After several days of travel, an island nation isolated overseas, enveloped in a hazy mist, came into view.
— The Land of Water!
In the later Boruto era, the Land of Water, leveraging its coastal advantages, developed into a prosperous Shinobi Village no less impressive than a modern metropolis.
But now, the coastal areas were merely small fishing villages, with only dilapidated houses and boats bearing traces of past slaughter, permeated by a stifling atmosphere.
No one in the entire Land of Water noticed the arrival of Ryuji and the others.
'Let's go find Kimimaro first!'
Ryuji stood with one arm folded across his chest, the other hand cupping his chin in thought.
The most significant clan for him in the Land of Water was still the Kaguya Clan, the clan to which Kimimaro belonged.
This clan was distantly related to the Sage of Six Paths. The stronger their power, the more severe their Kekkei Genkai illness... This race could be called the strongest combat race.
The current year was 48 years after Konoha's founding.
Kimimaro was just three years old but had already displayed his extraordinary nature, possessing far more potent Kekkei Genkai power than others.
Subsequently, he was locked away by his clan, only released during battles to be used as a fighting machine, or rather, an advanced cannon fodder.
This clan's way of thinking had always been this unreasonable.
Any other clan, upon encountering a descendant with such perfect talent, would pour their heart and soul into nurturing them as a future pillar of the clan.
Of course, this was also due to their Kekkei Genkai illness. The stronger they became, the more severe the illness, and their way of thinking would become increasingly distorted until they went insane.
Ryuji and the others had already arrived at the Kaguya Clan's settlement. They didn't plan to approach and recruit them directly.
It was late at night, yet no one chose to rest.
…
The Kaguya Clan's settlement.
Almost everyone was gathered together, lighting a bonfire and loudly plotting.
It seemed arriving early was better than arriving at the right time. The Kaguya Clan's belligerent atmosphere had already reached a frenzied peak.
They were currently preparing to seize power while Kirigakure was weakened, right after Yagura's ascension.
Due to heavy losses suffered in the war against the Land of Whirlpools, Kirigakure had been severely crippled. Five of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist had fallen in battle, both Jinchuriki and the Third Mizukage had perished.
Currently, only Yagura was holding the reins. Among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Juzo and Raiga had defected, leaving only Kisame, who inherited Samehada, and Mangetsu, who inherited Hiramekarei, as the rare high-tier combatants.
Even Mei, due to her age, was only at the level of an average Jonin.
As for those like Ringo Ameyuri hadn't even been born yet.
This dire situation further incited the Kaguya Clan. In their eyes, this was the perfect opportunity for rebellion.
The timeline for their demise from the original plot had moved forward.
This clan itself was extremely belligerent, acting almost without logic, solely for the sake of battle and bloodlust. In the original plot, they attacked Kirigakure in an attempt to seize the Mizukage's position, ultimately being annihilated.
Now, history was likely to repeat itself.
"These people are truly madmen. Even though Kirigakure is currently weakened, it's not something a single clan can oppose."
Kana and Ryuji stood together, able to hear their loud plotting from afar.
Could this even be called a sneak attack?
If there were even a few Anbu's members monitoring nearby, their plan would be instantly exposed.
However, the timing of their defeat had been delayed a bit because the few people monitoring nearby had been eliminated by Aka.
Not for the sake of the Kaguya Clan, but purely because they were hindering their own operations.
"We don't need to be impatient. With their belligerent nature, attempting to recruit them forcefully would be a waste of effort. Let them fight Kirigakure first. After they weaken each other, that will be our moment to step in. It also conveniently weakens Kirigakure's strength."
Ryuji wasn't anxious. He indeed valued the Shikotsumyaku Kekkei Genkai highly, but he wanted obedient people more than a bunch of unstable elements whose minds were filled only with insane combat.
At the Kaguya Clan's bonfire gathering.
The Kaguya Clan's Clan Head was fervently, almost maniacally, detailing the upcoming plan.
"Later, we'll charge straight through the main gate, kill Yagura and the others, and from then on, we will be the rulers of Kirigakure!"
The other clan members cheered in agreement.
Their faces were twisted with ferocity.
The bonfire's flames, against the night's backdrop, made their expressions look like vengeful spirits one by one.
These people's plan could hardly be called a plan; it was simply a crude, armed seizure of power.
It did fit the personality of these people who only knew battle.
"Let's also release that little brat locked up. This time, let the entire Kirigakure witness the terror of the Kaguya Clan!"
"Yeah!"
A crowd of fanatical clan members cheered in approval.
