Whether it was a coup or a restoration of order, Yagura did not dare act openly within the Village.
Although the Third Mizukage had become increasingly unpopular in recent years, he had managed Kirigakure for nearly two decades and held the title of Kage. Once open conflict erupted in the Village, the ninjas would naturally side with the Mizukage.
Moreover, this was not a simple fight between genin—if things escalated fully, the Village itself could be destroyed. This was not what Yagura wished to see.
If possible, he preferred to eliminate the Third Mizukage outside the Village, then announce his disappearance, quietly taking control and restoring order.
"I hope everything goes smoothly." Yagura murmured to the moon, its silhouette barely visible through the thick mist. It was December of the 36th year of Konoha.
Under the Third Mizukage's orders, Biwa Jūzō had led a five-man squad out of the Village to track the rogue ninja Suigetsu. At the same time, other ninjas continued defecting, prompting the Mizukage to dispatch ANBU to pursue them.
Three days later, late at night, Yagura appeared before the Mizukage's residence. Through the window, the light inside had not yet gone out. He hesitated briefly, then knocked firmly.
"What is it?"
The Third Mizukage opened the door, stepping out. Yagura knelt immediately. "Lord Mizukage, there is an emergency. The patrol team has discovered Suigetsu's tracks outside the Village."
"Suigetsu? Didn't Jūzō report him at the easternmost part of the Land of Water?"
"It's unclear, but the patrol team engaged him. The battle continues, though casualties are heavy."
The Mizukage nodded thoughtfully. "Inu."
From the shadows, a black-masked ANBU appeared, kneeling instantly. "What are your orders, Lord Third Mizukage?"
"Mobilize all ANBU in the Village. Guard every corner. Kill any suspicious individuals on sight."
"Yes."
"Let's move. If we delay, Suigetsu will escape."
Yagura hesitated, frozen. It wasn't that the plan was failing, but that it was proceeding too smoothly—it felt unreal.
If he were the Mizukage, he would never act alone, and certainly not without a dozen ANBU at his side. Yet the Third Mizukage appeared confident, ready to face Suigetsu himself.
"What's wrong? Is there something else?"
"No… are we really going directly like this?"
"Of course. I know Suigetsu's strength; he can't harm me yet. And you and the patrol team are there." A faint, mysterious smile touched the Mizukage's face.
Yagura's eyes flickered, then he exhaled and led the way. Together, they quickly reached a forest on the outskirts of Hidden Mist Village.
Swish, swish—silent movement through the trees, until they reached a clearing.
"Third Mizukage, you've arrived."
Suigetsu, waiting, regarded the Mizukage with a complex expression. He had known the man for decades, yet the ruler of Hidden Mist now was someone unrecognizable—bloodier and more ruthless than any before him.
The Mizukage's cold gaze met Suigetsu's, revealing no emotion, bone-chilling in its emptiness.
"Why did you betray me?"
Suigetsu shook his head. "When the Second Mizukage led, we were taught to protect the Village at all costs, to protect the country."
"But what have you done? Killing indiscriminately, persecuting subordinates. You have long ceased being Mizukage. Today, I will end you."
"With just you?"
"Of course not."
At that moment, Yagura struck from behind, pulling a kunai and stabbing the Mizukage fiercely in the back. Staggering, the Mizukage looked at Yagura in shock. "Even you…"
Yagura exhaled softly. "You didn't expect this, did you? There's no escape today."
Swish, swish, swish. Hidden Mist ninjas, lying in ambush, sprang forward at Yagura's signal. Dozens surrounded the Mizukage.
"These are all ninjas with grievances against you," Yagura said coldly, "Take him down!"
The Third Mizukage laughed—a sound loud and uncharacteristic.
"Yagura, you think your trap is clever. Yet you miscalculated one thing. Look closely at who I am!"
His face slowly transformed into a white creature. Yagura felt his scalp tingle. The dignified Mizukage was actually an impostor?
"Stop playing games," a suppressed voice came from the distance.
Tap, tap, tap… a figure walked slowly forward, stopping a dozen steps away, eyes cold.
"Why did you come so fast? I haven't finished yet." White Zetsu chuckled, then restrained itself at the icy gaze before it.
Yagura frowned at the man with long hair and the black-patterned mask. Through a small hole, a bizarre three-tomoe Sharingan glimmered.
"Uchiha… were you sent by Konoha?!"
The masked man let out a low laugh. "Konoha… it's been a long time since I visited that Village."
"Stop being mysterious. Who are you?"
"The world calls me Uchiha Madara."
Suigetsu sneered from the side. "If you're Madara, then I'm the First Hokage."
Yagura planted his staff, green flowers adorning it, and roared, "How dare you manipulate the Mizukage and toy with Hidden Mist ninjas! No matter who you are, you will die here!"
Killing intent surged from Yagura's eyes. His subordinates, however, still could not believe their Lord Mizukage was a puppet.
"So what if I toyed with you?" The masked man mocked. Alone yet prepared, his confidence was palpable.
A dark purple barrier suddenly enveloped the forest. A ninja at the edge touched it and instantly ignited, consumed by flames in an instant, leaving nothing behind.
"Everyone, beware. This is the Four Violet Flames Formation," Yagura warned.
The masked man's eyes shifted, taking on a strange pattern. Half an hour later, the interior of the barrier was painted red with blood.
Fugaku removed his mask and wiped it clean. A coup could have been stopped easily, but he did nothing.
The false Mizukage, created by White Zetsu, was strong but controllable. When the real Mizukage eventually fought, his true power would be revealed.
Fugaku's plan was clear: Yagura would become the Fourth Mizukage, with him controlling events from behind the scenes.
Replacing his mask, Fugaku turned to White Zetsu.
"Notify the Village Jonin disguised as Inu," he ordered. "Tell them… the Third Mizukage has disappeared."
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