Chapter 10

Co-Writer & Beta-reader: Toa Naruto

Saito's furious eyes were burning holes into the two leaders, both of whom were still staring at the skull that had been literally thrown at them. In all of their time they'd spent with him, they'd never seen the man so forceful and angry. Kagura was the first to recover from the initial shock, and simply shrugged at the skull, the action only further fueling Saito's rage.

"What do you what me to say, Saito? It's just a skull." the woman said with a flippant tone.

"One of the many skulls that I found buried at our old base of operations; some of them still had decomposing flesh on them! On top of that, both the pit and your body dumping ground was stained with blood! I'd be surprised if anything ever grew there in the future!" Saito snarled at her.

"So that's where you've been? Instead of helping us win this civil war, you went off on your own to find a couple of bodies that no one cared about?"

"I CARED! Those bodies used be someone's father, mother, brother, sister, child, or sibling! They were all precious to other people, and you slaughtered them like animals!"

"They were traitors! They stood by and allowed Akira to kill Mei, so-"

"Don't you dare use her name to justify your actions!" spat Saito, cutting off Kagura's excuse. "Terumi Mei would have nevercondoned such brutal violence and you know it! If she were still alive today, she would have melted the both of you alive for killing our countrymen!"

The scythe-wielding woman's visage shifted to a more dangerous one. "You'd better watch your tone, Saito. I refuse to take this sanctimonious crap from the likes of you. What I did was for Kirigakure's future. We don't need betrayers in our new life!"

"Well, you would now all about betrayers, considering that you're one yourself! Everything that you've done is a blatant betrayal of the mercy that Mei showed you all those years ago!"

"HOW DARE YOU!"

"I dare because it's the truth! You and Sentaro have both lost sight of what is truly important to our revolution: the people of Mizu no Kuni! We're supposed to protect them; to help improve their lives, but we haven't done anything like that at all! We're practically scratching and clawing just to survive, and the people of this land trust us even less than Akira! And that's not even the worse part! No, what's even worse is how you, Kagura, can stand there without feeling any remorse for what you've done! You're no longer the friend that fought alongside Mei-sama! The Kiri no Emi tte Majo is back and more bloodthirsty than ever before!" snarled Saito.

In a flash of steel, Kagura's scythe swung through the air at incredible speeds, and would have decapitated Saito if it weren't for his battle-tested reflexes. Before the woman's weapon could draw blood, his own blade stopped the scythe dead mere inches from his neck. The katana in question, however, was unlike any regular sword: the blade was completely pitch black, which helped make its blood red edge stand out. The odd katana easily held the scythe at bay, much to the kunoichi's disbelief. Saito never flinched once during the deadlock, his glare deepening as his eyes tried to bore holes in his enemy's skull. The hateful look that Kagura shot at him did nothing to waver his resolve. Sentaro was also giving Kagura a look of his own; one which she paid little attention to before she unexpectedly relented in her attack.

"You better get out of here, now, before I kill you." Kagura said with a dangerous tone, her dark expression promising the man untold amounts of agony.

"Gladly. You can keep the skull and use it as your new drinking glass." Saito said, and stormed out of the tent. Once the commanders were left alone, Kagura's barely-contained rage finally broke through. She began breathing angrily through her clenched teeth, and looked ready to kill someone before her gaze whirled back to Sentaro.

"What the hell were you doing during all of that bullshit?! Why didn't you defend our actions?!" she hollered. Sentaro said nothing, making the woman scoff irritably before she stormed out of the tent to work off her anger. The other rebel leader didn't even try to say anything as he watched her leave, figuring that it'd be best that the volatile woman didn't know about his conflicting thoughts. For the past couple of months, Sentaro had been pondering about what had made him ally himself with Mei in the first place, but he just couldn't recall the reason no matter how hard he tried at the time. It wasn't until Saito vehemently accused him of losing "sight of what was really important" that the man experienced the moment of clarity that he long sought after. The day that Mei had given him the chance to redeem his actions was one that he'd sworn to never forget. The prospect of being able to truly help his people was the only reason why he'd accepted the woman's offer. Yet when Akira and his followers betrayed her and everything that she strived for, he allowed his dark side to resurface and take control once again. He wanted to make the traitors suffer for their actions, as well as punish the masses of ignorant ingrates that did nothing to stop the corrupt take-over. The man hadn't felt a single ounce of remorse since he first began his own rebellion with Kagura, but now he was beginning to have second thoughts about his past actions.

