Chapter 96

At the coast of the Water Country, Zai Bu Zhan was patrolling with a Mist Village squad.

"Honestly, what on earth is the Mizukage thinking? Why on earth would he seal off the coast and the ports?"

"Who knows? Anyway, we just follow the orders from above."

Listening to his teammates' complaints, Zai Bu Zhan remained silent, since he never regarded them as true comrades.

For him now, there are only two things he wants to accomplish.

The first is to become a member of the Mist Village's Ninja Sword Seven and obtain his own Ninja Sword.

The second is.

"I'll kill Uchiha Haori with my own hands, I'll wipe out that damned bastard!"

Zai Bu Zhan's impression of Haori is deeply etched; back in Whirlpool Country, Haori gave him a harsh lesson, and he has long yearned for revenge.

And a year and a bit ago in Grass Country, the elite combat squad he belonged to ran into that guy again.

He thought he finally had a chance for vengeance, but no one expected fate to play a joke on him.

The same script unfolded again: Mist Village techniques, a sudden assault, then Haori saw through it, beat him mercilessly, and he fled.

"Next time, next time I will definitely take down that bastard!"

Zai Bu Zhan silently encouraged himself, and over the past year he kept training, striving to fulfill his two great wishes.

But he is still far from those goals; at present he hasn't had the chance to challenge the Ninja Sword Seven.

Even if only three remain.

"Hm?"

While they were on patrol, they suddenly spotted someone disembarking at a hidden private port in the distance.

Normally no one would mind; after all, Water Country's supplies are scarce, and someone would quietly transport goods back.

But times have changed; with Water Country under total blockade, they must act.

"Bold move, let's go and block them!"

With a target, Zai Bu Zhan's squad charged forward immediately.

But as they drew nearer, they couldn't help but frown.

Because of the mist, their view from afar was blurry; now they noticed the people ahead were all clad in uniform black robes that completely concealed themselves.

Moreover, their stances and positions seemed scattered, yet silently formed the shape of a tactical squad—only one person's placement was off.

In any case, this squad must be a ninja team!

"Watch out, these people..."

The leading Mist ninja tried to add a warning, but his complexion changed dramatically in an instant.

"Careful, enemy attack!"

In an instant, countless Kunai whizzed toward them, colliding seemingly at random in the air, even some hitting fellow teammates.

Strangely, after impact the Kunai veered off at impossible angles, completely surrounding them!

"Water Release: Water Formation Wall!"

The Mist ninjas quickly formed seals, and water walls sprang up beside them, blocking the incoming Kunai.

Buzz—

But as the Kunai were just blocked, a whooshing sound quietly arrived!

Water spray flew in all directions, the water walls the Mist ninjas had erected were instantly shattered, and Zai Bu Zhan saw that their squad had been encircled from the outside.

"That style of throwing Kunai, why does it resemble the Uchiha clan's? Who are these guys?"

Zai Bu Zhan thought quickly, but when he saw a silhouette heading straight toward him, he immediately steadied his mind.

"You pretentious fool, I'll tear off your disguise right now!"

Raising the long blade in his hand, he swung down fiercely.

But the man in black moved like a swimming dragon; with a single graceful motion he evaded the attack.

And during the evasion, Zai Bu Zhan couldn't tell if he was hallucinating.

He constantly felt that at the eyes of the hooded figure in black, a red glint shone, casting a long phantom shadow.

"Pretentious fool!"

Zai Bu Zhan shouted angrily, but the next moment he was stunned, having no idea what was happening as his whole body was flung backward!

Only after he was hurled several meters away did he feel a sharp cramp in his abdomen.

"What's going on?"

Though his mind was dazed, he quickly forced himself to become clear.

What made cold sweat pour down his face was that just after he fell to the ground, he already sensed movement behind him!

"You're too slow, huh?"

He gritted his teeth against the intense pain, stood up quickly and tried to leave, but in the instant he turned, he hadn't even had time to draw his blade.

He felt a scorching pain in his back, accompanied by a somewhat familiar, teasing voice.

"That voice... could it be..."

But before he could speak, in the next instant he felt the air vibrate again.

Again his back was struck, and this time he didn't even have a chance to turn!

"What kind of speed is this?!"

