"Did our plan fail?"
Kuze nodded grimly and relayed everything that had just transpired to Mimura.
"Damn it! How could this happen?!"
Mimura slammed his fist into the floor, his face contorted with anger.
"Mimura, now's not the time for rage. We need a new strategy—otherwise, this entire mission is going to fall apart."
"Damn it, I've been exposed. The Hyuga clan will definitely tighten their security. We won't get another opportunity."
Kuze understood this clearly. But if the mission failed, how would he face the Raikage upon returning to Kumogakure?
A heavy silence fell between them.
"Kuze, there's only one last option left."
After a moment, Mimura spoke, his tone eerily calm.
"What are you talking about?"
"Our original plan involved using my death as leverage—forcing the Hyuga clan to hand over a body under pressure. Even now, as long as I die inside the Hyuga estate, the objective remains the same."
Kuze's eyes widened in shock. "Mimura, you can't mean—"
Mimura nodded firmly. "Yes. I'll sneak into the Hyuga compound. My Earth-Style techniques allow for silent infiltration. Once inside, I'll take my own life. Then, you lead a team to 'discover' my corpse. That's all we need."
"But—"
Kuze hesitated. This kind of blatant setup was practically farcical. It had an extremely low chance of succeeding.
But Kumogakure didn't care about elegance. They just needed a pretext. It wouldn't be the first time they relied on underhanded tactics.
Ugly, yes—but consistent with their intentions.
"Kuze, we don't have time to debate. Say you couldn't find me at the post house. Go straight to Hyuga Hiashi's residence and demand answers."
"…Understood."
Kuze no longer hesitated. Time was of the essence. The longer they delayed, the less convincing the setup would be.
"Please, Kuze."
Mimura said no more. He immediately weaved hand signs, activated Earth-Style: Hiding Like a Mole Technique, and sank into the ground toward the Hyuga compound.
At that moment, Kakashi arrived at the door of the post house.
"Huh? No way. Mimura's gone? Where could he have gone?!"
Kakashi's heart dropped. Something was off.
"This is bad… don't tell me—"
He turned toward the Hyuga estate, dread settling in.
Just then, Kuze emerged from the post house in a rush.
"Someone come quickly! Lord Mimura isn't in the post house! We must head to the Hyuga compound immediately!"
"What?! Lord Mimura's not there?"
"This is outrageous! Konoha's gone too far!"
Kuze led the delegation from the Land of Lightning, marching toward the Hyuga clan with a show of righteous fury—but this time, their actions reeked of guilt.
Kakashi watched them go with a sigh. This mission from Kumogakure was beyond shameless.
Meanwhile, at the Hyuga compound, Hiashi had just laid Hinata down to rest when he heard a commotion outside.
"Again? Those Kumogakure bastards?"
He stepped outside, only to freeze.
There—lying in his courtyard—was a corpse.
A kunai protruded from the chest, blood still fresh. The body was still warm—death was recent.
Hiashi's breath caught.
The moonlight illuminated the pale, unmasked face.
It was Mimura.
Just then, the compound gate was kicked open.
Kuze stormed in.
His eyes locked onto Mimura's lifeless body. His heart relaxed for a fleeting second—but then he twisted his face into fury.
"Hyuga! You really did kill Lord Mimura!"
Hiashi was stunned speechless. What kind of trap was this?!
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 30+ CHAPTERS
patreon.com/Prince209