A dense fog, as usual, enveloped the Hidden Mist's port, and the salty, damp sea breeze couldn't disperse the eternal mist of the Land of Water. But today, the air was filled not only with moisture but also with an unusual sense of dread.
Over two thousand Hidden Mist Ninja stood silently by the berths, like silent reefs in the fog, awaiting new orders.
The Third Mizukage, "Qing", stood at the bow of the fleet's flagship, his figure indistinct in the thick fog.
His gaze swept over this truly loyal force, finally settling on the empty road at the Village entrance — the teams from the Hozuki, Yuki, and Kaguya Clans were still nowhere to be seen.
Beside him stood a man in his forties, the Hidden Mist Elder, Genshi.
Compared to his decrepit appearance decades later, as a former trusted subordinate of the First Mizukage Byakuren, he was now in the prime of his life, full of vigor.
Genshi's brows were tightly furrowed as he whispered, "Mizukage-sama, the Ninja Clans' passive attitude and opposition are no longer concealed. I'm worried—"
The Third Mizukage, "Qing", did not turn around, but slowly spoke, his voice as cold and piercing as deep winter seawater.
"Worried about what? Worried they'll stab me in the back?
"Heh heh — wouldn't that be perfect? We've waited so many years, only to finally get this chance to set things right completely."
"I understand your apprehension towards the Hozuki Clan."
Genshi's words were earnest.
"But Gengetsu is dead. Is your suppression of them too hasty? Under strong pressure, I fear it will create additional complications. This battle is of great importance, and without the full support of the Ninja Clans within the Village, the chances of victory are likely—"
"Genshi."
The Third Mizukage, "Qing", interrupted him, his voice calm but with an undeniable cold hardness.
He still gazed in the direction of the Village, as if he could penetrate the heavy fog and see the figures within the various Ninja Clan territories.
"You and I both came from the era of First Mizukage Byakuren-sama. We should know best: temporary concessions will never lead to true, long-lasting stability; they will only nurture the next Hōzuki Gengetsu."
When that name was mentioned, the new Mizukage seemed to recall some unpleasant past, his knuckles turning slightly white from excessive force.
"Gengetsu is dead, but the Ninja Clan privileges he represented are still alive!"
"Qing" suddenly turned around and slapped the ship's railing beside him, his eyes flashing with a long-suppressed indignation.
"When Byakuren-sama founded the Hidden Mist, it was for the benefit of the entire Village, not for the selfish interests of a single clan! But look, how did Hōzuki Gengetsu rise to power? What did he rely on?"
"It was his Hozuki Clan surname and his brute strength! Did he ever care about us old-timers who followed the First Mizukage?!"
"Qing" took a deep breath, as if expelling years of accumulated frustration, and his emotions calmed slightly. His voice then became low, yet contained a heart-pounding fanaticism.
"My tolerance for the existence of these Ninja Clans is already my bottom line. Allowing them to participate in this battle is a grace, not a necessity or requirement."
He slowly turned around, his eyes gleaming with a mix of ambition and confidence that Genshi had never seen before.
"As for the chances of victory — you can rest assured, I have allies, enough to secure the win. That is a power far more reliable and formidable than a few outwardly compliant Ninja Clans."
He didn't explicitly say it, but the absolute confidence in his words shook Genshi's heart, and a very ominous premonition suddenly arose.
However, before Genshi could speak, "Qing"'s lips curved into a cruel yet confident arc.
"Genshi, do you know what the biggest difference between us and Konoha is? It's that we have Tailed Beasts, but we lack the key to make them our own! And the Sealing Jutsu of the Uzumaki Clan is that key!"
He stepped forward, his gaze burning, almost swearing an oath to Genshi, and to himself.
"As long as I obtain it, I will personally become the Six-Tails Jinchuriki!"
"At that time, with the immense power granted to me by the Tailed Beast, the Hidden Mist will usher in a truly unified, powerful era! There will be no more constraints from the Hozuki, Kaguya, or Yuki Clans!"
"Only the Mizukage's will shall be the Village's sole will!"
"At that time—"
His eyes were filled with chilling coldness.
"I'd like to see who dares to question the Mizukage's authority!"
Genshi looked at his old friend, who was once gentle but now completely twisted by power and obsession. The determination in his eyes made Genshi realize that all words of dissuasion would be futile.
"I understand."
He suppressed the unease in his heart and bowed deeply: "Since that is the case, please focus on the operation against the Land of Whirlpools. You don't need to worry about internal Village matters; I will do my utmost to stabilize the rear for you. May your — military fortune be prosperous."
Just then, a commotion arose at the port entrance.
The Ninja from the Hozuki Clan, Yuki Clan, and Kaguya Clan finally arrived, late.
They were numerous, but kept to themselves, clearly distinct from the Mizukage's direct forces, like oil and water, difficult to mix. Leading them was the arrogant Hozuki Mugetsu.
He casually walked to the front of the queue, gave a perfunctory bow to "Qing" at the bow of the ship, his tone so indifferent it was almost rude: "Mizukage-sama, the Hozuki Clan has arrived as ordered, awaiting deployment."
"Insolence!"
A furious roar erupted from behind "Qing".
One of the recently formed Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, a hot-tempered Jonin, suddenly stepped forward, his hand on the hilt of the Kubikiribōchō wrapped in bandages on his back.
"Hozuki Mugetsu! What kind of attitude is that?!"
This person was certainly not Biwa Jūzō, nor was he Zabuza. The two future owners of the Kubikiribōchō, let alone appearing here, hadn't even been born yet, considering the timeline.
"Attitude?"
Hozuki Mugetsu scoffed, and faint traces of water vapor began to flow restlessly around him.
"What kind of attitude do you want from me? Should I kneel down and thank Mizukage-sama for giving us this chance to go to Konoha and die?"
In an instant, two icy killing intents clashed in the air, causing Ninja from both factions to instinctively grip their Kunai.
"Enough."
"Qing"'s voice was not loud, but it carried the authority of a Kage, instantly quelling all commotion.
His cold gaze swept over his angry subordinates, who reluctantly retreated. Then, he looked at Hozuki Mugetsu, and deep within his eyes, there was a hint of — pitying mockery.
He ignored the small conflict and directly gave the order.
"Board the ship."
Afterward, he didn't look at anyone else, turning directly to walk into the ship's cabin. In his mind, Hozuki Mugetsu's provocation was ridiculously foolish.
These insular Ninja Clans simply didn't know what kind of power they were facing, and would never understand the height and vision he, as Mizukage, stood at now.
And as he turned to walk into the cabin, Hozuki Mugetsu looked at his retreating back, a barely perceptible, yet malicious sneer also forming on his lips.
Amidst the dense fog, the fleet slowly departed the port—