Takuya Yagami, who had prepared in advance, donned his raincoat as he patrolled his assigned area.
This night, he was destined to have very little rest, either patrolling on the move or being on guard during his rounds.
"Mizukage-sama, we should launch an all-out attack. Konoha's losses are immense; if we launch the offensive now, we can definitely breach the borders of the Fire Country."
"And then what?"
The Third Mizukage looked completely uninterested, even yawning right in front of the gathered Jonin.
Yagura was so frustrated he almost lost his cool, but he kept his composure and continued, "Mizukage-sama, Konoha's forces have taken significant losses. There's no way they can hold their long coastal defense lines. Before Konoha's reinforcements arrive, this is an excellent opportunity."
What has gotten into Mizukage-sama?
He randomly showed up at the frontline, claiming to oversee the battle, even bringing along the Jinchūriki, sacrificing them to unleash the two tailed beasts upon Konoha, which had dealt them a heavy blow.
But no matter how much Yagura tried, he couldn't convince the Third Mizukage, who seemed intent on his own plans.
To everyone's surprise, the results were actually favorable. Konoha had been caught off guard and suffered major losses, forcing them to retreat and establish defensive lines deeper inland. The harsh weather played to the advantage of the Mist Ninjas, perfect for launching an invasion of the Fire Country.
Yet, at this crucial juncture, the Third Mizukage decided to back off.
The invasion could proceed, but only in a limited scope.
"Are you questioning my decision?"
The once yawning Third Mizukage's aura suddenly shifted, as if he were a fierce beast staring Yagura down.
"I wouldn't dare!"
Yagura bowed his head and offered a resigned apology.
"Hmph!"
Due to Yagura's repeated persuasion, the Third Mizukage seemed to grow impatient.
"I know what you're thinking, Yagura, but you are still too young. Even if we breached the borders of the Fire Country, what then? When Konoha's reinforcements arrive, do you really think we could withstand their counterattack?"
"Now is the time to wait. I am confident that Sunagakure has seen our sincerity. The Third Kazekage will surely declare war on Konoha."
Invade the Fire Country?
What would be the point of that?
To the Third Mizukage, whether Mist Village's shinobi set foot in the Fire Country wasn't the priority. What mattered more was dragging other villages into the fray.
The Sand Village would undoubtedly join the fight, and ideally, both the Stone and Cloud Villages would get involved to make things truly chaotic.
If Sunagakure declared war on Konoha, it would force Konoha into a two-front battle, which would be the ideal outcome. For now, though, Yagura was convinced that pressing the attack was more important and protested, "Mizukage-sama, even if Sunagakure agrees to fight, it won't necessarily benefit us. Mist Village needs to invade the Fire Country."
"Enough!"
The Third Mizukage snapped.
"Yagura, I am the Mizukage. Are you suggesting that you wish to override my command?"
"I wouldn't dare."
Faced with such accusations, Yagura backed down.
"I will make the decisions here. You seem tired, Yagura. Perhaps it's best for you to return to the village with a contingent and protect it, in case of another invasion."
Yagura just wasn't getting it.
The Third Mizukage had made up his mind to send him back to the village so this shorty wouldn't keep getting in the way of his plans.
"Uh..."
Yagura was stunned, unable to believe that he had essentially been relieved of his position.
The rest of the command unit were equally shocked. No one had expected that Yagura's persistence would lead to the Third Mizukage's irritation, resulting in him being reassigned to the village.
It seemed rather rash to casually strip someone of their command like this.
Many wondered, but no one dared to speak up for Yagura.
The war had been dragging on for so long, and Mist Village had been stuck in a cycle of frustration, with more and more people becoming dissatisfied with Yagura. Under such circumstances, no one wanted to intercede on his behalf.
"I'm tired. Carry out the plan as I have stated. Yagura, gather your belongings and return."
Waving his hand dismissively, the Third Mizukage had no interest in any further discussion and left the command center.
The others began to disperse, leaving Yagura standing there, dumbfounded.
"Hahaha, I knew Yagura would end up like this!"
"All those so-called attrition tactics, those invasion plans—all useless!"
"Shh, keep your voice down. Yagura won't hesitate to kill you if he hears."
"Afraid of what? He's lost the Mizukage's favor. Do you think Yagura still holds the same authority he once had?"
Wherever there are people, there is conflict. Where there's conflict, there's strife.
Even in the relatively stable environment of Konoha, there are all kinds of intrigues and rivalries. If that's true for Konoha, imagine how it is for the Mist Village, where bloodline conflicts are intense.
Many were already dissatisfied with Yagura, who had acted as the Mizukage's executioner for so long. He had become the blade in the Mizukage's hand, gaining absolute authority at the cost of losing popularity, alienating many in the process.
Few, if any, lamented Yagura's removal. Some even openly laughed at him.
With his enthusiasm extinguished by the Third Mizukage's cold response, Yagura departed from the battlefield, disheartened, making his way back to the Mist Village.
Despite Yagura's forced departure, Mist Village's invasion plan was set into motion. However, the Third Mizukage opted against the large-scale offensive Yagura had recommended, instead deciding on a limited incursion.
With ease, Takuya Yagami's Kusanagi Sword pierced the enemy's heart. He didn't even bother looking at his fallen opponent, simply shaking the blood off his weapon as he muttered to himself, puzzled, "What are the Mist Ninjas plotting? Only three squads showed up all night."
Something was definitely off.
Takuya's assigned area was vast, but his sensory abilities were strong. As long as he kept up his rounds without slacking, any enemies entering his domain would fall, unable to infiltrate the Fire Country. All who attempted were slain by his sword.
Yet despite all these successes, Takuya felt no sense of satisfaction.
There were simply too few enemies.
It made no sense.
Konoha had suffered a major defeat, their losses severe, with barely half their forces capable of fighting.
Including those guarding the camp, the number of ninja available for defense was pitifully small.
Otherwise, why else would someone like Takuya be left in charge of such a large area?
Under these circumstances, if the Mist Ninjas had even a shred of tactical sense, they would have launched an all-out invasion, breaching Konoha's defenses and marching straight into the Fire Country.
Even if the supplies looted couldn't be taken back, causing widespread destruction would still be effective. If the losses were too great, the Daimyo of the Fire Country would surely hold Konoha's leadership accountable.
Mist Village wouldn't waste such a golden opportunity.
Yet here they were...
Patrolling for most of the night, Takuya had encountered only three squads, and none of them were anything special. It felt strange.
"Are they focusing their forces on another region?"