Becareful… Ao… there might be a similar seal placed on his mind." Elder Genji warns him.
Ao activates hisByakuganand inspects the chakra system of Akifumi.
"Looks like he is also under the effect of a very powerful genjutsu."
Ao notices the irregular flow of chakra in Akifumi's brain. He hesitates for a while before he turns to Elder Genji.
"I am sorry… Genji-sama… this genjutsu is beyond my capabilities. I might be able to dispel it but it may result in an explosion similar to Wakan's case."
Elder Genji frowns before he shakes his head.
"Then… there is no need to dispel it… we will eventually find out the truth… once we reach the village."
"But Elder Genji… who could be the person manipulating him. If he hasan ulterior motive against Kirigakure… then it won't bid well for us." Mei interrupts Elder Genji's thoughts.
"Hmm… indeed… I have never seen such powerful genjutsu techniques. Well, then… we have to continue the journey to the center of the Land of Water and talk with Daimyo." Elder Genji signals an anbu to carry Akifumi.
--
In a faraway hideout,
Hmm…
Black Zetsu frowns as he looks in Kiri's direction.
"That pawn has fulfilled his purpose… I don't need him anymore."
Black Zetsu walks near the giant chakra tree in the center of the hideout. He draws out a black rod inserted inside the tree.
'Yin-Yang: Mind-Body Destruction Release'
Zetsu infuses some chakra in the black rod and stabs it into the ground.
The rod release some chakra which seeps through the ground and vanishes from vision.
--
Izuna walks alongside the group while monitoring the changes in Fuji's body.
'Hmm… that lump of flesh survives on the user's chakra by continuously draining it from their chakra system. In a sense… itis similar to the 'Exploding Insect Technique' of that bunch.
I wonder if lightning chakra can be used to extract or destroy this lump of flesh. If it works… then I will be able to cure Itachi too.'
"Father… don't push yourself this much again." Mei supports Fuji as they walk along the forest.
Ao continues to inspect their surroundings.
Hmm…
'What's with this uneasy feeling?'
Izuna feels a tingling sensation in his back. He immediately looks around for the source.
Fwoosh…
He senses a strange chakratraversing beneath the ground.
'What's with this chakra?'
Before he could speculate about the nature of the chakra, the chakra seeps into Akifumi's body.
Aaah…
Akifumi squeals in pain and clutches his head.
"Oh No!..."
'This surge of chakra is even greater than before. The resulting explosion will annihilate everything in the surrounding vicinity...
I can easily evade the perimeter of the explosion… but the same can't be said about them.'
"This is…"
The eyes of the rest of the group widen as the body of Akifumi bloats into a sphere before compressing into a small glowing red mass of chakra.
Ao inspects the blob with his Byakugan and warns the rest of them.
"Genji-sama… this lump of chakra is about to explode and…"
Gulp…
Ao gulps his saliva as he informs the group.
"… the resultant explosion will annihilate everything in the circumference of one kilometer."
"What!..." Fuji and Mei's eyeswiden.
Elder Genji throws multiple sealing talismans from his storage scroll.
"Barrier Talisman: Armoured Six Trigram"
The sealing talismans float in the air and forms multiple Fuinjutsu seals. The seals erect a purple hexagonal barrier around them.
Fuji and the group look at the barrier with relief.
"It won't be able to hold that explosion…" Izuna shakes his head.
"What do you mean by that?" One of the Anbu members angrily questions him.
"Our life depends on this barrier. We can't outrun the explosion… this barrier is our last resort to survive." Another Anbu snaps at him.
"Stop your bullshit… If you want to die then go ahead and leave the protection of this barrier." Many Anbu members rebuke Izuna.
Elder Genji has an ugly expression on his face as he states the truth.
"He is right… the barrier… the barrier won't be able to hold against that explosion…"
Elder Genji drops a bombshell of news on them.
"Then this means… all of us will die for nothing. Noo…" Some younger ninja clutches their head in reluctance.
Sigh…
Some middle-aged ninjas sigh in helplessness as they surrender to their fate.
Mei clutches her fist tightly as she stares at the lump of chakra.
"I won't give up this easily."
She makes multiple hand signsand slams her palms on the ground.
"Earth Release: Multi-layered Rock Dome"
Mei erects multiple rock domes around the group.
