Chapter 69: Are you Kaguya Uchiha Itachi Neko?

"Mizukage-sama?"

Both Biwa Juzo and Uehara Soma's gazes shifted.

They saw the Third Mizukage approaching rapidly, holding something in his hand.

"Is Mayuko here?"

"She's over there, Mizukage-sama, I'll go call her."

Said Biwa Juzo.

At this moment, both Biwa Juzo and Uehara Soma had already seen what the Third Mizukage was holding.

It wasn't a thing, but a person.

A person who was severely injured.

Even from a distance, you could smell the strong scent of blood.

Biwa Juzo quickly arrived at Mayuko Ringo's door and knocked.

"Mayuko-senpai, Mizukage-sama is here."

Soon, Mayuko Ringo opened the door.

"Mizukage-sama."

"Mayuko, I'm sorry to trouble you, he's badly injured."

"Okay."

Mayuko Ringo immediately used Medical Ninjutsu for emergency treatment.

"Mizukage-sama, who is this person?"

Biwa Juzo couldn't help but ask.

"Kaguya Neko."

"The Third Mizukage said with a somewhat grim expression, "He was injured by someone from the Kaguya Clan."

"They came with the intention to kill him. He was lucky to survive, encountering an ANBU ninja who brought him to me."

As he spoke, the Third Mizukage paused.

His gaze first fell on Uehara Soma, then shifted to Biwa Juzo, and then to Ao, who had heard the commotion and was walking towards them.

"You are all people I trust."

"That's why I'm telling you about this directly."

"The Kaguya Clan is about to betray us."

At this statement, the expressions of Uehara Soma and the others changed.

Biwa Juzo and Ao had some understanding of the Kaguya Clan.

Neither of them liked this 'mad' clan very much.

And coupled with what happened with Mayuko Ringo, it had worsened their impression of the Kaguya Clan to the extreme.

But with all that being said, the Kaguya Clan is one of the founders of the Hidden Mist Village.

The matter with Kaguya Tai has been confirmed as the actions of Kaguya Tai himself.

This was stated by the Third Mizukage himself.

Why all of a sudden would the Kaguya Clan betray us?

Uehara Soma knew, in the original storyline, the Kaguya Clan perished during the civil war in the Hidden Mist Village, but Uehara Soma remembered that it should be a long time from now.

At that time, Orochimaru had already defected from Konoha.

Even Zabuza appeared to be an adult.

But now, Zabuza is still just a teenager.

The civil war between the Kaguya Clan and the Hidden Mist Village seems to have come too early.

The Third Mizukage said, "The issue with the Kaguya Clan has existed for a long time. Originally, I planned to deal with this matter after the war between the Hidden Mist Village and Konoha ended."

"But now, it seems we have to deal with it ahead of schedule."

"The matter with Kaguya Tai was indeed his decision alone, that's correct."

"However, the Kaguya Clan has already split into two factions internally."

"One faction advocates for starting a civil war, prioritizing the clan over the village."

"The other faction has a more moderate attitude."

"But the number of people advocating for a civil war far outweighs the others."

"According to the intelligence provided by Kaguya Neko, the Kaguya Clan has been secretly amassing power."

"But more importantly, the Kaguya Clan was unaware before that I knew about their plans to start a civil war, but just recently, they overheard a conversation between Kaguya Neko and Kaguya Masui."

"Now they know."

"So they will undoubtedly launch the civil war before I realize that Kaguya Neko "died""

"However, Kaguya Neko didn't die."

"This is our chance to stop them from starting the civil war."

"In the days they are preparing for the civil war, by striking the Kaguya Clan beforehand and killing them, we can prevent this internal conflict and minimize the village's losses."

"Ao, Juzo, I need both of you for this operation."

Biwa Juzo and Ao exchanged glances.

"Yes, Mizukage-sama."

However, after saying that, Biwa Juzo hesitated slightly.

"Mizukage-sama, when you say 'kill,' do you mean wiping out the entire Kaguya Clan?"

The incidents involving Zenin Mai and Zenin Maki had left an impact on Biwa Juzo.

So he couldn't help but ask this question.

"That's correct."

The Third Mizukage showed no change in expression.

As if this decision meant nothing.

Even though Uehara Soma had some understanding of the Third Mizukage's personality and style of doing things knowing that the Third Mizukage was the one who created the existence of the Bloody Mist.