The locked-up child they referred to was none other than Kimimaro. As one of the Kekkei Genkai most suited for combat, a mere two- or three-year-old child, who, in other commoner families, would still be unsteady on their feet, already possessed strength comparable to a Chunin.
"Let's all charge in together, kill Yagura and the elders!"
The Kaguya clansmen, insanely cheering, charged without the slightest attempt at concealment toward the center of Kirigakure, the location of the Mizukage Building.
Even though Ryuji was prepared for their madness, he was still rendered speechless.
"We'll watch and wait. It doesn't matter if the Kaguya Clan is wiped out. As long as that child named Kimimaro survives, it's fine. For the others, we can take as many as we can."
Ryuji now had no interest in recruiting an entire Kaguya Clan. These people were completely a bunch of time bombs. Once they arrived at the Machinery City, there would likely be a day when, on a whim and taking advantage of his absence, they'd think about seizing control of the Machinery City.
Dealing with them wouldn't require much effort, but why invite trouble?
In a remote corner building within Kirigakure, the young Ao covered the eyepatch over his right eye.
By now, he had already obtained his future most important strategic weapon in a conflict with Konoha… a precious Byakugan.
Beside him was the future Fifth Mizukage, Terumi Mei, currently only thirteen years old.
"What's that commotion outside?"
Mei asked.
Ao let out a disdainful chuckle. "It's those lunatics from the Kaguya Clan. Judging by their posture, they intend to charge straight into the Mizukage Building and kill Yagura and the others."
Mei had some understanding of the Kaguya Clan's madness. She didn't adopt the disdainful expression Ao had.
Instead, she frowned and said, "The village is becoming increasingly oppressive. The various Kekkei Genkai clans are gradually withering. If things continue like this, I'm afraid complete collapse isn't far off."
"Even if it didn't collapse entirely, it would lose the qualification to be mentioned alongside the other Four Great Shinobi Villages."
Hearing Mei's words, Ao offered comforting words. "These matters aren't for us to consider now. The most important thing for you is to focus on improving your strength. In the future, we'll need to find ways to expand your influence. Only then can you succeed in the future Mizukage election."
Ao had always placed high hopes on Mei. This girl possessed extremely high Ninjutsu talent. At only thirteen, she had already mastered three Chakra Natures, reaching Elite Jonin-level in combat strength, with far more meticulous thinking than her peers.
He knew that with his own strength, Elite Jonin would be his ceiling in the future, so he chose to invest in a rising star.
Mei's future was his future.
Mei nodded. She naturally understood all these things.
"This time, let's not intervene. Neither side will ever stand on our side. Whether it's Yagura or the Kaguya Clan, they are merely stumbling blocks to Kirigakure's future development."
At this time, Mei was merely a regular Jonin in terms of position in the village, not even part of the senior management, yet she already displayed the shadow of the ruthlessness) and political acumen that would belong to the Fifth Mizukage in the future.
After the Third Mizukage fell in battle, the overall situation in Kirigakure was temporarily held by Yagura... but Yagura wanted to change the policies of the Bloody Mist Village, affecting the vested interests from the past.
If neither side stepped back, the situation was bound to develop into its current state.
…
"Hmm?"
Kisame, newly promoted as one of the Ninja Swordsmen and leading numerous Anbu, heard the commotion and sharply looked outside. In the darkness, he could vaguely make out the outlines of a crowd rapidly charging closer.
Gradually, they approached, their faces becoming clear.
The charging figures were indeed the distinctively dressed Kaguya Clan's members, with their characteristic two buns on their heads.
"These lunatics, what are they trying to do? Charging in here suddenly!"
By now, more and more people in Kirigakure noticed the unusual commotion. Anbu's members had begun to mobilize.
This so-called assault plan could no longer be called an assault at all.
Yagura, holding his signature hook-shaped weapon, also walked to the entrance, looking down at the commotion below.
"Truly insane." Yagura's expression was grave as he watched the figures charging from afar.
A tail of the Three-Tails had already grown from his back, entering a combat state.
Since becoming the Three-Tails Jinchuriki, Yagura hadn't seriously fought, leading many in the village to be unwilling to submit to his authority.
Since the Kaguya Clan had provoked him this time, he would use them to make an example, demonstrating the power of the Fourth Mizukage to the outside world.
Kisame said, "Mizukage-sama, this is the greatest test since your inauguration. Of course, as your most loyal Shinobi, if you order me to act, I will do so without hesitation."
His words were filled with sarcasm and mockery.
Kisame held no particular grudge against Yagura.
