Starting with rogue ninjas, building the insect kingdom.

Chapter 381 Internal Strife Among the Water Shadows

The atmosphere in the Hokage's office was extremely serious.

Hiruzen Sarutobi rarely showed such a serious expression: "Shisui, there is one thing I need you to answer truthfully."

"Please speak, Lord Third Generation."

"Have you awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan?"

Uchiha Shisui knelt on one knee, reached out and removed his mask, revealing his youthful face.

Without hesitation, he raised his head and looked directly at Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Lord Keirin, no!"

His attitude was sincere, and he spoke each word clearly and firmly: "Although I have awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan, I am still far from the Mangekyou Sharingan. The Third Hokage should know that in the past hundred years, only a handful of people in the Uchiha clan have been able to awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's serious expression vanished, replaced by a gentle smile. "Heh, it's alright even if you've awakened. Actually, I'm more concerned about your condition. Just stay home and rest for a while. As for your teammates' families, the village will provide compensation and relief."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama!" Shisui bowed his head and bowed sincerely.

He was genuinely grateful, as most of his teammates' families came from humble backgrounds and their lives were already difficult, especially since one of his teammates' daughters was seriously ill.

He took on that dangerous mission partly to earn money for the child's medical expenses, but he never expected...

That's how unpredictable life is.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up, walked around the desk to Shisui, and gently patted him on the shoulder: "You are a rare genius in Konoha, and I have been following your growth. Although the Mangekyou Sharingan is powerful, it also puts a heavy burden on the body. At your age, it is more important to lay a solid foundation."

"Yes, Third Generation Lord," Shisui replied respectfully.

"Also," Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone softened, "the Anbu's missions are important, but you also need to rest. You're still young, don't push yourself too hard. Go."

Shisui stood up, put his mask back on, and turned to leave the Hokage's office.

However, the moment he stepped out of the Hokage Building, a strong sense of guilt suddenly welled up in his heart.

I'm sorry, Lord Third Generation, please forgive me for lying to you.

He also had his own difficulties. The secret of the Mangekyou Sharingan was too significant, especially at this time when the relationship between the village and the family was delicate. He didn't want to become the fuse that ignited the conflict.

Of course, his heart has always been with Konoha. That has never changed. All of this is for the sake of the village's stability.

By the window on the second floor of the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood quietly, watching Shisui gradually walk away, his smile slowly fading.

"I never imagined that the child I've been watching grow up... would lie to me!"

On this day, Konoha's attitude towards the Uchiha remained unchanged, even to the point of being somewhat laissez-faire. The outside world paid little attention to the changes in Konoha, and there was very little espionage activity, as everyone was busy with their own affairs.

Meanwhile, public opinion in the ninja world continues to ferment around the changes in Kirigakure.

The disappearance of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, remains a hot topic, with many even speculating about conspiracy theories surrounding his disappearance.

Some say he was overthrown in an internal coup, others say he was assassinated by a mysterious organization, and still others say he retired voluntarily to escape something terrible.

However, none of the intelligence pointed to the truth; most of it was misleading.

Because in most people's minds, there is no existence in the world that can so cleanly and efficiently erase the shadow of an entire village.

Discussions are one thing, but life goes on as usual.

The election for the Fifth Mizukage in Kirigakure is still underway, with the four candidates each displaying their unique talents, vying for favor, and engaging in fierce infighting, creating a chaotic and unpleasant atmosphere.

In less than three months, six Jonin died, including one of the candidates, Erzan. He was indeed better at handling affairs than the other three, after all, he was older and more experienced.

However, his weakness lies in his insistence on doing everything himself, his lack of caution, and his weak abilities.

Those in Kirigakure with even a little influence know who did it, but everyone keeps quiet about it. Perhaps they see it as normal competition, and if they're not as skilled, they can't blame anyone else for being eliminated.

However, Master Yuan became increasingly worried, as three months had passed and he still hadn't selected a candidate.

Ultimately, he chose the old method: a vote by Jonin, an election by the people, and political achievements. The one who came in first place in all three categories was the Mizukage.

But before his plan could even begin, Kirigakure encountered new trouble. Suigetsu Hozuki felt his chances of winning were slim, so he resorted to an old tradition in the ninja world and prepared to assassinate the other two candidates.

But before they could even take action, the plan was exposed midway.

On the high seas, Suigetsu Hozuki, wielding the great sword Samehada, faces off against the combined forces of Mei Terumi and Mangetsu Hozuki.

"Heh heh heh, I never expected you'd lie in wait for me here!"

Mei Terumi stood on the water's surface, her long, light blue dress stained with blood.

"If you hadn't broken the rules, you wouldn't have fallen into our trap. Suigetsu Fuguki, lay down your weapons, you've already lost!"

On the other side, Hozuki Mangetsu held the remaining four quadruple-bladed swords, and the water around his feet was filled with corpses.

"Hehehe, don't try to sow discord. Mei Terumi has already promised me that as long as I support him to become the Fifth Hokage, the remaining ninja swords will be under my control."

"You guys are really not giving me a way out. If I choose to surrender, will you let me go?" Suigetsu Hobuki was already thinking of retreating. In the ninja world, if you can't beat someone, you run away; if you can't run away, you admit defeat. There's nothing shameful about it.

Besides, they're all from the same village, so they probably won't go too far.

"I'm sorry, your crime is too serious. I must enforce the law impartially." Mei Terumi shook her head and refused. She could relax some conditions, but some principles could not be changed.

"I am an elite Jonin and one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. It seems you still don't trust me and want to wipe me out."

"I..." Mei Terumi frowned, unable to utter a single word. She was now in a difficult situation. She just couldn't understand how someone with a brain like Suigetsu Hobuki could become a Jonin.

"If you lay down your weapon now, there is still room for negotiation."

"No!" Suigetsu Hozuki shook his head, his Samehada spinning wildly as he slammed into the water.

A waterway instantly appeared. Fight? What's the point of fighting? The only chance of survival now is to defect.

"Mist Escape Technique: Skillful Mist Release"

The corrosive mist instantly melted the boat, along with his toes that were not yet submerged in the water.

The pain almost made him scream. He fused half of his body with Samehada and frantically plunged into the seabed.