After living in fear for more than ten years, it was impossible for the ninjas to have no objections.
Even though they knew the Fourth Mizukage had been controlled by genjutsu, they still couldn't forgive him.
As the village leader, he was supposed to protect the village and ensure the people lived better, not bring trouble to them.
Yagura, being the jinchūriki of the Three-Tails, already faced prejudice from many in the village.
Now, with this incident, he had completely lost the people's support.
If he wanted to continue serving as the Mizukage, there would likely be a lot of opposition.
The atmosphere in the izakaya hinted at this.
Despite the harsh discussions about the Fourth Mizukage, no one stood up to defend him.
If this had happened in Konoha, a crowd would have already gathered to argue.
The Hokages of Konoha always had a strong grasp on public sentiment.
In comparison, Kirigakure had a long way to go.
"We absolutely cannot let Yagura continue as the Mizukage. We must take action!"
Ishida said this, glancing around before whispering something into Sakai's ear.
"This… will that really work?"
Sakai was clearly shocked by Ishida's words.
"What's stopping us? We need to act while we still have a choice. If not, it'll just be the same miserable life as before. Can you accept that?"
Sakai hesitated but finally made up his mind.
"You're right. We should choose while we still can."
"Great! Let's go right now!"
But in the next moment, the izakaya fell into an eerie silence.
**Barrier of Silence!**
Activated!
Before anyone realized something was wrong, the *Clow Card of Illusions* flew out from Kimimaro's body.
A golden light landed on Ishida.
The words he had just spoken came out of his mouth again.
"Sakai, let's join Lady Mei Terumi's side. I've heard that Lady Mei is preparing to succeed as the Fifth Mizukage. If we join her now, we might be able to help her. We can definitely get Yagura removed!"
Hearing this, Kimimaro's eyes narrowed, and the powers of the *Clow Card of Illusions* and the **Barrier of Silence** were lifted at the same time.
Only about twenty seconds had passed, and no one present felt anything was out of place.
Everything seemed normal.
Kimimaro finished the last piece of fried chicken.
"Boss, the bill."
Leaving the izakaya, Kimimaro quietly followed the two men.
"Ishida, are we betting too much on this? If Lady Mei doesn't succeed, we're doomed."
Sakai was still wavering.
"Don't worry. Lady Mei will succeed. I've heard that most of the village's ninjas have already sided with her. There's no way we can lose."
"Really?"
"Why would I lie to you? I wouldn't gamble my life on something uncertain."
"You're right, Ishida. You've always been smart."
Finally, Sakai made up his mind.
The two men continued walking, unaware that a shadow had quietly merged with Ishida's.
**Shadow Merging Technique!**
A perfect tool for tracking!
At this moment, Kimimaro was hiding in Ishida's shadow, silently following them to their next destination.
Ishida led the way, with Sakai walking beside him. They soon arrived at the back door of a courtyard.
*Knock, knock, knock.*
After three rhythmic knocks, the door opened automatically.
"It's clear that Ishida knows the situation well. It seems he's been recruiting for Mei Terumi."
Ishida's familiarity with the place made Kimimaro realize something was off.
This wasn't his first time here.
After the door opened, the two men stepped inside.
"Ishida, how come you're so familiar with this place?"
Sakai asked in confusion.
"I asked around before. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come so easily."
Ishida laughed it off, changing the subject.
"I see."
Just then, two figures appeared behind them.
"Master Ao!"
"Master Chōjūrō!"
Seeing who it was, both men were startled.
Ao, once a loyal confidant of the Fourth Mizukage.
Chōjūrō, the heir to the Hiramekarei of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
Why were they both here?
Ishida and Sakai were scared because Ao was known as a close associate of the Fourth Mizukage.
If he was here, didn't that mean they were already exposed?
"Relax. I know why you're here. I'm not here to arrest you. I've come to join Lady Mei Terumi too."
Ao's words left Ishida and Sakai in shock.
Could it be that even the Fourth Mizukage's confidants had turned against him?
"Master Ao, are you supporting Lady Mei to become the Fifth Mizukage as well?"
Ishida asked.
Ao nodded.
"Kirigakure is at a breaking point. I can't rely on the Fourth Mizukage anymore."
Ao held deep respect and recognition for Yagura.
But now, with the village's future at stake, if he had to choose between Yagura and Kirigakure, he would choose Kirigakure.
"That's fantastic! With Master Ao's help, we'll surely succeed!"
Ishida was thrilled.
"Let's go inside together."
The four of them continued forward.
Hiding in the shadows, Kimimaro thought to himself, "I didn't expect Yagura to end up abandoned by everyone. Even his closest allies have betrayed him. It seems most of Kirigakure's forces are already under Mei Terumi's control.
But I wonder how they plan to proceed? Will they use force to seize power? Or do they have some other plan?"
Before Kimimaro could think further, the four men had already reached an underground room.
Inside, there were no fewer than a hundred ninjas.
At the front sat a woman — Mei Terumi.
Seeing Ao and Chōjūrō arrive, she smiled.
"You're finally here."
Ao looked surprised and whispered, "You knew we'd come?"
"Ao, we've worked together many times. I know your character well. Although you're loyal to Yagura, Kirigakure is more important to you. We both know the village's current state.
Now is the time to make a decision. Tonight, Yagura will complete his training and become a perfect jinchūriki, ready to continue as Mizukage. But someone who has led Kirigakure into hell is unworthy of that title again.
He has lost the people's support, and no matter what he does now, he can't win it back. The village can't afford to wait any longer. The other four Great Shinobi Villages are watching us closely. We need to grow stronger quickly."
Mei Terumi spoke calmly.
To her, Yagura couldn't save Kirigakure. Only she could change things.
She had been preparing for this day for a long time.
Ao sighed.
"Lady Mei, you are indeed remarkable. There is no one more suitable to be the Fifth Mizukage than you. But I hope that after tonight, you'll spare the Fourth Mizukage. After all, everything he did wasn't his true will.
As a perfect jinchūriki, he can still bring stability to the village. I believe he wouldn't mind stepping down. The only reason he hasn't is because the village elder doesn't want him to."
Mei Terumi was about to reply when suddenly, a loud explosion echoed through the village!
"Something's wrong! The Fourth Mizukage has lost control!"
(End of Chapter)