Chapter 36: Mist Ninjas Don't Deceive Mist Ninjas!
In the Mizukage's building, shadows filled the room as nearly all of Kirigakure's Jonin gathered.
"Hey, Jonin Akun, do you know why the Mizukage called all of us here?" one Jonin whispered.
"Why are you asking me? Go away, don't interrupt my rap practice!"
"This is the most lively the village has been in ages! Ever since the Bloody Mist policy was reinstated, it's been so quiet."
"Quiet down! Are you crazy? You dare mention the Bloody Mist policy openly?"
"Where's the Mizukage? Haven't we been waiting long enough?"
The Jonin murmured among themselves, forming small groups according to their relationships. Meanwhile, a figure slowly entered from the doorway.
"It's Lord Genshi!" someone gasped.
The assembled Jonin watched in awe as an elderly man with a wrinkled face and nearly toothless grin hobbled past, leaning heavily on his cane. This was Genshi, an elder of Kirigakure. Out of respect, the Jonin parted to make a path for him as he made his way to the elder's seat beside the Mizukage's chair.
Not long after, the Fourth Mizukage finally appeared, walking into the hall with his usual stern expression.
"I won't waste time on small talk," he said in a commanding tone. "Let's get straight to the point. Where is the Jonin from the Taketori Clan?"
Taketori Shika, the leader of the clan, looked around, clearly perplexed. "Mizukage-sama, is there something you need from the Taketori Clan?"
"Hmph," the Mizukage sneered. "Doesn't the Taketori Clan know what they've done? Or do you need me to spell it out for you?"
Taketori Shika felt uneasy, sensing the hostility in the Mizukage's words. However, he kept his composure, replying in a level tone, "Mizukage-sama, if you have something to say, please speak plainly."
"'Plainly'? Fine. It seems the Taketori Clan head won't shed tears until he sees the coffin!" The Mizukage's face twisted into a cold smile.
With a wave of his hand, a masked ANBU ninja suddenly appeared before the gathered crowd. The Jonin exchanged confused glances, wondering what this was all about.
Right from the start, the Mizukage and Taketori Shika seemed to be at odds, speaking in riddles that left everyone unsure whose side to take. Even if they wanted to intervene, they had no idea how.
As the tension mounted, Taketori Shika clenched his fists. He was a proud leader who wouldn't stand down. Yet he had no idea what the Mizukage was accusing him of, and he realized he had let the Mizukage's words lead him into a trap.
The Mizukage's tactics left the impression that Taketori Shika had committed a grave offense, and now, he was being given an opportunity to atone. Many Jonin, picking up on the implications, were now fully attentive, curious about what Taketori Shika could have done to provoke the Mizukage's ire.
"Remove your mask and report to everyone on the investigation I assigned you," the Mizukage said, looking down at the ANBU ninja kneeling before him.
"Yes, Mizukage-sama." The ANBU slowly removed his mask, revealing a sharp, shark-like face.
"Ah! Isn't that Hoshigaki Kaisho, the prodigy of the Hoshigaki Clan?"
"Yes, that's him! I thought he was dead—turns out he joined the ANBU!"
Recognizing the face, many Jonin murmured among themselves, dredging up old memories.
"As you all know, the Hoshigaki Clan is renowned throughout the ninja world for their honesty," the Mizukage said, addressing the crowd. "For generations, they have upheld our village's principle: 'Mist ninjas don't deceive other Mist ninjas.' I don't need to elaborate on this point; many of you have heard of their reputation, and some may even have firsthand experience."
After ensuring the crowd's attention, the Mizukage turned to Kaisho. "Now, Kaisho, tell everyone what you found out about Taketori Shika."
"Yes, Mizukage-sama." Kaisho stood up, facing the gathered Jonin, his gaze particularly sharp as it focused on Taketori Shika, filled with resentment.
"A while ago, Mizukage-sama suspected that the Taketori Clan might be colluding with Konoha, betraying our village by secretly undermining our strength to weaken Kirigakure," Kaisho began. "At first, I was skeptical, as the Taketori Clan has been a part of Kirigakure for generations, bound by blood and loyalty to our village. The idea of them betraying us seemed absurd."
"But as I dug deeper, I found clues that led me to a troubling discovery," he continued. "It turns out that, if we trace back far enough, the kaguya Clan is connected by blood to the Hyuga Clan of Konoha! Somewhere along the way, the clan divided, giving rise to the Hyuga and kaguya clans as they are today."
At this point, Kaisho looked over at Genshi, the ancient elder, seeking his confirmation on the matter. Genshi was a living encyclopedia, having witnessed several generations of Mizukage and holding knowledge that most could only speculate about.
"The connection between the kaguya and Hyuga clans is indeed as Kaisho described," Genshi confirmed in a calm voice.
With this statement, any lingering doubts about the validity of Kaisho's investigation were dispelled.
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