The Mizukage of the Hidden Mist Village died before Chi Yu's eyes.
Chi Yu gazed at the Third Mizukage's lifeless body with an indifferent expression. He felt nothing—not triumph, not satisfaction.
He knew all too well: the opponents he would face in the future would far surpass this man. The death of a Kage was no cause for celebration. If he couldn't defeat the Third Mizukage, that would have been cause for concern.
Among the group of observers, one figure stood out—a young man with green hair and intense, lavender eyes.
Chi Yu recognized him instantly.
Yagura Karatachi, the future Fourth Mizukage.
In a few short years, Yagura would take office, only to fall under the influence of Uchiha Obito. The Bloody Mist policies would worsen, growing far crueler than under his predecessor's rule.
Chi Yu gave Yagura a faint, unreadable smile before turning to leave.
Yagura's expression darkened. He was sure of it—Chi Yu had smiled at him. But why?
He had never encountered Chi Yu before, not even in combat.
Despite being groomed as the Three-Tails' second Jinchūriki, Yagura had been ordered to stay out of the battle by Kirigakure's high command. The village couldn't risk their future Mizukage or its Bijū.
And yet, Chi Yu's imposing figure burned itself into Yagura's memory—foreboding, inescapable.
---
Chi Yu walked up to Kakashi.
"Can you walk?"
"Yes," Kakashi answered, but as he stood, his knees buckled. He collapsed again.
"Alright, don't force it. I'll carry you."
Chi Yu hoisted Kakashi onto his back and walked away from the scorched battlefield.
---
Even before Chi Yu returned to the Konoha garrison in the Land of Rain, word had spread like wildfire—
The Third Mizukage of the Hidden Mist was dead. Killed by a Konoha shinobi: Chi Yu.
By the time they reached the garrison, Kakashi had already stabilized.
Chi Yu was summoned by Orochimaru, who studied him with a sharp, clinical gaze before giving a rare nod of approval.
"So many years have passed," Orochimaru mused. "Your growth is truly... astonishing."
Chi Yu gave a slight smile. "No matter how strong I become, Orochimaru-sensei, you will always be my teacher. I won't forget the kindness you've shown me."
Others might whisper of Orochimaru's cruelty or ambition. But for Chi Yu, Orochimaru had offered sincere guidance and rigorous training. That debt was not forgotten.
Orochimaru gave a small smile—something almost human.
"It seems our paths will remain aligned for some time."
Then his tone shifted—sharper, urgent.
"There's no time to rest. We've received intelligence from Konoha: Kumogakure and Sunagakure, who only recently claimed to have withdrawn from the war, have formed an alliance. They're planning a direct invasion of the Land of Fire."
Chi Yu's gaze narrowed.
So it had begun.
This was the final battle of the Third Shinobi World War.
Orochimaru's eyes were cold. "The newly appointed **Fourth Raikage—A—**isn't simple. After the death of his father, the Third Raikage, he used the order to withdraw as a smokescreen. He let the other villages exhaust each other, biding his time—waiting to strike when we were weakest."
Chi Yu responded calmly. "Their chosen target is Konoha."
"Exactly," Orochimaru confirmed. "Iwagakure is too strong. Kirigakure is isolated and resourceless. Sunagakure is desperate and has always harbored resentment—especially after the disappearance of the Third Kazekage. They blame us, of course, though that's likely a pretense."
Chi Yu asked, "What are my orders? Am I to act with the main force or independently?"
"You'll operate alone," Orochimaru replied. "With your current strength, assigning you to a regular unit would be a waste. Your job is to disrupt, harass their supply lines, and strike fear into their rear formations. You have full autonomy. Kill freely."
Chi Yu nodded. "Understood."
Orochimaru stood. "Pack what you need. We're abandoning our positions in the Land of Rain. This will be the final campaign."
---
Chi Yu informed Kakashi of the situation. After packing, the two withdrew with Konoha's forces back to the Land of Fire.
By the time they arrived, it was already too late.
Kumo and Suna had launched their joint invasion. Fighting had broken out across Konoha's northern and western borders. Uzumaki Kushina had already deployed to the front lines and couldn't be reached.
Before departing again, Chi Yu reported first to Orochimaru, then to Danzō Shimura.
After all, he was technically still under Root's command.
Chi Yu entered the dim Root headquarters. Danzō was waiting.
For once, the old war hawk looked... satisfied.
"You've done well," Danzō said. "Even the Third Mizukage... who would've imagined he'd fall to you?"
Chi Yu replied humbly, "Perhaps he had grown complacent in his later years. I was simply fortunate."
Danzō dismissed the modesty. "Regardless, he was still a Kage. That places you on a different level now."
He added, "You also handled the Uchiha situation well. This will give us leverage for our next steps. After the war, we'll move swiftly."
Chi Yu asked, "Do you wish me to act with the army or independently?"
Danzō waved a hand. "Orochimaru has made the right call. Your abilities are best used independently. Strike from the shadows. Keep them guessing."
After a brief exchange, Chi Yu left the Root base and moved toward the battlefield.
---
Two days later
Konoha's main force clashed with the combined forces of Kumogakure and Sunagakure near Mount Kikyo.
The battle erupted with ferocity.
Under the leadership of Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and other senior Konoha shinobi, the front line held—for now.
But the true outcome of the war remained undecided.
And in the shadows, Chi Yu moved—alone, relentless, and deadly.
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