Sarutobi Hiruzen rarely visited Root's base. His last visit here had been for Kakashi and Tenzo.
Shimura Danzo's figure appeared especially gloomy under dim lamplight. Leaning on his cane, his single eye looked toward his uninvited old friend. His voice revealed no ripples. "Hiruzen, can Root's mission conclude?"
"Hyūga clan members have already entered the Police Force," Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke of recent events. "The Uchiha showed no chaos. Fugaku pacified clan members well."
Danzo's fingers gripping the cane tightened slightly. What was that Orochimaru doing? Departing Konoha for the eastern coastal defense line required barely a few hours. So many days had passed. Had he still not completed his mission?
Sarutobi Hiruzen continued, "With the Uchiha matter properly resolved, I need not continue clinging to the Hokage position. Tsunade is already preparing to assume office."
Danzo stood abruptly. "Temporary calm does not represent eradicating the problem's roots."
"Hiruzen, you and I both clearly understand the Uchiha problem remains far from worry-free. Teacher Tobirama's era proved thus. During these years you controlled the village, they also seemed compliant."
"But the Nine-Tails Night? That kind of incident, do you hope for reenactment?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen merely said to his old comrade, "We have both grown old. It is time to hand the village to young people. Afterward, rest well, Danzo."
Several days ago, based on intelligence Shuji brought back, Kakashi led people to support Uchiha Shisui.
Today he returned alone, bringing unexpected news—Kirigakure shinobi had completely withdrawn.
Tsunade asked, "Confirmed? Not tactical withdrawal?"
Tsunade set down the scroll in hand. Her fingertips lightly tapped the desktop, confusion between her brows.
Just recently, Shuji had detailed his encounter with rogue ninja Kakuzu hired by Kirigakure plus that mysterious masked man, clearly indicating Kirigakure's offensive intent had once intensified recently.
Now this sudden complete withdrawal appeared especially abrupt and illogical.
Kakashi nodded. "Shisui and I repeatedly confirmed. Kirigakure's several forward bases have been vacated."
"Worried this might be some deceptive strategy, Shisui continues leading people to maintain vigilance. I returned first to report circumstances."
Tsunade's gaze naturally shifted toward another corner of the office where Shuji was buried in document piles. "What do you think?"
Shuji raised his head from the document pile, showing no particular expression on his face, merely shaking his head. "Too many possibilities. Lacking key intelligence makes judgment difficult."
After Kakuzu's failure, Obito perceived the situation unfavorable and no longer continued forcing Kirigakure people to attack. This proved possible.
Or perhaps sustained pressure had already triggered intense Kirigakure internal reactions, causing front line loss of control.
However, regardless of which, at this critical juncture with Tsunade about to formally assume Hokage, maintaining border stability was the primary task. Any major disturbances might be interpreted as signals of the new Hokage's insufficient control.
Shuji said, "Though unable to judge, defense lines absolutely cannot relax accordingly."
Tsunade obviously held the same thought. "Regardless, border alert levels cannot decrease."
"Kakashi, reinforcement forces deploy according to original plans. Strengthen vigilance and reconnaissance intensity. Absolutely clarify Kirigakure's withdrawal's true intent. Simultaneously, intensify intelligence collection regarding Kirigakure internal circumstances."
"Understood," Kakashi responded before his figure flashed and vanished from the office.
Kirigakure's geographical position could not be called superior. The year-round "Bloody Mist" policy made surrounding regions places few rogue or wandering shinobi willingly lingered.
Uchiha Obito's plan required massive financial support. Especially hiring those formidably strong desperadoes demanded astronomical compensation.
Therefore, he controlled Fourth Mizukage Yagura, continuously applying pressure internally to the village, urging fund transfers.
Genshi had already made his decision. Precisely because of this, this time he no longer earnestly advised as before but instead displayed compliant posture, cooperating with the Mizukage's office to manage initially transferring portions of funds for delivery.
Recent covert contacts and observations gave Genshi several candidates worthy of entrusting important tasks.
First was Ao. During recent harassment operations, Ao had used facts proving he was not the Mizukage's person.
Resolving the Mizukage required the village's outstanding strong individuals cooperating.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist should have been the first choice. Kurosuki Raiga defected. Juzo Biwa defected. Fuguki Suikazan's attitude remained unclear. Such operations could not employ such people.
Therefore, he could only seek younger generation people.
The ultimate choices were these people now appearing before him.
Ao, Mei Terumi, and Zabuza Momochi.
Veins appeared around Ao's Byakugan, ensuring conversation's absolute safety.
Genshi's voice proved low and serious. "You have surely already noticed the village's recent abnormalities. This old man summoning you all today believes Mizukage-sama may no longer prove suitable leading Kirigakure forward."
Mei Terumi and Zabuza Momochi exchanged glances, neither showing overly surprised expressions.
Before this, Genshi had already conducted numerous subtle tests on them. Tonight's showdown merely proved final confirmation.
Since Genshi had already stated his position, Zabuza Momochi also did not conceal his dissatisfaction toward the Mizukage. "The Fourth's actions have long proven his muddled incompetence. Current Kirigakure needs thorough rebirth. It is time to eliminate this cancer."
Mei Terumi proved relatively calmer. She contemplated, "Elder Genshi, I agree with your judgment. Continuing to let Mizukage-sama act so recklessly makes Kirigakure's future truly worrying."
"However, Yagura is a jinchūriki. Acting within the village holds excessive risk. Once the tailed beast goes berserk, consequences prove unimaginable."
Zabuza's gaze turned fierce. "Leave it to me. Before he completely releases Three-Tails' power, I will kill him."
Mei Terumi did not believe Zabuza could accomplish this. The Demon seemed to hold brilliant achievements. However, before becoming a jinchūriki, Yagura was already Kirigakure's topmost strong individual.
Regarding this, Genshi already had plans. "Acting within the village naturally proves unfeasible. Even actions to restore order cannot confirm how many people will choose defending the Mizukage."
"Yagura recently holds abnormally urgent funding demands. Mobilizing such massive amounts at once, relying solely on Kirigakure's reserves proves insufficient. This old man will manage facilitating his personally proceeding to the Water Capital, explaining reasons to the daimyo and requesting special appropriations."
"Once he departs the village, guard forces accompanying him will necessarily drastically decrease. That time will prove the optimal action opportunity."
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild