Shimizu sent the letter not to report everything to Konoha's higher-ups—at least for now, the situation had not exceeded his control.
Mid-mission complications were perfectly normal. Having already completed dozens of S-rank missions, Shimizu was well aware that the high rewards existed precisely because of such unpredictability. A ninja must possess strong adaptability in the field; otherwise, they could never become truly powerful.
The letter was sent because he most likely would not have time to visit the Land of Artisans in person. Instead, he detailed all his designs and requirements in writing to the master swordsmith introduced by Tatewaki. Along with the letter, he enclosed Tatewaki's token, his family crest, and nearly all his savings—silver accumulated over more than ten years—sending everything at once to a master craftsman he had never even met.
Shimizu trusted that a powerful samurai like Tatewaki would not recommend a fraud. By offering such sincerity, he hoped the master would carefully consider and ultimately fulfill all his requests.
As for the risk of the package being lost—such a large sum had been converted into a single thin banknote. Combined with the letter, it amounted to no more than two sheets of paper. Who would believe that such an ordinary envelope contained such immense wealth? No one would bother to check, let alone steal it. Moreover, in this world, courier stations upheld exceptionally high standards of integrity; reputation was the foundation of their survival. Under normal circumstances, nothing would go wrong.
Reassured, Shimizu mailed the letter and followed the village chief to the sealed chamber where Yugakure stored its classified documents.
At the entrance stood a man dressed in the robes of the Hot Water Kage, already waiting.
The dignified Yukikage… was just an ordinary civilian?
The village chief explained, "Every generation of Yukikage has been a highly respected civilian of the village. We ninja swear absolute loyalty to each of them."
"Greetings, ninja from Konoha. I am the Fourth Yukikage, Mitsuno."
"Greetings. I am Kūryū of Konoha's Anbu. I request access to your restricted archives to consult documents regarding the silver sea monster with immense chakra."
"Fushiro has already briefed me on the general situation. Please, follow me."
"Understood."
Shimizu glanced around the area. Outside the dilapidated archive entrance stood only a single genin on guard—who was even yawning from time to time.
Could such a level of defense possibly stop the Anbu of the Five Great Nations? Let alone elite Anbu—even wandering rogue ninja could likely infiltrate this place without difficulty.
The surrounding structures were equally worn and outdated. It seemed they had not been repaired in years.
Had Yugakure truly declined to such an extent?
Walking ahead, the Yukikage began explaining:
"The First Yukikage was a married couple. By a fortunate coincidence, they obtained part of a copied scroll. After decades of research, they developed a unique technique and established Yugakure's distinctive ninja system. Over the following decades, this system produced wave after wave of outstanding ninja. At one point, our shinobi were powerful enough to contend with the Lands of Water and Lightning… until the First Great Ninja War."
The Yukikage appeared to be around forty years old—roughly the same age as the Third Hokage. From the nostalgic sigh in his voice, it was clear he had personally experienced the war.
"The flames of that war spread across the entire world. Even the Land of Hot Water could not escape. The brutality exceeded everyone's imagination. When it ended, nearly all of our ninja had perished. Every elite shinobi fell in battle…"
"After that, Fushiro—one of the few remaining chūnin—maintained the last flicker of Yugakure's ninja legacy. But as time passed, the Land of Hot Water transformed into a scenic tourist haven. Even during the Second Great Ninja War, no one came to disturb us. The villagers today are peaceful civilians who cherish harmony. As Yukikage, I have both the duty and responsibility to shape this place into a permanently peaceful paradise. In a few decades, I imagine Yugakure will no longer have a single ninja."
He opened an old, rotting wooden door.
"This is the confidential archive of past Yukikage. Records of powerful chakra-bearing creatures are located on the second shelf to the left."
"Understood."
After hearing the condensed history of Yugakure, Shimizu focused on searching for information about the silver sea monster.
Before long, a particular name surfaced in the records:
The Three-Tails.
Fushiro and the Fourth Yukikage, Mitsuno, joined the search as well. Shimizu glanced at the two of them but said nothing—extra hands would only speed up the task.
"It's a sea monster that somewhat resembles a turtle."
"It has spiked ridges on its body and several long, flat tails."
"Its entire body has a silvery metallic sheen, and its underbelly is red."
In less than half an hour, the three of them found a matching record.
"Isobu. Characteristics: a gray turtle with three shrimp-like tails. It has multiple horns on its body, exposed patches of red flesh, and keeps its right eye closed."
The Fourth Yukikage read the description word for word from the document.
"That sea monster is the Three-Tails Isobu?!"
Shimizu felt a wave of dizziness.
How was he supposed to fight something like that?
That was a chakra monster!
How could a mere jōnin possibly contend with such an existence?
"Abilities: Water Release. Shell-based ramming attacks."
"Does it have any weaknesses?" Shimizu asked, frowning.
"That's all the record says," Mitsuno replied helplessly.
"Kuryū, do you have any way to deal with this Three-Tails Isobu?" Fushiro asked.
Shimizu was just about to answer no—
When suddenly, alarms blared outside the archive chamber!
"What's happening?!" the Yukikage shouted.
"Lord Yukikage! The sea monster is here! It's a turtle bigger than a whale!!" The genin outside was so frantic he could barely catch his breath.
Fushiro and Mitsuno both turned their eyes toward Shimizu at the same time.
"Lord Kuryū, please—we beg you to protect Yugakure!" Fushiro pleaded.
Shimizu hesitated.
Should he refuse this mission?
His opponent was a genuine Tailed Beast.
He knew his own limits. In a direct confrontation, he stood no chance. There was no point in recklessly clashing with an enemy he couldn't possibly defeat.
"We can double the payment!" Mitsuno declared decisively, immediately offering twice the reward—clearly noticing Shimizu's hesitation.
…Well.
If the payment was doubled, then perhaps it wasn't entirely impossible.
Shimizu carefully assessed his situation.
He had already mastered the C-rank Water Release non-hand-seal technique "Water Release: Instant Water." Escape shouldn't be an issue.
And he didn't actually need to fight the Three-Tails head-on.
He only needed to lure it toward the Land of Water. Surely the ninja of Kirigakure could handle a Tailed Beast, right?
Once Kirigakure defeated it, his mission would naturally be considered complete.
As a bonus, it might even weaken Kirigakure's strength—granting Konoha a slight advantage in the upcoming Third Great Ninja War.
Two birds with one stone.
The only problem was the distance. The Land of Water was still quite far from here. He would need sufficient supplies to carry out such a prolonged baiting operation.
As for sealing the Three-Tails…
The thought hadn't even crossed his mind.
Objectively speaking—if he truly tried—
Who would end up sealing whom inside whose stomach?
"Fine," Shimizu said at last. "I'll need one week's worth of supplies. Plenty of kunai, shuriken, and explosive tags."
He clenched his fists, confidence returning to his eyes.
"I'll draw that stupid turtle away for good."