Sentaro sighed as he felt his exhaustion catch up to him; he had a lot to think about. Telling the guards outside his tent that he did not want to be disturbed, he made his way to his own personal bookshelf and pulled out a book that he was quite familiar with. It was about the way of the samurai, Bushido, and was something that he read constantly since he became a ninja. Taking a seat, he cracked the book open and began to read the words printed on its pages once again, hoping to find the answer to his internal conflict within its passages.

XXX

The two friends stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like an eternity. After Genji had asked his question, their expressions remained dead serious and unflinching. The uncomfortable silence, however, was broken by a loudsnirkt, which soon gave way to snickering, before the two men were laughing heartily.

"HA! You had me going there for a second, you crafty bastard!" Ishikawa said while wiping away a tear from his eye.

"Come on, do you truly believe I would suspect that you had a hand in Bato's death? No, Mai was just being emotional about things. Ever since she read the last entry of his journal about how you two were having issues and that he was planning on joining Saito's forces, she got this idea that you killed him before he could leave." explained Genji.

"Well, that's a surprise. I didn't even know that he was actually going to do such a thing. I'll admit that we had our differences when it came to the subject of Mizu no Kuni, but I wasn't going to end his life because he wanted to be involved in this pointless rebellion." replied Ishikawa.

Genji simply nodded at his friend's words. "Besides, Bato's death was an accident; I investigated it myself. He was down at one of the mines collecting some ore when the chamber was flooded by an underwater spring. There was no hint of foul play." added the swordsman.

"I know, right? I don't know where that girl got such crazy ideas. What possible reason would I have to kill Bato? Like I said, I didn't know about his plans. Even if I did, I would've tried to reason with him, and make him realize how stupid he was being."

"Yeah, that's just like you. By the way, what are your plans for Mai? You know that she wants to help out Naruto by making weapons for his rebel cell, so why not you allow her to do so? I'll even stay here and keep her safe."

"Look, Genji, as much as I trust you, I'm not going to allow Mai to get involved in this pointless civil war. I'm going to take her back home, where I can keep an eye on her. She's safer within the walls of Kokushoku Kinzoku Roji."

"Are you sure about that? By now, Akira probably knows about what happened. What if he demands Mai as compensation for all of the trouble his men have endured?"

"I wouldn't give Mai to him."

"Even if it was for the well-being of Kokushoku Kinzoku Roji?"

"Doesn't matter. I would never sell her out like that." Genji just smiled and nodded his head in acceptance. It was only Ishikawa's well-honed survival instincts that enabled him to evade being skewered by the Nuibari's pointed end. The swordsman continued his assault, thrusting his blade nonstop in an attempt to stab the Hōzuki. Ishikawa, on the other hand, simply continued to evade each thrust as best he could, knowing that his former friend would trap him with his jutsu the moment he tried to counter with his Suika no Jutsu. After several misses, Genji managed to trick Ishikawa with feint and was about to land a critical blow, when his sword's tip was blocked by the Mari Blade's flat edge.

"That's enough, Genji." said Naruto. "Although this bastard deserves to die, killing him will not bring Bato back from the dead. Don't stoop down to his level." Genji simply glared at the young man for interfering, before his stance finally relaxed. Naruto moved out of the way, figuring that the fighting had ended, but was caught flat-footed when Genji sucker punched Ishikawa to the ground. Rubbing his throbbing jaw, Ishikawa stood up to demand an explanation from Genji until he suddenly noticed there were several more people standing in the room. He quickly became aware that he was now surrounded by Naruto's rebels, including a tearful Mai. Everyone looked like they desperately wanted to kill him.

