Before the Byakugan transplant, he had already undergone various body tests; his body had the highest compatibility with the Byakugan. Although he couldn't command the Byakugan like the Hyuga Clan members, using it to gather enemy intelligence was no problem.
Moreover, as a strategic-level Kekkeigenkai, the reconnaissance ability of the Byakugan is more important to a Ninja Village compared to the Gentle Fist.
Yagura nodded.
Beneath the eye patch on Ao's right side was the Kekkeigenkai Byakugan of the Hyuga Clan, possessing the most comprehensive reconnaissance ability in the Ninja Realm.
This Byakugan wasn't forcibly taken from a Main Family Ninja of the Hyuga Clan in Konoha; instead, it was obtained from Hakushi through a mutual exchange.
Because within the Akatsuki organization, there was a creature named White Zetsu with an extremely terrifying infiltration ability. This specially processed Byakugan could see White Zetsu's movement trajectory underground, preventing intelligence leaks from the Hidden Mist Village, ensuring foolproof preparation.
Yagura would also bring Ao along for every action.
Akatsuki's target was the tailed beasts. As the Three-tailed Jinchuriki himself, Akatsuki wouldn't refrain from taking measures against him because of his identity as Mizukage.
Eventually, one day, as Mizukage, he too would become a target for Akatsuki.
Before that happens, ensuring his side's intelligence isn't leaked is the most fundamental strategy.
At that time, he planned to use this intelligence gap to catch the Akatsuki organization off guard, weaken their combat power, and lay the groundwork for the Fourth Great Ninja War.
"Next, it's up to Kisame's actions. Have the orders been given?"
"No problem, everything on that side is well-coordinated."
Ao confirmed.
As one of the few insiders in the Hidden Mist Village who knew the whole truth, he felt deeply concerned about Kisame becoming a spy in the dangerous organization.
Although Kisame had previously followed notorious ninjas like Suikazan Fuguki, he hadn't truly gone down the same path. Instead, he was trapped in confused thought, worried for himself and the future of the Hidden Mist Village.
If such a ninja isn't recruited, he would become a great loss for the Hidden Mist Village.
Nowadays, Kisame's strength is considered one of the strongest beneath the Mizukage in the Hidden Mist Village.
After leaving Biwa Juzo's command as a member of the Seven-swords Ninja, he joined the Mizukage's guard squad, holding a position similar to Ao's.
Another member occasionally visiting was Terumi Mei, who possessed dual Kekkeigenkai, undergoing training under Suikazan Fuguki in the Hidden Mist Village.
"However, after Kisame leaves, the guard squad will lose a member; relying only on me is truly a huge pressure. Mizukage-sama, do you have any recommendations for a candidate?"
Ao inquired.
The guard squad wasn't the only team responsible for protecting the Mizukage.
After all, the Anbu's existence was also one of the safeguards for the Mizukage's security.
However, as the leader of the Ninja Village, mistakes are not allowed.
Originally, Terumi Mei only came over occasionally to take on part-time duties. Before completing her training officially, her presence here would be rare.
Kisame was also about to leave the Hidden Mist Village; thus, only Ao would be left in the guard squad.
And he's not best at combat but excels in sensing and recon with the Byakugan, serving as the eyes of the Mizukage.
So after Kisame's departure, a powerful ninja must be selected from the Hidden Mist Village to join Yagura's guard.
"A guard after Kisame's departure, huh? Let's have a ninja from the Hozuki Clan, where the second lord belongs, take this position."
As one of the strongest clans firmly rooted and flourishing in the Hidden Mist Village, the Hozuki Clan has always been indispensable.
Hailing from the Hozuki Clan, Second Mizukage Hozuki Gengetsu was the master of revitalization for the Hidden Mist Village, modeling after Konoha, conducting various reforms, drastically expanding the military strength of the Hidden Mist Village, contributing greatly as a Mizukage.
With such familial relations, the loyalty of the Hozuki Clan to the Hidden Mist Village is beyond doubt.
"The Hozuki Clan?" Ao touched his chin, as though remembering something: "If it's that genius prodigy Hozuki Mangetsu who can wield seven ninja blades, there won't be any issue."
The prodigy Hozuki Mangetsu in the Hidden Mist Village is akin to Shisui of the Body Flicker in Konoha, both being outstanding young ninjas of their generation.
With his ancestry in the Hozuki Clan, which once had a Mizukage, Hozuki Mangetsu, both in background and strength, is deserving of the trust of the high command.
Thus, after Kisame leaves, having Hozuki Mangetsu succeed as one of the Mizukage's guard squad members, there won't be any objections.
At the time, to have Kisame enlisted as a member of the Mizukage's guard squad, Yagura along with the high-ranked elders struggled to defend the decision, finally barely passing the high command meeting to have Kisame become a guard squad member.
"Then, next week, let's take Kisame to the Daimyo's Mansion of the Land of Water and give a proper send-off to Lord Daimyo. Anyway, these guys will eventually need to be cleared up one by one. I've tolerated this long enough."
A sharp glint flashed in Yagura's eyes, filled with intense killing intent.