At this point, only one can remain between the Blood Mist Faction and the Reform Faction; only when one side is completely annihilated will the internal conflict in the Hidden Mist finally end.
"Is that so? Since you refuse to repent, I have no choice but to destroy you and the Three-tails together!"
The determination in the Third Mizukage's eyes was also evident, emanating a chilling killing intent.
◎
"Damn it, where did it go wrong?"
The Third Mizukage's right-hand man and one of the candidates for the Fourth Mizukage, Hidden Mist Jonin Karatachi Yagura, initiated a coup at the Fourth Mizukage's election meeting.
A large number of Hidden Mist Ninja caused a riot in the village simultaneously; they were Yagura's subordinates.
It was clear that this coup would sweep through the entire Hidden Mist Village.
This development exceeded the expectations of Suikazan Fuguki.
In his impression, Yagura was definitely not the type to make such a flamboyant move, especially considering the dire consequences of a failed coup.
If it fails, the only outcome is death.
"What is that guy thinking?"
Suikazan Fuguki gritted his teeth.
Damn it, the situation has become a complete mess, and his position as the Fourth Mizukage hasn't even been officially confirmed, although he passed the election meeting, the Third Mizukage hasn't publicly announced it.
Before it was announced, Yagura launched his attack, something no one anticipated.
"Whatever that guy plans to do, the Third and the others are holding Yagura off there; we should first concentrate our forces and then turn back to deal with Yagura."
Jinin Akebino, following behind Fuguki, said.
Yagura's strength is extraordinary, despite only having seen him in action a few times, Jinin Akebino had a vague feeling that his strength might not be inferior to that of the Third Mizukage.
The eventual outcome of the battle could very likely be Yagura's victory.
Because the Third Mizukage was already old and frail, unable to endure long battles, he was at too many disadvantages compared to the young and vigorous Yagura.
Most importantly, they had no clear understanding of how many more trump cards Yagura had up his sleeve.
Therefore, gathering their forces and combining their strength with the Third Mizukage to suppress Yagura was the most prudent approach.
No matter how arrogant Jinin Akebino might be, he understood that Yagura was not an easy ninja to contend with.
"Don't worry, according to the time, the Hidden Cloud's forces should be arriving soon. Yagura has recalled the southern defense forces, he must have taken command of that force, preventing them from joining up with Yagura, and letting the Hidden Cloud block them."
Suikazan Fuguki said methodically.
Having detected Yagura's secret manipulation of the southern defense forces, he had preemptively communicated with the Fourth Raikage, requesting some level of support from the Hidden Cloud.
"I heard that the Hidden Cloud squad that came to the Land of Water disappeared mysteriously on the way back to the Land of Lightning. Maybe Yagura did that too."
"You mean...?"
Fuguki's eyes narrowed, exuding intense killing intent.
How could he fail to understand the implications in Jinin Akebino's words?
There was a spy among them.
Someone had leaked information about his secret dealings with the Hidden Cloud, arousing Yagura's suspicions.
If that was the case, Yagura's sudden coup at this time to counterattack him was not all that difficult to understand.
"Anyway, let's be cautious. Hidden Cloud will need to explain everything to the Third; if handled improperly, it could easily affect your future plans."
Though he didn't particularly like using his brain to solve problems, as one of the Seven-swords Ninja, he had basic political instincts.
Jinin Akebino felt that the series of incidents during this period were just too coincidental.
The Hidden Cloud squad that came to the Land of Water vanished mysteriously on the way back.
Yagura also conveniently launched a coup at the Fourth Mizukage's selection meeting, dragging the entire Hidden Mist into the battlefield.
Ringo Ameyuri, who should have died of illness in the Land of Demons, had returned to the Hidden Mist in high spirits and joined forces with Yagura.
There were lots of issues within this situation, and Yagura undoubtedly had many secrets they were unaware of.
Fuguki gripped the Great Sword Shark Skin on his back, the fierceness on his face becoming ever more intense.
"As you said, we've all been played by that brat Yagura; I never thought he was with the Reform Faction. Using the position of Mizukage Secretary, no wonder the Reform Faction's influence hasn't been eradicated over these years; instead, they have thrived increasingly resilient."
Originally, he and Yagura were opposed to each other, but regardless, Yagura also adhered to the Blood Mist Policy, so their conflict wasn't irreconcilable.
He had also attempted multiple times to recruit Yagura, hoping to join forces with him, thereby making it easier to sideline the Third Mizukage's power.
He thought Yagura parted ways with him because of the Fourth Mizukage position.
Now thinking back, that wasn't the truth.
Yagura was with the Reform Faction, becoming the Fourth Mizukage served a purpose but wasn't the ultimate goal.
His current ultimate goal might be to completely eradicate the senior echelons of the Blood Mist Faction in the Hidden Mist Village.
Once they eliminated the upper ranks of the Blood Mist Faction, the lower-level ninjas would be easy to control, and the neutral faction not taking sides would also defect to the Reform Faction.
All of this was contingent on the success of Yagura's coup.
"Everyone was deceived by his harmless appearance, he's actually a very calculating guy."
"Haha... what I didn't expect more was there would be a day when I was underestimated. I am the strongest of the Seven-swords Ninja, that brat really doesn't take me seriously."