As one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, Kirigakure should have been a peaceful, comfortable place to live. Yet the reality was far from that, as a chilling white terror had gripped the village for three long years.
What did the rest of the world think of such a strange, foreboding village?
During the fiftieth year of Konoha, a respected ninja evaluated the situation at the "Northern Talks":
"Early Kirigakure was one of the five major powers in the ninja world, strong and fearsome. In its middle stage, it closed its borders, became mysterious and unpredictable, and flirted with the largest rogue organizations. Later, it opened itself to the outside world and appeared prosperous. But the population is still small, the shortage of capable people severe, and even the village leader died with regret because he could not find a suitable partner."
The future remained uncertain, yet at present, Kirigakure was in panic due to the Third Mizukage's Blood Mist Policy.
Inside the Mizukage Building, the office was brightly lit.
"Has Suigetsu been located?"
For the past three years, defections had been constant under the Mizukage's policies, and Suigetsu—once a trusted subordinate of the Third Mizukage—was the most critical of them all.
The Third Mizukage flipped through the report expressionlessly, his mind seemingly elsewhere. Juzo Biwa, unable to read the capricious Mizukage's mood, answered stiffly: "Not yet, but we have discovered Suigetsu's trail."
"Heh heh, after half a year, you've finally found a trace. Efficiency is commendable," the Mizukage said coldly, narrowing his eyes. "As expected of my most trusted Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."
"I'll give you three more months. If Suigetsu's corpse is not returned by then, I won't mind reducing the Seven to Five."
Juzo wiped sweat from his brow. "Yes, Third Mizukage-sama."
Turning his attention to a short ninja standing nearby, the Mizukage's gaze fell on someone who appeared no more than a child. Green hair, purple eyes, and a stitched scar under his left eye made him seem a teenager, though in truth he was older, preserved by his exceptional physical condition.
"Yagura, have you completed the task I assigned?"
The small ninja straightened, answering humbly, "It has been completed, Third Mizukage-sama."
"Oh? And any objections from the village?" The Mizukage propped his chin in interest. He had recently proposed that Ninja Academy students be made to fight each other during graduation exams, a controversial policy bound to provoke opposition.
Yagura shook his head, calm and deferential: "The policy improves genin combat effectiveness and eliminates unqualified candidates. Everyone understands your intentions; no one objects. And if they do, I will 'persuade' them, Third Mizukage-sama."
"Good, good." The Mizukage stood, patting Yagura on the shoulder with a rare smile. "See, everyone, this is my loyal subordinate. Learn from him."
After leaving the Mizukage Building, Yagura's humble demeanor vanished. His sharp eyes returned, though his childlike appearance lent him a slightly comical air. No one dared laugh, however. A gust of cold wind swept the streets, chilling more than just the bodies—it seeped into hearts.
Three groups silently dispersed at an intersection. The once-bustling street lay empty, shrouded in fog.
"After today, the Third Mizukage will trust you even more," Tobi whispered to Yagura, "and our plan will have a higher chance of success."
"I hope so."
"Lord Yagura, I notice Juzo is already dissatisfied with the Mizukage. With today's events, why not unite with the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist?"
Yagura shook his head. "The times are different. Our plan has been in motion for a year. Now is the critical moment. The more who know, the higher the risk of exposure. What if the Swordsmen report us?"
"I was being careless… but can we truly match the Third Mizukage?" Tobi asked, uncertain.
"Don't worry. He suffered a serious injury in the Land of Fire. Over the past two years, I've observed that his strength has declined considerably."
"Alas, it was after that injury that he became what he is today." Tobi sighed. Yagura exhaled as well.
The former Third Mizukage had been kind and generous, protective of the villagers. Now, he was capricious and ruthless. Entire families were punished for disobedience, countless ordinary shinobi had died, and the academy elimination policy had been instituted.
If patience ever broke, Yagura wondered, would a coup be necessary?
"Contact Suigetsu again today."
"Yes!"
Suigetsu's defection had been orchestrated by Yagura and his allies to lure the Seven Ninja Swordsmen away from the village.
"Also, forget about Terumi Ku."
"What? Has he gone back on his word?"
"Yes, he discovered his daughter, Terumi Mei, possesses two kekkei genkai."
"Two?!" Tobi exclaimed.
"Unbelievable," Yagura said, sighing. "Had I not seen it myself, I wouldn't have believed it. With such a prodigy, the Terumi clan will eventually reach the village's peak. Those with hope won't risk reckless action. But we cannot retreat. If we do, this village is doomed. I won't allow it."
Tobi stared blankly.
Yagura patted his shoulder. "Focus, contact Suigetsu. After the Seven leave, it's our chance to turn the tide."
"Understood. I hope we all survive this."
Yagura shook his head.
"No, you misunderstand. The Third Mizukage failed to inherit the will of the First and Second Mizukage. We are simply restoring what was discarded. This is not a coup, it's a correction of errors."