Kirigakure~
Outside the Mizukage's Office~
Covered in wounds, his clothes stained with blood, Suikazan Fuguki stood in the corridor with a grave expression, clutching the battered Samehada tightly to his chest, his mind in turmoil.
He had previously dismissed the rumors that Mizukage Karatachi Yagura was behaving strangely and being secretly controlled as nonsense.
But this time, against an enemy as powerful as Uchiha Lei, the normally composed and taciturn Yagura had rashly dispatched all Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist to surround and kill him. That was completely unlike his usual approach!
I must see for myself whether Lord Mizukage is being controlled!
Suikazan Fuguki clenched his fists, making up his mind.
He waited outside the door for more than an hour.
Only then did a cold, stiff voice finally come from inside the office.
"Come in."
He pushed open the door and immediately saw Karatachi Yagura sitting on the Mizukage's throne.
Yagura's eyes were vacant and dull, and the aura surrounding him was cold and eerie. None of the Fourth Mizukage's usual commanding presence remained.
Suikazan Fuguki's heart sank, suspicions already forming in his mind.
White Zetsu, who was controlling Yagura, feigned composure and spoke stiffly:
"What is it? Did the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist succeed in killing Uchiha Lei?"
Suikazan Fuguki lowered his head, deliberately withholding information as he said in a low voice:
"Kirigakure suffered devastating losses in this operation. All six others, including Juzo Biwa, died in battle, and all six Ninja Blades were taken. I alone managed to escape!"
"What?!"
White Zetsu instantly lost control, making Karatachi Yagura spring to his feet with a startled cry. Shock and disbelief filled his face, and he completely forgot to conceal them.
That reaction shattered Suikazan Fuguki's last shred of hope. His gaze burned as