Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 230: The Third Mizukage

Even if the mission seemed pointless, it still had to be completed.

For extremely dangerous tasks—missions that were almost certain death—the Shadow Clone Jutsu proved invaluable.

After all, wasn't that precisely why Tobirama Senju had originally developed the technique?

After gathering enough intelligence on the situation within Kirigakure, Tonari silently withdrew.

The Hidden Mist Village had concentrated most of its defensive forces along the borders of the Land of Water, leaving the village itself relatively vulnerable due to internal power struggles. This meant that Kirigakure's security was weaker than that of Konoha or Kumogakure.

With this in mind, Tonari left the village without much trouble and made his way to a lake outside its perimeter, where he sat down and waited for his Shadow Clone to complete its arrangements.

He remained still for an entire day and night.

When he finally opened his eyes, several ninja had appeared in his line of sight.

At the front stood a tall man with long black hair and a stern expression, his eyes tightly shut. He wore a light purple robe, his presence exuding an undeniable authority.

Without a doubt—this was the Third Mizukage.

Behind him stood two other shinobi.

Though Tonari had never met them in person, he recognized them instantly.

The first was a large, burly man—almost fat in appearance—carrying a massive sword on his back, wrapped in bandages.

The Sharkskin Blade—Samehada!

This meant he was Kisame's predecessor—Kuriarare Kushimaru, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

The second was the complete opposite in physique—a slender man wearing a white mask.

He held a long, needle-like blade in his hands.

The Sewing Needle—Nuibari!

This meant his name was Kuriarare Kushimaru, also a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

Both of these individuals had risen to prominence under the Third Mizukage's direct patronage, distinguishing themselves as elite warriors forged in the "Bloody Mist" policy. They were among his most trusted subordinates.

The two were fiercely loyal to the Third Mizukage.

As the trio arrived, Tonari slowly stood up.

Without a word, he turned and sprinted away.

Though the Third Mizukage's eyes remained closed, his perception was far beyond ordinary. His brows furrowed slightly before he silently pursued.

Hidden beneath his purple robe, the fingers of his concealed hand tightened around a piece of paper.

That morning, when he had entered his office, he had discovered this very note placed on his desk.

A foreign message, left unnoticed by any of his guards.

At first, he had assumed it to be an act of provocation—perhaps a scheme by the Hozuki Clan, or an attempt from another faction seeking to undermine his authority.

However, after reading the note's contents, he had chosen not to raise an alarm.

Instead, he had followed its instructions—and now, here he was.

But before he could even ask a question, his target had immediately fled—forcing the Mizukage to chase after him in silence.

Tonari did not run for long.

After reaching a mountainous region, he stopped and turned around.

The Third Mizukage and his subordinates arrived shortly after.

The Mist leader stood before him, still keeping his eyes closed, while Kuriarare and Kushimaru took guarded stances at his sides.

"Who are you?" The Third Mizukage demanded in a deep voice.

Tonari took a slow breath, exhaling calmly as he steadied his thoughts.

"You already know my identity."

Hearing this, the Mizukage's brow furrowed once more.

Though he wasn't completely sure, Tonari's confidence suggested he was telling the truth.

His hidden hand tensed, and the paper crumbled into dust between his fingers.

"Did he send you?"

"Yes."

"Is this the 'exchange' he mentioned?"

"It is."

"Then I will have you complete a task."

"As you wish."

The two spoke cryptically, as if following a prearranged script.

Kuriarare and Kushimaru, however, were utterly confused.

Despite their proximity to the conversation, they couldn't understand a single word.

Silence fell upon the mountains.

Fifteen minutes later, five more figures approached from the distance.

Judging by their attire and weapons, it was clear they were also members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.

The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist—a legendary group that commanded fear and respect throughout the ninja world.

Among them were:

Zabuza's predecessor, the wielder of the Executioner's Blade—Kubikiribōchō—Biwa Juzo.

The wielder of the Blunt Sword—Kabutowari—Ameyuri Ringo.

The explosives expert, wielder of the Blasting Sword—Shibuki—Jinpachi Munashi.

The wielder of the Lightning Blades—Kiba—Raiga Kurosuki.

And lastly, the wielder of the Twin Swords—Hiramekarei—Hozuki Mangetsu.

With these five joining Kuriarare and Kushimaru, all Seven Ninja Swordsmen stood assembled before Tonari.

"Mizukage-sama!"

Despite the internal power struggles within the Mist, they still bowed in unison.

After all, whatever political conflicts lay within the village, the authority of the Mizukage was absolute.

Biwa Juzo—the leader of this particular unit—stepped forward.

"Mizukage-sama, what is our mission?"

However, instead of answering, the Third Mizukage opened his eyes.

For a brief instant, Tonari saw a flicker of crimson light in his gaze.

Tonari's suspicions were confirmed.

The Third Mizukage was connected to Uchiha Madara.

Whether he was being controlled or was collaborating willingly, one thing was now certain—Madara had influence over Kirigakure's leadership.

This explained why Madara had been able to control the Three-Tails so effortlessly.

The note Tonari had left in the Mizukage's office contained only two words:

"Uchiha Madara."

That had been enough to bring them here.

The Mizukage locked eyes with Tonari for a moment—then, they both moved simultaneously.

In an instant, the Mizukage lunged toward Hozuki Mangetsu.

The young prodigy of the Hozuki Clan barely had time to react before the Mizukage's chakra-coated hands clamped around his arms, restraining him.

As Mangetsu struggled to activate his Hydrification Technique, he realized—too late—that he was completely immobilized.

With a swift motion, the Mizukage hurled him into the air.

At the same time, Tonari leapt forward, his blade coated in Lightning Release chakra.

A flash of blue light streaked through the night sky.

A single strike.

Blood rained down as Hozuki Mangetsu's head separated from his body.

The Mist prodigy—once destined for greatness—had died before realizing what was happening.

His lifeless eyes reflected pure confusion.

As Tonari landed, he casually retrieved Hiramekarei from Mangetsu's corpse.

He studied the weapon for a moment, then smiled.

"Not bad."

The remaining Swordsmen were shocked into silence.

They had just witnessed their leader betray one of their own—and a foreigner claim one of their sacred swords.

Silence filled the mountains.

Then—Tonari grinned.

"The Seven Ninja Swordsmen, huh?"

His tone was mocking.

He looked down at them all—as if they were nothing.

---

Read up to 20 chapter ahead of time on patreon.com/Legendryweeb

{please give this novel 5 Star review and power stone}

*Thank you*