"Will the arrival of the Fourth Mizukage change Hidden Mist Village's tactics?" Akimichi Choza asked.
"I think so." Hyuga Hiashi pondered for a moment before replying, "As a Kage, his strength and influence are enough to turn the tide of battle."
"Although the Fourth Mizukage is powerful, we are not weak. Lady Tsunade is not inferior to him," Uchiha Yashiro said confidently. "The Fourth Mizukage's arrival won't change anything."
Kitazawa stood silently to the side, listening to everyone's discussion, and realized something—they didn't know that the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, was the Three-Tails' Jinchuriki.
But that was understandable. All major Hidden Villages concealed their Jinchuriki's identities.
One reason was to protect them during peacetime. The other was to ensure that, in war, their appearance could create an unexpected impact.
Of course, there were exceptions. For instance, the two Jinchuriki of Hidden Cloud Village made no effort to hide who they were.
Compared to other villages, the Fourth Raikage had more confidence—he trusted in both the strength of Hidden Cloud and his Jinchuriki, so he didn't care whether their identities were exposed.
"I think we should also consider one thing," Kitazawa said, clearing his throat. "Since the Fourth Mizukage has arrived, what about the Jinchuriki?"
He didn't directly reveal that Yagura was the Three-Tails' host. After all, he couldn't explain how he knew.
"What Kitazawa said is indeed possible," Nara Shikaku's expression turned serious. "If the Fourth Mizukage brings a Jinchuriki, then we won't be able to match him."
In the perception of most ninja, only another Jinchuriki could fight a Jinchuriki. And truthfully, that wasn't wrong—the power of a Jinchuriki in full Tailed Beast Mode was terrifying.
Throughout the entire Shinobi World, only a handful of ninja could suppress a Jinchuriki or a Tailed Beast.
Kitazawa fell into deep thought.
A Jinchuriki was indeed a huge problem—especially since Tsunade still suffered from hemophobia.
In the current Konoha main camp, perhaps only Itachi's Mangekyo Sharingan could serve as their greatest countermeasure.
Then, Kitazawa's mind stirred. He realized he had fallen into a misconception.
Defeating Yagura wasn't the goal—removing Uchiha Obito's control over him was.
Given that, he could reveal the truth during battle. The Mist-nin might not believe him, but it didn't matter.
If they didn't believe Kitazawa, they would have to believe Ao—because Ao possessed the Byakugan.
The reason Ao hadn't discovered Yagura's manipulation earlier was simple: he didn't dare use his Byakugan on the Fourth Mizukage.
It was the same as a Hyuga ninja refusing to casually observe the Hokage with their Byakugan.
In fact, Konoha had a rule—Hyuga clan members were forbidden to use the Byakugan within the village except under special circumstances.
No one wanted a shinobi with X-ray vision spying freely.
Kitazawa even suspected this was the real reason Hinata had been kidnapped at home by Cloud-nin in the original timeline.
"To prevent the possible appearance of a Jinchuriki, I will have the Old Man send the Sealing Squad over," Tsunade said after a moment of thought.
Konoha's own Jinchuriki, Uzumaki Naruto, was still too young—and it wasn't yet a do-or-die moment for the village—so bringing him to the battlefield was impossible.
Deploying the Sealing Squad was the best option.
"Everyone, prepare yourselves. After the Fourth Mizukage arrives, we'll respond according to the Mist's movements," Tsunade concluded.
The meeting ended, and everyone left the main tent.
Kitazawa, however, remained behind.
"Kitazawa, is there something else?" Tsunade asked, noticing him.
"I want to ask Itachi about the Ninja Academy's situation," Kitazawa said truthfully.
"You're quite the conscientious teacher," Tsunade said with a soft smile. Then she turned. "Shizune, go call Itachi."
Shizune nodded and stepped out.
"Lady Tsunade, are you confident in dealing with the Fourth Mizukage?" Kitazawa asked while waiting.
"No." Tsunade leaned back slightly, her hips pressing against the desk, her tone half-joking. "I'll have to rely on you."
"This is the first time I've heard such words from Lady Tsunade," Kitazawa said with a grin.
Tsunade blinked, realizing how uncharacteristic that sounded even to her own ears.