Another wave of pain hit his back; Zai Bu Zhan rolled with the momentum and leapt away quickly.

The speed was so fast he couldn't grasp what happened; even face‑to‑face he only saw the opponent's supremely fluid evasion.

The rest, he seemed to have seen nothing at all!

"You haven't made any progress in a whole year, Zai Bu Zhan."

He was pondering when the black silhouette suddenly stopped a short distance away, without attacking.

But this time the black silhouette's words made his body involuntarily shiver.

"Are you… Uchiha Haori?"

"You guess."

Although he got no answer, Zai Bu Zhan's body felt a bit stiff, and his mind could no longer hold back.

It must be him! But why him? How come it's him again?

The bewildered Zai Bu Zhan felt numb all over; before he had also lost, but at least he could still do something.

Why this time he can't even retaliate?

"Impossible!"

Zai Bu Zhan shouted loudly, yet he didn't bother pondering "why Yuzhi is in the Water Country."

Now puzzling over it is useless; better to defeat the opponent quickly, or just run away!

"Water Release: Water Dragon Projectile Technique!"

Zai Bu Zhan quickly formed a seal, but just as he completed one, Yuzhi was already in front of him.

"Too slow."

Bang—

A kick landed straight on Zai Bu Zhan's stomach, sending him flying backward.

The most lethal part was that the kick disrupted his chakra concentration.

Unwilling to give up, Zai Bu Zhan forced himself to keep the seal, gathering chakra again, attempting to unleash the technique.

But the next second, he was completely stunned.

Because Yuzhi's speed was suffocatingly fast, he appeared beside Zai Bu Zhan while he was still flying backward.

Then he grabbed the finger forming the seal and twisted it hard!

Crack—

With the sound of bone breaking, a wave of excruciating pain erupted in Zai Bu Zhan's mind!

"What on earth, what speed is that?"

Zai Bu Zhan crashed heavily onto the ground; looking at his twisted fingers, his whole body was numb.

And at that moment he also noticed his so‑called teammates, each one already lying motionless on the ground. —

"Why are you keeping this guy? Planning to make him your guide as you once said?"

Zai Bu Zhan felt dizzy, but it seemed a woman's voice began to sound.

What's going on?

"Well, this guy is an old acquaintance of mine; we've sparred many times. Though I lose each time, I've heard he's a genius."

Just as Zai Bu Zhan's mind was still reeling, he suddenly heard a familiar voice.

Uchiha Haori!

Suddenly, Zai Bu Zhan's mind seemed to clear considerably.

"Senior, will this guy obey?"

At this moment another voice sounded, and compared with the previous two, this one sounded a bit childish.

"Never mind, if he doesn't listen we can have Yuzhi control him with illusion, but I've heard he's truly a genius and even wiped out everyone his age."

This time the voice sounded lazy, yet for some reason it made Zai Bu Zhan's fists feel a bit firmer.

These people claim to be geniuses, but the contempt in their tone is audible even with eyes closed.

He can't beat Uchiha Haori, he admits that, but what kind of group are you?

"Awake?"

At that moment, Yuzhi's voice sounded again.

"Get up if you're awake; pretending to sleep is useless to us, unless you want us to bury you and your teammates together."

Hearing that, even though Zai Bu Zhan truly had no intention of heeding Uchiha Haori and the others, he still slowly opened his eyes.

It was dusk now; the setting sun cast a golden hue over the mist of the Water Country, and they were no longer by the coast.

"Long time no see, Zai Bu Zhan."

Yuzhi looked down from above at Zai Bu Zhan, even a faint smile appearing on his face.

"This is already our third meeting; although each time has been unpleasant, you should be grateful, because I'm a kind person and I've never killed you."

"."

Yuzhi's words made Zai Bu Zhan's eyebrows twitch, and Hikari, hidden in the gloom, glanced at Yuzhi, "How can you have the nerve to call yourself a kind person?"

Zai Bu Zhan really wanted to speak now, but considering he had only survived before by running fast, he simply couldn't utter the words.

"So you want me to thank you? What is the purpose of you Leaf Village folk running to the Water Country?"

"How loyal you are."

Yuzhi didn't hold back, implying to Zai Bu Zhan that this guy would become a rebel in the future.

"Our purpose here is simple: we want to meet the people of the Takeuchi clan."