He simply knew Yagura's situation was precarious and wanted to give him a chance to demonstrate his strength.
Yagura had become Mizukage as an emergency replacement after the Third's death, lacking the prestige of predecessors who became Mizukage through votes by the elders.
Additionally, immediately upon taking office, he sought to change the village's long-standing Bloody Mist policies, causing hostility from vested interests and shortsighted individuals within the village who benefited from those policies, eager to drag him down from the Mizukage position.
If he couldn't quell the Kaguya Clan's rebellion with an iron fist, there would likely be continuous rebellions afterward.
By then, his tenure as Mizukage would be over.
"If you plan to watch from the sidelines, save your words." Yagura directly cut off his speech, picked up his weapon, and leapt down from the building.
He was also well aware his situation was precarious, so he didn't waste words.
"After dealing with these people, we'll need to find new masters for the remaining Kubikiribocho and Nuibari."
By now, Anbu members had already begun to engage the Kaguya clansmen.
The Kaguya Clan lived up to its reputation as one of the strongest combat races. Even against Chunin or Jonin of the same rank, they could fight one against three within the same tier.
The number of participants increased. Screams, crashing sounds, and the noise of collapsing buildings mixed together, making the night incredibly chaotic.
The tail on Yagura's back was very conspicuous. The Kaguya Clan's Clan Head noticed it immediately.
"Yagura, let me see the strength of you, the Fourth Mizukage!"
The Kaguya Clan's Clan Head let out a strange cry and charged at Yagura.
Ryuji had already taken advantage of the chaos to enter Kirigakure. With all forces tied up by the Kaguya Clan, no one paid attention to this outsider.
'So Yagura has already become a Jinchuriki?'
Ryuji saw the tail behind Yagura, indicating Yagura already possessed some ability to control the Tailed Beast's power.
The Kaguya Clan's Clan Head revealed several bones from his body and forehead, shouting.
"Shikotsumyaku: Dance of the Larch!"
More and more bones emerged from his body, forming an armor. His left fist was enveloped in a thick layer of bone membrane as he punched towards Yagura.
Yagura showed no intention of retreating. The Three-Tails' carapace erupted piece by piece along his right arm.
His entire arm seemed to sprout many corals, showing a dark red color.
"Coral Palm!"
Yagura punched the Shikotsumyaku-covered fist.
"Boom!"
Accompanied by a violent sound, the bone-covered fist shattered. The Kaguya Clan's Clan Head was sent staggering back several steps, stomping several deep pits into the ground before regaining his balance.
"The power of a Tailed Beast is not something your mere Shikotsumyaku can oppose!"
Yagura looked at him coldly.
"As expected of the Fourth Mizukage-sama!"
The Kaguya Clan's Clan Head, after steadying himself, grew two long blades from his shoulders. His elbows and knees did the same, his face displaying complete madness.
"Shikotsumyaku, Dance of the Willow!"
The Kaguya Clan's Clan Head's combat experience wasn't much inferior to a Kage-level fighter.
Seeing that the offense-defense combined mode of Dance of the Larch was ineffective against Yagura, he simply abandoned the bone armor defense on his body, going all-out on offense.
Before this rebellion, everyone had already come with the resolve to die.
Yagura had no intention of clashing his flesh directly against those bone blades.
He lifted his signature hook weapon, leapt upward, then brought it down with a powerful smash towards the Kaguya Clan's Clan Head.
The Kaguya Clan's Clan Head showed no intention of repositioning for a flank attack.
Instead, he directly crossed his bone blades into an 'X' in front of his chest, leapt upward, and collided with Yagura.
An intimidating wind pressure rippled out from where the two clashed. Many windows on the Mizukage Building shattered from the impact.
Kisame looked down at the two fighting, estimating his chances of victory if he were to intervene.
In the end, he disappointedly realized he might not necessarily defeat either of them, only confident that relying on Samehada in his hand, he could remain undefeated.
"Master, is it time to act now?"
Aka asked from behind Ryuji.
"Not yet. Many people still haven't shown themselves."
Currently, only Yagura among Kirigakure's high-level fighters had taken action. Others, for various reasons, chose to watch from the sidelines.
Otherwise, with the strength of Kirigakure's Anbu and Yagura, they could have resolved the Kaguya Clan.
A lingering mist always hung over Kirigakure, now tinged a faint pink from the spilled blood.
…
(A/N: The author's note at the end clarifies that Obito's Sharingan initially awakened as two-tomoe upon seeing the elderly people he helped die, and the Mangekyo awakened later upon witnessing his grandmother's death, as clearly stated earlier.)