But upon hearing the Third Mizukage's unwavering decision to exterminate the Kaguya Clan, he couldn't help but feel a sinking feeling in his heart.

Those two words were too heavy.

Uehara Soma didn't like the Kaguya Clan.

But he didn't think the Kaguya Clan deserved to be exterminated.

In a family with so many people, there must be some who shouldn't be treated in such a way.

"What Mizukage-sama said is correct."

A voice echoed from nearby.

It was Kaguya Neko, who had already received treatment from Ameyuri Ringo and had somewhat recovered from his injuries, struggling to walk towards them.

Uehara Soma looked over.

Kaguya Neko's eyes were bloodshot.

It was clear from his face the anger and dissatisfaction he held.

Kaguya Neko's steps were unsteady. Obviously, even after treatment, Kaguya Neko's condition was still quite bad, but his gaze was remarkably firm.

"I am from the Kaguya Clan, I understand them."

"Most of the Kaguya Clan members agree with starting the civil war, they only have selfish desires, no regard for the village."

"Once they initiate the civil war, the vast majority of ninjas will be involved."

"And now that things have reached this point, we must act preemptively, kill them, to prevent the civil war."

"That small group of people is indeed innocent."

"But this is unavoidable."

"With the nature of the Kaguya Clan, once we kill the others, the remaining ones will inevitably resent the village."

"At that time, it will lead to another internal conflict."

"Bringing new troubles to the village."

"Therefore, wiping them all out at once is the best choice for the village."

"Everything is for the village!"

Uehara Soma looked at Kaguya Neko, who spoke calmly, feeling somewhat dazed.

In a moment, Uehara Soma felt as if he saw another person's shadow on Kaguya Neko.

Uchiha Itachi.

In the original storyline, Konoha's Uchiha Itachi, faced with the choice between his clan and the village, chose the village and annihilated the Uchiha clan.

And now, Kaguya Neko, faced with the choice between his clan and the village, also chose the village, intending to annihilate the Kaguya Clan.

The Third Mizukage and Kaguya Neko both seemed resolute.

The demise of the Kaguya Clan seemed imminent.

"Mizukage-sama, I have an idea, I'm not sure if I should say it."

In this situation, Uehara Soma knew that it was impossible for him to stop this action against the Kaguya Clan.

Even if he stopped it from the village's side, the Kaguya Clan would still strike back at the village.

The situation would still be dire.

However, under the current circumstances, Uehara Soma came up with a slightly better idea.

This is the limit of what Uehara Soma can currently do.

"Soma, go ahead."

The Third Mizukage flashed a warm smile at Uehara Soma.

As if to say, it wasn't solely his decision to announce the extermination.

But, that's just the Third Mizukage.

Just like the Bloody Mist Policy.

Through harsh training, ruthless elimination, they determine the true elites.

But Uehara Soma's situation is somewhat different.

Uehara Soma has already proven himself.

In the realm of the Mist's Blacksmith, Uehara Soma is the only one.

Therefore, the Third Mizukage's attitude towards Uehara Soma is completely different from that towards ordinary ninjas.

Uehara Soma first looked at Kaguya Neko.

"Senpai, the situation with the Kaguya Clan is regrettable. It may indeed be necessary to take action against the Kaguya Clan for the village, but I think it would be unfair to kill those innocents as well."

"And, actually, this is not a good thing for the village."

"Other ninja clans will know about the situation with the Kaguya Clan."

"Even if they know that the Kaguya Clan has made a big mistake, the act of exterminating the clan is too terrifying."

"It will affect the hearts of the village's people."

"And other ninja villages will definitely use this as a topic, embellishing it, causing a huge impact on the reputation of the Hidden Mist Village."

"I have an idea, but it requires sacrifices from you, Neko-senpai."

"It will cause you great harm, but for the Kaguya Clan, for the Hidden Mist Village, it will result in a better outcome. I wonder if you can accept it."

Kaguya Neko looked at Uehara Soma.

"Let's hear it."

Uehara Soma said, "My idea is this: you, Neko-senpai, will take action to kill all the members of the radical faction within the Kaguya Clan, those who are inclined towards the civil war."

"Afterward, you will desert Hidden Mist Village."

"You alone will bear the guilt for the crimes of the Kaguya Clan."