"What is the meaning of all this?!" growled Ishikawa.

"This room is actually an interrogation room." explained a deadly calm Naruto. "The walls were lined with several concealed seals before Genji lead you here. I personally designed them to analyze the tone in a person's voice, and detect any fluctuations in a person's chakra flow. While active, the seals display the results of their analysis on this card." The blond held out a white square that was no bigger than a playing card used in casinos. "I also gave a card to Genji, just in case things got out of hand. These cards were created to show two different colors in regards to the examination of said person's chakra flow and tone of voice: green if they were telling the truth, or red if they were lying through their teeth. And wouldn't you know it, the cards have been glowing blood red every time you opened your mouth. It didn't matter how well you could mask your emotions or how exceptional your chakra control is, the truth about Bato was going to be revealed the moment you stepped into this room." Ishikawa was shocked at how easily he'd walked into the young blond's trap, when his eyes suddenly narrowed. He had every intention in cussing the young man out until he was blue in the face, but was caught off guard when Mai lunged forward and slapped him hard across the face.

"You murderer!" she hollered. "How could you do this to me?! How could you kill my father?! Was it all because he was going to do something to help the people of Mizu no Kuni?!"

"What he was planning wasn't going to help anyone!" Ishikawa shouted back. "Your father was a selfish fool who was willing to endanger everyone in the village for his own stupid reasons! It is only because Akira fears me that he dares not launch an attack on us! We were happy with our peaceful lives, but your father wanted to change all of that it all just because he got sentimental! There is no saving Mizu no Kuni! Our own daimyo has washed his hands of this conflict! The only way to make it out of this damn war in one piece is to solely look after our own, even it means turning our backs on the rest of the world!" No one said a word, but the glares leveled at the killer were downright homicidal.

"Coward." accused Naruto, breaking the tense silence.

"Excuse me?!" the man snarled.

"You're just a coward, hiding in your village and thinking that you're safe from this civil war. With his new heavily armed vessel, Akira can just sail to your village and destroy it in minutes. Your inability to act has allowed him to amass his power and do what he damn well pleases! You haven't saved your fellow villagers; you've only made it much easier for them to be controlled!"

"Don't speak as if you have any idea of what we've been through! You're just an outsider who has absolutely no clue as to what actually goes on here!"

"I actually know a lot more than you give me credit for, like how your selfishness and cowardice knows no bounds. You'd gladly surrender Mai to Akira if it meant saving your own skin; the seals revealed that much! You don't give damn about the people of your village, and only care about yourself! I might be an outsider, but at least I actually back up my words with action! I don't portray myself as a fraud!" Ishikawa trembled with absolute rage, and wanted nothing more than to kill the brat standing before him. The fact that he was vastly outnumbered kept him from acting.

Without a word, Naruto tossed the case containing Ishikawa's down payment back into the man's arms. "Take your gold and go back home. Mai's staying with me. And I strongly suggest that you never show your face around here again."

Ishikawa growled in bitter anger, but knew that he could do nothing without incurring the wrath of everyone in the room. Grabbing the second case holding the other half of his payment, he allowed one of Naruto's ninja to escort him out of the base. Once the man was gone and out of earshot, Mai finally let the eroding control over her emotions crumble, and allowed her tears to flow freely. She would've fallen to her knees if Genji hadn't caught her, who then immediately began to console her. Naruto said nothing as he and his men left the room, figuring that it'd be best if the two mourners had some time alone.

XXX

Despite the fact that it was late in the evening, Naruto found himself standing in front of a large window that provided a large view of the base's swamps. Sleep had evaded the young leader as the confrontation between Genji and Ishikawa continuously played in his mind. He'd never expected to see so much rage and hatred in the man's eyes and wondered if he would have to deal with the Hōzuki sometime in the distant future. The blond was also troubled by the Water Daimyo's indifferent stance about the dire situation in Mizu no Kuni. He originally had a plan to help oust Akira that involved daimyo's cooperation, but the day's recent developments had rendered it completely useless.

