The Mizukage Is Strong But Overly Cautious

In a house hidden deep within the labyrinthine alleys of Kirigakure, Mizuki Ryosuke followed Kaguya Yuta further into the shadows, his senses sharpened. This area, reminiscent of the secrecy of the Hidden Mist's darker days, was far removed from the public eye.

Upon stepping into the innermost chamber, Mizuki Ryosuke's sharp gaze caught sight of an unexpected assembly.

Inside the dimly lit room, over a dozen men and women were cloaked in gray robes, their movements cautious and measured. Though they attempted to conceal their identities, the unmistakable features of the Kaguya clan—bone-like protrusions and sharp, piercing eyes—were evident beneath the fabric.

"My lord, I do not yet know how to address you," Kaguya Yuta said with formality, guiding Mizuki Ryosuke to the primary seat.

"Mizuki Ryosuke," he replied evenly. "Yuta Jōnin, what prompted you to intercept the Mizukage at such a critical time?" His voice held an air of curiosity. "You may as well speak plainly—Mizukage has granted me full authority over this matter."

Hearing this, Kaguya Yuta exhaled slowly, his tension easing. If Ryosuke was aware of his pursuit of the Mizukage, it could only mean one thing—Mizukage himself had confided in him. This solidified his belief that Mizuki Ryosuke was a trusted aide of the Third Mizukage.

What Yuta didn't know was that the "Mizukage" he had encountered was actually Mizuki Ryosuke in disguise.

Kaguya Yuta was not one to hesitate. Seeing Ryosuke's expectation for directness, he abandoned all pretense. Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself.

"My lord, I bring a matter of great urgency." His voice carried a weight of finality. "It may sound absurd, but every Kaguya here is willing to stake their lives on its truth."

Mizuki Ryosuke's gaze sharpened. He had suspected that Yuta's purpose was tied to the major upheaval expected tomorrow, but the gravity in Yuta's tone hinted at something even more pressing.

"Speak."

At this juncture, anything concerning tomorrow's events could not be taken lightly.

"I am here to expose…" Yuta's voice was firm. "Tomorrow, during the transition of the Three-Tails' Jinchūriki, Yagura from the Anbu, in alliance with Kaguya Teru, the head of the Kaguya clan, plans to stage a coup and assassinate the Mizukage."

His words echoed ominously. Yuta's expression was intense, his grip tightening into a fist.

Mizuki Ryosuke was momentarily stunned.

For Yuta to state the conspiracy so directly—it left no doubt. He wasn't here to negotiate or mislead.

He was here to defect.

A storm of thoughts surged through Mizuki Ryosuke's mind.

At first, he considered the worst-case scenario—was this an elaborate deception? A trap orchestrated by Yagura and the Kaguya clan?

But as he analyzed the situation, it became apparent that Yuta's actions held no strategic advantage for Yagura's camp. In fact, revealing such critical information before Ryosuke could confirm it independently was reckless unless Yuta was truly genuine.

If Mizuki Ryosuke had not already been aware of the coup, Yuta's revelation would have been invaluable intelligence.

But why?

What did Yuta stand to gain from this?

Mizuki Ryosuke knew that Kaguya Yuta was the heir to the Kaguya clan, second only to his father in status. Why would he commit such an act of righteous betrayal?

With lingering doubts clouding his mind, Mizuki Ryosuke decided to address them head-on.

"Kaguya Yuta," he said coolly, "whether or not your words are true is one matter." His gaze darkened. "But tell me—why would you do this?"

"As the heir to the Kaguya clan, why have you chosen to betray your own father and your kin?"

His words were precise and cut deep.

Yuta clenched his teeth, his large hands balled into fists so tightly that his knuckles cracked.

Mizuki Ryosuke's unyielding interrogation forced Yuta to recall the events that had unfolded within the Kaguya clan not long ago.

—

Kaguya Yuta knelt before his father, Kaguya Teru, his heart heavy with unspoken questions.

"Silly boy," Teru spoke, his calloused hands pressing firmly onto Yuta's shoulders. "You are the greatest hope of the Kaguya clan." His eyes burned with an intensity that Yuta had never seen before.

"Father, why do you say that?" Yuta asked, struggling to grasp the meaning behind his father's words.

Teru sighed, his gaze distant. "When I was your age, I was no different from the others."

"I was filled with arrogance and bloodlust, believing that the Kaguya clan must prove itself by force alone. We sought to challenge the Mizukage and anyone who opposed us, convinced of our superiority."

"But over time… I awakened."

His voice lowered. "The Kaguya clan has gone too far. So far down the wrong path that we may never return."

He looked at Yuta, and for the first time, there was something akin to regret in his eyes.

"But you… You are different."

"You possess clarity of mind and the ability to recognize the clan's failings. Unlike me, you still have the chance to choose another path."

Yuta lowered his head, his throat tightening. He dared not meet his father's gaze, fearing his emotions would betray him.

"In the Land of Fire," Teru continued, "there exists a shinobi village—Konohagakure. They are known as the strongest."

"I admire their philosophy." His voice took on a reverent tone. "Where there are leaves flying, there is fire burning."

"The old tree in the forest will one day wither, but when it does, its body will nourish the saplings."

"From the remains of the past, a new and mighty tree will rise."

Yuta's breath hitched as his father's words settled in his mind.

At that moment, he understood.

His father was entrusting him with a future beyond senseless bloodshed.

He was being given the chance to create a new path for the Kaguya clan—one that would not be built upon its own destruction.

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