386. All for the Shinobi World

In the Land of Water, the largest island floating in the vast southern seas of the shinobi world, thick fog perpetually shrouded the land.

However, as the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, tightened his grip on the nation, a strong scent of blood seemed to permeate the mist...

After the end of the Third Shinobi World War, Yagura launched a massive internal purge under the guise of eliminating internal threats.

He slaughtered countless bloodline clans that opposed him, leaving a trail of blood in his wake.

Combined with his brutal and inhumane selection systems, Kirigakure, one of the five great shinobi villages, earned a new, widely known nickname—the Village of the Bloody Mist!

"We can't just sit back and do nothing!"

"If we let Yagura continue his reckless actions, he'll drag the entire Kirigakure into the abyss!"

In a hidden underground cave within the Land of Water, the young Mei Terumī vented her anger.

Although speaking ill of their leader in private might seem disrespectful, no one present showed any signs of displeasure.

Yagura's outrageous actions over the years had completely eroded his support.

Not only did he force students at the ninja academy to kill each other during graduation exams, but he also launched a brutal purge against the village's bloodline clans!

Even the Hōzuki clan, a prestigious family that had produced the Second Mizukage, was severely affected.

This was why they had gathered here in secret.

Hearing Mei's words, Mangetsu Hōzuki, the leader of the Hōzuki clan, nodded in agreement.

Clearly, as the head of one of Kirigakure's traditional noble families, his dissatisfaction with Yagura had reached its breaking point.

However, Ao, Mei's longtime partner, expressed some concern:
"But Yagura is a perfect jinchūriki, and his strength is formidable. Plus, he has loyal subordinates like Kisame and Zabuza. Overthrowing his regime won't be easy."

This statement plunged the room into silence.

The power of a perfect jinchūriki was terrifying, and with the support of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist like Fuguki Suikazan and Biwa Juzo, as well as the elite ANBU, overthrowing Yagura seemed like an insurmountable challenge.

Despite this, Mei's expression remained resolute.

"Even if the odds are slim, we have to try! Otherwise, Kirigakure—no, the entire Land of Water—will be doomed under Yagura's rule!"

Before anyone could respond, a mocking voice suddenly echoed from the shadows.


"You think a handful of people like you can overthrow Yagura? What a pipe dream."

As the voice spoke, a figure emerged from the darkness.

Instantly, Mei and the others were on high alert, their eyes fixed on the man who had suddenly appeared.

The newcomer was none other than the man who had caused the infamous Bloody Mist incident years ago—Zabuza Momochi!

He was a legendary figure in Kirigakure, known for slaughtering all his classmates during his ninja academy graduation exam, forcing the village to change its graduation rules.

Later, he joined Kirigakure's ANBU, earning the nickname "Demon of the Hidden Mist."

The moment Zabuza appeared, Mangetsu's hand instinctively reached for the hilt of his sword, Hiramekarei, ready to silence him permanently.

After all, as an ANBU member, no one knew whether Zabuza would report this meeting to Yagura.

Fortunately, Mei stopped Mangetsu, her expression cold as she asked,
"Zabuza, what are you doing here?"

Hearing her question, Zabuza, his body wrapped in bandages, narrowed his eyes and replied in a cold voice,
"I just don't want you fools to throw your lives away for nothing."

Mangetsu couldn't hold back his anger at Zabuza's arrogant tone.

"You're asking for death!"

But Mei stopped him again. She brushed her wine-red hair aside, her tone equally icy.

"What do you mean by that?"

Zabuza, hands in his pockets, narrowed his eyes further, a hint of killing intent flashing within them.

"In a few days, Yagura will move against the Yuki and Hōzuki clans. Fuguki Suikazan and Biwa Juzo will lead the troops, and a large number of ANBU elites will be deployed. That's when Yagura's defenses will be at their weakest."

Zabuza's words shocked everyone.

If what he said was true, and Fuguki Suikazan and Bisa Juzo were indeed sent away, their chances of successfully assassinating Yagura would increase significantly!

But the question remained: why would Zabuza, an ANBU member and Fuguki Suikazan's direct subordinate, share this information with them?

Facing their distrustful gazes, Zabuza simply shrugged indifferently.

"Believe it or not, it's up to you. I'm leaving."

With that, he turned and walked away. Mangetsu immediately looked at Mei and asked,
"Should we stop him?"

Given that they didn't know whether Zabuza was friend or foe, letting him leave seemed risky.

But after a moment of thought, Mei shook her head.


"Whether what he said is true or not, he's not on Yagura's side. Otherwise, he wouldn't have revealed himself. He could have just hidden and reported everything to Yagura. Right now, we need to unite all the forces we can."

After hearing her analysis, Mangetsu finally nodded in agreement, though he couldn't help but mutter through gritted teeth,
"That guy... he's really full of himself!"

——————

After leaving Mei and the others, Zabuza soon arrived at the edge of a lake.

Surrounded by dense forests and devoid of human presence, it was the perfect place for... a secret meeting.

As a thick mist rolled in, a shadowy figure slowly emerged.

"You did well this time," the figure said in a hoarse voice, leaning on a cane, his face etched with deep wrinkles...

"Lord Danzo!"

Upon seeing the man, Zabuza immediately dropped to one knee.

Danzo shook his head with a wry smile and quickly helped him up.

"I've told you, there's no need for such formalities."

He gently patted Zabuza's shoulder and said,
"You've worked hard these past few days."

Hearing this, Zabuza raised his head, his eyes filled with devotion as he replied,
"It's no trouble at all. Everything I do is for the sake of saving the suffering people of the shinobi world!"