Yakushi Nono suddenly felt a pang of regret.
The man before her was utterly insane. He actually planned to use the tailed beasts!
Those were tailed beasts—legends portrayed them as nearly synonymous with "disasters." The appearance of even one could cause a disaster.
Although the nations had sealed the tailed beasts within the Jinchūriki to effectively control these "disasters," no nation dared to use their power recklessly.
Even with the seals, Jinchūriki could still lose control and go berserk.
If this power were to leak out, the rampaging tailed beasts could easily obliterate an entire nation, leaving rivers of blood in their wake!
Thus, despite the constant frictions between nations, they consciously restrained themselves. If the power of the tailed beasts ever interfered, it could easily trigger the already tense nerves, escalating the situation instantly and igniting the Third Ninja World War!
"Excuse me, Lord Sogetsu."
Yakushi Nono didn't want to see another war. She bit her lip tightly, her face stiff. "Your idea is too dangerous. You must consult the Hokage first!"
"I don't believe I gave you the right to refuse."
Uchiha Sogetsu's face showed a hint of confusion as he spoke lightly, "Since war is inevitable, why not let me start it?"
Yakushi Nono's body trembled, her eyes gradually losing focus, becoming as empty as a puppet's.
"I understand, Lord Sogetsu."
Her eyes were glazed over, a new will deeply imprinted in her mind, distorting her own thoughts.
Hypnosis +1.
Seeing the number appear before him, Uchiha Sogetsu was satisfied.
Yakushi Nono was just another pawn for his future plans.
As her figure disappeared, White Zetsu slowly emerged from the ground like bamboo shoots after spring. He glanced at the three ninja swords on the ground, then looked at Uchiha Sogetsu with a pitiful expression, the meaning clear.
"They're yours," Uchiha Sogetsu said, rubbing his temples, too lazy to argue, and waved his hand dismissively.
"Hehehe, thank you, Lord Sogetsu!"
White Zetsu appeared delighted, gathering three more ninja swords.
It was an odd sight, seeing four ninja swords strapped to its back haphazardly. With its green head, the image was truly comical.
"It's time to move out, White Zetsu."
Uchiha Sogetsu consulted the map. "Our next destination is Kirigakure to meet the Mizukage."
"Uh, Sogetsu, aren't we being a bit too bold?" Even the fearless White Zetsu couldn't help but sweat a few drops upon hearing they were heading to Kirigakure next.
He asked cautiously, "And wouldn't it be risky to reveal our goal of collecting tailed beasts so soon?"
He had seen arrogance before and encountered those with audacious plans.
Having followed Uchiha Madara for so long, he had heard countless tales of conquest over the ninja world and the bond with Hashirama.
But this was the first time he witnessed someone openly march into another village and declare their intent to stir up trouble.
"Who said I'm collecting tailed beasts?"
Uchiha Sogetsu looked puzzled and replied.
"Then why did you send that woman to search for traces of the Three-Tails, Isobu?"
White Zetsu scratched his head. He wasn't particularly sharp and had no clue about Uchiha Sogetsu's intentions.
"Didn't I already explain?"
Uchiha Sogetsu paused and smiled. "I'm here to stir things up under the Hokage's orders."
"Well, I doubt the Hokage meant for you to interpret it that way." White Zetsu wiped away imaginary sweat, muttering with a bewildered expression, "You're clearly using the Hokage's orders as an excuse~"
"Haha, what's the difference, really?"
Uchiha Sogetsu smiled faintly and adjusted his glasses. "He's given me the go-ahead, and if anything goes wrong, it's the Hokage who'll bear the brunt."
The Hokage's orders are one thing; how he interprets them is another.
As for any misunderstandings, what concern is that of ours?
If there's a problem, it should naturally be taken up by the Hokage!
The leader. Isn't it his role to shoulder the blame at times like this?
White Zetsu, standing beside him, caught the sinister glint in Uchiha Sogetsu's smile, as though the devil himself were grinning. Anticipating the events about to unfold, White Zetsu couldn't help but shiver.
"I hope Lord Madara can keep his blood pressure in check after learning about this."
White Zetsu stroked his chin, finding following Uchiha Sogetsu far more intriguing than following Lord Madara!
"Asshole!!!"
The wooden tabletop shattered under a fierce slap, accompanied by a furious roar.
The Third Mizukage, seated on the chair, nearly blacked out after a glance at the intel from the Anbu. He struggled to recover, took a deep breath, and then smashed the table in rage.
Veins bulged on his forehead, facial muscles contorted in anger, eyes icy cold as he gritted through clenched teeth: "Konoha has gone too far! Sarutobi Hiruzen doesn't take us seriously!"
Just yesterday, there were still six of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen!
Now there are only three! Three in total!
Damn the Uchiha, damn Konoha Village!
Do you know how much effort it took to assemble the Seven Ninja Swordsmen?
It was like investing heavily, drawing all seven SSR characters from a limited pool, thinking they could strike at Konoha, push back the Cloud Ninja, and dominate the world thereafter.
Who could have guessed that with the update, those SSRs instantly turned into Rs, and four of them were slaughtered by others alone!
The remaining "Lucky Three Treasures" now stood in the office, staring at the "battle report" on the table, exchanging bewildered glances.
"We must avenge this!"
The Mizukage contained his anger, his gaze sweeping over the remaining three with a gloomy, hoarse voice. "This is a provocation! It's also a threat! At this point, that man must pay with blood!"
The highest leader spoke, staring directly at the trio. The message was unmistakably clear.
Yet the three remaining shinobi seemed to consider retreat at this critical juncture.
Were they joking? The trail of bloodshed was clear—were they rushing to their deaths?
Ninjas may embrace sacrifice, and the Mist Ninjas favors cold efficiency, but only when the odds are meaningful and the fight is equitable.
Rather than recklessly charging into certain defeat.
Fuguki Suikazant glanced at the comrade beside him, murmuring lowly, "Hey, Jūzō, didn't you mention your blade's thirst long ago?"
"No, not thirsty now, thanks." Jūzō Biwa's lips twitched, swiftly shifting the focus, "Raiga, I trust you can handle him!"
A cross expression etched on Raiga Kurosuki's forehead as he retorted sharply, "Nonsense. We either strike together or not at all. That man is clearly beyond our league. Unless we gather three squads, it's best not to tangle with that cursed fellow."
Upon hearing this, the Mizukage grew visibly displeased, his gaze narrowing on Raiga, "Are you suggesting that the esteemed Village Hidden in the Mist cannot defeat a mere Uchiha Jonin?"
"Based on current intelligence, yes."
Raiga Kurosuki didn't mince words, "From the scene's devastation, he excels not just in Taijutsu, but in ninjutsu and genjutsu as well. Even Onihei, Kushimaru Kuriarare, and Jinin Akebino fell to him. Dealing with him would likely require four to six Jonin."
Though blunt, Raiga's assessment left the Mizukage speechless.
He had to concede that Raiga made a valid point. The intelligence suggested Uchiha Sogetsu's abilities surpassed ordinary Jonin levels; he is likely to be near Kage-level, adept in ninjutsu, genjutsu, and Taijutsu.
Sending a lone Jonin against him would only add to Uchiha Sogetsu's tally.
To confront him, they needed a decisive blow.
"Very well. I authorize it."
The Mizukage exhaled deeply, a fierce glint in his eyes, "When necessary, you may employ 'Isobu's' power."
********
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