387. Revenge

In truth, with the help of Fuguki Suikazan, the traitor within Kirigakure, Danzo had successfully contacted Zabuza Momochi after the latter slaughtered all his classmates and forced the village to change its policies.

Not only that, but Danzo also pointed Zabuza toward a clear path during his time of deep confusion—if he couldn't accept the world as it was, why not take the initiative, grow stronger, and change it himself?

Moreover, the suffering wasn't limited to Kirigakure.

Across the shinobi world, countless people were enduring similar oppression under bloody tyranny, and more were waiting to be saved!

Under Danzo's persuasive rhetoric, Zabuza had an epiphany.

He realized he shouldn't confine his ambitions to the small land of Kirigakure.

His mission was to liberate and save all the oppressed and exploited people across the shinobi world!

This was why Zabuza had bowed before Danzo.

He believed that only under this man's leadership could he achieve his ultimate ideal.

Danzo didn't disappoint him.

With his guidance and resources, Zabuza's strength improved significantly, allowing him to join the ANBU in a remarkably short time.


He became the third most trusted subordinate of Yagura Karatachi, following Fuguki Suikazan and Biwa Juzo.

While not all the credit went to Danzo, at least half of it likely did...

After a brief conversation with Zabuza, Danzo took out three glass bottles from his robe.

Each bottle contained pills of red, blue, and green colors.


"The counterattack against Yagura will undoubtedly be dangerous. Keep these pills with you. You know how to use them."
Zabuza didn't refuse.

He nodded and took the precious pills.

After all, this mission was extremely perilous, and he needed to ensure his survival to fulfill his future ideals.

After a few more instructions, Danzo said,
"Alright, I've arranged everything accordingly. Be careful from here on out."


Zabuza nodded solemnly.


"Don't worry, Lord Danzo. I will bring victory to the people of Kirigakure."

————————

Meanwhile, in the Mizukage's office within Kirigakure...

"Are you all prepared?"

Yagura Karatachi sat on the Mizukage's throne, his cold gaze fixed on his two most trusted subordinates—Fuguki Suikazan and Biwa Juzo. They were the wielders of the Samehada and the Executioner's Blade respectively, and Yagura's strongest fighters.

The two immediately knelt on one knee and answered without hesitation,
"The forces to annihilate the Yuki and Hōzuki clans are ready. With the elite ANBU, this mission will be a success!"

Fuguki Suikazan responded with a mix of respect and flattery.

After all, the Mizukage had become increasingly volatile lately, and even a moment's hesitation in answering could result in severe punishment.

"However..." Fuguki hesitated.

Yagura raised an eyebrow, his expression growing impatient.

"However what?"

Feeling the Mizukage's impatience, Fuguki's heart chilled, but he forced a smile.

"Lord Mizukage, I sense that Mei Terumī and Mangetsu Hōzuki are plotting something. If we all leave Kirigakure, they might..."

Yagura sneered at Fuguki Suikazan's concern.

"Don't worry. Those two are no threat to me."
Seeing Yagura's confidence, Fuguki Suikazan wisely chose not to press further.

Otherwise, he'd only end up in a thankless position.

"My apologies, Lord Mizukage. Your strength is unmatched. Mei and her ilk are nothing to fear!"

Although Yagura appeared expressionless, Obito Uchiha, hidden behind him, couldn't help but chuckle silently.

After Fuguki Suikazan and Biwa Juzo left the Mizukage's office, Zetsu emerged from the shadows and said,
"You shouldn't be so hasty, Obito! Such radical actions aren't conducive to our control over Kirigakure!"

This time, Zetsu finally expressed his dissatisfaction.

He believed they should lay low, conserve their strength, and focus on capturing the tailed beasts, rather than recklessly slaughtering bloodline clans and plunging Kirigakure into internal strife.

But... was Obito, the self-proclaimed "Madara," the type to change his decisions so easily?

Facing Zetsu's disapproval, Obito's expression darkened, and his voice turned icy.

"Don't tell me what to do, Zetsu. I have my own plans! And call me Lord Madara!"

These two sentences nearly caused Zetsu, who had lived for over a thousand years, to explode in anger!

He had every reason to believe that Obito wasn't scheming to capture the tailed beasts at all—he was simply seeking revenge against the village that had killed his first love!!

No, wait—she wasn't even his first love. It was all just a delusion of this brat's one-sided infatuation!

Zetsu thought bitterly to himself.

But no matter how angry he was, he couldn't openly break with Obito—at least not until Madara was revived.

So, he had to swallow his anger.

If he couldn't stop this damned brat, he could at least prepare for any potential mishaps...

————————
Five days later, the reformist faction led by Mei Terumī was pleasantly surprised to discover that Fuguki Suikazan and Biwa Juzo had indeed left the village with a large number of elites.

Although they had departed secretly in the middle of the night, Mei and her allies, who had been keeping a close watch, noticed their absence.

Once it was confirmed that Fuguki Suikazan and Biwa Juzo had taken the elites to annihilate the two bloodline clans, the hidden opposition faction could no longer hold back.

"Excellent! It seems Zabuza's intel was accurate. Our chance has come!"

"Whether we can overthrow Yagura's tyrannical rule in the Land of Water depends on this moment!"

"I hope everyone can unite and return safely!"

Before the operation began, Mei gathered everyone for a final rally.

Under her encouragement, the group's resolve was unwavering.

Many of them had suffered under Yagura's oppression, with families torn apart and loved ones lost.

They were desperate to overthrow Yagura's brutal rule and avenge their fallen friends and family!