"The village will hunt you down, branding you a traitor."

"You'll never be allowed to return to Hidden Mist Village for the rest of your life."

"In this way, the innocent within the Kaguya Clan can survive."

"They won't hate the village, only you, Neko-senpai."

"So there won't be any worry about them seeking revenge against the village."

"And the other ninja clans in the village will only fear you, Neko-senpai, not fear Mizukage-sama."

"By you bearing all the sins, it will create a better situation for the innocent of the Kaguya Clan and the village."

"But indeed, this is too cruel for you, Neko-senpai."

Kaguya Neko fell into silence.

This was a path Kaguya Neko had not envisioned.

However, after serious consideration, Kaguya Neko felt that it might indeed be a better approach.

But, there were many issues.

"My strength isn't sufficient."

That was the biggest problem.

"May I ask, Neko-senpai, about your approximate strength?"

"Jonin, but within the Kaguya Clan, there aren't many stronger than me, and even if they are, not by much. However, there are too many of them."

"What are you proficient in, Neko-senpai?"

"Taijutsu and Ninjato."

Upon hearing Kaguya Neko's response, Uehara Soma took out the Ninjato he had recently crafted.

Jonin, and from Kaguya Neko's words, it could be inferred that he was among the top Jonin.

So, this met Uehara Soma's requirements.

Being able to become a Jonin, Kaguya Neko's talent must be quite good.

Furthermore, Kaguya Neko's firm gaze when mentioning the extermination of the Kaguya Clan before made Uehara Soma feel that Dragon-Bone was likely to resonate with Kaguya Neko.

Kaguya Neko seemed like another version of Uchiha Itachi.

"This Ninjato, named Dragon-Bone, can absorb the energy of collisions and release it in the next attack, which suits you well, Neko-senpai."

"Using this Ninjato, your strength should improve significantly, Neko-senpai."

Uehara Soma continued, "Moreover, this Ninjato can also provide you with a suitable reason to kill those radicals within the Kaguya Clan and earn you the title of a demonic blade."

"Killing loved ones can grant power. Therefore, Neko-senpai, you are the one to act against your own people."

Uehara Soma directly brought out the set from the night of Konoha's extermination.

Externally, Uchiha Itachi killed his clan to enhance the power of the Sharingan.

Therefore, Kaguya Neko obtaining a demonic blade and killing clan members for power could be considered reasonable.

Kaguya Neko looked at the Ninjato in Uehara Soma's hand.

"After this is over, am I taking this Ninjato with me?" Kaguya Neko asked.

Uehara Soma nodded.

"It would be more reasonable for Neko-senpai to take it. If the village needs this Ninjato, we can arrange a few battles to retrieve it back to the village," he explained.

However, Kaguya Neko didn't reach for the sword but instead looked at Third Mizukage.

While Uehara Soma spoke, Third Mizukage had already been contemplating.

Third Mizukage didn't care about the innocent members of the Kaguya Clan.

Nor did he care much about Hidden Mist Village's reputation.

The Bloody Mist policy has a notorious reputation abroad, but Third Mizukage is still enforcing it.

Only one point mentioned by Uehara Soma, which benefits the hearts of the people in Hidden Mist Village, caught Third Mizukage's attention.

Even though Third Mizukage is a Mizukage who is strict, radical, and iron-blooded.

But when it comes to human hearts, Third Mizukage understands.

Without understanding human hearts, Third Mizukage wouldn't be able to maintain the respect of most people in Hidden Mist Village, even after Bloody Mist has been in effect for so long.

"Soma, you make a good point," Third Mizukage said. "Your suggestion is indeed a better way."

"You have turned the conflict between Kaguya Clan and the village into an internal conflict within Kaguya Clan."

"It can solve the village's crisis without bringing so many side effects."

"However, in the actual implementation process, there will certainly be many problems."

"But, these are all small problems that can be handled."

For example, even after obtaining Dragon-Bone, Kaguya Neko still lacks the strength to kill all the radical Kaguya members.

For example, there are no airtight walls, and the truth of the matter will inevitably be known by some other people.

And so on.

But compared to the plan proposed by Uehara Soma to have ANBU Ninja directly exterminate Kaguya Clan, the negative impact is undoubtedly much smaller.

"Neko, take the sword!"

Third Mizukage looked towards Kaguya Neko.

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