"The Takeuchi clan?"

Zai Bu Zhan froze for a moment, then his complexion changed instantly.

"No wonder they want to rebel; it's supported by you Leaf Village, right?"

Hearing his words, Yuzhi and the others exchanged glances; even Mist Village knew about their affairs?

Especially Zhi Shui and Kakashi wore strange expressions; they knew the mission of this operation.

But they were somewhat doubtful inside; for such a large clan to rebel, Yuzhi could guess even from the horizon—no matter how you look at it, it's all rather strange.

But they also trust Yuzhi, are willing to act together, yet now this Zai Bu Zhan proves just how precise Yuzhi's judgment is.

"They've already moved?"

Yuzhi rubbed the spot between his eyebrows; he never thought the Takeuchi clan reliable, but didn't expect them to be so unreliable.

Takeuchi and the Uchiha Clan are considered two great neurotic families in the original work, but the Uchiha's madness is colorful, while this family's madness is single‑minded.

In the end, the two sides are drawn together, even betrayals seem to be known in advance, right?

"You don't know their movements?" Zai Bu Zhan raised an eyebrow.

"Speak plainly, or I'll use illusion to control you." Yuzhi, too lazy to be polite with Zai Bu Zhan, said, "I ask, you answer—it's that simple."

"No, but they have already been monitored."

Zai Bu Zhan looked at the three people before him, all displaying Sharingan, and even Kakashi showed a Sharingan; he decisively spoke.

This matter isn't a secret, just kept from the Takeuchi clan, or rather only they themselves are unaware.

"Senior, this is getting troublesome," Zhi Shui frowned. "This makes it hard for us to contact them."

"Indeed, these Takeuchi people seem overly confident, committing such acts without any sense of secrecy."

Kakashi also nodded nearby; he didn't take Zai Bu Zhan seriously and frowned, saying.

"If this continues, it's hard to say whether they'll expose us, which would be detrimental to Leaf Village."

Zai Bu Zhan lowered his head beside them, thoughts unknown, exposing you would be harmful to Leaf Village.

Damn it, these bastards are definitely going to kill me!

No, we must find a way to escape!

Zai Bu Zhan silently resolved, but now he dares not make any rash moves.

Of the people in front of him, aside from that woman, he has already identified who they are.

"Indeed it's troublesome; let's take it one step at a time."

Yuzhi pondered for a while, then finally made a decision; he has three Side Quest here, how could he abandon them?

But he also needs to consider carefully how best to complete his three Side Quest.

His three mission options are 'Drain the Takeuchi clan', 'Defeat Obito', and 'Destroy Obito's control over Mist Village'.

These three tasks are not simple; defeating Obito is easy, but locating him is troublesome.

Draining the Takeuchi clan takes time, and destroying Obito's control likewise.

Fortunately, Yuzhi didn't plan to handle it all at once; besides, he imagined Mist Village and Obito fighting each other!

At that thought, Yuzhi looked at Zai Bu Zhan: "Take us into Mist Village; can you do it?"

"Do you think I would betray Mist Village?"

Zai Bu Zhan frowned at Yuzhi, his voice cold as he shouted.

"That's no longer up to you."

Yuzhi gently shook his head; his smile remained radiant.

But Zai Bu Zhan sensed a hint of death in his smile, and his hand, placed behind his back, made a gesture toward Zhi Shui.

"Now you have only two choices: first, we directly use illusion to control you; it may seem stiff but it works.

Second, be obedient and we'll get along peacefully; perhaps then I can let you obtain the Ninja Sword you've long coveted.

Honestly, we've known each other so long, and I've said I'm a kind person; I suggest you ultimately choose the second option.

Living isn't easy; why become a walking corpse? Moreover, once you get involved with us in Mist Village, you're already dead.

Don't forget that blood‑mist policy of yours; you personally eliminated all your comrades.

When the time comes, gathering your whole class together isn't a big deal.

You'd better think it over, Zai Bu Zhan.

"."

——

"Are you back? It seems everything went smoothly, doesn't it?"

Mist Village, inside the Mizukage's office.

When a ripple appeared in the space, Obito stepped out from this bizarre void.

After Hei Jue saw the scene, he sat on a chair laughing, while opposite him stood the stunned Fourth Mizukage Guju Yishaku!