"It's no use…"
Ao shakes his head.
"… this rock dome can't prevent this explosion."
Mei bit on her lower lip and holds her father's hand.
"Father… at least… I will die alongside you."
Sigh…
Fuji sighs and caresses her head.
"I never expected my finalmoments would end up like this."
Izuna silently stares at the interaction of various Kiri shinobis.
'I can only teleport a maximum of Four people at a time with the Flying Thunder God Technique. But that won't be the ideal case scenario. I don't have any attachment to this group of people… maybe besides Mei… since she was my teammate but… if I only save her… then Kiri will be weakened afterthis civil war with no one lead to their forces.
Fuck it! Why do I care about hiding my identity in the first place…'
BOOM…
The Akifumi bomb blows up creating a tall pillar of red chakra from its center.
The explosion travels at an extremely fast speed and engulfs the barrier.
Crumble… Crumble…
The barrier instantly crumblesunder the power of the explosion. The rock dome shatters into countless dust fragments in an instant.
Mei closes her eyes as the red pillar of light engulfs her.
"SUSANOO: Yata No Kagami"
BOOM…
The explosion engulfs the group. A giant pillar of red light rises into the atmosphere as it engulfs the surrounding forest.
The large pillar of light sustains for a few seconds before it vanishes, leaving behind pure destruction in its wake.
--
Inside Kiri,
In a small house…
Kimimaro is laying on the ground while his body is covered in sweat. He feels a tingling sensation on his back as the seal on his spine glows with a cyan hue.
Whoosh…
He notices a giant pillar of Red light rising in the atmosphere at a very faraway distance.
BOOM…
The red pillar of light is followed by a very loud noise as the sound of the explosion almost deafens the ears of the nearby villagers.
"What's going on?"
Kimimaro jumps on top of the roof and looks at the explosion.
"Somehow… I feel like… themessenger-san is inside that explosion."
Kimimaro clutches his fists.
"I believe in Messenger-san."
Kimimaro takes out a small diary and writes in it.
"Explosions are cool."
He closes the diary and pockets it.
--
Inside a large Manor in the centerof the Kiri Village,
A group of elders stares at thesight of the large pillar as they discuss among themselves.
"What kind of technique is this?" One of the elder questions the rest of the group.
"I have no idea about it… probably some sort of Forbidden Ninjutsu."
"Hmm… I have heard of a similar technique."
The Old elders tap his fingers on the table.
"During the Third Shinobi War, the leader of a small hidden clan called Tsuchigumo clan developed a very powerfulKinjutsu.
The Kinjutsu was powerful enough to easily annihilate a hidden village into dust in a matter of seconds. The Leader of the clan 'En no Gyoja' used this powerful jutsu to annihilate an entire island during the third Shinobi war.
After witnessing the potency of this Kinjutsu… the Third Hokage of the leaf village signed a pact with the Tsuchigumo clan to prevent the misuse of the technique."
The Old elder takes out a scroll from his pocket and places it on the table.
"Hmm… you mean to say that… Akifumi managed to get his hands on such a powerful technique."
The rest of the elders frowns at the possibility.
"I am not sure about the natureof the technique… but it seems to be the case." The Old elder nods his head.
"No wonder…. he had such confidence when he led the ambush." Other elders nod their heads.
--
Inside a small restaurant,
Hmm…
A cloaked figure raises his head as he stares at the gigantic explosion.
"Art… this is art."
The eyes of the figure shine in amazement while staring at the explosion.
"We had a contract… you bomb the Hashigano Village… and we pay."
A hoarse voice interrupts him.
Hmph…
"Look at these fools… they haveno appreciation for art."
The cloaked figure turns towards the source of the voice. He grabs a stack of cash from a brawny guy and counts it.
The cloaked figure walks out of the restaurant.
"You have to feel art. And true art... is an Explosion…"
"Katsu"
Boom…
"SUSANOO: Yata No Kagami"
A giant silver construct of chakra appears in front of the group. It has golden armguards and bracers.
The giant construct places down a colossal dark black shield of chakra in front of the group.
BOOM...
The explosion detonates on the shield.
Swirl...
The shield absorbs the entire force of the explosion, guarding the Kiri shinobis.
Mei slowly opens her eyes. Her eyes widen in trepidation as she stares at the giant chakra construct with fear.