"Man, why can't things be simple for once?" Naruto sighed.

"We're ninja. Nothing is ever simple for us." The blond turned around and saw none other than Genji, who was looking especially solemn.

"How's Mai?"

"The poor lass has finally cried herself to sleep. She's…quite determined to help you in your cause." Genji answered with a smile.

"That's reassuring to hear, because I'm going to need all the help that I can get. My original strategy against Akira just went up in smoke today all because the Water Daimyo has practically abandoned his entire country." retorted Naruto, his calm visage crinkled by a disappointed frown.

"What was your plan exactly?"

The teenage blond sighed tiredly before continuing. "For a while now, the Sairento clan has been secretly gathering evidence that Akira is plotting a massive invasion on every water-based country that borders the sea. Umi, Haru, Nami, Cha and several others are going to be in danger of being wiped out by several of these Rebiyatan-class ships. Furthermore, there are several people in high places that have financed Akira's secret project, and I have every name as well as the amount that they've donated. The original plan was to go to the daimyo and show him the evidence so he would declare Akira an international criminal. If he'd done that then the people would have become more courageous in openly opposing that son of a bitch, however that's not going to happen now in light of today's drama."

"You'd be correct in assuming that outcome. The Water Daimyo has truly turned a blind eye to this war, and would have completely disregarded your evidence. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Akira later got word of your actions after your audience with that blasted coward." Naruto sighed for a third time at the sheer bleakness of his situation, but Genji continued. "There is, however, a way of salvaging your plan. You could always bring your discoveries to Nagare."

The blond youth looked at the older man in confusion. "Nagare? Who's that?"

"Nagare is the estranged eldest son of the incumbent Water Daimyo. He was originally going to be his father's successor, but they had a falling out and haven't spoken to each other ever since that day. Apparently, Nagare left Mizu no Kuni and became a government official in Umi no Kuni. He is also one of the country's top naval men; it was he who supported Terumi Mei's rebellion. Unlike his father, he still cares about Mizu no Kuni and its people."

"Do you think that he'd be willing to help us?"

"You'll have to speak to him in person, but I know of someone who can arrange a meeting between the two of you. But I wouldn't worry too much about making your case to him, as he is a supporter of your group's cause. In his own words, you are 'the true hero that will put an end to this rampant madness'." Genji said.

Naruto couldn't help but smile in amusement. "So does this mean that you'll be staying with us a bit longer?"

"Perhaps. If I had to pick between your group or the one led by Sentaro and Kagura, I'd choose yours. You and your lot seem much friendlier." Genji said with a smirk. The two shared a laugh before they started making new plans.

XXX

Ishikawa arrived in Kokushoku Kinzoku Roji within two days' travel. He was still fuming about Naruto and wanted nothing more than to kill the little bastard for his words. The ignorant brat didn't know what the hell he was talking about, and the man would be damned before he allowed some outsider to criticize his actions. It was when he walked past the village's gates that he found several people waiting for him.

"Ishikawa, we have a problem!" one of gathered civilians exclaimed.

"What the hell are you shouting about?" the Hōzuki growled. The man simply pointed toward the harbor, and Ishikawa felt a chill creep down his spine as he gazed upon the large, armored warship. His anger quickly overriding his fear, he rushed over to the harbor where a large group of people was waiting for him. At the very front of the group stood none other than Akira. To the Mizukage's left was a woman with long light gray hair tied in a ponytail and gray narrow eyes. She wore a tight black leather top, stockings, and miniskirt which had a nodachi strapped to her hip. To the Kage's right was a man with long, messy black hair and rather bushy eyebrows. He wore a black, sleeveless kosode with a netted undershirt and black hakama which were tucked into his socks. On his feet were a pair of sandals similar to the ones that a samurai usually wore. Despite the fact that Ishikawa didn't see any weapons on the man, he knew that the stranger was armed.