Guju Yishaku was completely under control; Hei Jue's method of domination was extremely powerful.

It was formed by combining Yin‑Yang Release with Sharingan illusion, ensuring Guju Yishaku fell fully into the illusion while preventing him from being awakened by a tailed beast.

Perhaps because Ban did not employ a tailed beast, Guju Yishaku had long become a host of a tailed beast, rather than waiting.

Regardless of what choice he made, his fate is now wholly controlled by Obito and Hei Jue.

"It's going smoothly, but Zhi Cun Danzo is fundamentally untrustworthy."

Obito calmly nodded, plopped onto the Mizukage's desk, showing no respect for the so‑called Mizukage.

"Fortunately, this guy harbors hostility toward the Uchiha Clan, which makes everything proceed smoothly."

"That's good, after all, in the eyes of Danzo‑type people, the Uchiha are emotionally unstable and hard to control, while he has a strong desire to dominate."

Hei Jue flattered him subtly; Obito appeared normal, and naturally felt pleased.

"Indeed, the Uchiha are not easily controlled by others."

Obito nodded, but soon glanced at Hei Jue, sensing there was more to that statement.

According to him, the Uchiha's emotional instability is just neurotic, isn't it?

He still recalls the night a mysterious Uchiha woman called him a neurotic.

"By the way, do you have concrete intel on that woman?"

Thinking of this, Obito straightforwardly asked.

You previously said you already had some clues, didn't you?

Still investigating; many things cannot be confirmed now.

Heijue glanced at Obito, then spoke helplessly.

Actually, he now doesn't dare to think further about that woman's matter, because last time he suddenly had an extremely bad premonition.

So many messy eye techniques, plus what Bai Jue told him about that mark which can cast genjutsu and also drain chakra.

This made him unconsciously think of a technique—Infinite Tsukuyomi.

Therefore he really doesn't dare to think further, even though he seems to have some vague memories in his mind, but he worries that thinking further will cause problems.

After all, who knows whether this is actually his 'fourth sister' or the chakra his mother accidentally lost.

Anyway, whatever type it is, he doesn't dare keep thinking about it for now; at least let him get more exposure first.

"Or have Obito bring the seal back."

Thinking of this, Hei Jue's heart surged, and he had been mulling over the matter during this time.

"It's been that long and still no information—how infuriating!"

Obito muttered under his breath; he had no idea that Hei Jue was already keeping him in mind.

"Fine, you said their eye power shouldn't hold out long, and they previously used Susanoo."

"Although I don't know how much longer they can last, I'm sure they absolutely won't be able to endure!"

Obito really got beaten down a bit; every meeting ends with a beating, and each encounter with him is extremely terrible.

Even though he's still actively planning how to deal with Yuzhi and the others, actually facing those two makes him feel a bit apprehensive.

"They can't hold out; rest assured, you really shouldn't be afraid—they have no way to deal with you either."

Hei Jue was still considering having Obito deal with Hikari to obtain the seal, wondering why Obito is already so cowardly now.

"With us helping you, you really don't need to worry so much."

"Alright, let's drop that. How's the Kumquat Arrow Warehouse now?"

Obito nodded, internally acknowledging Hei Jue's words, but his gaze also turned toward the Fourth Mizukage.

"His current control is fine, right?"

"Rest assured, there's no problem at all."

Hei Jue was still very confident in his own control; he nodded and said with a smile.

"He now follows your orders completely; as long as he's there, the entire Mist Village will be yours!"

"Hmm, that's good."

Obito nodded, but felt a bit self‑deprecating; he once longed to become Hokage, yet now he has become the true 'Mizukage'.

Fortunately, he didn't mind; once he builds his own world, he can certainly become its sole ruler.

He will inevitably become that world's Hokage, that world's hero, the happiest person in that world!

Everything he's doing now is in pursuit of that, and he spares no sacrifice, no matter the cost.

"Rin, Kakashi, wait for me; I'll be there right away."

Obito thought to himself, but this Rin and Kakashi aren't the ones from the real world; that real world has long lost any meaning for him!

"Got it, got it!"

Just as Obito was pondering, the ground suddenly churned, and a Bai Jue stuck its head out.

"Hmm, Obito, you're back, and something just happened."

"Don't call me Obito; I am now Madara Uchiha!"