"You're my student," she said lazily, brushing it off. "If I don't rely on you, who should I rely on?"
She had always been shamelessly straightforward—after all, this was the same woman who once ran across the world dodging debt collectors.
"What if I can't beat him?" Kitazawa asked as he stepped closer.
"Then we run for our lives together," Tsunade said without hesitation. "Only fools stand there waiting for death."
"As expected of Lady Tsunade," Kitazawa chuckled, giving her a thumbs-up.
"That's easy to say," Tsunade sighed, rubbing her temples, clearly troubled. "But if the Mist really brings a Jinchuriki, even retreating will be difficult."
Her movements caused the curve of her body to shift subtly—an unintentional display of confidence and power.
Kitazawa's gaze instinctively followed.
"What are you looking at?" Tsunade elbowed him lightly in the arm.
"Sorry," Kitazawa replied quickly. "That's just human instinct."
"You're quite honest," Tsunade said with a faint smirk, unbothered. "It's a pity Rina hasn't mastered the Adamantine Sealing Chains yet."
In the original timeline, even a newly delivered Uzumaki Kushina could restrain the Nine-Tails with that technique.
"She hasn't had enough time to study sealing arts, so it can't be helped," Kitazawa said, shaking his head.
Uzumaki Rina had been recovering ever since being rescued from Grass Village and hadn't yet had the chance to train properly.
"Hmm." Tsunade waved her hand dismissively. "Don't worry. The Sealing Squad's technique isn't bad either."
"Lady Tsunade." Just then, Shizune's voice sounded from outside the tent.
"Itachi is here. Go find him," Tsunade said, raising her head.
"Call me if anything happens." Kitazawa nodded, gave a polite bow, and walked out of the main tent.
Tsunade's gaze lingered on his retreating figure, her thoughts adrift.
She couldn't shake the feeling that her relationship with Kitazawa was… peculiar—nothing like that of a teacher and student.
"You two talk," Shizune said softly, not disturbing them as she left with Tonton.
"Itachi," Kitazawa called out first. "I have something I'd like the Anbu to help with—the final exam rankings of the Genius Class."
"That's simple," Itachi replied immediately. "I'll be returning to Konoha Village tomorrow; I can take care of it then."
"You shouldn't return to Konoha right now. Your presence here is more valuable," Kitazawa said, shaking his head.
"Then I'll send someone back instead," Itachi replied after a short pause, slightly surprised.
As an Anbu, he already knew about the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, arriving soon.
But did Kitazawa trust him that much? Itachi couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.
After all, he had never revealed his Mangekyō Sharingan. Maybe Kitazawa was just speaking casually.
"Thank you," Kitazawa said with a nod.
He didn't take much of Itachi's time—after a brief exchange, he returned to his tent.
Kurenai and Kabuto were still inside; neither had left after dinner.
"The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, will probably arrive tomorrow," Kitazawa said as he sat beside Kurenai.
"Even the Fourth Mizukage is coming?" Kurenai looked startled.
Kabuto and the others also exchanged surprised looks.
"Don't worry—we'll focus on what needs to be done," Kitazawa said calmly, then asked, "Kabuto, Izumi, how are your Ninjutsu studies coming along?"
"Compound Ninjutsu: Strange Mask Exploding Flame is very difficult," Uchiha Izumi said apologetically. "We estimate we'll need another half month."
Wind Release: Pressure Damage and Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work were both B-rank Ninjutsu.
They had trained and fought continuously for a month, barely managing to master them.
But the Compound Ninjutsu: Strange Mask Exploding Flame was a different story—it was of A-rank difficulty.
More importantly, it required perfect coordination between two people.
"Izumi has the Sharingan, so maybe it won't take half a month," Kabuto added.
"Sharingan is indeed convenient," Kurenai sighed. "The Wind Release: Rasengan, my learning is progressing much slower than yours."
Kabuto and Izumi were both Kitazawa's students—and her juniors.
They had started learning Ninjutsu at roughly the same time, yet her progress lagged behind.
Kurenai couldn't help but feel the difference in talent.
"Senior Kurenai, you're learning A-rank Ninjutsu," Kabuto said with a friendly smile. "We're only learning B-rank ones. If we were learning something like that, we'd be struggling far more than you."