Fuji, Elder Genji, and Ao stare at the colossal humanoid construct of chakra rivaling the height of a small hill with fear.
Gulp...
Ao gulps his saliva and speaks.
"It is... it is... Yuito Yuki..."
He points towards Izuna with shaky hands.
Fuji and Elder Genji turns towards the lower part of the Susanoo and notices Izuna standing in the center of the humanoid construct with a serious expression.
BOOM...
The explosion lasts for a while as the shield absorbs the major force of the explosion.
"Release"
The Susanoo lifts the shield and points it towards the sky.
BOOM...
The shield releases a red column of energy as it deflects the entire force of the explosion towards the sky.
Phew...
Izuna heaves a sigh of relief and dispels his Susanoo.
"We are saved... we are saved..."
The Kiri shinobis celebrate in joy as they merrily hug each other.
'And here goes my cover...' Izuna sighs to himself and walks towards Mei and the group.
"Well... we somehow survived."
He smiles at the group as he tries to ease some tension.
"Who are you?" Fuji raises his guard with a kunai in his hand, ready to fight.
"Hey!... Hey!... Why don't you calm down for a while... Old Man? If I wanted to kill you... then I wouldn't have saved you, to begin with." Izuna raises his hands.
Humph...
Fuji snorts and lowers his guard.
"Why don't you reveal your actual identity... I am sure you are not a member of the Yuki clan. I have never heard or seen Yuki clan members using such a powerful defensive technique." He questions Izuna.
"Very well... it's not like you can do anything to me either way."
Izuna dispels his disguise and reveals his identity.
"You are..."
The eyes of Kiri shinobis widen in surprise. They immediately raise their guard and draw out their kunai and shurikens, ready to fight him.
"Izuna Uchiha... one of the most feared adversaries in the Shinobi World. An S-rank ninja... the sighting of whom means certain death for the enemies. When faced with him... the only choice is to surrender. As for fleeing... has someone escaped from the scythe of reaper before?"
Ao has a grim expression on his face as he learns about Izuna's identity.
"What... what are you going to do with us?" Mei draws out a kunai from her holster and takes a fighting stance.
"The people of Kirigakure are no cowards. We won't go down without a fight."
Whoosh...
Izuna vanishes from his position and reappears in front of Mei.
BOO...
He silently whispers in her ear.
"Wha... what are you doing?" Mei is flustered by this surprise attack.
'Fast... he is too fast. He is leagues ahead of Third Raikage in terms of speed.'
Fuji clenches his fist as the memories of the Second Shinobi War flashes through his mind.
'Third Raikage was such a monster during the War... but he seems nothing compared to this man in front of us.
Haha...
Izuna laughs at Mei while holding his stomach.
"Sorry to surprise you like that... Lady Mei. But your reaction was very cute."
"Wha... what?" Mei blushes a little from the compliment.
Ahem...
Fuji clears his throat. Mei regains her calm and turns to Izuna.
"Don't call me Lady Mei again."
"…"
Fuji, Elder Genji, and Ao silently stare at her.
Cough... Cough...
Fuji coughs a little as he questions Izuna.
"What's the motive of Konoha for sending such an elite ninja of their village to infiltrate Kirigakure. Should we assume that Konoha has ulterior motives against Kirigakure and sent you to gather intel in Kiri?"
The expression of nearby Shinobis turns serious as they stare at Izuna with a predatory gaze.
"No... No... it's not like that. I am not representing Konoha in this matter. This is my personal matter." Izuna waves his hands in denial.
"Then what are your intentions for infiltrating our Terumi clan?" Fuji has a frown on his face.
"Ah... that!"
Izuna points towards Mei and explains.
"Well... I was minding my own business and was traveling. Miss Mei happens to be in a little trouble and I helped her... but she won't just let go of me that easily. She forged my identity as a Yuki clan member on her own, and I required a suitable identity... so I played along. Haha..."
Izuna chuckles as he teases Mei.
"Am I correct?... Lady Mei..."
"You bastard... stop with that nonsense." Mei has a tick mark on her forehead as she grabs Ao's collar in anger.
"…"
'Why I am the one suffering her wrath?' Ao questions himself.
"Well... that was indeed her fault... but you helped us a lot in this civil war, and the Terumi clan is grateful for that. Also... thanks for saving the life of my people." Fuji bows his head in gratitude.
