Loquat Juzo's Betrayal
In addition to Naruto, those who uncovered the actions of the Kiri ninja were Zabuza Momochi and Hōzuki Mangetsu, who were secretly observing near the Mizukage's residence.
Realizing the situation, they gathered a dozen skilled Mist ninja and planned an operation under the pretext that "the Mizukage was being manipulated," aiming to free the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, from external control.
Beyond these fighters, Hōzuki Mangetsu also sought the aid of senior Jonin within the village, urging them to observe the situation. Their goal was clear: if they confirmed that the Mizukage was under genjutsu, they would act immediately to neutralize the threat.
As for the identity of the masked man suspected to be behind Yagura's manipulation, it was left to a skilled Uzumaki ninja to handle.
However, before this plan could be executed, the Fourth Mizukage abruptly left the Mizukage Building, accompanied by loyal ANBU. This sudden move puzzled Hōzuki Mangetsu. She frowned, realizing that their strategy might have been exposed. The masked man had likely sensed their intentions.
At that moment, a Mist ninja hurriedly approached Hōzuki Mangetsu and reported, bowing slightly:
"Mangetsu-sama, an intruder has entered the village. Based on their appearance, they seem to be the rogue ninja Uchiha Itachi and the former Seven Ninja Swordsman, Jūzō Biwa."
Jūzō Biwa and Uchiha Itachi? Why had they come to Kirigakure?
After a brief contemplation, Hōzuki Mangetsu decided to act. Along with his subordinates, he moved quickly toward the outskirts of the village. Plans could always change, but the ability to adapt determined success.
Meanwhile, high-ranking figures within Kirigakure convened in another part of the village. Among them were Terumi Mei, an elite Jonin proficient in Boil Release and Lava Release, Ao, a sensory-type ninja with a Byakugan, and Genji, one of the village elders who had been part of Kirigakure's leadership since its founding.
Leaning on his cane, Master Genji slowly opened his eyes, turning to Ao.
"Ao, the Fourth Mizukage has revealed himself despite the presence of enemies. Can you confirm whether he is under genjutsu?"
Ao had acquired the Byakugan in battle and possessed the ability to discern illusions. However, scanning the Mizukage without permission was an act of insubordination. With a nod from Genji, he activated his Byakugan.
"Byakugan!"
After a moment of observation, Ao's face darkened. He turned toward Terumi Mei and Genji and nodded grimly.
Master Genji sighed, a look of helplessness in his eyes.
"It seems the suspicions were correct. The Fourth Mizukage is indeed under genjutsu. This means that the oppressive decrees and bloodshed of the past years were not of his own will but orchestrated by someone from the shadows."
Terumi Mei furrowed her brows. "Genji-sama, what should we do? Yagura-sama is the Three-Tails Jinchūriki. Removing a genjutsu of this scale is not an easy feat."
Genji smiled faintly, though his expression was weary.
"The Six-Tails may be able to counter the Three-Tails, but reaching Yagura is another matter entirely. I only hope that Mangetsu can find a way."
Pausing, he added, "However, for now, we must deal with the intruders. The safety of the village comes first. Yagura can still be relied upon to fight against external threats."
"Understood, Genji-sama." Terumi Mei and Ao exchanged nods before swiftly mobilizing their forces toward the village perimeter.
---
Naruto's Perspective
As Kirigakure's factions moved into action, Naruto had already infiltrated the village, disguised as an ordinary Mist ninja. His true objective lay beyond mere politics—he was after the chakra of the Three-Tails and the Six-Tails.
His eyes narrowed as he spotted Yagura Karatachi in the distance.
"Why is Yagura leaving the village?" Naruto thought to himself. "Shouldn't he be staying in the Mizukage's office, avoiding unnecessary exposure?"
Something was off. Did Obito sense Zabuza and Mangetsu's plan?
Naruto recalled that Zabuza and the others had remained inside the village, their communications relayed through shadow clones.
Following the group from a distance, Naruto eventually reached a forested area. There, he saw Yagura engaged in combat—with none other than Jūzō Biwa and Uchiha Itachi.
This sight left him even more puzzled.
"Wait… wasn't Yagura already under Obito's control? Why would Akatsuki agents be fighting him?"
A theory formed in Naruto's mind. Could there be internal conflicts within Akatsuki?
Perhaps Nagato had discovered Obito's secret involvement in Kirigakure and was now acting against him. The very nature of Akatsuki—a faction comprised of rogue ninjas with differing goals—meant that betrayal was inevitable.
As he considered this, more Kirigakure shinobi arrived at the scene. The situation was escalating. Naruto blended into the ranks of the Mist ninjas, quietly searching for the Six-Tails Jinchūriki.
For Naruto, Kirigakure's internal power struggles were insignificant. His real mission was to acquire the chakra of the Three-Tails and the Six-Tails.
He used genjutsu on a few nearby Mist ninjas, attempting to extract information about the Six-Tails' whereabouts. However, no one seemed to know. Even Zabuza and Mangetsu had no knowledge of its location.
"That means only the top officials—like the Fourth Mizukage and Genji—have access to that information," Naruto realized.
At that moment, a sharp gaze landed on him. Naruto instinctively responded with a counter-genjutsu.
He already had a hunch—this was the work of Ao, Kirigakure's Jonin with the Byakugan.
Although Ao's dojutsu couldn't reveal that Naruto was the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, it was clear that among the countless ninja present, Naruto alone couldn't be seen through. That alone made him a prime suspect.
"It's best to leave now," Naruto decided.
Just then, Ao groaned in pain, clutching his eye. Terumi Mei rushed to his side, quickly dispelling the genjutsu.
"Genji-sama," Ao muttered, pointing toward Naruto's disguised form. "I found the infiltrator… Could he be the one controlling Yagura-sama?"
Genji's expression darkened. After a brief silence, he gave the order:
"We cannot rule out that possibility. Prepare for battle."
---
Obito's Perspective
Meanwhile, inside the Mizukage Building, Obito Uchiha stood in his usual spot, overlooking Kirigakure.
But unlike before, he was no longer at ease. His masked face concealed his anger, but his clenched fists betrayed his frustration.
Looking toward the outskirts of the village, he mentally cursed Nagato.
After years of manipulating Yagura and controlling Kirigakure from the shadows, he had always known that the genjutsu would eventually be exposed. That was why he had kept Yagura isolated.
But to think that the one who ultimately forced Yagura into the open… was none other than the Akatsuki members he had personally recruited—Itachi Uchiha and Jūzō Biwa.
Itachi had always been an enigma, but Jūzō Biwa's betrayal was undeniable.
"So, this is how it is, Jūzō?" Obito thought coldly. "You dare turn against me?"
His grip tightened. If Jūzō Biwa had truly betrayed him, then there was only one course of action left—elimination.
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