"You sure know how to talk," Kurenai chuckled despite herself.
"Everyone, go rest," Kitazawa said as he stood up. "If there are any new missions, I'll inform you."
"Yes, Teacher Kitazawa," Kabuto and the others replied in unison.
Kitazawa and Kurenai entered their tent.
"I wonder if I'll be able to master Wind Release: Rasengan before the war ends," Kurenai said, stretching lazily—her movement accentuating her curves.
Kitazawa's eyes flicked toward her unconsciously, and he couldn't help noting how far she fell behind Lady Tsunade in that regard.
But it wasn't her fault. In the entire Shinobi World, perhaps only Samui and Hyuga Hinata could rival Tsunade's figure.
"Just do your best—don't push too hard," Kitazawa said, sitting cross-legged and pulling out paper and a pen.
He hadn't studied any new Ninjutsu recently, aside from using his Three-Tomoe Sharingan to copy techniques from Mist-nin.
But even without new training, he hadn't been idle. His main focus was perfecting a new form of Medical Ninjutsu for limb regeneration.
After months of effort—building on the foundation of the Forbidden Medical Technique: Body Revival Technique—his progress had been impressive.
He felt confident he could complete it within the month.
Seeing this, Kurenai didn't disturb him and continued practicing her Wind Release: Rasengan in silence.
Konoha's camp remained calm despite the Fourth Mizukage's impending arrival.
But in the Mist camp, the atmosphere was tense—sleep eluded many.
Inside Ao's tent, Terumī Mei and several Mist Jonin gathered after receiving a summons.
"What did Elder Gensui say?" a young shinobi asked anxiously.
All Jonin present were part of Gensui's faction.
Zabuza, for instance, was absent—his pride kept him unaffiliated. In fact, in the original timeline, he would even attempt to assassinate Yagura himself.
"Elder Gensui doesn't know the reason either," Ao said, shaking his head.
"Then what should we do?" Terumī Mei frowned. "Once Mizukage-sama arrives, he'll take command. We'll have to follow his orders."
"Mizukage-sama will likely launch a full-scale assault on Konoha," another middle-aged ninja said grimly. "Who knows how many more will die?"
He clearly wasn't optimistic about their chances. The strength gap between Mist and Konoha was obvious—it couldn't be bridged by Yagura alone.
"In recent years, Mizukage-sama's behavior has grown more erratic. Starting a war with Konoha is pure madness," another ninja said sharply. "Is Elder Gensui really just going to let this continue?"
"Elder Gensui doesn't want to see the Mist walk toward destruction," Ao replied, sighing. "But Mizukage-sama just arrived, and the war hasn't begun. We can't confront him yet."
"So we wait for him to suffer defeat before acting?" Terumī Mei immediately grasped his implication.
"That's the only way," Ao said helplessly.
The Fourth Mizukage was immensely powerful and commanded deep respect within the Mist.
Even if they wanted to oppose him, they would have to wait until after his fall from grace.
The Night slowly faded.
---
A new day.
Kitazawa did not take on any missions and remained at the Konoha Village Main Camp. Kabuto and Kurenai, among others, were as busy as ever practicing Ninjutsu.
The morning quickly passed.
Around noon, Kitazawa saw Itachi.
"This is the ranking for the Genius Class final exam." Itachi handed him a scroll and said.
"Thank you." Kitazawa took the scroll and replied.
"There's also some information," Itachi added after a pause. "Half an hour ago, the Fourth Mizukage arrived at the Hidden Mist Village Main Camp."
Kitazawa nodded and opened the scroll.
He couldn't help but let out a soft exclamation. The scroll not only contained rankings but also the training status of the Genius Class students.
This was clearly Itachi's extra effort.
However, this kind of extra effort was very much to Kitazawa's liking. One could only say—it was Itachi; he handled everything thoroughly.
For example, even Sasuke in the original work had been meticulously arranged by him.
After reading it, Kitazawa closed the scroll.
The Genius Class final exam rankings were mostly similar to the previous monthly exam results. Naruto still ranked first in the practical exam.
Having mastered Wind Release: Gale Palm and Wind Release: Great Breakthrough, combined with the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, he was practically invincible.
Although Sasuke had learned Konoha Style: Willow, it had little effect on Naruto.