"What the hell are you doing here, Akira!?" Ishikawa demanded, his eyes glaring fiercely at the man.

"I would watch your tone, Ishikawa. You see that ship behind me? A single one of these vessels wiped out Ren and her people. If you don't want the same thing to happen here, you'll address me a more respectful manner." Akira threatened.

Ishikawa growled, sparing the warship a fleeting glance. "Why are you here?"

"Ah, that's better. As for the reason behind my abrupt visit, I'm here for Mai. I know about what happened in Onsen and I will not allow her rebellious actions to continue. She will face a tribunal for her crimes against Kirigakure no Sato. Now where is she?"

"She was saved by your enemy. The little bitch is with them, now. Perhaps you should take your warship and go get her." suggested Ishikawa.

"In due time, but we still have unfinished business. You think that just because she's no longer in your village, that you are automatically free of any blame for her rebellious behavior? We had an agreement and I have stayed true to it. You, on the other hand, failed to keep your people in line. I demand reparations for your incompetence." Ishikawa glared furiously at the smug sounding Mizukage, but he knew that Akira had the upper hand over him. Resignedly, he held his arms out and the two suitcases clutched in his hands.

"I offer these cases of gold to help further your goals." Ishikawa said, trying his best to sound neutral.

"Well, that's a good start, but how about a few weapons from your dealers as well? I would like my men to be well-armed to combat this persistent rebel problem we're facing."

"…Very well." Ishikawa said after a tense pause, surprising the villagers that were present. Akira's eyes crinkled as he smirked behind his veiled hat, before he began to make his way towards the village. His two guards followed after him, snatching up the cases and placing them in the wagon they were towing behind them. The trio hadn't traveled more than three feet when Akira suddenly stopped.

"Just one more thing. I would like to keep my ship and its crew docked here for the foreseeable future. You don't mind, do you?" Akira didn't wait for an answer, and simply led his entourage onwards. Ishikawa silently fumed at how the arrogant Mizukage was using his latest toy to get what he wanted, when he quickly noticed the villagers' outraged glares being focused solely on him.

"What? What do you bums want now?"

"How could you just sell us all out like that?" one man asked acidly. "Didn't you boast about how your prowess was enough to ensure that Akira didn't bring his war to our home? Why didn't you just kill him and sink his ship?!"

"Are you insane?! Do you not see how heavily armed that thing is? I'm not about to risk the entire village on an unwinnable battle." replied Ishikawa as if he were answering an obvious question.

"What about Mai?! Why did you tell Akira where she was located?" queried a woman in a scathing manner.

"Mai has made her choice, and must deal with the consequences on her own." Everyone looked at Ishikawa in shock and anger, but the man paid them no mind as he shoved his way past the crowd and made his way to his home. He didn't care what the citizens thought. One way or another, he was going to survive Kirigakure's conflicts, no matter how many sacrifices he had to make.

XXX

Shin slowly opened his eyes after what seemed like ages, and was greeted with the sight of a glaring white ceiling. He groaned as he turned to his side, the wounds from his last battle sending sharp barbs of pain throughout his body. The noise alerted Ruka that he'd awakened, and she quickly rushed to his bedside.

"Ruka? Where are we?" Shin asked softly.

"In my clan compound. More specifically, in one of our guest rooms." answered Sairento Kenpo as he entered through the doorway. Seeing the injured man tense up, the clan head held out his hand in a placating manner. "There's no need for alarm, young Momochi, you and your medic are in no danger. She explained everything about the events that lead to your current position. To be honest, I'm surprised that Akira hadn't pulled something like this sooner."

"I guess he finally had enough of my ways." Shin said grimly. "But why are you helping us? I thought your calm refused to participate in the civil war."

