Hey guys, I am back.
First of all, I want to thank you all for your support; you guys are the best.
The third ninja war is upon us. I hope you are all excited; I am very excited to start writing the third ninja war.
This chapter is quite long; I never wrote a long chapter like this one before. I hope I've done a good job.
Please remember to vote; the poll will close once I complete writing this arc.
Thanks for reading.
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Poll
Thanks for your votes, guys; please keep voting
Where should Yukina go after the Fourth Ninja War?
Bleach 102
Cultivation world 124
This poll will be open until I finish writing the 3rd ninja war saga
_______
9 months later
Kirigakure
Mizukage's office
Inside the Mizukage's office, Yukito held a serious discussion with the Third Mizukage and his two advisors regarding the mysterious disappearance of the Third Kazekage.
Seated respectfully before the Mizukage and his advisors, Yukito carried himself with the composure expected of someone recently appointed as the new head of Kirigakure's intelligence division.
The intel that Yukito just shared struck the Third Mizukage and his advisors into stunned silence.
After calming down, the Third Mizukage leveled a stern look at Yukito before asking.
"Yukito, are you certain this intel is reliable?"
Yukito nodded firmly. "Yes. The intel we just received can be trusted. The way Suna reacted immediately is proof enough of how accurate it is."
"They have closed their borders and placed the village under lockdown. Such drastic measures are not carried out lightly."
"The higher-ups in Suna are holding Konoha responsible for the Third Kazekage's disappearance, noting that he had met with the Third Hokage in the Land of Fire shortly beforehand."
"Reports from our latest intel indicate that Suna shinobi have found the corpses of the Third Kazekage's personal guards along the borders of the Land of Fire."
After exchanging a quick look with his advisors, the Third Mizukage focused on Yukito and asked.
"Tell me, Yukito, what do you think our best course of action should be?"
Yukito contemplated for a few minutes before finally responding.
"Right now, our best course may be to strengthen border security, given that we cannot predict how the temporary Kazekage will act."
Emiko's eyes widened at Yukito's words. "Temporary Kazekage?" she asked, her voice barely concealing her surprise.
Yukito nodded toward Emiko. "According to our spy, the temporary Kazekage now is Rasa of the Golden Sand, the Third Kazekage's own apprentice."
"Immediately upon assuming the position of Kazekage, he convened the War Council and commanded preparations for war."
"We have no intel on whom Suna is preparing to go to war against."
Kaito nodded, absorbing Yukito's report, his mind already turning to the question of who should be stationed at the border.
Kaito paused briefly, then called out for his ANBU, his voice sharp and commanding: "ANBU!"
At the Mizukage's command, the hidden ANBU shunshin-ed instantly, landing on their knees before him.
Kaito's gaze was icy as he ordered, "Go inform all the clan heads, the high-ranking Jonins, and all senior officials that a war council meeting will convene in three hours. Attendance is mandatory."
All the ANBU nodded respectfully before disappearing in swift shunshin.
After hearing Kaito's command to the ANBU, Yukito grew visibly nervous. He turned toward the Mizukage, hesitant to speak, and Kaito caught the look. With a knowing smile, he said.
"Yukito, if you have anything to say, go ahead; I highly value your intelligence."
Yukito's sigh carried the weight of his concern as he nodded. "Lord Mizukage, I mean no disrespect, but I believe entering war at this time would be unwise. The variables are too many, and the consequences could be dire."
Kaito, Haruto, and Emiko narrowed their eyes , then Kaito fixed Yukito with a stern gaze and issued his command.
"Explain."
Yukito took a deep breath to calm himself and started explaining.
"At present, neither we nor Kumo or Suna have taken any action despite the rising number of skirmishes between IWA and Konoha."
"Since Suna and Kumo have yet to act, many variables remain uncertain. Because we cannot predict their moves, we must proceed with caution for now."
"If we invade the Land of Fire now, we risk suffering heavy losses, as the other villages are eager to claim its fertile lands, and Konoha seeks to monopolize them."
"For now, waiting is our most prudent option. I have no doubt that this coming war will be far more brutal than the previous one."
Kaito and his advisors narrowed their eyes and thought carefully about what Yukito just said.
Kaito then asked Yukito seriously.
"What leads you to believe this war will be far more brutal than the last one?"
Yukito sighed at the question, but he responded to the Mizukage with measured respect.
