The Mizukage Is Strong But Overly Cautious

Mizuki Ryosuke activated Earth Style: Underground Fish Projection Jutsu and sank rapidly into the ground. However, losing the camouflage of Magic Mirror Imitation made discovery a genuine risk.

As he tunneled deeper, he carefully monitored his surroundings with Chakra Perception, scanning for movement above and below.

At nearly 100 meters down, he detected a large hollow cavity.

But his Earth Style was already nearing its limit—if he found nothing, he'd have no choice but to retreat.

For an average ninja—even a Rock Shinobi from Iwagakure trained in Doton ninjutsu—twenty meters was the maximum depth they could reach.

Mizuki Ryosuke, however, was no ordinary digger.

His underground safe house had been excavated by his own hands, refined over time using Earth Style.

This experience granted him an unparalleled mastery of the technique, second only to his proficiencies in Water Style and Wind Style.

Thus, finding this hidden underground chamber wasn't just luck—it was skill.

Using every ounce of chakra control, Mizuki Ryosuke squeezed into the massive cavity.

The moment he entered, he immediately reactivated Magic Mirror Imitation, ensuring he remained undetectable before surveying the area.

He couldn't afford to be careless.

If Uchiha Madara was involved, Zetsu—an expert infiltrator with unparalleled sensory abilities—could be lurking nearby.

Cautiously, Mizuki Ryosuke examined his surroundings.

It was a vast, dark tunnel. The walls bore signs of artificial reinforcement, possibly through Doton jutsu.

Despite the depth, there was a noticeable flow of fresh air. The ventilation suggested that this tunnel wasn't just a relic—it was still in use.

His gaze darkened.

His worst fear had come true.

"I was right."

Taking a slow, steady breath, he steeled himself and advanced deeper into the passage.

Meanwhile, at the Lake of Mist…

The Three-Tails Jinchūriki transfer ceremony had reached its most crucial stage.

The four fūinjutsu specialists were drenched in sweat, their chakra reserves running dangerously low.

Okubo Genichiro's seal—designed to contain Isobu, the Three-Tails—was now 90% undone.

Only a final 10% remained before the giant beast would emerge.

Sensing its impending freedom, Three-Tails stirred violently inside the seal, sending tremors through Okubo's weakening body.

His already failing health declined further.

Mizuki Taki, standing nearby, watched with barely concealed anxiety.

"Hold on, Okubo…"

If Okubo died now, the sealing formula would shatter instantly—releasing Three-Tails in a wild, uncontrolled state.

The difference between a controlled unsealing and a broken seal was vast.

A properly released Tailed Beast left behind most of its chakra inside the Jinchūriki, allowing it to dissipate harmlessly.

In contrast, a broken seal would unleash a fully-formed and enraged Three-Tails, causing mass devastation.

Okubo clearly understood the stakes. He gritted his teeth, clinging desperately to consciousness.

Then—a powerful roar echoed across the lake.

"They're here."

Mizuki Taki tensed, a cold aura washing over him.

But he couldn't move.

Not yet.

Not until Three-Tails was completely unsealed.

Fortunately, Mizuki Ryosuke had prepared for this scenario.

If they had been caught off guard, Yagura's forces attacking at this moment would have been a death sentence.

Taki exhaled sharply.

"It's up to them now."

Wiping blood from the corner of his mouth, he turned his attention back to Okubo.

The Edge of the Lake of Mist

A mass of Anbu operatives had gathered, forming a formidable presence.

In Kirigakure, only the elite were selected for Anbu.

Of the village's estimated 10,000 active shinobi, over half were Genin, their potential limited.

Only around 3,000 were Chūnin, while a mere 3% of the total population had reached Jōnin-level strength.

At this scale of battle, Genin were useless.

Thus, both Yagura and Mizuki Taki had tacitly excluded them from the confrontation.

Had this been Konoha, the loss of so many potential fighters might have been considered catastrophic.

But this was Kirigakure.

Here, the strong determined the fate of the weak.

Under Yagura's rule, the Anbu ranks had swelled.

At its peak, their numbers exceeded 1,000—nearly one-tenth of Kirigakure's entire shinobi force.

Among them were nearly 100 Jōnin, while the rest were Chūnin-level operatives.

This meant Anbu alone accounted for almost a third of Kirigakure's high-end combat power.

Such a concentration of elite shinobi emboldened Yagura, giving him the confidence to openly challenge the establishment.

At this moment, nearly 800 Anbu had assembled at the lake, with only a fraction left behind to guard Anbu Headquarters.

In addition to them, a separate strike force stood ready—a battalion exuding an overwhelming aura of battle-hardened warriors.

They were led by Teru Yoruichiro.

This squad consisted of elite Kaguya Clan warriors.

In addition to Yoruichiro, there were four elite Jōnin, over ten standard Jōnin, and dozens of Chūnin.

Most of them had awakened the Shikotsumyaku kekkei genkai, granting them the deadly Dead Bone Pulse.

In their respective ranks, they were unmatched.

And with the Kaguya Clan's infamous berserker battle style, this unit wasn't just a squad.

It was a spearhead—a weapon designed to break through enemy defenses with brutal efficiency.

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