"Well... I was just doing my investigation... there is no need to thank me." Izuna shakes his head.
Hmm...
"Would you like to enlighten us... what were you investigating in Kiri?" Elder Genji question Izuna.
"Well... you can choose not to tell us... for either way... we can't force you. But it is a matter of Kiri's safety and I won't lay down idly knowing that Kiri is in danger."
Elder Genji clutches his staff.
"Since... you want to know the details... then I would be honest with you. All of you must have heard about the attack on the Uchiha clan almost two years ago." Izuna asks them.
The Kiri group nods their head in approval.
"I am tracking down the tracks of the killer and it led me to Kiri," Izuna explains to them.
Huh!
Ao frowns as he questions Izuna.
"Wasn't the attack orchestrated by one of the Elder of Konoha together with the Akatsuki?"
"Yes... but it is not the entire truth. I investigated the matter in detail and got to know more about it..."
Izuna turns towards Elder Genji and questions him.
"I am pretty sure... you haven't seen or heard of such a powerful technique before."
Izuna points towards the remains of the forest.
"Mmm... that's true." Elder Genji nods his head.
"Yes... if my suspicion is correct... then it is the same person who attacked my Uchiha clan. He is also the one manipulating the leaders of Kirigakure and if my assumption is correct... then the current Mizukage is also under his control." Izuna calmly reveals the 'facts' to them.
'Anyway... I have to make some excuse for my stay in Kiri... I will throw Obito under the bus for this one. Technically, it is the truth.'
"WHAT?"
The eyes of Kiri shinobis widen after hearing this revelation.
"So... our Mizukage-sama is being manipulated by someone." The group frantically discusses among themselves.
"Enough!"
Fuji roars at them.
"It is still a speculation. We can't be sure of the situation unless we confirm it by ourselves."
"True!" Elder Genji agrees with Fuji.
"Hey... hey... Yuito... Ahem... I mean Izuna Uchiha... can you check the condition of my father once? I have heard that you are a student of Tsunade Senju... the best medic-nin of the shinobi world." Mei requests him.
Hmm...
'It is an excellent opportunity to develop some friendly relationship with Kirigakure. I want Itachi to become the Next Hokage... it will help him a lot.'
"Sure... but I have a condition?" Izuna agrees to her request.
Mei's expression turns ugly as a frown appears on her face. Her voice turns cold as she questions him.
"What condition?... if it under our capabilities... then we will agree to it... otherwise forget about this conversation."
"Wait... wait a minute... here me out first." Izuna appeases her.
"I want to develop a friendly relationship between Konoha and Kirigakure. Regardless of the relationship... I will try my best to cure your father." Izuna relays his intention to them.
"Well... we can have such a discussion after we deal with this matter at hand first. Lord Daimyo is still waiting for us." Fuji interrupts them.
"Alright..." Mei nods his head.
Phew...
Fuji heaves a sigh in relief.
'This girl is just like her mother. She would remain calm most of the time... but for her loved ones... she will flare up... well... it is part of the reason... I loved Miko.'
"Why don't you folks wait here... while I lead Clan Leader Fuji to meet Daimyo." Izuna proposes to the group.
"That's a good idea." Mei nods her head.
"With your summon... it won't take us long to arrive there."
Hmm...
Elder Genji nods his head in approval and signals to the rest of the shinobis.
"All of you… wait for us here. We will unite with you after the meeting."
"Summoning Jutsu"
Izuna summons his giant eagle. Mei hops on it.
'I don't want an old geezer to hug my thighs while flying.'
Izuna makes some hand signs and creates some seats made out of ice for them to sit.
Woosh...
The eagle leaps into the air and soars into the sky. Mei turns to Izuna as she bites her lower lip.
Izuna notices her expression and asks her.
"What's the matter? Do you want to say something?"
"Well..."
Mei hesitates for a while before asking him.
"I know it is rude to ask a ninja about his techniques... but I am curious to know... how are you able to use Ice Release techniques? As far as I know... it was never stated in your information in the Bingo Book."
"Oh! That... you won't ever see it in a bingo book. After I heard about my bounty... I paid a visit to the people maintaining the bingo book. I just beat all of them... and edited my information."
"..."
"You are joking... right?"
"No... I am serious."
