Naoki’s eyes opened, and light streamed in. The first thing that caught his attention was the blazing sun already high in the sky, followed by the faint mist that shrouded it. His gaze shifted downward to the wavering horizon. It was a sea of swollen heads and shining forehead protectors. The Mist Village ninjas, who didn’t understand the military formation, stood in no aesthetically pleasing arrangement. But their eyes, filled with hope and vitality, were beautiful—something Naoki had never seen before.
A certain string in Naoki’s heart was truly plucked at this moment. These people standing here represented recognition, support, and the desire for him, Naoki, to ascend to the position of Mizukage. Looking at all this, Naoki began to have some new thoughts.
He could indeed fly to the Hidden Mist Village, rush in, and slaughter his way to the Mizukage position. But it would be different. That would be force, something any ninja with strength could achieve, and what he would gain was fear. But, by being surrounded by these people and reaching that place, ascending to that position with the support of the people’s hearts, he would gain anticipation!
I hope for a better future and am anticipating change!
So, the Mizukage must be where the people’s hearts lie.
To change this world, there is another way—to gain the recognition of the majority — besides using terrifying force to impose rules.
Ha.
Naoki gently drew his spine out, not making a big show of it. “Then follow me, everyone.”
In an instant, the voice roared like a drum.
In the blink of an eye, it was nighttime. The vast sea stretched endlessly. Hundreds of small boats drifted and docked. Naoki stepped ashore, only to find Zabuza already waiting.
“Lord Naoki.”
Zabuza said respectfully, his previous arrogance completely gone.
“This is all the information on the intercepting forces.”
Naoki took it and handed it to Jūzō Biwa, who examined it carefully. Meanwhile, Zabuza, eyes shifting from his large sword, spoke again.
“Let me stay by your side.”
[Zabuza’s fate has shifted, identified as a Hidden Mist ninja. All fragments were collected, and the Zabuza character was available for exchange.]
“Come along, Zabuza.”
Naoki ignored the notification and responded calmly, walking straight into the dense forest. Nearly a thousand people flew ahead, behind, and beside him. The most elite Hidden Mist assassination squad, led by Jūzō Biwa, charged towards the Hidden Mist.
This was a battle Naoki didn’t need to participate in before meeting the Mizukage. It was also a battle to tell all Hidden Mist ninjas to look forward to the future.
…
“So, are you sure what Hoshigaki Kisame said about the weaknesses is true?”
The young Mangetsu Hōzuki sneered, playing with his blade, not taking the older ninja in front of him seriously.
“Mangetsu, shut up. Whether it’s true or not is irrelevant now; this is the family’s decision.”
“If a member of the Kaguya clan ascends to the Mizukage position, the Hōzuki clan will face annihilation.”
“Maybe.”
Mangetsu waved dismissively.
“Although I don’t know how magnanimous that person is, my younger brother is still young and can’t be involved in your affairs.”
“Then go back and rot with those worms who refuse to fight for the family!”
“Repeat that, what did you say?”
Mangetsu suddenly laughed, but it was a chilling smile.
“Shut up!”
The head of the Hōzuki clan growled in a low voice.
“The family’s intelligence ninjas haven’t responded for a long time. Perhaps Naoki has already arrived.”
“Has he?”
Mangetsu muttered, immediately noticing the thickening mist in the air. He quietly retreated.
Moments later, the head of the Hōzuki clan also noticed something was wrong.
“Damn it.”
“Stay alert.”
Mangetsu watched the Hōzuki clansmen disappear into the thick fog. He froze just as he was about to turn and flee towards the village.
Crunch!
Crunch!
The previously calm forest suddenly erupted with the sound of branches breaking, heading towards the Hōzuki clan’s ambush site.
Mangetsu was horrified and tried to escape.
Whoosh!
The sound of wind being torn came from behind.
So fast, so fast!
How did they catch up so quickly!
Mangetsu accelerated his turn, drawing his long sword to block, but it was too late.
Slash!
The long sword sliced through, turning into water. Mangetsu reappeared, looking at the large sword in terror.
That was the Executioner’s Blade, wielded by Jūzō Biwa!
There was no time to ponder what it meant for this person to be here. Mangetsu was about to resist but saw dozens of figures emerging from the fog behind Jūzō.
The Hidden Mist assassination squad!
Without hesitation, knowing he couldn’t win, Mangetsu dropped his weapon.
“Lord Jūzō, I was forced to fight for the family, but my loyalty to the Mizukage is evident.”
“No need to say more.”
Jūzō said coldly.
“Just wait here, Hōzuki boy.”
Mangetsu nodded “nervously,” staring at the ground, thinking of a way to escape.
At that moment, he was suddenly shocked.
What?
The battle sounds, they’ve stopped?
How is that possible so quickly?
Muttering, he looked up and swallowed his words.
The mist dispersed, and countless ninja shadows crisscrossed in the moonlight, surrounding a single figure walking forward.
Pure white eyes, Naoki.
According to Hoshigaki Kisame, his weakness is…
Dripping blood, heads rolled casually.
Hōzuki, Terumi, Yuki.
Mangetsu looked and completely abandoned his thoughts, laughing at his family.
Until the end, they still chose to split forces for mutual defense.
Until the end, there were still internal conflicts.
But look at Naoki.
His followers numbered in the hundreds or even thousands.
A united front, how could they be opposed?
That guy from the battlefield, Hoshigaki Kisame, must have known this!
There must be something fishy, Mangetsu cursed inwardly.
“Are you a Hōzuki?”
Snapping back, Mangetsu looked at Naoki’s white eyes and replied honestly.
“Mangetsu Hōzuki.”
Hearing the familiar name, Naoki’s eyes flickered. Looking at the nearby Hidden Mist Village, he spoke quietly.
“Alright, will you come along?”
Naoki said, taking a step forward. Mangetsu gritted his teeth and followed.
If I don’t follow, I’ll die. If I die, my brother will too.
Thinking this, he followed as more people appeared.
Mangetsu noticed they seemed different from the other Hidden Mist ninjas.
What’s different?
Comparing and contrasting with his sword.
It took Mangetsu a long time to realize.
Their eyes are different!
Tightly gripping his sword, Mangetsu’s heart raced as he looked at Naoki.
It must be him.
He must be the cause of all this.
Looking at that figure, Mangetsu slowly raised his head.
The village, it’s here.
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