Actually,
In a harsh environment like the Village of the Bloody Mist, stepping forward to take the blame like Yagura and Fuguki did was a very dangerous move.
Just think,
Even in Konoha, with its relatively moderate environment, the failure of a mission once drove the White Fang, Hatake Sakumo, to his death.
In Kirigakure, a place so cruel that you'd be embarrassed to graduate from the Ninja Academy without killing a classmate, it would be quite normal for the Third Mizukage, in a fit of rage, to execute Fuguki or Yagura.
In a way, Yagura and Fuguki were staking their own futures to show goodwill towards Sora.
"Thank you."
Sora smiled amiably.
He wasn't too concerned about being blamed. With a Zanpakuto in hand, the world was his sandbox. If that short-lived Third Mizukage really deliberately caused trouble, he could just cut him down and seize power by force.
After all, in Kirigakure, where 'those below overthrowing those above' was common practice, it wouldn't even be considered a major act of treason.
After chatting a bit more about the situation on the battlefield, Sora turned and left the large tent.
Both Yagura and Fuguki seemed interested in having him participate in troop command, but Sora had no interest in such things whatsoever.
At the Rank 5 Reiatsu, he was essentially a Boss on the battlefield. Ninjas below the Kage-level were basically cannon fodder. Unless their numbers were overwhelming, they posed little threat to Sora.
Don't forget,
Iwagakure killed the Third Raikage by literally piling on bodies until he died from exhaustion. Even if Sora's combat power was temporarily inferior to the Third Raikage's, there certainly wasn't a gap of entire tiers.
"Sora-sama!"
Outside the tent, Kurumi, who had been waiting for a long time, knelt on one knee. She lowered her head and presented an unopened scroll with both hands: "It's a secret order from Mizukage-sama. You are to open it personally."
"Alright."
Sora nodded and casually took the scroll, "Kurumi, how are you feeling?"
Only then did the masked, aloof young girl stand up, her gaze trembling slightly as she said, "I have mostly recovered. In a few more days, I should return to full condition."
"That's good."
Sora smiled, casually ruffling the girl's black short hair, "We're not on a mission right now, no need to be so serious. Smile more. That's what a girl your age should be doing."
"I…"
"Was born to be your blade!"
Kurumi silently lowered her head, but judging by her slightly reddened ears, hidden by her hair, the girl's feelings might not be as detached as she appeared on the surface.
'S-Rank Mission…'
'The sealed Three-Tails?'
Sora skimmed through the scroll's contents rapidly. Immediately, the scroll burst into flames and was soon burned to ashes.
This was a top-secret scroll sealed with a Fire Release Ninjutsu. It would automatically incinerate ten seconds after opening, a high-grade item used only for issuing important S-Rank missions.
'The mission location isn't too far from the camp either.'
Sora smiled lightly and said, "Kurumi, notify Yuzuki and Toden. A new S-Rank mission has arrived!"
"Yes, sir!"
Kurumi acknowledged and then vanished from the spot using the Body Flicker Technique.
Sora looked up, and his gaze turned towards the direction of Konoha Village.
'Obito, Kakashi, Nohara Rin…'
'Is it finally time?'
Special Storyline Mission: Capture Rin Nohara!
Sora was already growing impatient!
…
At this very moment-
Kirigakure.
Mizukage Building.
By the window, the Third Mizukage, with his long black hair, stood with his hands clasped behind his back, eyes closed in meditation.
Even without speaking, he exuded a bloodcurdling, bloody aura.
Behind the Third Mizukage stood a bald old man, leaning on a snake-headed cane, staring at the Mizukage's back with an angry expression.
This person was Kirigakure's Great Elder, Genji, a figure with authority comparable to that of a Kage!
"This matter has gone too far!"
After a long silence, Genji could no longer suppress the fury in his heart, "Your plan is too crazy! If it fails, the village will lose its rights to the Tailed Beast. Even if it succeeds, it will completely offend Konoha. By then, the war between our village and Konoha will become a fight to the death!"
"Mizukage…"
"Can you truly bear such a cost!??"
Although Genji was advanced in years, the aura he projected with his words instantly made the atmosphere in the entire office feel oppressive.