"Ever since IWA conquered the Hidden Grass Village, the Land of Grass daimyo has submitted to both IWA and the Earth Daimyo."
"IWA no longer suffers from the supply shortages that plagued them in the past, making them far more dangerous than in the last war."
"Recently they have formed an alliance with the Village Hidden in the Waterfall; they now have the power to deploy three Jinchuriki to the front line at a moment's notice—but they have yet to exercise that option."
"I am certain that IWA and the Hidden Waterfall Village are waiting for the other villages to take action before sending their Jinchuriki into battle."
After listening to Yukito's analysis, Kaito and his advisors nodded solemnly. Kaito then turned to Yukito and asked a question.
"Tell me, Yukito, why did Konoha just send Orochimaru of the Sannin, Sarutobi clan shinobi, and some chunins to confront IWA? They still have many high-ranking shinobi, yet that monkey didn't send any of them."
Yukito thought for a moment, then he answered Kaito.
"I think it's because we and the other villages hadn't taken any actions yet, Mizukage-sama."
Kaito nodded in agreement at Yukito's response before speaking.
"You're right, Yukito. We will ready our troops and resources for war, yet wait for the right moment to strike. In the meantime, we will strengthen our border defenses, as you suggested."
Yukito smiled in relief after hearing Kaito's words.
Kaito then waved his hands dismissively at Yukito and said.
"You may leave now, Yukito. I will see you at the war council. Do not be late—you are dismissed."
With a respectful bow to Kaito and his advisors, Yukito turned on his heel and quietly exited the Mizukage's office.
"CLICK."
As the door closed behind Yukito, the advisors exchanged a glance before turning to Kaito.
Haruto then broke the silence. "Appointing Yukito as the new head of the intelligence division was a masterstroke. You've done well, Kaito."
At Haruto's praise, Kaito smirked and inclined his head. "Yukito has surpassed my expectations. Appointing him as the head of the intelligence division was the right choice."
_____
At the same time in the Dire Wolves Realm
With Yukina
Clouds Piercing Mountain
The cold winds howled around Yukina as she climbed higher into the Clouds Piercing Mountain. She is nine years old now, her small hands gripped the jagged stone with determination. Snowflakes swirled in the air, clinging to her dark hair and stinging her cheeks.
She gritted her teeth, her muscles burning as she fought against the mountain's crushing gravity, forcing herself higher.
"SWISH, SWISH, SWISH, SWISH."
Without warning, razor-sharp ice shards rained down on Yukina; yet, despite the mountain's suffocating gravity, her body moved with astonishing speed, weaving through the deadly ice shards.
While Yukina twisted and dodged the rain of razor-sharp ice shards with incredible speed and flexibility, all of a sudden her grip slipped , sending her plummeting down the mountainside.
Yukina cursed when her grip slipped, and she instantly used her Hydrification Kekkei Genkai to dissolve her entire body into water.
"SPLASH, SPLASH, SPLASH, SPLASH."
The storm of razor-sharp ice shards stabbed into her from all sides, but her Hyderfication kekkei genkai saved her, and the shards passed harmlessly through, spraying liquid in every direction.
"SPLASH."
As Yukina hit the ground, her water body burst apart into a hundred splashes, scattering across the surface. After a few breaths, the water streams coiled back, reforming her whole body without a single injury.
Yukina panted heavily after her body reformed back, and under her breath she muttered, "That was close."
Yukina then stood on her feet and glared at the Clouds Piercing Mountain, her eyes narrowed in frustration.
"Damn it, I've failed again. This mountain is becoming a real pain in my sexy ass."
After hearing what Yukina just said the Dire Wolves king chuckled in amusement and said.
"Girl, your progress is impressive! It took you just nine months to reach halfway up the mountain, which is no small accomplishment. You should feel proud of yourself."
Yukina let out a heavy sigh and took a steadying breath before facing the Wolf King. "I must pass the trials quickly, Wolf King. My sensei warned me that a war is on the horizon, and I need the Dire Wolves clan on my side to increase my chances of surviving it."
When the Dire Wolves king heard Yukina's words, he narrowed his eyes, paused for a few moments, and then spoke.
"Yukina, don't get me wrong, girl—I like you and consider you a friend, but I can't break the ancestry laws for you. Unless you pass all the trials, you won't be able to sign a contract with us."