"The clan as a whole isn't, but one of my sons has decided to enter this conflict of his own volition. Besides, it would be petty of me if I'd let you die just because you were once a part of Akira's forces." Kenpo answered. The room fell silent for a brief moment, until the clan head spoke again. "So, what are you planning to do from here?"

"That's easy. First, I'm going to get better. Then, I'm going to kill Akira and everyone under his command." Shin answered, his tone belaying how serious he was about completing his goals. Kenpo just smiled.

"If that's the case, then how would you like to help out when the time comes?" Shin looked at Kenpo in confusion.

XXX

It took three days for Naruto and Genji to arrive in Umi no Kuni. Before they'd left, Naruto had placed Sansei in charge with orders to get everyone ready. Once they reached their destination, they had to wait an entire day for their meeting at well-known tea house. Nagare an easy person to spot based on Genji's description. The person in question was a green-eyed man with blond hair, making him stand out like a sore thumb. He was accompanied by his wife, a white haired beauty with vibrant aquamarine eyes. Once the four people exchanged pleasantries, they immediately got to work. When Naruto finally revealed the evidence to Nagare after he explained why he'd requested to meet him, the man's eyes grew wider and wider with disbelief as he briefly skimmed over the large folder's contents. The shock was temporary, however, and was promptly replaced with great fury.

"Damn that man! He's allowed his fear to slowly kill his country!" Nagare then turned to his wife and handed her the folder. "Hisami, please take these documents straight to the daimyo. Make sure that he personally receives them, and let him know that there are traitors within his council."

"Understood." She then speedily exited the restaurant and disappeared in a burst of speed, leaving the three males alone.

"I'm sorry that you had to see such an outburst from me, but I can't help but feel that much of this is my fault." explained Nagare.

Naruto was confused. "What do you mean?"

"When the Yondaime began massacring shinobi with kekkei genkai, I pleaded with my father to do something about it. Instead, he told me that it wasn't our problem, and to let the shinobi handle the matter themselves. Even as the blood purges continued to worsen, he still did nothing to intervene. When I demanded to know why he would not help his people, he said that he didn't trust ninja and considered them to be nothing more than abominations. I was so disgusted and angry with him that I distanced myself from my father and the rest of my family. That's when I was approached by Terumī Mei and her plan to rebel against Yagura. I agreed to help in any way that I could, much to the displeasure of my father. His scorn for me only grew when he found out that my wife was a survivor of the ill-fated Kaguya clan."

"So you just left your home and came to Umi no Kuni?" asked Naruto.

"Isn't that somewhat similar to what you did when you left Hi no Kuni after you were banished, Uzumaki Naruto?" The young man looked at the elder blond in surprise. "It wasn't that difficult to get information about you and your past. While your reputation isn't as grand as the Shodaime Hokage's, you have been the talk of several daimyo, including Umi's. You've helped countless people for nothing in return, and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Despite the fact that I currently reside in Umi, my heart still belongs to Mizu no Kuni."

"If you truly feel that strongly about your home, then you should be its daimyo. Unlike the current one, you actually give a damn about what happens to both the shinobi and the citizens." Nagare didn't respond Naruto's comment immediately, and instead stared at the table in contemplation. After a short while, he turned his attention back to the rest of the gathered evidence before focusing back on Naruto.

"So, what do you need from me? I can offer you funding if that's what you want."

"While I appreciate the offer, my rebels currently have enough financial support. What we really need you to do is force your father's hand. I have a hunch if every daimyo were to learn about what he has allowed to happen under his nose, they would not be the least pleased. I know for a fact that your daimyo wouldn't stand for such passiveness." Naruto said with a mischievous smirk, a look that Nagare soon mimicked.

"Well, I would need some time to send all of this evidence to the right people." he said, glancing down at the incriminating papers on the table.

Naruto's smirk grew feral. "No worries, I've got plenty of time."

