Mizuki Ryosuke's humility and measured politeness made Tsunade's inner defenses relax slightly.
"Well…"
"Not afraid."
Finally, Ryosuke delivered a decisive remark.
Such top-secret information would be the most guarded secret of any village. How could Mizuki Ryosuke reveal it to her so freely?
Tsunade was visibly surprised, unsure why the Mizukage was divulging such sensitive information. At the same time, she felt uneasy—why would Ryosuke suddenly reveal the inner turmoil of Kirigakure's leadership?
As soon as the words left Ryosuke's lips, Tsunade's expression shifted into one of utter bewilderment.
At that moment, guilt welled up within her. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words refused to leave her throat.
Little did she know, the "rogue shinobi" that Ryosuke spoke of was far beyond what she could have ever imagined.
By now, Tsunade understood—Mizuki Ryosuke was explaining why he had appeared in Amegakure.
Though he spoke lightly, Tsunade found herself unable to dismiss his words.
"But this man was far more cunning than I anticipated. When I moved to capture him—"
"If you had died in Amegakure, it would have inevitably sparked another war among the Five Great Nations."
Ryosuke's voice was calm, but the weight of his words was immense.
"I infiltrated Hanzō of the Salamander's stronghold again, hoping to extract the intelligence I needed."
Wasn't Ryosuke afraid that she might betray his trust and leak this information?
"Because you are the princess of the Senju Clan. A disciple of the Third Hokage."
One of the reasons Ryosuke had personally traveled to the Land of Water was indeed to investigate the movements of Black Zetsu.
At the same time, the implications behind his words left Tsunade—who was still somewhat innocent in her youth—momentarily unable to respond.
"I assume he was after information on that 'traitor.'"
"It makes sense. As the Mizukage, it's only natural for him to operate within the underground intelligence network…"
"About a month ago, an incredibly dangerous entity was unearthed within Kirigakure."
Mizuki Ryosuke's voice was steady, his expression unwavering.
The gentle tone, paired with his composed demeanor and striking features, made the weight of his statement land with undeniable force.
Of course, everything Mizuki Ryosuke said was factual—he wasn't fabricating anything.
Tsunade was completely stunned by the gravity of the information he had just shared.
Tsunade hesitated. The price of this knowledge was steep.
"After extensive investigation, I discovered that both the assassination of the Third Mizukage and the mutiny within the Anbu were orchestrated in the shadows by this individual."
His tone was even, but his words carried an undeniable authority.
The direct cause of Mizuki Taki's death had been Yagura's sudden rebellion, but the underlying reason had been Yagura falling under the Genjutsu control of Uchiha Madara.
Tsunade's face flushed instantly. Instinctively, she turned away, flustered.
Such intelligence was undoubtedly classified at the highest level within Kirigakure.
"And I suspect that the previous Anbu Commander's defection was also orchestrated by this individual."
Perhaps only the highest echelons of the Five Great Nations' leadership had any knowledge of this.
Now, Ryosuke had revealed the entire internal crisis of Kirigakure without hesitation, causing Tsunade's expression to shift subtly.
Everything seemed to come full circle. Tsunade, still uneasy, asked again, her emotions conflicted.
"I… I'm going outside to pick mushrooms!"
"But why…"
Ryosuke made no effort to hide anything and continued explaining.
"Senju Tsunade. The legendary Princess of the Senju, a woman with unparalleled brilliance."
"Because you won't."
Tsunade stiffened. The meaning behind those words made her mind go blank.
During that crisis, the Anbu defected, the Third Mizukage was assassinated, Kirigakure lost over half of its elite shinobi, and the village nearly collapsed.
Her previously rigid expression softened, replaced by a subtle trace of shyness. The warmth in her cheeks was undeniable.
"This individual has remained in the shadows within Kirigakure for years, subtly dismantling the village from within."
"But he had already fled before I could capture him."
"If you're asking me why—"
And Black Zetsu, who claimed to be the "manifestation of Uchiha Madara's will," perfectly aligned with Ryosuke's assessment.
His involvement in manipulating Yagura, in orchestrating the downfall of Kirigakure, was undeniable.
"The underground intelligence network failed to yield results, so I resorted to the 'Mirror Simulacrum' technique."
Hearing Ryosuke's words, Tsunade couldn't help but feel a trace of pride. The deeds of her ancestors were being acknowledged by the leader of a rival village.
Understanding dawned on her.
Tsunade's heart fluttered as she registered Ryosuke's words. For a fleeting moment, she lost her composure.
Rather than pressing his advantage, Ryosuke remained seated, watching as Tsunade abruptly left the room.
Mizuki Ryosuke had recounted the entire story in one breath—every word was true.
He turned his gaze toward Tsunade. Within his eyes, she saw nothing but trust and gentleness.
"Even if I stripped away your title, I still wouldn't stand by and watch you die."
"As you may not be aware, Kirigakure underwent a violent internal struggle two years ago, right when I became Mizukage."
"I suspect you've already pieced together what followed. In pursuit of this individual, I traveled to the underground intelligence networks of Amegakure."
Ryosuke's expression remained casual, as if he didn't view this intelligence as anything significant.
If he were not sincere, there would be no reason for the Mizukage of Kirigakure to praise Senju Hashirama.
"As the Fourth Mizukage, I couldn't simply stand by and allow this to happen."
"So this was the true nature of your battle with Amegakure…"
"If you tell me this… aren't you afraid…"
"The most important reason is because you are—"
Mizuki Ryosuke's words left Tsunade stammering. For a long moment, she was speechless.
A second later, she abruptly stood up and rushed outside the tree fortress, her movements flustered, as if she were a startled rabbit.
Ryosuke's expression remained composed.
"You will save me."
Mizuki Ryosuke spoke calmly. His demeanor was so unshaken, as if he were merely stating an obvious fact.
"I believe in you."
"According to my intelligence, this individual is currently hiding in the Land of Rain."
The value of this information alone was enough for Konoha to issue an S-rank mission to investigate it.
"I can only say… maybe it was because, at that moment, in the casino, I glanced at you one more time."
His words carried a weight beyond reason.
Tsunade recalled their first encounter in the casino. As she reflected on Ryosuke's explanation, she unknowingly cast him in the role of a pursuer seeking a traitorous shinobi of Kirigakure.
But little did she know, what Ryosuke had yet to reveal was the true secret.
"In reality…"
Due to the secrecy surrounding Kirigakure's internal strife, and the efforts of its leadership to suppress the details, the other Great Nations only had a vague understanding of the events.
They were unaware of the true cost Kirigakure had paid.
Ryosuke had spoken the truth—he had merely chosen his words carefully, leaving out key details.
Yet it was evident—Mizuki Ryosuke genuinely respected Senju Hashirama, the God of Shinobi.
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