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"Does Kagaya want to attack the Leaf Village? Why?"
Not long after leaving Mei's room, Haku looked at Kagaya with confusion.
Kagaya didn't answer directly but countered with a question.
"Haku, if I told you that your parents' deaths and your family's destruction were all this village's fault, would you hate it?"
Hesitation appeared on Haku's face. He seemed lost in thought before responding.
"I suppose I would."
Kagaya continued, "Then, would you attack this village?"
Haku smiled faintly.
"No, I wouldn't. But if it's Kagaya's request, I would do it."
Kagaya was stunned and asked, "Why? Don't you hate it?"
"But it's also because of this village that I met Kagaya. Haku has found meaning in living again. Haku is truly happy. So, even though Haku hates this village, I wouldn't attack it."
"You don't need to spare it for my sake."
"But meeting Kagaya makes me so happy."
Kagaya fell silent for a moment. He raised his hand and, just like that person had once done to him, flicked Haku's forehead.
"I'm different from you. I'm someone with a strong desire for revenge—a filthy creature of darkness. That's why I will attack the Leaf."
With that, Kagaya stepped forward.
Haku rubbed his forehead and jogged to catch up.
"Kagaya isn't like that at all!"
"We've only known each other for less than a day. How do you know what kind of person I am?"
"I… anyway, Kagaya just isn't like that."
The next day arrived.
Mei proactively met with Zabuza and discussed Kagaya's matter.
"That kid wants to attack the Leaf? I remember his rogue status was for attempting a coup. Is he still thinking about overthrowing the Leaf's regime?"
Zabuza said with a hint of amusement. If Kagaya was asking for help to overthrow the Leaf's government, he had no interest. The Leaf was the strongest ninja village—overthrowing it wasn't that simple.
"You wouldn't believe the official reason for his defection, right?"
Mei smiled. Just yesterday, she had Ao gather information on Kagaya, and they uncovered some interesting details.
Zabuza's eyes showed a flicker of interest.
"So, there's another reason for his defection?"
Mei didn't speak but looked at Ao beside her.
Ao pulled out a sheet of paper and began.
"Nearly a year ago, before the Uchiha were wiped out, relations between the Leaf and the Uchiha were extremely tense. Around that time, Uchiha Kagaya's parents committed suicide. A month later, his mentor, Uchiha Shisui, committed suicide. At the same point, Uchiha Kagaya defected from the Leaf. The Leaf publicly claimed Kagaya attempted a rebellion and fled after failing."
Mei smiled faintly.
"I'm sure you see it too. People close to him dying one after another—do you believe that's a coincidence?"
Zabuza narrowed his eyes. A coincidence? Impossible. Clearly, the Leaf's higher-ups had targeted those around Kagaya. But why?
"Wait, you said relations between the Uchiha and the Leaf were tense at that time?"
Ao nodded.
"Yes, but that's all the information I could get. Anything more detailed, I couldn't obtain."
Zabuza shrugged.
"That's enough. I think I understand Uchiha Kagaya's situation now."
Mei continued.
"A victim of the Leaf's internal turmoil. That makes sense for why he'd want to attack the Leaf. Alright, Zabuza, after all this, do you want that kid to help you escape?"
"How strong is he?"
"Very strong. Ao's no match to him. Didn't you see his speed that day? Ao reported that you arrived just as he clashed with Kagaya."
"I only caught a glimpse at the end. Confirming it from you."
"So, what's your answer?"
"I think I can escape on my own."
"I think it's safer to have backup. The opponent is the Fourth Mizukage, after all."
Zabuza frowned slightly, hesitating for a moment.
"Fair point. Alright, I'll agree. In the future, I'll help him attack the Leaf."
That afternoon, Mei had Ao notify Kagaya, and they met again.
Mei didn't let Zabuza contact Kagaya directly. She felt that building a connection with Kagaya now might benefit the future, so she acted as the intermediary.
"We meet again, Uchiha Kagaya."
As soon as Kagaya entered, Mei greeted him with a full smile.
Kagaya ignored her greeting and got straight to the point.
"Let's talk business. Did Zabuza agree?"
But Mei ignored his question, speaking with a touch of resentment.
"What a charmless kid."
Kagaya rolled his eyes. "Can you just answer my question?"
"Zabuza agreed."
"I see. When's the operation?"
"Tomorrow night."
"Heh, got it."
Mei asked curiously, "You seem happy?"
Kagaya, having gotten his answer, turned to leave.
"Of course. My desire for revenge is pretty strong, after all."
With that, Kagaya left with Haku.
Since Zabuza had agreed, Kagaya could team up with him to give the Fourth Mizukage—or rather, Tobi—a big surprise!
As Kagaya said, his vengeful nature was strong. The Fourth Mizukage had attacked him before, and now it was Kagaya's turn to strike back.
Kagaya had no intention of just helping Zabuza escape the Mist—he planned to actively participate and help assassinate the Mizukage!
Obito, since this is your discarded pawn, I'll help you get rid of it even faster.
Meanwhile, the Fourth Mizukage sat in his office, looking at Kubikiribōchō beside him, envisioning Zabuza in an Akatsuki robe. He smiled faintly.
"Tomorrow night. It's almost time, Zabuza. You should defect. There's no place for you in this village—only the Akatsuki has a spot for you."
On the other side, Zabuza was at home, sharpening his Anbu short sword.
"I wonder how Kubikiribōchō feels. Can it help me cut off the Fourth Mizukage's head?"