After learning of Iwagakure's disastrous losses, the upper ranks of Kirigakure were filled with fear.
Even though they knew the culprit behind everything—the Dragon Emperor—had been wounded, and that Uchiha Soren was watching over the situation from above, Kirigakure still dared not advance recklessly. They feared that if the Dragon Emperor showed himself again, a single breath could wipe out everything they had painstakingly built.
Previously, when the two Platinum Armors controlled by the Platinum Dragon Lord launched their attack, the heads of the three Kekkei Genkai clans along with many battle-hardened shinobi had died. The blow had already shaken Kirigakure to its foundations.
Yet ironically, that very disaster had allowed Yagura Karatachi to seize complete control. There was now no one left in Kirigakure capable of blocking his succession as the Fifth Mizukage.
"Lord Yagura, the demi-human armies of the Council State are continuing their assaults on our defensive lines. Two members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist have already fallen."
A shinobi rushed in with his report, anxiety and helplessness written across his face.
Inside the central command tent Kirigakure had established within the Council State's territory, Yagura Karatachi sat calmly as he listened. His eyes were sharp like those of a hawk as he scanned the strategists gathered below.
The staff officers began analyzing the battlefield situation nervously.
"Lord Yagura, the Council State's offensive behavior is extremely strange," one strategist said solemnly as he stood.
"Earlier they were retreating everywhere, but now they're fighting desperately. And so far, none of the True Dragon Lords have appeared."
"Either the Dragon Lords are secretly preparing a blood sacrifice to unleash powerful Wild Magic…"
"Or they're deliberately draining our strength and buying time for their retreat."
"Preparing for battle… or preparing to withdraw?"
Yagura thought carefully.
In the end, those were the only two logical conclusions.
"Deploy sensory shinobi along with the magic casters we recruited. Conduct a thorough search of the surrounding areas."
"We must ensure the first possibility doesn't happen."
A shinobi immediately acknowledged the order.
Yagura then turned his gaze to the side, a flicker of anticipation and anxiety crossing his eyes.
"And the Platinum Armor Konoha agreed to leave for Kirigakure—has it been repaired yet?"
Considering the severe losses Kirigakure had suffered, Uzumaki Mito had allowed them to keep the most heavily damaged Platinum Armor.
The other suit had been taken to the Konoha Scientific Research Division, where they hoped to replicate it and produce standardized chakra armor for shinobi.
The ninja responsible for the project showed a bitter expression. Kneeling on one knee, he spoke with unease.
"Lord Yagura… the magical runes on that armor are far too complex. Our blacksmiths and magic casters are still studying them."
"Still studying the runes?"
Yagura frowned, anxiety and irritation surfacing in his heart.
"So that means we can't even determine when the armor will be repaired?"
"That armor rivals—no, surpasses—even the power of a Tailed Beast. Without it, the pressure on Kirigakure will be immense."
"We will accelerate our research," the official hurriedly replied.
"If we can obtain more magical knowledge, deciphering the runes should become much easier."
Hearing this, Yagura nodded slightly, his expression easing.
"That's perfect. The Imperial Archmage Fluder, known as the strongest human magic caster, has already surrendered to the shinobi world."
"You'll go there personally. Copy a large amount of magical knowledge."
"We also need to train our own magic casters within Kirigakure."
After arranging the major matters, Yagura took out the Tianyan System – Sub Unit he had obtained through merit points. Channeling chakra into it, he began observing the battlefield.
Within the Tianyan System's vision, the most eye-catching figure was Kakuzu, who was unleashing combined ninjutsu.
Dual-element and triple-element fusion techniques flowed effortlessly from his hands. Even four-element ninjutsu appeared frequently.
On the front lines he was like a massive artillery battery, harvesting the lives of the demi-human armies in sweeping waves.
"Recruiting Kakuzu into Kirigakure was truly a profitable deal."
Watching the tireless warrior, Yagura felt satisfied.
Back when the ranking battles were held in the Black Horn Region, the Fourth Mizukage's advisor Genji had spent enormous effort recruiting Kakuzu. At the time Yagura had felt the price was painful.
But now it seemed clear—
You got what you paid for.
In contrast to Kakuzu were the adventurers recruited from the Kingdom—an elite team whose entire membership had reached Adamantite rank.
Blue Rose.
Their strongest member could even be considered formidable among the Morning Star tier.
To strengthen their forces, Kirigakure had invited the famous adventurer team Blue Rose.
Because the mission was the suppression of a demi-human nation, Blue Rose accepted the invitation.
By doing so, they had also fortunately avoided the secret schemes of the Golden Princess Renner back in the Royal Capital.
Their main role on the battlefield was conducting magical detection—an area Kirigakure was unfamiliar with—preventing unexpected magical disasters.
Blue Rose consisted of five members.
Two beautiful twin ninja—though their combat strength was mediocre—served mainly as reconnaissance specialists, supplementing Kirigakure's weaknesses.
Another was a muscular female warrior who relied entirely on close combat. Among the shinobi army, her role was limited.
Then there was the captain of Blue Rose, Lakyus.
With dazzling golden hair and noble attire, she wielded a magic sword passed down through her family and possessed the ability to cast Fifth-Tier resurrection magic. Her strength was close to reaching the Morning Star tier.
Finally, the strongest member—
The magic caster Evileye.
A petite girl wearing a crimson robe with her face hidden behind a mask, she had already stepped into the Morning Star domain.
The combat system of Blue Rose was completely incompatible with the structure of the shinobi army. Adventurer teams possessed highly distinct individual characteristics.
They functioned best as independent squads carrying out special missions assigned by Kirigakure.
"Just like rogue shinobi…"
"Except the shinobi world doesn't have rogue ninjas with Morning Star-level strength."
Watching Evileye on the screen as she unleashed powerful magic, a trace of excitement appeared in Yagura's eyes.
Her strength—and her small stature—perfectly matched his personal preferences.
After all, Yagura himself was a man with a youthful appearance and a short stature.
Although his power and status were impressive, pursuing romance—or even marriage—had always been extremely difficult.
Ordinary women failed to interest him.
Exceptional women, on the other hand, were usually much taller than he was, which made him feel strangely uncomfortable.
But now, having discovered Evileye, who was both petite and powerful…
Yagura, who had once believed he would spend his entire life alone serving Kirigakure, suddenly found his heart stirred.
Even Genji, the elder of Kirigakure, supported Yagura's idea.
After all, marrying Evileye would not only solve Yagura's lifelong personal issue—
It would also bring Kirigakure an exceptionally talented teacher of magic.
A perfect outcome for both sides.
And so, driven by this opportunity, Yagura Karatachi began pursuing Evileye.
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