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Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: Testing the Waters

Takizo looked up sharply.

The newcomer was wearing a standard shinobi flak jacket. He had the Hozuki Clan's signature pale white hair, a few messy strands falling over his forehead, and light green eyes identical to Suigetsu's.

It was Mangetsu Hozuki, sixteen years old.

"What's going on? Why is it so lively in here?" Mangetsu asked.

"Big Bro!" Suigetsu pitter-pattered over and took the object Mangetsu was carrying.

It was a large, oval-shaped object completely wrapped in bandages, with only two handles sticking out.

Takizo glanced at it and instantly knew what it was. One of the Seven Ninja Swords: Hiramekarei.

Mangetsu looked at Takizo and smiled. "Long time no see, Takizo."

Takizo bowed slightly in greeting. "The village keeps us on a tight leash, so I've been negligent in my visits. Please forgive me, Big Brother Mangetsu."

Mangetsu walked in from the entryway. "You're too formal, Takizo. I've been swamped with work myself and haven't visited the Kaguya compound in ages. How is Patriarch Retsukawa doing?"

"Thank you for asking, Big Brother Mangetsu. My father is in good health," Takizo hesitated for a beat, then added, "Though the clan's situation... often gives him cause for worry."

"Ah. I have some understanding of the Kaguya Clan's plight," Mangetsu sighed.

Suigetsu, who had been watching this exchange with wide eyes and a crooked mouth, finally couldn't take it anymore.

"Okay, okay, cut it out! Stop acting! Since when are you two polite? Just drop the formalities already!"

Mangetsu's smile froze on his face. He grabbed Suigetsu in a headlock, then turned back to Takizo with a strained smile. "Takizo, please make yourself comfortable. I'm going to change clothes."

After Takizo nodded, Mangetsu dragged Suigetsu upstairs.

Takizo ignored Suigetsu's desperate pleas for help and watched them disappear.

As soon as he sat down, a loud "OW!" echoed from the second floor. Takizo silently picked up his teacup to hide his grin.

The Hozuki Clan might be a kekkei genkai family, he thought, but their real hereditary trait seems to be running their mouths and getting hit for it.

A few moments later, Mangetsu came back downstairs in casual clothes, dragging a sullen Suigetsu who now sported two large bumps on his head.

"I haven't asked yet—did you come here for something specific, Takizo?" Mangetsu sat down cross-legged, his formal facade broken by his brother's interruption.

Takizo had already prepared his script. "I do have a favor to ask."

"Oh?" Mangetsu looked curious. "The Kaguya and Hozuki are old friends. Speak freely."

Takizo paused for effect. "When the Fourth Mizukage took office, he promised to end the 'Blood Mist' era. But now... why has he reversed course?"

The "Blood Mist Village" policy was implemented during the Third Mizukage's reign. It included isolationism, the persecution of kekkei genkai users, and the infamous graduation exam where students had to kill each other.

The most famous product of this system was Zabuza Momochi, who slaughtered over a hundred classmates in a single exam.

During the Third Great Ninja War, the Mist's strategy failed, causing the Third Mizukage's popularity to plummet. Yagura rose to power on a platform of ending the war and the Blood Mist policies, gaining the support of young ninjas like Zabuza, Terumi Mei, and Mangetsu.

Initially, Yagura did well. He made peace with Konoha, sealed the Three-Tails into himself to protect the village, and relaxed controls on kekkei genkai clans. That was why the Kaguya and Hyuga clans had been interacting more frequently a few years back.

But then, Yagura changed. Overnight, he not only reinstated the Third's policies but intensified the persecution of bloodline limit users.

Not just big clans like the Kaguya, but even ordinary ninja with minor bloodlines were being targeted.

Mangetsu fell silent. He couldn't understand it either. The wise and capable leader he once knew had become a tyrant overnight.

"Perhaps Lord Mizukage has his reasons," Mangetsu said weakly.

Reasons my ass, Takizo thought, rolling his eyes internally. He's being mind-controlled by Obito. It's just lucky Obito isn't into... other stuff, otherwise...

"The Fourth's oppression of bloodline families is worse than ever," Takizo said, his voice urgent. "Countless small clans have been destroyed. Larger clans are living in fear. And the Kaguya..."

Takizo paused, letting out a heavy sigh. "There are fewer and fewer sane voices left in the clan. That's why they sent a child like me to see you. If this continues, the Kaguya will revolt. It's not far off."

This was a lie. No one sent him. He was making it all up.

Mangetsu immediately responded, "Our clans have a century of friendship. If there's anything I can do, I won't refuse."

You said it. Don't blame me for asking.

Takizo went for the big ask. "We don't ask for much. Just that Lord Mizukage lifts the restrictions on the Kaguya Clan."

Takizo knew this was impossible. Even if Obito agreed, no one else would want a bunch of battle-crazed lunatics roaming the village freely.

As expected, Mangetsu looked troubled. "I'm afraid Lord Mizukage won't agree to that."

"Then please ask Lord Mizukage to allow us to serve as mercenaries in other villages' wars," Takizo countered.

Mangetsu looked even more troubled. Not because it was unreasonable, but because it made sense.

Sending the Kaguya out as mercenaries was like unleashing mad dogs on your enemies. If they died, good riddance. If they killed the enemy, great. The village could even take a cut of the profits. If the Mizukage were sane, he might actually agree, especially with Mangetsu's endorsement.

But Mangetsu knew Yagura wasn't sane.

He couldn't just say, "Hey, the boss is crazy, we're actually planning a coup."

And Mangetsu was too honorable to lie and say, "Sure, I'll ask," when he knew it was hopeless.

"Lord Mizukage has been busy suppressing the Three-Tails lately," Mangetsu said evasively. "He hasn't seen anyone in a long time."

Takizo lowered his head. "I haven't accomplished a single thing my clan asked for. My father will punish me severely if I return like this."

He looked up, gazing at Mangetsu with wide, sincere eyes. "Brother Mangetsu, you became the Mizukage's right-hand man at such a young age. You must have a way to save the Kaguya Clan. Whatever you need, I am at your disposal."

Mangetsu felt like his head was going to explode. He was the clan head, sure, but the elders usually handled diplomacy. His job description was mostly "train hard" and "hit things with Hiramekarei."

Now he was stuck in a high-stakes political negotiation with the heir of the Kaguya Clan, trying to navigate around the fact that his boss was a genocidal maniac.

He had no solution. If he had a solution, he wouldn't be plotting a rebellion.

Mangetsu shot a desperate look at Suigetsu, hoping his brother would jump in and save him.

Suigetsu had been zoning out since they came back downstairs. He caught the signal but had zero context.

"Uh... what's for lunch?" Suigetsu asked tentatively.

Veins popped on Mangetsu's forehead. "GO TO YOUR ROOM. NOW."

"Ehh?!" Suigetsu tried to protest, but a glare sent him scurrying away.

Takizo's eyes dimmed. He took a deep breath, his face hardening into a mask of tragic resolve. "If that is the case, I won't trouble you further, Brother. I only hope that when we meet on the battlefield, you won't hold back."

"However..." Takizo lowered his head again. "I have... a younger brother..."

When he looked up, his eyes were brimming with tears.

"He has been sickly since birth, raised indoors, innocent of the world. (Kimimaro: Wait, what?) When the day comes that you are ordered to exterminate the Kaguya... please, give him a quick death. Don't let the ANBU torture or humiliate him. I thank you in advance."

Mangetsu squirmed in his seat.

He opened his mouth several times, but words failed him. Finally, he managed to squeeze out a single sentence.

"Perhaps... there will be a turning point."

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