The Fourth Mizukage's Goal

The breeze was gentle and the sun was bright, yet the atmosphere inside the mission hall was frigid, as if a line had been drawn between the light and the shadows.

"Rescue?"

Hanazuki's face was full of surprise. They were in the middle of a war; even if Konoha ninja were captured by the Mist, the most they could expect was interrogation or being used for experimental analysis. Why talk of rescue?

"The opponent is the Fourth Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura. That we have even obtained a chance for negotiation is thanks to you."

Hanazuki caught the note of relief in Sarutobi Hiruzen's tone, and a guess immediately formed in his mind, leading to a sudden realization.

"Could it be that their goal is the blades of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen? Beyond that, they likely also intend to use this opportunity to keep me in the Mist forever."

Seeing Hanazuki bow his head in thought, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked solemn and spoke frankly.

"We are well aware of the danger this mission entails, but you are the only one who can pull this off. The other side specifically requested that only you be allowed to come."

"Furthermore, according to a ninja who escaped from their clutches to report back, there are two survivors among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen still at the Fourth Mizukage's side..."

Only then did a flicker of interest rise in Uchiha Hanazuki, and he nodded.

"I understand. I am genuinely curious how they managed to dodge the Flying Raijin Slash. How many ninja were captured? Who is the priority for rescue?"

"There is no order of precedence for Konoha ninja. If it is within your power, prioritize the rescue of the young sprouts, followed by Nara Shikaku. Do what you can."

He tapped the desk lightly, settling the matter. Just as Hanazuki prepared to leave, a knock at the door interrupted him.

"Excuse the intrusion, Third Hokage."

As the group stepped into the mission hall, their Byakugan swept toward the center. The Hyuga Elder leading them narrowed his eyes at the Flame Fan crest on the back of the black cloak.

"The Hyuga clan?"

Seeing that the visitors were from the Hyuga, Sarutobi Hiruzen was also puzzled. Had another member of the Main Family fallen into the hands of the Mist?

"Yes. In fact, our Hyuga clan wishes to commission a master from within the village to kill the Mist jonin who stole our clan's precious bloodline limit and retrieve the Byakugan."

Hyuga Hiashi, following behind the Elder, gave a slight nod. The third man, the current leader of the Hyuga Branch Family, Hyuga Hizashi, stood frozen in place.

The Three-Eyed Demon Fox mask, the black cloak, the presence that felt as if it didn't exist, and an aura so illusory it seemed like a phantom.

There was no doubt; the ninja before him was the mysterious figure from that night who had asked him what he wanted to become.

"You've come at the right time. This is Uchiha Hanazuki, a body-flicker specialist who, like Minato, is proficient in the Flying Thunder God Technique."

"He is just about to head to the Mist for a rescue mission. You can give him the details on that ninja who stole the Byakugan. He is an expert who managed to seize all seven blades of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen."

With that, Sarutobi Hiruzen walked out slowly, his gaze sweeping over Orochimaru, who was leaning against the wall, his tone heavy.

"Last night, the Anbu found traces of something crawling on the ceiling of my study. It would be best if this had nothing to do with you, my student."

As his back disappeared at the end of the corridor, Orochimaru smiled without a word. The old man's vigor and vigilance were far stronger than he had anticipated.

Meanwhile, inside the mission hall.

The Hyuga Elder offered a slight bow, but the three men wore complex expressions, their hearts filled with doubt and suspicion.

Could this child really rescue captured ninja from the hands of the Mist? Even with the Third Hokage's word, it was hard to believe.

The doubt in the eyes of the Hyuga Elder and Hyuga Hiashi remained, while Hyuga Hizashi looked preoccupied, his mind drifting back to the events of that day.

Once the Third Hokage had left, the Hyuga Elder, whether out of a sense of entitlement or a habit of barking orders, turned to Hanazuki.

"Take the life of that Mist jonin and retrieve the Hyuga clan's Byakugan. This is the order of our clan, and likewise, the order of the Third Hokage. You..."

Before the Elder could continue, Hanazuki flashed a brilliant smile.

"I refuse."

"Refuse? Why would you refuse? Is it not a ninja's duty to complete their mission?"

As if he had heard something unbelievable, the Elder's eyes shifted, and he barked sharply.

"The loss of a bloodline limit is your clan's internal affair; it has nothing to do with me. My mission is to rescue the Konoha ninja captured by the Mist. Everything else is irrelevant."

"First, I have the right to choose my missions and where I join the battlefield—that is the Third Hokage's promise. Second, I am a member of the Uchiha clan; the orders of the Hyuga clan mean nothing to me."

At that moment, Hanazuki felt something and frowned, calling out.

"Since you're here, why hide and watch the show? This is why I hate you, Teacher."

"Heh heh. I was away from the village for a while, but I just heard some very interesting news. Has a Hyuga Byakugan fallen into the hands of the Mist?"

As the lean figure emerged from the shadows, the Hyuga Elder and the current clan head, Hyuga Hiashi, nodded in greeting, their eyes tinged with wariness.

"Lord Orochimaru, you are here to... could it be that this child is?"

"A very talented, if impolite, student of mine. I had intended to ask if you wanted to come train in the outside world with me, but it seems that is a regret, heh heh."

Hanazuki's mouth twitched. He shot Orochimaru a look of utter disdain and retorted bluntly.

"It's all thanks to you that I've lost my peace and quiet for the last few days. Isn't this going a bit too far, Teacher Orochimaru?"

"Even you noticed? It seems Third Hokage's spirit is not inferior to the young. Since you have a mission, I suppose I shall have to take Anko with me to train. Do you need a gift?"

Hanazuki chuckled. If Orochimaru was bringing him a gift, it would be a miracle if it wasn't just more trouble.

"Then I shall look forward to it without any expectations. Please, do your best not to dump any more trouble on me. I'm heading out."

Just as Hanazuki's figure was about to vanish, Hyuga Hizashi's body stiffened, the confusion in his eyes deepening.

"What do you wish to become? A lonely bird with broken wings, imprisoned in a cage, or a star that tears through the night with fangs and blood, burning with the fire of your own lineage?"

"You don't need to give me an answer now. Once you have truly thought it through, you are welcome to come find me at any time."

Before anyone knew it, that mysterious figure had vanished. The Hyuga Elder was left with a look of utter shock; he had clearly kept his Byakugan active the entire time, yet the figure had disappeared from the spot in a single instant.

Could a child truly master a Body Flicker Technique of this caliber?

"Lord Orochimaru, is this Uchiha child truly your disciple?"

Facing Hyuga Hiashi's question, Orochimaru traced a smile, his usually rigid facial features softening in a rare display of warmth.

"This child is a mystery. The talent he possesses is something even I cannot fathom; perhaps... he has already surpassed me."

Before the others could express their astonishment, Orochimaru's figure drifted further away. Hyuga Hizashi lowered his gaze, a faint, imperceptible glimmer of hope rising within his heart.

At the gates of Konoha Village, Hua Yue looked up at the sky, silently staring at his own hands.

"A rare opportunity has presented itself; I might as well put it to the test..."