Obito frowned, but then asked.

"What happened? Be direct."

"According to intel, someone has arrived in the Land of Water, and they all seem quite powerful."

Bai Jue didn't pay attention to Obito's words, but continued speaking.

"They seem to have taken out an ANBU tactical squad without even triggering any alarm; now those people should be approaching the village soon."

"A mysterious squad ran into Mist Village?"

Obito frowned at the words and turned his head toward Hei Jue beside him.

"How could this happen? Didn't I already say we should seal off the Land of Water?"

"The order was issued only recently, and many matters can't be dealt with yet, especially some clans are resisting fiercely."

Hei Jue had no solution either; he spread his hands and said.

"Besides that, the Land of Water's coastline is so long that setting up defenses takes time, so it's not finished yet."

"Is that so? Then do it quickly."

Obito frowned, and finally nodded.

"Catch those guys who ran up here; I want to find out what kind of people dare to cause trouble on my territory."

"And those so‑called clans, if they don't obey—"

Obito's gaze turned cold at that moment, as if he already regarded the Land of Water as his own domain.

"Then wipe them all out; I don't need disobedient people!"

Hei Jue was left dumbfounded by those words; he now had only one thought.

"You really are a lunatic. —"

"Ahead lies the current stronghold of the Taketori clan."

Outside Mist Village, in a very remote corner, Zai Bu Zan pointed ahead and whispered.

In the end, Zai Bu Zan still compromised.

Perhaps considering that the village's blood‑mist policy was truly terrifying, that terror was inexplicably magnified infinitely at that moment.

His contact with Yuzhi and the others would inevitably entangle him in unimaginable burdens, and at that moment his heart kept flashing with those seven Ninja Swords.

In the end, he gritted his teeth, stamped his foot, and became this rebel!

Even though he himself felt a bit impulsive, he still did it.

Fortunately, the four people with Yuzhi were to meet the Bamboo Cutter Clan, which dwells on the village's outskirts, and that wasn't difficult for him.

So after a few days, his competent guide party had already led the people to their positions.

"Kakashi, use a ninja dog to scout a bit and roughly pinpoint where those watchers are located."

Yuzhi gazed into the distance and softly said to Kakashi.

"Got it, I'll be back right away."

Kakashi nodded, and his figure immediately vanished into the thicket.

"What exactly are you all planning to do?"

Zai Bu Zhan could no longer hold back at this moment, and he whispered.

"You all know why they're being watched yet you still came; even if you wanted to support their rebellion, this could never be done. Are you out of your minds?"

"No, it's your brain that's the problem now."

Yuzhi glanced at Zai Bu Zhan and couldn't help but mutter a snide remark in his mind.

Because at this moment Zai Bu Zhan was already affected by Zhi Shui's illusion!

Zhi Shui's Bie Tian Gods come in two forms: one that directly overwrites, and one that exerts a continuous influence.

Yuzhi's gesture to Zhi Shui was prearranged, prompting him to use the continuously affecting Bie Tian God.

San Chuan is a resolute warrior; even someone like Danzo, a half‑baked individual, can be swayed by this eye.

Zhi Shui himself is the perfect match for this eye; using it to influence a young Zai Bu Zhan is far from easy.

Without dealing a severe blow to Zai Bu Zhan, besides Yuzhi needing a 'guide party', there's also the notion of keeping this guy to bite at Obito.

Anyway, this guy will become a rebel in the future, and he's the first 'BOSS' to appear among the Hokage, so he does have some strength.

Except that his sealing speed is somewhat worrisome.

"I naturally have my own ideas; you don't need to overthink that."

Yuzhi shook his head; along the way he had clarified his thoughts on this Mist Village operation and knew exactly what to do.

"By the way, how much do you know about your village's Yuan Shi?"

"Yuan Shi… Elder?"

Zai Bu Zhan frowned, and his complexion changed dramatically the next instant.

"What are you planning? You're not thinking of assassinating him, are you?"

The Yuan Shi is the authority in Mist Village second only to the Mizukage; in the original story during the era of Mist Village's shadowlessness, he controlled the entire village's affairs.

If a Five Kage Summit isn't convened, a shadow must attend; otherwise, it seems that Mei Mei would have to wait until after his death to become the fifth Mizukage.