"…"
Inside Terumi Mansion,
Elder Genji holds a report in his hand as he skims through it.
Sigh…
"Finally… the civil war is over. The era of blood Mist is over."
He throws the scroll on the table.
"What about the Fourth Mizukage? How should we deal with him?"
Fuji questions him.
"About that…"
Elder Genji rubs his forehead in contemplation.
"Maybe we should ask for Izuna Uchiha's help after he returns from his trip."
Sigh…
He sighs and signals to Ao.
"Ao… the remaining elders of the High-Class faction may cause some trouble for us. You know what to do… right?"
"Yes… Genji-sama."
Ao bows his head and flickers out from the room.
"Is it a good idea to deal with them in such a way?" Fuji questions Elder Genji.
"The times have changed. Kiri is not the same as it used to be… the power of Kiri has deteriorated drastically after losing so many powerful clans.
Those fools must pay for their crimes… it needs drastic actions to make Kiri great again."
Elder Genji clutches his staff tightly.
Sigh…
Fuji sighs and closes his eyes in contemplation.
"Elder Genji!… what are your thoughts on the proposal of Izuna Uchiha? Should we ally with the Konohagakure?"
Hmm…
Elder Genji ponders for a while.
"Kiri still require time to wash its infamy as the 'Bloody Mist'. The actions of the Fourth Mizukage has stained the reputation of Kiri. The economy of the village is in shambles. There aren't many missions available in the village."
Elder Genji slowly stands up and walks towards the window as he gazes down on the village.
"I think it would be great for Kiri if we ally with Konoha… but the terms must be beneficial for Kiri."
Sigh…
Fuji sighs and walks beside Elder Genji.
"Elder Genji… I can't lead the Terumi clan any longer. I would like to pass this position to Mei. I want her to lead the village."
Fuji shakes his head.
"That girl… she just ran off with that Izuna Uchiha. I wonder what guy is up to?"
He turns towards Elder Genji for answers.
"Izuna Uchiha was interested in the origins of the Seven Swords of the Mist. I saw no harm in telling him the origin of those swords, as we have already excavated the ruins. If it helps in improving our relationship with a powerful Ninja like him… then why not?"
Elder Genji chuckles slightly as he assures Fuji.
--
Somewhere in the middle of the Mist Sea,
Scree…
A giant eagle is soaring through the sky as the sea is covered in mist.
Izuna and Mei are seated on the back of the eagle as they look towards the sea.
"So… why did you follow me?"
Izuna turns towards Mei and questions her.
"The ruins of the Land of Water are a heritage of Kirigakure. I am here to monitor you… so you won't plunder the wealth of Kiri." Mei flashes an enchanting smile.
"…"
"So… you don't trust me."
"No… I don't." Mei nods her head.
"That hurts my feelings… Lady Mei… I acted as your bodyguard for almost a year and saved your life multiple times."
Humph…
"I… I would have been fine on my own."
Mei snorts and turns away her head to hide her embarrassment.
"Anyway… what rouse your interest in those old ruins?"
"This…"
Izuna takes out the glowing sword of Zengetsu from his storage scroll.
"Zengetsu passed this sword to me during his last moments. He wanted me to uncover the secrets of this sword. So… maybe I could get some answers from those ruins."
Mei nods her head in understanding.
'I never got the chance to inspect this blade properly.'
Izuna weights the blade in his hand.
"It's quite heavy for its size." He unwraps the cloth covering the blade.
The greatsword has a broken blade. He swings the blade a few times.
'What would I expect? It is a greatsword after all.'
He holds the great sword in one hand and inspects its blade.
There are some strange sealing formulas on the blade.
"I can't recognize these markings at all. I saw Zengetsu unleash a barrage of chakra blades with it.'
Izuna infuses his chakra in the blade.
Shiing…
The blade lits up with a cyan glow.
Swing… swing
Izuna swings the blade multiple times and releases cyan blades made out of chakra.
Hmm…
"It's interesting… but not that powerful."
He stows away the blade.
"I can't see a thing with this mist… can you see anything?" Mei asks him.
"Yes… I can everything. You don't have to worry about getting lost in the Mist Sea."
He assures Mei.
'So… this sea was created during the era of the Rikudou Sannin. Hagoromo Otsutsuki fought against the Ten-tails and sealed it inside the Moon. So… the current Mist Sea is situated in the missing mass of the Earth which created the moon. I wonder when I would be able to reach such scale of power… able to create a planet on whims.'
