"Were you sent by the elders?"
The Fourth Mizukage looked into their eyes.
The Fourth Mizukage was not particularly surprised that he would be stepping down. Someone had to bear responsibility for the consequences of the blood mist policy in recent years, and the fact that he had been manipulated only proved that he had failed in his duties as Mizukage.
He had simply thought he would relinquish his position in a more dignified manner.
At the very least, he had expected to clean up the mess within the village and forge alliances with Konoha and the other shinobi villages first.
He had never expected the elders to be so impatient to force him out of office, with the next step being to make him take his own life at home.
Hozuki Mangetsu shook his head. "We aren't here to assassinate you. We're here to report important intelligence that may concern the village's very survival."
"Report intelligence?" The Fourth Mizukage's expression stiffened. The emotions he had been working himself into abruptly fell apart. After a cough, he put on a serious expression and said, "That was merely a test. Please pay it no mind."
Then, under their skeptical gazes, the Fourth Mizukage took a sip of water and slowly said, "Go on. What important news could possibly concern the village's survival? Is Akatsuki about to attack?"
"Yes, Fourth Mizukage..." Hozuki Mangetsu nodded.
"..." Holding the water in his mouth, the Fourth Mizukage glanced at Hozuki Mangetsu, then studied Zabuza and Kisame for a long moment. When he realized they did not seem to be lying, his expression darkened.
"Is the source reliable? Which Akatsuki members are attacking this time?"
After firing off a string of questions, the anxiety on the Fourth Mizukage's face gave way to a grave expression. He