Yukina sighed at the Wolf King's words, yet she smiled gratefully, appreciating his honesty.
The Wolf king then turned around and started walking away.
He then said to Yukina.
"Girl. I'm heading to the King's palace, You can stay and train here, or return to your village if you prefer. I have things to take care of."
Without waiting for Yukina's response, the Wolf King blurred and vanished from sight.
Yukina sighed as the Wolf King blurred from sight, then she turned and walked away from the Clouds Piercing Mountain.
_____
Yukina arrived at the waterfall that Bright had shown her nine months ago. She stepped onto the water and walked across it, stopping just before the cascade.
Yukina was deep in thought as she stood in front of the huge waterfall and said loudly to herself.
"Over the past nine months, I mastered every water jutsu in Fuguki-sensei's library—except for some A-rank and higher ninjutsu, which consumed far too much chakra."
"Mastering all of them for the war was pointless if they were only going to drain my chakra dry."
"During those nine months, I mastered my wind affinity and spent all my contribution points acquiring wind-style ninjutsus, since there weren't many of them in Fuguki-sensei's library."
"Right now, I'm ready to learn and master the ice-release kekkei genkei."
"A couple of months ago, Fuguki-sensei gave me scrolls containing many ice-style ninjutsus and fascinating theories about the ice-release kekkei genkei."
"According to those theories, the greater my mastery of wind and water affinities, the stronger my ice-style ninjutsu will become."
Yukina deeply contemplated for a few minutes before finally making up her mind.
"For the time being, I will concentrate on honing and refining my water and wind affinities, as their versatility will prove invaluable in the war."
"After the war, I'll start working on mastering my Ice-Release kekkei genkai. I'm sure Mum won't mind helping me with it."
Yukina then gave a small elegant smile and murmured.
"Besides, I'm really curious about how the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, was able to perform high-level water ninjutsu without any readily available water source."
"According to sensei, the Second Hokage rarely relied on the water within his own body to execute his water-style jutsus."
"Right now, my first priority is determining the source the Second Hokage used to perform his water-style ninjutsu when he wasn't depending on the water within his own body or any external water source."
Yukina smiled as she made up her mind. She stripped naked, tossed her clothes onto the water, walked toward the waterfall, and submerged herself beneath the falling curtain.
Once Yukina was fully submerged beneath the waterfall, she closed her eyes, unleashed her hidden sense to its fullest, and settled into a cross-legged stance beneath the crashing water.
At first, Yukina felt uncomfortable as the waterfall pounded against her body, but she soon steadied her breath, calming both body and spirit, before attuning herself to the rhythm of the falling water.
After half an hour, Yukina opened her eyes, which were now as calm and serene as still water.
At that moment, Yukina's hidden sense expanded outward, threading through the waterfall, the lake's depths, and the currents of air swirling around the falls.
Few hours later, Yukina stood with a serene smile, her movements graceful as she turned and left the waterfall behind.
She then muttered with awe, "Incredible… the Second Hokage was truly a genius to have figured this out on his own, given the low level of education in this world."
"In my past life, I didn't take my studies seriously; I only did the bare minimum to pass and then I joined the army once I graduated from high school."
"However, the Second Hokage discovered that hydrogen and oxygen particles are abundant in the air, and he used them as a source to perform high-level water ninjutsu."
"He was a true genius. Thanks to my hidden sense, I was able to detect these particles with absolute clarity. Without it, I doubt I would have ever noticed the oxygen and hydrogen particles in the air."
A sigh of admiration escaped Yukina as the realization settled in.
"I wish I had been reincarnated in your era rather than this one. You must have been not only handsome but extraordinarily intelligent—exactly my type."
A soft giggle escaped Yukina as the thought crossed her mind, after which she returned to her reflections.
"I have limited my perspective and way of thinking to the level of education in this world. I need to broaden my horizons in the future."
Yukina closed her eyes, formed the Ram hand seal, and then spoke.
"The Second Hokage's chakra control must have been extraordinary if he could use the oxygen and hydrogen particles in the air as a source to perform high-level water ninjutsu."
Yukina tried to create water source by manipulating the oxygen and hydrogen particles in the air using her chakra, but after countless attempts, she failed.
Yukina's eyebrows twitched in annoyance at her failure. "My chakra must be precise… the Second Hokage's control is in another league. I have to surpass him," she thought.
Yukina inhaled deeply, composed herself, repeated the ram hand seal, and gently molded her chakra.