Nah…
Izuna shakes his head to remove such thoughts. He notices a lone island located in the Mist Sea. The island is located in between the Land of Water and the Land of Silence.
"We are there."
Huh!
Mei looks around but can't spot any traces of the island.
"Be careful… the First Mizukage-sama placed many sealing formulas and barrier around this place to prevent any outsider from intruding this heritage site." She warns him.
"You don't have to worry about me."
He jumps down from his eagle summons. Mei follows him.
Splash… splash…
Both of them land on top of the sea and walks towards the island.
Hmm…
Izuna notices a small rock formation at a distance from the island.
"Lightning Release: Chidori Senbon"
He throws multiple lightning senbons at the rock formation and destroys it.
"That rock formation was absorbing chakra from the surroundings, thus creating a genjutsu to hide the island from our sights. My Sharingan allows me to see through genjutsu… so it is useless against me."
Hmm…
Mei nods her head and walks towards the island.
Swoosh…
Izuna quickly pulls her back.
Chomp…
A giant fish jumps out from the water and bites at her previous position.
"Be careful… multiple giant sea creatures are lurking around this place."
Slash…
Izuna slashes the giant fish in half.
"We don't have to worry about our dinner anymore." Izuna drags the giant fish towards the shore.
The rest of the sea creatures disperses after witnessing the death of one of their kind.
"…"
Mei silently stares at his back.
"What are you waiting for? Let's explore this island." Izuna turns around and signals her.
"Ah… yes… yes…" Mei hurriedly follows him.
Both of them reach the island, and Izuna closes his eyes and enters Sage Mode. He surveys his surroundings for any hostile creatures.
Hmm…
His senses get blocked by an illusory barrier as he tries to sense the middle of the island.
'Looks like this area is similar to Shikkotsu forest. The center of this island is blocked by a separate space barrier.'
"The surroundings are clear for now… why don't we have our dinner?"
BAM…
Izuna places the giant fish on the ground.
Whoop…
He creates a giant wind blade and slices the fish.
"Do you know how to cook?" Mei walks towards him.
"Well… not really… but at least it won't taste awful."
Mei gathers some dry wood and creates fire.
Izuna grills the fish as he takes out some spices from his storage scroll.
An enchanting fragrance wafts out from the cooked fish as it enchants them.
Gulp…
Mei gulps her saliva as she impatiently stares at the fish.
"Hurry up! I am quite hungry after that journey."
"Hai… Hai… Lady Mei… your dinner will be ready soon." Izuna flips the fish as he prepares 'Grilled Fish Steaks'."
Humph…
"Don't call me Lady Mei. Just Mei is fine. I had my fair share of blood during and after the Third Shinobi War. I am not some pampered princess who needs others to take care of her."
Mei takes a bite from the steak and eats it.
"Hmm… it tastes very good. I have never eaten a dish as delicious as this before."
Izuna takes a bite of the steak and his eyes widen in his surprise.
'This fish meat is infused with Nature energy… Maybe I should fish here more often to get these fishes. It won't be much beneficial for me because of my large reserves of chakra… but it would benefit Shisui and the rest of the folks.'
He continues to enjoy the delicious fish steak.
Burp…
A loud burp interrupts his thoughts.
"You didn't hear that," Mei yells at him in embarrassment.
"…"
"Yes…" Izuna nods his head.
"We will explore the island tomorrow… let's make a shelter for tonight." Izuna proposes.
He makes some hand signs and slams his palm on the ground.
Rustle… Rustle…
Many wooden logs appear from the ground and form a small house.
"WHAT!"
Mei's eyes widen in surprise as she stares at the house.
"Wood Release… it is the legendary wood release. How are you able to use it?"
"Well… I can use every Nature transformation Kekkei Genkai." Izuna spits out some lava from his mouth.
"WHAT!"
Mei stares at Izuna for a while before shaking her head.
"I don't know what to say at this point."
She enters the house and stares at the Mist Sea from the window.
Whizz…
A gentle breeze blows by as it flutters Mei's auburn hair. A silver beam of moonlight enters through the window, illuminating Mei's face. Her smile enchants the night.
"Beautiful"
Izuna silently stares at her as he records this moment in his memories.
