Ao's expression changed instantly.
"You... what did you say?!"
Kakashi let out a sigh.
"It seems we're already too late..."
Looking at Ao, he continued in a serious tone.
"At this point, there is only one option left. We have to fight our way out."
Ao immediately understood the situation. He clenched his fists and nodded firmly.
"Then we'll fight to the very end!"
"I am prepared to sacrifice everything—even my life—for the future of the Hidden Mist Village!"
Kakashi turned toward Naruto and Hinata.
"Naruto, Hinata, those people aren't going to let us leave peacefully. We have no choice but to fight."
The two had already made their decision.
"Understood, Kakashi-sensei!"
"Let's do it!"
---
The dozens of shinobi surrounding Ao were members of the Hidden Mist ANBU, directly under the command of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi.
In the past, the ANBU had been led by Fuguki Suikazan, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. However, after Kisame Hoshigaki discovered Fuguki's betrayal and collaboration with outside forces, he personally executed him and left the village with Samehada.
Since then, Yagura had taken direct control of the ANBU.
Besides the ANBU, he also maintained a loyal personal guard unit. The elite shinobi present tonight had been ordered to eliminate Ao and the so-called "rebels" in a single strike.
Ao knew there was no turning back now.
The truth had already been exposed.
Only battle remained.
"Attack!"
With a furious roar, Ao led seven or eight loyal shinobi forward.
The ANBU captain sneered.
"Traitors! How dare you resist!"
Ao's eyes blazed with anger.
"The real traitor to the Hidden Mist Village is the Mizukage himself! You've all been deceived!"
The ANBU members immediately exploded with rage.
"Ao! You secretly collaborated with Konoha shinobi and plotted rebellion. We witnessed it ourselves!"
Ao clenched his teeth.
"When have I ever conspired with Konoha?"
The captain pointed toward Team Seven.
"These people were supposed to be resting at the inn. Instead, they secretly came to your residence. Isn't that proof enough?"
Ao found himself unable to argue.
"You understand nothing."
"The current Mizukage is no longer the man he once was."
"He has been under a powerful genjutsu for years. Only my Byakugan has been able to see through it."
Unfortunately, his explanation only made matters worse.
"More lies!"
To the ANBU, Ao's words sounded like nothing more than desperate excuses.
Soon, not only Ao but also every member of Team Seven became targets.
Kakashi felt a headache coming on.
The situation had spiraled far beyond his expectations.
Originally, their mission had simply been to use the Suigetsu Hozuki incident as an opportunity to gauge the Hidden Mist Village's attitude toward the Tailed Beasts, Jinchūriki, and the Akatsuki Organization.
No one had expected to become involved in a coup against the Mizukage.
Yet now, there was no way out.
Kakashi understood one thing clearly.
If the real Yagura Karatachi were still in control, he would never have attacked Konoha shinobi.
Doing so could easily provoke conflict—or even war—between Konoha and the Hidden Mist Village.
Such a move would be disastrous for the village.
But the current Yagura was merely a puppet.
Whoever controlled him clearly cared little about the village's future.
In fact, a war between Konoha and the Hidden Mist Village would likely benefit that person greatly.
Both sides would suffer heavy losses.
Based on everything he had learned, Kakashi was becoming increasingly convinced that the mastermind behind all of this was a member of the Akatsuki.
Realizing there was no alternative, he immediately ordered Naruto and Hinata to counterattack.
At the same time, he remained careful not to kill any Hidden Mist shinobi.
Despite the circumstances, they were still fellow ninja of one of the Five Great Nations.
Therefore, Kakashi focused on incapacitating his opponents rather than killing them.
Naruto and Hinata understood his intentions perfectly.
Instead of using their full strength, they coordinated their attacks with Ao and focused on controlling the battlefield.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
Naruto unleashed a powerful gust of wind that roared across the battlefield.
Several Hidden Mist shinobi were blown away instantly.
"Beast Strength Burst!"
Hinata slammed her fist into the ground.
The earth shook violently.
Cracks spread across the battlefield as tremendous force erupted beneath her.
The Hidden Mist shinobi lost their footing and staggered backward.
Under normal circumstances, Ao and his followers would have stood little chance against dozens of elite Hidden Mist forces.
But with Team Seven joining the battle, the situation stabilized.
The battle entered a stalemate.
Even so, Ao's expression grew darker and darker.
No matter who won, the people dying tonight were all citizens of the Hidden Mist Village.
The longer the battle continued, the greater the tragedy would become.
Suigetsu Hozuki had initially intended to stay out of the conflict.
Unfortunately, the Hidden Mist shinobi did not consider him an innocent bystander.
Soon, several attacks were directed at him as well.
Left with no choice, Suigetsu joined the battle.
Before long, Ao's residence had descended into complete chaos.
---
At the same time...
Inside the Hidden Mist Village, at the residence of Elder Genji.
As the village's oldest and most respected elder, Genji was secretly gathering trusted shinobi to discuss an important matter.