After three hours, a drop of water fell from the air into the lake.
"PLOP..."
A wide smile spread across Yukina's face as the sound reached her ears. She opened her eyes and resumed molding her chakra, carefully memorizing the feeling of her chakra as she mold it.
"PLOP, PLOP."
After seeing two drops of water fall into the serene lake, she burst into loud, almost possessed laughter.
"KYAHAHAHAHA, I DID IT THINGS ARE GETTING INTERESTING."
After calming down, Yukina resumed her training, a small smile playing on her lips.
With every attempt, Yukina was improving by leaps and bounds; right now she was able to create numerous water drops from thin air and the drops were falling on the lake like rain.
Yukina was overjoyed by her progress and kept training diligently without stopping.
_____
In Kirigakure
The war council commences.
The council meeting hall was filled with all the Kirigakure clan heads, every high-ranking elite Jonins, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, the heads of every Kirigakure department, the Third Mizukage, and his two advisors.
"COUGH, COUGH."
Kaito faked a cough, and everyone present turned to look at him with respectful attention.
"I have convened a war council today to inform you that preparations for war are underway. All departments must ready themselves and ensure that supplies and provisions are adequately stored."
All those present at the war council meeting stared solemnly at the Mizukage after hearing this. The Jounin commander rose, about to speak, but Raiga suddenly erupted into loud, maniacal laughter.
"HAHAHAHA! It's time for FUNERAL! Ameyuri-chan and I will show those idiots the true meaning of beauty… FUNERAL!"
All those in the meeting hall sweat dropped when they heard what Raiga just said however Kaito was sweating prefousely and thought.
"Oh God, don't tell me he turned that little girl Ameyuri into a mini version of himself! I've already got my hands full dealing with his antics and the rest of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist—let alone our mad scientist. Come on, give me a break! Why are there no normal shinobi in my village?"
"Right now, I regret forcing all seven of them to take apprentices. I shouldn't have done this."
Suddenly, the door to the meeting hall burst open, and a middle-aged man with a wild, crazed expression stormed inside
"CRACK."
The man had long, wild brown hair, piercing brown eyes, a crazed expression, fair skin, and a lean, muscular build.
The man wore the traditional attire of a Kirigakure Jonin, topped with a long white coat and round glasses.
When everyone saw the man, their eyes narrowed in anger. Fuguki stood and shouted at him.
"Kensei, what the hell? Why are you late?"
Kensei scoffed at Fuguki. "I was busy with my test subjects Fuguki, so chill out."
Kaito let out a frustrated sigh at Kensei's excuse and thought, "Here we go again… Why can't any of my talented shinobi be normal? I really envy that old monkey."
Kaito turned sharply toward Kensei, his expression severe, and shouted.
"Kensei, I swear, if you've used our people as test subjects this time, there will be no mercy."
Chuckling, Kensei responded in a laid-back, almost indifferent tone.
"Relax, Mizukage-sama.it is true that I love experimenting on people, but I always keep my promises. None of our shinobi or citizens were used as test subjects this time—I only used the prisoners in our prison, just like you told me to."
After hearing these words, Kaito calmed down, while Kensei gave him a crazed smirk and pressed on.
"I came today because you asked me to join the war council as the head of the Research and Development Department. I also thought it would be a good opportunity to introduce my latest invention to all of you."
Kensei pulled a pill bottle from his pocket and set it deliberately on the meeting table, making sure all eyes in the meeting hall fell on it.
Yukito's gaze fixed on the pill bottle, a flicker of curiosity lighting his eyes as he turned to Kensei with a question.
"Kensei-san, what kind of pills are these?"
A crazed smirk spread across Kensei's lips at Yukito's question, and with a manic glint in his eyes, he answered with flamboyant tone.
"Behold my latest invention: the Uzumaki Vitality Pill. It can fully heal anyone teetering on the brink of death—but take note, it cannot restore severed limbs."
Kaito's temper flared, he stood up and shouted at Kensei with uncontrollable anger.
"Kensei, you bastard! If our breeding tool is dead, I'll personally take your head."
A low, sinister laugh escaped Kensei as he turned to Kaito and spoke.
"Relax, Mizukage-sama. She's alive, as is your offspring. Don't forget—you gave me permission to take blood and chakra samples from both of them."
