Regardless of her current strength, her potential threat cannot be ignored."

Of course, these distracting thoughts were merely a fleeting flicker.

Taking a deep breath, the infiltration began.

"Water Release: Hidden Mist Technique!"

Biwa Juzo conjured a mist that slowly enveloped the surroundings, obscuring vision.

Kirigakure was a village nestled in the mountains, so it was perpetually shrouded in fog.

As the mist grew thicker, it drew no suspicion at all.

Ten minutes later!

"Everyone, move out!"

Once the mist had sufficiently spread, there was no need for Uchiha Ye to say more; Sasori and the others understood the operation had begun.

Uchiha Ye took charge of sensing, leading the group through the fog to avoid the patrolling Mist ninja.

With movements so quiet they were nearly imperceptible, Sasori used his poison needles and Uchiha Itachi utilized his genjutsu to neutralize the guards.

Finally!

The residence of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, was within reach.

There were only four or five guards inside!

But!

"Wind Release: Typhoon!"

It sounded strange, but this was a Wind Release ninjutsu unique to Yagura that existed in the original history, and it erupted, rapidly dispersing the mist that had shrouded the area.

Instantly, the surrounding scene was laid bare.

The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, stood waiting as if he had been expecting them. He looked at the four of them, the corners of his mouth curling into a playful smirk: "Interesting! I didn't expect the trap I set to catch the rebels, but instead, it caught you remarkable figures!"

His gaze swept over Uchiha Ye, Uchiha Itachi, and Sasori, finally resting on Biwa Juzo, and his expression turned cold: "Juzo, I didn't expect you to be involved in this. I am very disappointed!"

Before Biwa Juzo could speak, the Fourth Mizukage continued, cutting him off: "I have as many words for you as there are drops in the ocean, but for now, I should reclaim the Kubikiribocho from your hands!"

With that, a signal flare shot from the stronghold behind him straight into the sky.

His four guards appeared beside him, looking at the four intruders with indifference.

"Surrender, everyone. Since you have walked into my trap, there is absolutely no reason for me to let you leave!"

"Even if you include the world-renowned Sasori of the Red Sand and the Sharingan-wielding Itachi!"

Hearing this, Uchiha Ye spread his hands: "Can't leave? I'm afraid that won't do!"

In response, the Fourth Mizukage merely waved his unique staff—a weapon with a hook at the tip decorated with green flowers—and ordered his four personal guards: "Attack!"

Whoosh!

All four guards were at the level of Jonin, if not stronger.

They moved like phantoms, charging directly toward Biwa Juzo and Uchiha Itachi.

Their goal was clear!

Tie down Uchiha Itachi and kill Biwa Juzo.

The other two would be left to their Mizukage.

Then, they only needed to wait for the village's main army to arrive as reinforcements.

He believed that person would not ignore the safety of Kirigakure, nor would they remain confined by internal prejudices and sit idly by while they sacrificed themselves.

The existence of that person was the very reason the Fourth Mizukage dared to lure enemies here alone.

Whenever the Mizukage was in trouble, that person would surely bring reinforcements.

"Ara ara, it seems we've started with the worst-case scenario!"

Of course, such a situation was already within the expectations of Uchiha Ye and his companions.

The only thing not fully anticipated was that the Fourth Mizukage appeared to have even more reinforcements.

However, they were mentally prepared for such a possibility.

How could invading Kirigakure and capturing the Fourth Mizukage not alert the entire Kirigakure army?

"Then, let us proceed according to the original plan!"

He and Sasori of the Red Sand would deal with the Fourth Mizukage.

Uchiha Itachi and Biwa Juzo would handle the Mizukage's guards.

"Hah!!"

Although the Fourth Mizukage spoke arrogantly, claiming he would leave none of them alive, he did not underestimate them in the slightest when he took action.

Immediately drawing upon the power of the Tailed Beast, he formed hand seals at high speed, and a thick tail emerged from behind him.

"Water Release: Exploding Water Colliding Wave!"

A volume of water equivalent to an entire lake surged down wildly, causing the very earth to tremble violently.

After all, being near the coast with abundant moisture meant that using Water Release was twice as effective with half the effort.

Seeing this, how could Uchiha Ye let him succeed?

Water Release not only countered him and deprived him of home-field advantage, but it also hindered Sasori of the Red Sand's performance.

Furthermore!

He also knew of another troublesome ability of the Fourth Mizukage—Coral Palm.

It could immobilize a ninja!

If they were truly trapped in the water, a puppeteer like Sasori of the Red Sand would certainly be at a disadvantage.

"Great Eruption!"

A fist of molten lava at nine hundred and sixty degrees.

Even just as it was launched, the four Mizukage guards in the distance felt as if their bodies were about to melt.

The temperature was so high that even from a distance, the surrounding forest withered rapidly, and the water flow evaporated violently.

"Sizzle!!!"

Water met fire!

A sharp, piercing screech erupted instantly, and scorching steam rapidly enveloped the surroundings.

Yet, amidst the still-powerful, towering torrent of water, a path of intense, crimson heat broke through.

It was as if a supreme swordsman had sliced through the water with a single strike.

The massive wave was forcibly torn in two, failing to have any effect at all.

"Hah!!!"

After breaking through the water, the scorching fist continued toward the Fourth Mizukage with undiminished momentum.

"Not good!"

The Fourth Mizukage had considered that his massive torrent might be blocked.

But he never imagined that someone could not only break through it head-on but also continue to pose a threat to him.

"This guy..."

The Fourth Mizukage looked at Uchiha Ye, who now resembled a lava warrior, and couldn't help but grit his teeth in a grim expression: "How can he be this strong!"

The peculiar Lava Release, the youthful face.

How could he not guess the identity of Uchiha Ye?

But this level of strength truly exceeded his expectations!