Although he possessed little combat ability, his wisdom and experience were unmatched.
Having lived through the reigns of three Mizukage, his judgment carried tremendous weight.
For years, he had suspected something was wrong with Yagura Karatachi.
Unfortunately, even if his suspicions were correct, forcefully confronting the Mizukage would only plunge the village deeper into chaos.
Genji was old.
His body had weakened with age.
Yet his mind remained sharp.
"Everyone here should already be aware of Ao's suspicions."
He paused to cough.
"However, we must proceed carefully. We cannot allow the enemy to become alarmed."
Most of the people gathered were young shinobi.
Standing at the forefront was Mei Terumi.
As one of the village's brightest rising stars, Mei possessed exceptional intelligence, strength, and leadership.
Genji considered her the Hidden Mist Village's greatest hope for the future.
Mei frowned.
"Lord Genji, while caution is important, if we continue delaying, the entire village may collapse."
"The situation has already become extremely dangerous."
Ao and Gonbei, Genji's trusted subordinates, nodded in agreement.
Genji sighed.
"I understand. But even if the Mizukage is being manipulated, he still controls a significant portion of the village's military power."
"Acting rashly could lead to disaster."
Ao hesitated before speaking.
"There may be a turning point."
"Konoha has sent representatives to retrieve Suigetsu Hozuki. Their true purpose is likely to investigate our stance regarding the Akatsuki."
"Perhaps we should make use of Konoha's assistance."
Genji's eyes narrowed.
"You mean relying on outside forces?"
Ao smiled bitterly.
"I dislike the idea as much as anyone."
"But relying solely on our own strength may not be enough to break this deadlock."
After a moment of silence, Genji asked,
"Who did Konoha send?"
Gonbei immediately answered.
"Kakashi Hatake, along with two members of Team Seven."
"Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuga Hinata."
Mei's eyes lit up.
"Kakashi Hatake... and Uzumaki Naruto?"
"If we can secure their support, our chances of success will improve significantly."
"Kakashi's reputation is known throughout the ninja world."
"As for Naruto, despite his youth, his accomplishments have already shaken the entire world."
"It is even said that the Legendary Sannin, Orochimaru, died at his hands."
Genji fell silent for a long moment.
Then he sighed deeply.
"Uzumaki Naruto..."
"The reason Konoha remains strong generation after generation is because it continuously produces outstanding new talent."
"Our village, on the other hand, suffered greatly during the Bloody Mist era."
"Even after reforms, we lost nearly an entire generation of potential shinobi."
Mei felt a trace of sadness.
"Still, Lord Genji, we shouldn't be too pessimistic."
"Talents such as Chojuro, Ameyuri Ringo, and many others are emerging."
Genji nodded.
"They are excellent."
"But compared to a once-in-a-generation talent like Uzumaki Naruto, they still have a long way to go."
After a brief pause, he continued.
"Setting that aside, Mei, what do you think of Ao's proposal?"
Mei answered without hesitation.
"I agree with him."
"Though I have reservations, this may be an opportunity that comes only once in a lifetime."
"Since the Bloody Mist policies began, our village has remained isolated."
"Konoha's visit presents a rare opportunity, and I believe we should seize it."
Genji nodded.
"But will Konoha be willing to involve itself in our internal affairs?"
Mei smiled faintly.
"I don't believe Kakashi Hatake will refuse."
"The Akatsuki Organization has become the common enemy of the entire ninja world."
"They have already captured the Six-Tails Jinchūriki, Utakata."
"They will certainly target the Three-Tails Jinchūriki as well."
"If Konoha truly hopes to unite the Five Great Nations against Akatsuki, they cannot ignore the Mizukage's situation."
Genji slowly nodded.
"A valid point."
"Very well. I will leave this matter to you."
"Remember, absolute secrecy is essential. Under no circumstances can this information leak."
"I understand."
At that moment, a shinobi suddenly rushed into the room.
He quickly whispered something into Genji's ear.
The old man's expression changed dramatically.
"What happened, Lord Genji?!"
"The false Mizukage has finally made his move."
"He dispatched the ANBU and his personal guards to raid Ao's residence and arrest him on charges of rebellion."
"What?!"
Genji continued grimly,
"The good news is that Kakashi Hatake and Team Seven have also been drawn into the conflict."
"In other words, there is no longer any need to persuade them."
Mei's heart pounded.
She knew this was a decisive moment.
If they succeeded, the Hidden Mist Village would finally have a chance at a new beginning.
If they failed...
The village could be doomed forever.
Mei abruptly stood up.
"Lord Genji, the time has come to make a decision."
Genji slowly rose to his feet, leaning heavily on his cane.
"Indeed."
"It seems fate has chosen this moment for us."
"The turning point of the Hidden Mist Village has arrived."
He looked around at everyone present.
"Mei Terumi, Ao, Gonbei..."
"It is time."
"It is time for the people of the Hidden Mist Village to awaken."
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)