Thank you for being my patron.
The List of The "ANBU" Member:
-Korron Hightower
-YoungPhxntom
-Z3kChrome
-Auzzo
-Robert Thompson
-ar4ngel
-Nako
-Abhinav Ankur
-Jay Singh
-Fuad Mammadov
-Cain
You can read 40 chapters ahead of everyone on p@treon.
P@TREON - p@treon.com/lessaservantofcosmos
(just replace the "@" with "a")
ps: Please support me on P@treon. I can really use your help!
-------------------------------------------------------------
In the Village Hidden in the Mist.
Within the dense white fog, a calm-faced young man walked quietly along the road.
His gray hair, red pupils, and the scar on his cheek unmistakably identified him—it was Yagura, who had previously appeared in the Mizukage's office.
The surroundings were silent, with only the sound of his footsteps echoing softly.
Suddenly, his steps came to a halt.
Without changing his expression, he glanced at a dark corner behind him and spoke in a low voice, "Jūzō, is there a reason you're secretly following me?"
The thick mist behind him slowly dispersed, revealing a tall, black-haired man with a cross-shaped scar on his face, giving him a fierce look.
However, Jūzō didn't show any hostility toward Yagura. Instead, he let out a hoarse laugh and said, "You noticed me, Yagura. As expected, your perception is still as sharp as ever."
Yagura remained expressionless, crossing his arms as he glanced at Jūzō and replied coldly, "You still haven't explained your intentions. If the Mizukage finds out about your actions, he may suspect something, and even I might get involved."
He gave Jūzō a brief glance and continued, "So, what do you want?"
Hearing Yagura's indifferent tone, Jūzō narrowed his eyes and smirked, his voice low and cryptic. "Even after all this, you're still speaking up for him?"
Yagura remained cold and silent.
Jūzō fixed his gaze on Yagura and continued, "Being forced to become the Three-Tails' Jinchūriki, don't you harbor any resentment?"
"If I remember correctly, you were investigating certain things in the village before. Do you think there's a connection between your becoming a Jinchūriki and your past actions?"
Yagura's expression turned even colder as he responded indifferently, "I don't think that's any of your concern. My problems are my own to deal with."
A glint flashed in Jūzō's eyes as he said sternly, "Do you really think this is still just your problem, Yagura? You should have noticed by now—the man sitting in the Mizukage's chair isn't the same person we once knew."
Yagura's eyes narrowed as he turned to look at Jūzō and asked, "What do you know?"
Jūzō gave a sinister smile, avoiding the question as he replied, "It doesn't matter what I know. What matters is who has the guts to openly control the Mizukage. But honestly, it's all irrelevant to me. To me, this is actually a good thing. After all, I've had enough of this stifling village. If someone dares to challenge the Hōzuki Clan's authority, we'll have more opportunities, won't we?"
Yagura's eyes tightened slightly as he furrowed his brow and said coldly, "You're aiming for the position of Mizukage!"
Jūzō smiled without denying it, raising his hands and replying in a hoarse voice, "What's wrong with that? Do you think Kisame and the others don't have similar thoughts? The so-called Seven Ninja Swordsmen... a mere title won't satisfy their ambitions!"
Yagura's gaze turned icy as he responded sternly, "Arrogant ambition must be matched with sufficient strength. Do you think you're qualified?"
Jūzō waved his hand dismissively and said, "We can discuss that later. After all, the one behind the scenes hasn't shown their true face yet."
"I came to you today to propose an alliance. After all, you were the first to notice something was wrong with the Mizukage. Unlike the others, who still believe they're following the same leader."
Yagura's expression softened slightly, lowering his guard. Without hesitation, he turned and began walking away.
"Sorry, I have my own ways of solving these problems. I'm not interested in joining forces with anyone."
"As a former comrade, I'll give you some advice—don't rashly provoke the one behind all this. He's not someone you can handle at your current level."
With that, he calmly disappeared into the thick fog.
Jūzō made no move to stop him, simply watching Yagura's departing figure with a faint smile, muttering to himself, "Even you are this cautious, Yagura?"
"It seems the Hidden Mist has truly attracted a formidable presence."
He slowly turned his head, glancing at the towering black structure in the distance, a subtle hint of seriousness hidden in his eyes.
In the Land of Fire.
While the shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village were still shocked by Aizen's involvement in the war, an attack beyond their imagination was already being prepared.
Amid the lush forest, everything was eerily silent.
Among the tall trees, if one looked closely, they would notice the complete absence of bird or animal activity—it was unnervingly quiet.
An experienced ninja would immediately recognize something was amiss.
Only human intrusion could cause such stillness.
"Lord Tsuchikage, we've reached the barrier surrounding the Hidden Leaf Village. Our forces are in position. Should we attack now?"
High in the treetops, a figure blending with the branches respectfully asked.
Onoki, the small elderly man floating in midair, stared intently into the distance, his sharp eyes reflecting deep thought.
"Send word to Rasa to have the troops rest. We'll strike when night falls."
The figure hesitated slightly but asked, "But, Lord Tsuchikage, with so many of us here, isn't there a risk of being discovered before nightfall?"
Onoki cut him off before he could finish.
"After several days of marching, the troops are tired. Attacking the Leaf Village in this state would be reckless."
"Spread the word—have the Genjutsu squad extend their illusions to allow as many shinobi as possible to rest."
"In this battle, I will ensure that the Iwa forces utterly crush the Leaf Village in one blow!"
Hearing Onoki's words, the Iwa-nin replied, "Understood, Lord Tsuchikage!"
With that, the figure vanished.
Onoki remained floating in midair, his gaze fixed on the distance as he muttered, "Leaf Village... it's time for you to taste Iwa's vengeance."