This day was far from ordinary for Mei Terumī.
The most severe rebellion in the history of the Hidden Mist had erupted without warning.
Several clans possessing Kekkei Genkai, including the Kaguya Clan, had risen up at the same time.
It was not just a single clan acting alone. Years of brutal suppression under the Bloody Mist had pushed these bloodline clans to their limits. With the Kaguya Clan taking the lead, many others followed, igniting a full-scale uprising.
Because of this, the Hidden Mist forces were stretched thin, overwhelmed on all fronts. No one had the time or awareness to notice the earlier chaos caused by Ryūjin and Orochimaru.
With the Mizukage absent, Mei Terumī had taken command, leading the village's forces to suppress the rebellion. It had taken considerable effort, but she managed to stabilize the situation.
The moment it was under control, she did not waste a second.
She immediately rushed back to the Mizukage's office to report.
What she saw upon arrival made her heart sink.
The entire building had been sealed off by Hidden Mist ninja.
Mei Terumī's expression darkened.
There was no way she could misunderstand the situation. Over the years, countless people had attempted to assassinate Yagura Karatachi. Now, with the chaos of the rebellion providing the perfect cover, someone had made their move again.
Without hesitation, she forced her way inside.
And just as she feared, the worst possible scene unfolded before her.
"Mei Terumī!"
Both Hōzuki Mangetsu and Zabuza Momochi stiffened, their expressions tightening instantly.
Her arrival shattered any remaining hope they had of success.
Mei Terumī was not someone they could deal with lightly. With her joining the battlefield, their assassination attempt was as good as finished.
Their gazes turned sharply toward Yahiko and Konan, filled with frustration.
If not for these two interfering earlier, everything would have already been over.
"I haven't betrayed the village," Mangetsu said firmly, his voice filled with conviction. "I am trying to save it by killing Yagura Karatachi."
He stepped forward slightly, gripping Samehada.
"Mei Terumī, you have seen what he has done to this village. Without him, things will be better. Everything I have done is for the sake of the Hidden Mist."
Mei Terumī frowned.
"Hōzuki Mangetsu, the Mizukage was being controlled by Uchiha Madara. The truth has already been confirmed."
Mangetsu let out a cold laugh.
"I don't believe Ao, and I don't believe you. I trust what I see."
"Enough," Yagura said coldly. "Mei Terumī, apprehend him."
There was nothing more to say.
Mei Terumī formed hand seals rapidly, then exhaled sharply.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!"
A massive water dragon surged forward, roaring as it rushed toward Mangetsu.
In response, Mangetsu slammed Samehada into the ground and formed seals just as quickly.
Another water dragon erupted forward.
Boom!
The two collided violently in mid-air, dispersing into a heavy downpour.
Mei Terumī's expression grew serious.
Even after battling Yagura for so long, Mangetsu still possessed this level of strength. Ordinary techniques would not be enough.
"Hōzuki Mangetsu, if you continue like this, I will not hold back," she warned.
Mangetsu tightened his grip on Samehada.
"At this point, there is no turning back."
His figure blurred as he used the Body Flicker Technique, charging straight at her.
Meanwhile, Yagura stepped away from the clash.
"Yahiko, Konan, leave them to me."
Since they were his guests, he had no intention of letting them continue fighting now that he was free.
The two did not argue. They quickly withdrew using the Body Flicker Technique.
Yagura then walked toward Zabuza.
Zabuza's expression hardened.
He understood the situation clearly. Against Yagura, he stood no chance.
But retreat was no longer an option.
Clang!
He raised the Blastsword Shibuki and charged forward without hesitation.
At the same time, Haku launched a barrage of ice senbon toward Yagura.
However, with a single thought, Yagura entered Tailed Beast Mode.
A crimson chakra cloak enveloped his body instantly.
The ice needles melted upon contact, unable to cause even the slightest damage.
Without pause, Yagura condensed a Tailed Beast Ball and fired it directly at Zabuza.
Boom!
The impact was devastating.
Zabuza's body was sent flying as if struck by an unstoppable force. He crashed heavily into the ground, blood spilling from his mouth.
Though still alive, he could no longer stand.
The Blastsword slipped from his grasp, spinning through the air.
Clang.
A hand caught it.
A masked figure had appeared silently on the battlefield.
"You dare show yourself again."
Yagura's voice turned ice-cold as killing intent surged from him.
His eyes locked onto the newcomer.
"Uchiha… Madara."
The masked man was none other than Obito.
"I didn't expect this," Obito said casually, his tone almost amused. "I only came to take Kisame Hoshigaki, but it seems I arrived just in time for something interesting."
"Uchiha Madara?" Mei Terumī's eyes widened. She immediately shifted her focus, her guard rising to its peak.
Mangetsu's expression flickered.
So it was true after all.
But it did not matter anymore. He had already stepped too far to turn back.
"Heh, Hōzuki Mangetsu, even you made a move against Yagura Karatachi," another voice echoed.
Kisame Hoshigaki stepped forward, his presence heavy and oppressive.
"As expected, everything in this world is false, except for our plan, Madara-sama."
The atmosphere instantly grew tense.
Mei Terumī and Yagura both felt the pressure rise.
Kisame alone was already stronger than Mangetsu.
Now, with Obito added to the equation, the situation had become extremely dangerous.
The air itself seemed to grow heavier, suffocating everyone present.