After hearing this, Kaito relaxed, but Fuguki said sharply, "I'm going to check on her later, Kensei. She's currently pregnant with my offspring; if anything happens to her I will kill you."
Kensei let out a scoff at Fuguki's remark, his lips curling, yet he said nothing.
Kaito grabbed the pill bottle, a smirk playing on his lips, his eyes blazing with ambition as they locked onto the pills. He then turned to Kensei and asked.
"Kensei, can you mass-produce these pills?"
A crazed laugh escaped Kensei at Kaito's question. After a moment, when his composure returned, he spoke.
"There's a fifty-fifty chance I can mass-produce these pills. The catch? I'll need extract some of our breeding tool's cells and figure out how to cultivate and multiply them."
Kensei's explanation drew looks of curiosity from everyone, but no one dared to ask.
Kaito lingered on Kensei's words for a second, then posed another question.
"If you extract some of her cells, will our breeding tool still be alive and healthy enough to give birth later?"
After hearing the question, Kensei laughed wildly, like a madman, before replying.
"HAHAHAHA! YES, MIZUKAGE-SAMA! SHE WILL STILL BE ALIVE AND IN PERFECT HEALTH—I GUARANTEE IT!"
Kaito smiled, nodded in satisfaction at Kensei's answer, and gave his instructions.
"Good. Once this meeting concludes, begin researching on how to mass produce the Uzumaki Vitality Pill."
Kaito then looked at the others and said.
"As I mentioned before, we will begin preparing for war. The reason for this decision is that we recently received new intelligence from our spy in Suna: the Third Kazekage has disappeared, and his personal guards were found dead at the borders of the Land of Fire."
Those present were stunned by the revelation, particularly Shiro, the head of the Chano clan.
Being a former citizen of Suna, he knows all too well just how formidable the Third Kazekage is.
Kaito fixed Yukito with a sharp look and issued his order.
"Yukito, update everyone on the current situation and explain the strategy you've come up with."
Yukito nodded respectfully at Kaito's order, stood, and began his explanation.
"For the time being Mizukage-sama decided to temporarily reinforce our border forces to observe Suna's response to their Kage's disappearance."
"According to our intelligence, the newly appointed temporary Kazekage is Rasa of the Golden Sand, the apprentice of the Third Kazekage."
Shiro scoffed when he heard these words and muttered, 'Of course—it has to be that bastard Rasa.'"
At Shiro's words, everyone looked him, curiosity sparking in their eyes.
Hebiki, the head of the Terumi clan, had a good relationship with Shiro. So he decided to ask him.
"Shiro, have you met this Rasa guy personally?"
Shiro nodded grimly and answered.
"I know him very well. The reason the Third Kazekage took him as his apprentice is that he awakened the Magnet Release kekkei genkai."
"He is arrogant and hotheaded. I wouldn't be surprised if he declared war on all the hidden villages following the Third Kazekage's disappearance."
Yukito nodded. 'You're right. I reviewed all the information we have on him and I reached the same conclusion. That's why we should increase our manpower at the borders to observe how Suna will respond.'"
"If Shiro-dono and I are correct, and Suna wages war against all the hidden villages, then Kumo will likely attempt to infiltrate the Land of Fire."
"If they do so, we will also infiltrate the Land of Fire accordingly."
Upon hearing Yukito, Kensei sprang to his feet and laughed aloud, his joy echoing through the room.
"HAHAHAHA! pretty boy, this is a brilliant strategy. If war breaks out, I'll have access to the most… extraordinary test subjects. I can hardly wait to dissect them."
A cold sweat ran down everyone's backs after hearing Kensei's words, and Raiga erupted, yelling at Kensei.
"Kensei! You foolish scientist! War is a funeral—a time for mourning, a time for memories. The beauty of such funerals far surpasses anything your pitiful test subjects could ever offer."
Kensei scoffed at the remark and opened his mouth to retort—but suddenly, a powerful killing intent swept through the hall, freezing everyone in place.
Kaito's angry gaze swept over Raiga and Kensei, and everyone in the hall watched as he finally spoke.
"You two shut up or I will kill you."
Raiga and Kensei broke into a cold sweat, too afraid to speak. They sank quickly into their chairs, exchanging a fierce glare with one another..
Kaito then looked at Yukito and ordered.
"Yukito continue."
Yukito then looked at Kaito he nodded to him and said.