XXX

Naruto and Genji returned to the base within three days. The moment he stepped foot into the base, the blond had gathered everyone up after he'd gotten status reports about what had happened while he was away. He was quite perturbed to hear that the situation with Kokushoku Kinzoku Roji had taken a turn for the worst. The fact Ishikawa had allowed Akira to take over and arm himself with the village's weapons did not sit well with the young man. Fortunately, a few blacksmiths had managed to leave under the Hōzuki's nose and joined up with Mai to help with crafting weapons for the resistance. The twins and Jubei were the first few shinobi who recently obtained new weapons, and were still working hard to master them. Once he received all of the reports, Naruto got everyone's attention to focus on him.

"Everyone, I'm pleased to announce that Nagare has agreed to help us in our fight against Akira." announced Naruto. "With his help, our original plan is now back on track, and we'll soon be able to launch our assault against Akira."

"Wait, so we're really going through with Operation: Tsunami? I thought you said that it would take at least two weeks of additional preparations on top of everything else in order to get our troops ready." Sayuri commented.

"Yes, it would, but that was when we didn't have an ally that has connections with key politicians. As of this moment, Nagare is releasing the incriminating evidence to all of the countries that have people supporting Akira. By the end of the week, the Water Daimyo will be under constant pressure by the other daimyos to mark the incumbent Mizukage as an international criminal. While Akira is busy wondering why his funding has been cut off, the Water Daimyo will have no choice but to concede to the multiple demands he'll be receiving." explained Genji.

"With Akira marked as an enemy of the country, our forces and the countries that he was planning to invade would have free reign to take him out. We'd have the perfect opportunity to strike. It's not a bad plan." added Sansei.

"How soon do you think the first signs of trouble will show?" queried Sayuri.

Naruto chuckled. "Oh, it shouldn't be long now."

XXX

Nadeshiko no Sato…

Kokuyō struggled against the two kunoichi that were forcing him forward. Suddenly, they stopped moving and kicked him down to his knees. Taking in his surroundings, he saw that all of his men were present and restrained by kunoichi as well. Turning his attention back to his immediate front, he was met with the sight of a fair-skinned woman of average height standing before him. She had waist-length black hair styled in a hime-style cut and tied in a high ponytail. Her bangs were short and there were chin-length strands that framed her face. The kunoichi was wearing a gray-colored, form-fitting uniform with a right shoulder-guard, grey gloves, and an opening in her shirt that displayed her sizable cleavage quite well. She was a very beautiful woman, yet Kokuyō couldn't help but feel terrified as her emerald green eyes glared angrily at him.

She didn't speak a word to him and simply tossed a folder at his knees. When he saw what the folder contained, his skin paled until he was white as a ghost. His gaze whipped back to the woman, only for his eyes to widen in fright when he saw that her hand was encased in wind chakra.

"W-Wait, please," he whimpered pathetically, "S-Shizuka, I-" The conspirator was abruptly cut off when the woman thrust her arm forward and struck his chest. The kunoichi then moved out of the way as a fissure was subsequently formed in the ground, which was followed by Kokuyo's entire body being sliced into pieces. She then glared at the other men, who were already terrified by the gory display they'd just witnessed.

"Kill them all." was her simple command as she walked away. The screams of the men were ignored as the kunoichi carried out the order with extreme prejudice. Shizuka then turned her attention to her attendant, Tokiwa. "Have the preparations been made?"

"Yes, the elders have agreed with your course of action." answered the older woman. "The ships are being prepped for battle and we're gathering our kunoichi for war. We'll set sail in two days and will reach Mizu no Kuni within three. Are you going to meet our daimyo or this Uzumaki Naruto character?"

"Elder Sachi can deal with the daimyo. We will meet with Uzumaki and aid his forces in killing this warmonger of a Mizukage." stated Shizuka. Tokiwa nodded and followed her leader to help with the preparations.