Konoha Style: Willow relied on Genjutsu and Kenjutsu—he could only defeat Naruto by mastering Lightning Release Ninjutsu.
Ino, on the other hand, showed significant improvement. She had learned Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique.
Though Genjutsu performed poorly in the original work, it was extremely useful against non-Uchiha opponents—especially since Ino's rivals were just a group of ungraduated students.
Besides that, Shino Aburame's parasitic water insects had made initial progress.
With the help of Maruboshi Kosuke and Sakura's Water Release, these new insects gained resistance to water techniques.
Of course, this was just the beginning—their duration was still too short to complete Kitazawa's system mission.
After lunch, Kitazawa was again called by Tsunade for a meeting.
Only one thing was discussed: the change in Hidden Mist Village's tactics.
Hidden Mist Village ninja had abandoned their island defenses and were now preparing to establish strongholds and outposts on land.
The war situation underwent a dramatic change.
Previously, when the Mist relied on island defenses, Konoha held the upper hand. Now, with the tables turned, the war had reverted to its early chaotic phase.
However, with the addition of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, the intensity of battle rose sharply—especially since many Hidden Mist ninja fought with reckless abandon.
A week passed in the blink of an eye.
As May entered its middle, the weather grew warmer.
Inside the Konoha Village Main Camp's central tent—
"This past week, Hidden Mist Village's casualties were more than double ours," Nara Shikaku reported. "But after paying that price, they have successfully established several strongholds and outposts on land."
"Hmm." Tsunade had expected this and showed no surprise.
"Lady Tsunade, I think we should organize a counterattack," Uchiha Yashiro said in a deep voice. "We cannot let the Hidden Mist ninja grow so arrogant."
"I called you all here precisely to discuss that," Tsunade nodded slightly. "Three days ago, I dispatched Anbu and Hyuga Clan ninja—three teams in total—to infiltrate behind enemy lines."
"Any results yet?" Uchiha Yashiro's eyes lit up at her words.
"This is the map they drew." Tsunade opened a scroll. "The red dots mark the heavily guarded strongholds of the Hidden Mist."
Kitazawa looked up and studied it.
The map showed four red dots.
The innermost one marked the current location of the Hidden Mist Main Camp. The other three represented two supply depots and one medical-nin stronghold.
"I plan to send three teams to destroy these three strongholds—excluding the Main Camp," Tsunade said after a moment's thought. "Yashiro, Choza, and Kitazawa, you three will lead them."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade." Kitazawa was slightly startled, but he soon agreed.
After that came the specific assignments and tactical discussions.
Kitazawa's target was a supply point located on an island.
In addition to his team, there was the one led by Hizashi Hyuga, making a total of eight people, five of whom were Jonin. The lineup was nothing short of elite.
"Lord Kitazawa, I didn't expect us to fight side by side again," Hizashi said cheerfully.
After all, Kitazawa's power greatly increased their chances of success.
"Gather at the camp entrance in five minutes," Kitazawa instructed with a small smile.
"Understood." Hizashi immediately went to summon his teammates.
Kitazawa also gathered Kurenai, Kabuto, and the others at the entrance.
Five minutes later, the two teams rendezvoused and headed toward their destination.
With Torune's Phosphorus Destruction Bugs and Hizashi's Byakugan, they advanced smoothly until they reached the offshore supply point of the Hidden Mist.
By then, darkness had fallen.
"The intelligence is accurate," Hizashi said, his Byakugan scanning the camp. "This supply point has four Jonin, and sixteen Chunin and Genin."
"Then proceed as planned," Kitazawa said calmly. "I'll first use Water Release to destroy their traps and create chaos—then you attack."
"With Lord Kitazawa's Water Release, we'll achieve twice the result with half the effort," Hizashi replied with a grin.
He had once raided a Mist stronghold with Kitazawa before and had seen firsthand the devastating power of his Water-style techniques.
But just as Kitazawa was about to form hand seals—
Four splashes erupted from the dark sea.
Four Hidden Mist ninja burst out from the water, surrounding them.
"Fourth Mizukage!?" Hizashi's eyes widened in shock upon recognizing one of them.
Kitazawa's expression hardened. They had fallen into a trap.