The sounds of battle rising from the village grew louder and more chaotic, making Koharu Utatane's eyes gleam with anticipation.
From the look of things, Hidden Mist Village was in for a world of trouble.
The Konoha delegation's inn wasn't far from the Mizukage's office—barely three blocks away. Even at that distance, the shouts and clashing steel were clear as day. Things had gotten real.
"What's going on out there?" Obito Uchiha asked, face blank with confusion as the fighting raged outside.
Kakashi just sighed, his expression resigned. He didn't bother to answer.
Koharu had already gathered all eighteen members of the Konoha delegation into her room. The Mist ANBU on guard didn't interfere—just as they'd promised, so long as the Leaf ninja stayed put, they could do as they pleased. Besides, anyone with eyes could see the village was in chaos; gathering everyone for self-defense was only logical.
Koharu's gaze swept over her team—Kakashi, that Uchiha fool, Fugaku Uchiha, and the rest. Eighteen in total. If she played this right, they might just pull it off.
But she needed solid intel. The moment they made a move, it would mean open war with Hidden Mist—no going back. And they'd have to strike hard and fast: rescue the Three-Tails jinchūriki in the chaos, and get her home safely. Risky, but not impossible.
"Mushū."
"Here!"
A middle-aged ninja stepped forward instantly at Koharu's call.
"Our ships—are they still docked?" Koharu asked.
"At Shūsen Harbor, just where we left them," Mushū confirmed.
"Good. Come here."
Koharu beckoned him close, whispering instructions. Mushū nodded, face serious.
When she finished, Koharu disappeared into her bedroom. She emerged moments later in full ninja battle gear—gone were the heavy, formal robes, replaced by a sleek, fitted combat uniform.
Obito's eyes went wide. "Elder Koharu, you can still—"
Kakashi clamped a hand over his mouth before he could finish.
Koharu just smiled—a rare, genuine smile. "Still fight, you mean? Honestly, I didn't expect it myself. It's been over twenty years since I last wore this."
She drew the blade at her hip, spinning it in a dazzling flourish. The steel gleamed, etched with intricate patterns—a true masterpiece.
"Old friend," she murmured to the sword, "looks like we're going back to war."
She slid the blade home, her face radiating confidence and calm.
"To make wise decisions, you must set aside ego and emotion. That's what my teacher, Lord Tobirama, taught me. Today, I pass that lesson on to all of you."
Her voice was quiet but carried to every ninja in the room. The Mist inn's soundproofing kept their words safe inside.
"Now, I'm announcing a critical mission—direct orders from the Hokage himself. This is a matter of life and death for the village. It's dangerous; you may lose your lives. If anyone wants to back out, you can leave now. No shame, and the village won't blame you. But once you accept, you finish the job—no turning back."
Not a single ninja moved. Every one of them stood tall, eyes blazing.
"Good," Koharu said, nodding in approval. "I promise you this: complete the mission, return home, and you'll be promoted one rank on the spot. Plus, you'll get S-rank mission bonuses."
Obito's eyes lit up. The S-rank reward was nice, but for the wealthy Uchiha clan, promotion was everything. Genin to Chūnin, Chūnin to Jōnin—exactly what a dead-last like Obito dreamed of.
Ever since the Five Kage Summit formed the Ninja Alliance, only the Alliance could grant promotions, and the standards were tough. With the Third War, the Alliance collapsed and the villages stopped caring about exams. Now, with a real shot at advancement, Obito was practically bouncing with excitement.
"Our mission: rescue the Three-Tails jinchūriki—Rin—and bring her back to the village!"
Koharu's words froze Obito in place. He stared at Kakashi, disbelief written all over his face. Even the usually stoic Kakashi couldn't hide his relief.
Rin could come home. They wouldn't have to worry about that cursed pill anymore.
Koharu ignored their reactions, pressing on:
"Check your gear, get ready. First, we deal with the Mist ANBU monitoring us."
Before she finished, the door swung open.
"No need. I've already taken care of them."
Fugaku Uchiha stepped inside, a sly grin on his face.
Koharu's eyes sparkled. "How's it look?"
Fugaku smiled wickedly. "Just as you predicted. Mist Village is in chaos. The Kaguya clan's gone rogue—the rebels are nearly at the Mizukage's doorstep."
"Perfect!" Koharu clapped her hands. "This is our chance! Everyone, head for Master Genshi's estate!"
"Wait," Fugaku said, raising a hand to stop her. "We should hold off."
"Hold off? For what?"
"For dawn."
"Dawn?" Koharu frowned, confused.
Fugaku explained, "I just scouted Master Genshi's estate. There are at least two hundred ninja there, many of them elite. If we charge in now, it's suicide."
Koharu considered. "So what's your plan?"
Fugaku didn't hesitate. "Most of Genshi's guards are Mist ANBU—the village's last line of defense. They won't move unless it's a true emergency. Right now, the rebels and Mist ninja are locked in stalemate. If we break that balance and give the rebels a shot at the Mizukage's office, that force will be forced to act."
Koharu nodded slowly. "What does that have to do with dawn?"
"Attrition," Fugaku replied. "The rebels need to keep wearing down the Mist ninja. Give it a night, and the stalemate will crack."
"How do we break the balance?"
"Simple," Fugaku said, eyes cold. "Kill Young Master Áo Péng. The rest will fall apart."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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