XXX

Cha no Kuni…

Loud rowdy noises could be heard from the hotel owned by the Wagarashi family. The cause for the disturbance was due in part to the raid done by the Daimyo's army and two shinobi teams from Konoha. Suddenly, there was a crash as someone jumped through a window on the building's second floor. The mysterious person was none other than Kyūroku, who was constantly cursing his luck. He'd injured himself from his impromptu escape, and needed to get to the harbor before he was captured. Once he secured passage on a ship, he was going use his resources make himself disappear off the face of the planet.

He'd only limped three feet when he was blindsided by someone. He crashed into the hotel's wall, the hard impact knocking him for a loop. Shaking the stars out of his vision, he was enraged to see that the culprit was none other than Jirocho's heir, Idate.

"Where do you think you're going, scumbag?" growled Idate. Kyūroku responded by withdrawing a dagger and charging at the younger man. Idate sped past the man's clumsy attack, and struck him in the back of his neck. The head of the Wagarashi family felt his entire body momentarily seize up, making him lose his balance and crash to the ground. He soon felt the feeling in his limbs return to him, but not before Idate had fully restrained him. "There'll be no quick escapes for you this time. You can explain your actions to the daimyo, yourself." Idate said as he hauled the man up, and dragged him toward the crowd that had congregated in the streets. Kyūroku noticed that Jirōchō and his men were at the front of said crowd, which made the captured man's blood boil. The two rivals stared silently at one another in disgust, before Idate gave him to the daimyo's soldiers.

XXX

Kaminari no Kuni…

Akio tumbled to the ground from the force of his father's strike. The young man didn't have time to gather his wits, as he was quickly hoisted up by his throat and then subsequently smacked across his face.

"You stupid child, I should kill you where you stand! How dare you steal from the daimyo and me?!" Akihika roared.

"Father… please… I was only…thinking about…Kumogakure's… future…" Akio gasped. He was sent flying across the room for his answer. The Kumo nin struggled to stand as his father snapped his fingers. Two guards instantly restrained the young man, the latter looking at his parent with pleading eyes. "Father, I was only thinking of what was best for the village. You must stop this useless pursuit for the Byakugan. You'll end up destroying us all!"

"Shut your mouth!" shouted Akihika. "As if I would ever heed the advice of a thief supporting a fool! Get him out of my sight! I will personally kill him at a later date for his crimes." Akio tried in vain to escape as he was led away, all the while angrily hollering at his father. Akihika simply ignored the noise as he wondered what made him want to have children in the first place. Despite of all his efforts and sacrifices, they'd all grew up to be incompetent disappointments in his eyes. And now because of Akio's recent stupidity, he had to make large appeasements to the Lightning Daimyo to ensure the man that he had no part in the Mizukage's schemes. It had barely been ten minutes when one of his men hurriedly burst into his office.

"Sir, Akio has escaped!"

"Why am I cursed to be surrounded by such worthless imbeciles?! Find that traitor, and kill him! And while you're at it, put him, Raiu and Jiryoku in the bingo book! I want those failures found and eliminated!" The man quickly ran out of the room to follow the order, and to escape his leader's wrath. Now left alone to stew in his anger, Akihika grabbed hold of his desk and viciously tossed it against the opposite wall.

XXX

Throughout all of the ocean-bound countries of Mizu no Kuni, investors of Akira's conspiracy were being captured, imprisoned, or in the more extreme cases executed. Almost instantly, the Water Daimyo began receiving angry messages from the daimyos of said countries, all them demanding answers to the Mizukage's actions, just as Naruto had predicted. It wouldn't be long before Akira soon felt the full brunt of Operation: Tsunami. The time for the resistance to strike was quickly approaching.

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Jutsu

Suika no Jutsu - Hydration Technique - This technique makes it impossible to receive damage from physical attacks. From a single hair, to the skin and muscles, everything can be liquefied and solidified at will. Be it to evade an enemy's attack during a short range battle, to infiltrate a structure, or to launch a surprise attack in a liquefied state, this technique boasts a high strategic value. Applying this technique, the user can also modify their body parts for suitable situations or even use the liquid as projectiles.

Glossary

Kaminari no Kuni – Land of Lightning