"How could I possibly assassinate one of our own?"

Yuzhi flashed an inexplicable smile, causing Zai Bu Zhan to break out in cold sweat.

"Is this Yuan Shi, that Elder, a person from the Leaf Village?"

"How could that be?"

"I told you, you have a chance to become one of the Ninja Sword Seven."

Yuzhi decisively began to paint a picture, patting Zai Bu Zhan's shoulder as he said.

"The opportunity is right before you now; how you seize it is up to you."

As his words fell, Yuzhi said no more; Hikari and Zhi Shui's gazes turned toward them.

Although the two were puzzled by what Yuzhi and Zai Bu Zhan meant, they knew it wasn't the time for questions.

And at that very moment, Kakashi had already returned—

Zhutake Hengjiu, the current Clan Leader of the Bamboo Cutter Clan, is an ambitious man.

The Bamboo Cutter Clan's discontent with Mist Village has persisted for a long time; before the third war began, they already harbored thoughts of rebellion.

However, due to practical constraints, they could not accomplish any of it.

Now that the war is over, many Bamboo Cutter Clan members who fought have gained experience, and that extreme thirst for battle makes Zhutake Hengjiu feel more confident.

In his view, the Bamboo Cutter Clan is the strongest presence in Mist Village!

Their clan members are fearless of death, they fight to the death without cease, and their might terrifies everyone in Mist Village!

The problem is that such deeds require ample material foundations; the Land of Water is already resource‑scarce, and the Mizukage strictly controls strategic supplies.

This forces him to purchase through external markets, but unfortunately they've run into trouble now.

"Damned Mizukage, they're blockading the Land of Water; they absolutely intend to cut off our route!"

Zhutake Hengjiu shouted in anger, and those around him each appeared especially brutal.

"Clan Leader, do you think that Land of Fire merchant will come as promised?"

Although their madness runs deep, they still possess basic analytical abilities as ninjas.

Honestly, if the Bamboo Cutter Clan's bloodline limit weren't hard to awaken, they wouldn't need so much so‑called war material at all!

"Those so‑called merchants are simply not to be trusted."

Zhutake Hengjiu snorted coldly, his gaze full of anger and resentment.

"They're just money‑greedy trash; if they truly come, perhaps I'll hold them in higher regard."

"Damned Mizukage, I really want to kill him outright!"

Zhutake Hengjiu doesn't think the Fire Nation merchants who previously contacted them, claiming to supply strategic resources, can do anything.

The Bamboo Cutter Clan isn't short of money; they could even be said to be wealthy.

After all, they're a lineage that has thrived for millennia; even though forced into the Land of Water, their family wealth has always been abundant.

But in the Land of Fire, this kind of place? Their problems have instead turned into not being able to spend their money.

Even now, it's difficult for them to purchase anything; how can they not feel angry?

Huh?

Just as Zhuqu Hengjiu's heart was filled with resentment, he suddenly noticed something.

He abruptly turned around and suddenly discovered that behind him, two mysterious figures wearing hoods and draped in black cloaks had appeared at some point!

Who are they?

Looking at the suddenly appearing figures, Zhuqu Hengjiu remained silent, but the few people beside him let out a shout.

In the next moment, they immediately started fighting without hesitation!

The Bamboo Cutter Clan are extremely violent and cruel, and they also have a very prominent trait: extreme belligerence.

Upon discovering these two, their first thought was not to call others to join the battle, but to directly engage themselves.

These people

Yuzhi also didn't expect this scene for a moment; the madness of these people seemed even stronger than he had imagined.

Hikari also seemed somewhat surprised; these people's first reaction would actually be like this.

However, such an attack is nothing to the two of them; they merely raised their heads slightly, and in an instant their scarlet Sharingan unfolded!

Sharingan?

Zhuqu Hengjiu did not act immediately; he naturally saw those eyes clearly, and the next moment he saw his subordinates collapsing one by one onto the ground.

Such an eerie sight did not make him feel fearful; instead, it further ignited his desire to fight.

With just a flash, he rushed to the two of them and fiercely swung his fist at them!

Hmph.

Facing someone who launched such a direct attack, Yuzhi let out a cold snort.

His instant Sharingan had already captured the guy's attack trajectory; no matter how fast the guy's attack speed, in his eyes it was just that.

