Kirigakure.
The village was now enveloped in a somber atmosphere. Especially when Yuki Kiyoi set out on the same day, the frontline battle reports were sent back by ship...
Moreover, upon hearing that their fathers, children, and husbands had died, the anti-war sentiment grew increasingly intense. A dreary drizzle continued to fall over this village, once known as the maritime powerhouse of the shinobi world.
The losses in this Great Shinobi War were devastating for them!
Especially when Hōzuki Gengetsu proposed establishing a forward base in Uzushiogakure, Kirigakure suffered even heavier losses—the kind that left them deep in the red!
"Do you all have any suggestions?" The high-ranking official of Kirigakure propped his chin with his hands, his expression grave as he scanned the other leaders present at the meeting. He was a supporter of the Mizukage, which was why the Mizukage had assigned him to remain in the village. But now...
He simply couldn't hold on any longer!
Boss, you went out to expand operations, but not only are the results disastrous, we're also bleeding resources! Your subordinate can't take it anymore. Don't you see all the deputy directors eyeing your position, ready to push you out?
And why did you even let Yuki Kiyoi return?
If she hadn't come back, no one would have known the truth. You could have acted freely. But now...
As a strong contender for the Mizukage position, not only did you snatch the title from her back then, but now there's no war dividend to speak of instead, we're suffering massive losses. The board has serious doubts about your leadership!
Not to mention the Daimyō...
I really can't do anything about this now!
"Ah... We still don't know the full details of the situation. Maybe it's not as bad as we think?" Kenshō sighed and said. Boss, I can only buy you some more time. Please, do something impressive!
At least conquer one country—then things might still turn around.
"But the situation is already terrible enough," the head of the Yuki Clan said sternly. "We're not talking about one or two ships, but over a hundred—all large vessels."
Damn it, I've long held a grudge against you, Hōzuki Gengetsu. Back when the First Mizukage was in power, it was agreed that the next Mizukage would be chosen from the guards who attended the Five Kage Summit. Yet you seized power by force. Now, we finally have our chance!
Are you still not going to step aside for our Yuki Clan?
As for the next Mizukage coming from the Hōzuki Clan again?
Hah! First, pay back all the money you've lost!
"We can't say that for sure," Kenshō argued. "Perhaps the gains from destroying Uzushiogakure will make up for the fleet's losses?"
Boss, do something!
Hurry up and crush Uzushiogakure. If that happens, we still have hope. A bright future will still be in our hands.
"And what if we fail?"
A sudden voice cut in, stabbing Kenshō's heart like a knife.
Everyone turned to look at the speaker...
The head of the Kaguya Clan, Kaguya Shūta!!!
"What a blockhead," Kenshō cursed inwardly. How could you say something like that? Don't you know you're a shinobi of Kirigakure?
To curse the village's defeat, especially in such a tense wartime atmosphere—if you weren't the leader of one of Kirigakure's most powerful kekkei genkai clans, I'd have already chewed you out!
Seeing everyone staring at him, Kaguya Shūta rubbed his braid and asked in confusion, "Did I say something wrong?"
No, you said it perfectly.
The Yuki Clan head nearly jumped for joy. What a perfect assist!
Even the Yuki Clan wouldn't dare to speak so bluntly.
After all, Hōzuki Gengetsu is still the Mizukage. If you casually predict his failure, aren't you afraid of retaliation?
Can't you see the Hōzuki Clan leader glaring daggers at you?
"Clan Head Kaguya makes a valid point," the Yuki Clan head said thoughtfully.
"War is full of unpredictability." He sighed. "Ah! Though we don't want to think this way, we must prepare for the worst."
Don't want to think this way? You're probably ecstatic inside!
The Hōzuki Clan head and Kenshō sneered inwardly, but now they had no choice but to steer the discussion toward the possibility of defeat, all thanks to that idiot Kaguya. If you don't understand politics, keep your mouth shut!
What a pain!
"The situation is still uncertain. Kirigakure may not lose," Kenshō said, mentally cursing Kaguya Shūta.
"After all, compared to us, Uzushiogakure is far too weak. So let's wait for the intelligence team to return before making any conclusions."
"But only one ship remains," the Yuki Clan head countered. "How are we supposed to gather intel now? Or arrange reinforcements?"
Hell, the main force might have to swim back at this rate. How pathetic!
Damn it, wait until Hōzuki Gengetsu returns? If we don't spread the word now, how will Kiyoi take over as Mizukage?
"Should we ask the Daimyō for another fleet?"
"..."
Another ill-timed interjection plunged the meeting into silence again.
The Yuki Clan head was overjoyed to see Kaguya Shūta delivering yet another assist. Was the Kaguya Clan dissatisfied with the Hōzuki Clan and backing Yuki Kiyoi for Mizukage?
What a godsend!
But what about the others?
The Hōzuki Clan and Mizukage loyalists had already cursed Kaguya Shūta's ancestors eighteen generations back.
Ask the Daimyō for more money?
More like ask for death. If the Daimyō hears that Kirigakure is drowning in losses—not only failing in the war but also bleeding resources fighting a tiny country like Uzushiogakure—he'd probably replace the Mizukage on the spot. And you still want funds? Don't you know the Land of Water's Daimyō is notoriously stingy?
Please, Clan Head Kaguya, just shut up, will you?
They were trying to keep the Daimyō in the dark for as long as possible, and now you want to personally inform him? Do you have a grudge against the Mizukage or something?
"So, what now?" Kenshō sighed. The situation was dire. Looking around at the clan heads, he reluctantly said, "Let's first send shinobi to Uzushiogakure to gather intel. Maybe things aren't as bad as we imagine."
Boss, do your best!
Seeing Kenshō's resolute expression, the Yuki Clan had no choice but to agree. For now, the Hōzuki Clan still held power, and their influence was immense. The Yuki Clan couldn't afford to act recklessly. As for stirring trouble...
The Yuki Clan head glanced at Kaguya Shūta and sighed inwardly.
Let him handle it.
Little did Kirigakure's leaders know, Hōzuki Gengetsu was already on the verge of losing his mind...