A few days later, in Kirigakure.
Disguised as an ordinary Mist shinobi, Fugaku's first Spore Clone slipped into the village with ease.
Once inside, it made its way to the Terumī compound, using the Mayfly Technique to infiltrate.
The Terumī clan—home to Terumī Mei, the future Fifth Mizukage. For a family to produce a Mizukage spoke volumes about their strength and heritage.
Though Fugaku intended to frustrate Obito, he had no plans to intervene personally. Instead, he chose to sabotage Obito's schemes in Kirigakure through intelligence.
And in the Mist, the only one capable of upsetting Obito's plans was none other than Terumī Mei, the future Mizukage, born with two kekkei genkai.
After some searching, the Spore Clone found her inside a residence.
She looked to be in her early twenties, dressed in a blue strapless gown, with long auburn hair and striking turquoise eyes. Her features were flawless, her skin as pale as snow—breathtakingly beautiful, but carrying an undeniable air of danger.
With two kekkei genkai, her power had already surpassed that of most Kage.
Buzz—
The Spore Clone rose from the ground, appearing inside the room.
"Who's there? "
As a Kage-level kunoichi, Mei's senses were razor sharp. She instantly detected the intruder, whirling around with a cold glint in her eyes.
"I mean you no harm," the clone said.
"Breaking into a lady's private quarters—that doesn't sound like something a gentleman would do. Who are you? "
Cautious, her aura radiated danger.
The clone's appearance shifted, transforming from a common Mist ninja into Uchiha Shisui—the identity it used outside.
"…Uchiha Shisui."
Of course Mei knew the famed "Shisui of the Body Flicker," wielder of the Mangekyō Sharingan. His strength was said to rival even hers.
After a brief surprise, a smile curved her lips—though the killing intent behind it only sharpened.
"My, do you like this big sister that much? To sneak all the way into the Mist just to see me? "
Though Shisui's power was formidable, she wasn't afraid. This was the Terumī compound, in the heart of Kirigakure—if they fought, she knew who would have the advantage.
"I don't come with hostility," the clone replied. "I revealed myself because I carry news of great importance to you—and to Kirigakure."
"Oh? What news does little brother have for me? " Mei asked with a playful smile.
"You've heard of the Wood Release user, haven't you? "
"I've heard the stories—that he's caused Konoha plenty of trouble. And what does that have to do with the news you're bringing me? "
"The Fourth Mizukage is under genjutsu control," the clone stated. "And the one controlling him is the Wood Release ninja."
Mei chuckled, shaking her head. "Trying to sow discord? That won't work on me."
Naturally, she didn't believe him. The Fourth Mizukage was a perfect Jinchūriki—and perfect Jinchūriki were nearly immune to genjutsu.
"If you doubt me, you can confirm it yourself. Kirigakure has someone named Ao, who possesses the Byakugan. With it, he can see whether the Fourth Mizukage is under illusion."
At that, Mei faltered slightly, suspicion flickering in her eyes. She studied the man before her.
"…Big sister will check. But until then, why not stay here with me? "
"Even if you could keep me here, wouldn't that risk alerting the Wood Release user and scaring him off? " the clone replied calmly.
If it dared to appear before her so boldly, it was confident it couldn't be captured.
"Fair enough. I won't force you," Mei said, letting go of the idea.
If the Fourth Mizukage truly was controlled, now was not the time to clash with Konoha. She understood why the Leaf had revealed this—it was to pit the Mist against Obito. But if it was true, she had no choice but to act, even if it meant playing into their hands.
"Then, I'll take my leave."
With the Mayfly Technique, the Spore Clone sank back into the earth, swiftly departing the Terumī estate. It didn't leave the village, however—instead, it stayed to observe the chaos about to unfold.
A day later, turmoil erupted from the direction of the Mizukage's tower.
The clone crept closer, where it saw three figures locked in a violent clash. Shockwaves ripped through the air, scattering Mist shinobi who tried to intervene.
Among the combatants, one wore a black cloak patterned with red clouds and a spiraled mask hiding his face—Uchiha Obito.
The second was a young-looking man: the Fourth Mizukage.The third, a tall, striking woman: Terumī Mei.
The genjutsu on the Mizukage had already been broken. He and Mei were now fighting side by side against Obito.
It seemed Mei had taken the warning seriously, confirmed the truth with Ao's Byakugan, freed the Mizukage, and then confronted Obito.
"How did they discover it? "
Even while fending off both the Mizukage and Mei—and slaying Mist shinobi with every strike—Obito did not falter. His strength was overwhelming. But inwardly, he seethed.
The Fourth Mizukage had been under his control for years without a single flaw. And Ao, the only one capable of detecting it, had long been reassigned away under his authority.
How, then, had Mei seen through it?
"…Tch. I'll have to retreat."
As more Mist shinobi closed in, Obito made his choice. With the Mizukage freed, the entire village had turned against him. Staying was no longer possible.
He cast Mei a cold, lingering look—then his body twisted into a swirling vortex of darkness and vanished. Clearly, he blamed her for ruining everything.
Unaware that the true culprit behind his exposure was Uchiha Fugaku.
"Mission complete."
Satisfied, the Spore Clone sank back underground, withdrawing from Kirigakure.
Obito had trespassed into Konoha time and again, treating it like his own backyard. Sabotaging his plans in the Mist—that was Fugaku's way of returning the favor.