He slightly sidestepped, and Yuzhi dodged the guy's attack.

At the same time, Yuzhi drew a kunai and viciously stabbed it into his arm!

Zhuqu Hengjiu instantly felt the pain, and Yuzhi then stepped on his fist, pressing down hard.

Boom!

That terrifying punch slammed into the ground, blasting a huge hole in the floor, even shaking the house a bit.

Calming down a bit, Zhuqu Hengjiu?

Yuzhi looked indifferently at the sturdy-built person before him, who had a strange hairstyle and two red items on his eyebrows resembling cinnabar.

His voice also turned somewhat cold, while Hikari said nothing, tacitly drawing a kunai and pressing it against Zhuqu Hengjiu's throat.

In just a moment, the Clan Leader of the Bamboo Gatherer Clan was already pinned down by the two of them!

Who are you?

Zhuqu Hengjiu never expected that he would be dealt with by the two of them in an instant?

Even though he wasn't fully serious, hadn't used much strength, and the cramped space prevented him from unleashing his abilities.

But even if he struck casually, it's definitely not something an ordinary person can easily handle.

This time, he had to become alert.

We are the merchants from the Land of Fire you speak of.

Yuzhi's voice remained as calm as ever.

"Do you still think we're money-grubbing trash now?"

——

"Ming, now is not the time to zone out."

In the Land of Water, inside a towering building, Yuanshi looked at the girl before him and couldn't help shaking his head.

This girl is a rare genius of Mist Village, possessing two bloodline limits; if developed, she will surely become a pillar of Mist Village!

"Sorry, Elder, I was just thinking about some problems."

Zhaomei Ming quickly came to her senses, she gave an embarrassed laugh.

"What are you thinking about, why don't you tell me?"

Yuanshi also didn't mind; at her age, Zhaomei Ming still needs training in study and combat, and his expectations for her are very high.

"I've been thinking about the Mizukage's recent policies, such as blocking the Land of Water."

Zhaomei Ming hesitated a moment, then spoke up to ask.

"The Land of Water's supplies are somewhat scarce now; isn't doing this not a good idea?"

"Every policy has its own meaning behind it; you're still young and need to learn more."

Yuanshi hesitated upon hearing this, and could only give a vague answer.

He didn't approve of the proposal to block the Land of Water in his heart, but it was an order from the Mizukage.

Even if he had the same authority as the Mizukage, his priority would always be second.

He actually guessed that the reason the Mizukage issued this order was for the Bamboo Gatherer Clan.

This clan is truly restless; there were already signs before the Third War broke out, but the war interrupted all of that.

And now, this group of people disliked by the village has shown an increasingly obvious trend.

Obviously, blocking the Land of Water aims to cut off their route to obtain war supplies from outside, but doing so is not good for the entire Land of Water.

Yuanshi didn't know what the Mizukage was thinking, especially since the Mizukage has recently become somewhat strange.

Unless there is something important to report, he sees nobody.

Even Yuanshi hasn't had the chance to discuss some issues of Mist Village with the Mizukage lately.

"If it goes on like this, it's not a good thing."

Yuan Shi sighed inwardly, but at this moment Zhao Meiming suddenly lifted her head and asked curiously.

"Is it because of the Bamboo Cutter clan's problem?"

"Hmm?"

Yuan Shi was startled for a moment, then asked more seriously.

"Did you receive any news?"

"Actually, everyone in the village can see that the Bamboo Cutter clan has been very restless lately."

Zhao Meiming pursed her lips, sighed, and began to speak.

"If this continues, I'm afraid in a few years they'll take some dangerous action."

Why wait years? With their temperament, they probably won't hold back even in a year!

Yuan Shi muttered to himself, admitting that his skill was still high; in the original work, this group likely began acting at this point.

In the end they faced total clan annihilation, with only a Jun Ma Luo who defected being picked up and taken away by the passing Orochimaru.

"You don't need to worry about these matters; with us watching, there will definitely be no problems."

Yuan Shi ultimately didn't say it, but smiled and comforted the young Zhao Meiming.

Only while Yuan Shi was teaching Zhao Meiming, on the eaves of this towering building, a crow silently observed everything.

And one of the crow's eyes bore the Sharingan pattern.

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