"Mizukage-sama, regarding which clans should take charge of guarding the borders, I recommend deploying the Chano, Kagura, and Terumi clans."
Everyone in the hall was taken aback by Yukito's words, but Kaito only smiled and said.
"Explain."
Yukito nodded his head at Kaito and started explaining.
"The Chano clan once belonged to Suna; they are well-versed in Suna's culture and their shinobi. If the new appointed Kazekage chooses to wage war against all the hidden villages, their puppets will catch Suna's shinobi off guard. We already tested their effectiveness nine months ago during the update of our security system."
The entire hall fell into silent agreement with Yukito, and he carried on with his explanation.
"The Kagura clan specializes in genjutsu, making their shinobi ideal for supporting our close- and mid-range fighters."
Kaito nodded in agreement, clearly satisfied with Yukito's strategy, and Yukito continued.
"As for the Terumi clan, their clansmen possess a fire affinity and skilled with fire jutsu due to their lineage, so they will have no trouble countering Suna's wind-style users."
"And this is not even counting those who have inherited the Lava Release or Boil Release kekkei genkai; they would prove to be formidable assets should Suna decide to wage war against us."
Kaito smirked widely after hearing Yukito's shinobi deployment strategy and started praising Yukito.
"Well done,Yukito, should we send any other shinobi to the border too?"
Yukito thought for a moment and replied.
"I believe the newly promoted Chunins and our most promising Genins should also be deployed; it would provide them with an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience before the war begins."
Kaito nodded after hearing Yukito's words and said..
"Alright, Yukito, your strategy is perfect. We'll begin deployment immediately."
Yukito bowed respectfully to Kaito and sat down quitely on his chair.
Kaito then looked at those present and said.
"I want all department heads to begin stockpiling supplies and food, ensuring we are ready for war at a moment's notice. Hebiki, Shiro, and Kira, I want you to provide me, as soon as possible, with a list of your clansmen you recommend for border duty."
Hebiki, Shiro, and Kira bowed slightly, their voices in unison: "As you wish, Mizukage-sama."
Kaito then looked at everyone in the hall and said, "alright you all are dismissed except for the seven ninja swordsmen."
Everyone except for the seven ninja swordsmen exited the meeting hall one after another Kensei exited the hall and thought.
"Things are about to get interesting. I wonder what kinds of specimens I'll get my hands on in this war. I need to prepare and head to the battlefield myself to test my latest inventions—especially the poisons I've just crafted."
"I've already tested these poisons on a few prisoners, but they are weak—both in body and mind. If I test those poisons in the battlefield, I'll obtain far more accurate data."
Kensei gave a sinister smirk as he made up his mind, then vanished in a shunshin back to his lab.
"CLICK."
As the door clicked shut, Kaito faced the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and said.
"I want the seven of you to inform your apprentices that they will be participating in the borders security mission."
All of the seven ninja swordsmen nodded to Kaito after hearing his order except for Fuguki.
Fuguki looked at Kaito and said.
"Mizukage-sama, a couple of hours ago, little Yukina set off for the Wolf Realm to retry the trial. I do not know when she will be back."
Kaito waved his hand dismissively and replied.
"It doesn't matter— whenever she comes back she can join the others in the borders."
Fuguki nodded after hearing Kaito's response. Kaito then waved his hand dismissively and said.
"That is all for now; you all may leave."
The seven ninja swordsmen rose to their feet, but Raiga puffed out his chest with pride and addressed Kaito.
"Mizukage-sama, there's no need to worry. I personally taught little Ameyuri how to perform the perfect funeral—something Fuguki-senpai neglected to do with Yukina."
All seven snickered in amusement when they heard this, but Fuguki snorted and said to Raiga.
"Stop wasting time, Raiga; let's go."
Grumbling at Fuguki's order, Raiga scowled, while Goro smirk in amusement. Without another word, the seven ninja swordsmen shunshined away from the meeting hall.
The two advisors noticed that Kaito was sweating profusely, and Haruto asked.
"Kaito, are you alright?"
Kaito gave a weak smile to Haruto and replied.
"I fear that Raiga had successfully turned his apprentice into a mini version of himself. My hands are already full dealing with him and Kensei—not to mention the other seven swordsmen of the Mist."
"I can't help but wonder if forcing each of them take on an apprentice was truly the right decision."
Haruto and Emiko laughed after hearing the Third Mizukage's response.