Kawasaki's original intention for coming to Kirigakure was to scout a few individuals with potential to bring back with him. Whether the Hidden Mist was currently in a state of shrewdness or stupor was of no concern to him. Thus, he had directly arranged the meeting between Kurita Kyoko and Terumi Mei. After all, Mei was destined to take power in the near future and was already the leader of a significant faction within the village.
"Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Kawasaki. With a prodigy such as yourself, the Uchiha clan's return to glory is only a matter of time." Mei began with the customary pleasantries. Kawasaki had, after all, just provided them with evidence of the Mizukage's collusion with their enemies. The fact that this proof was discovered on a Konoha ninja made the entire affair quite intriguing.
Kawasaki gazed at the tall, mature, yet gracefully beautiful Terumi Mei, feeling a bit perplexed. Were the men of Kirigakure all blind? How could such a stunning woman have no suitors? But Kawasaki had no such thoughts about Mei; his visit was strictly business.
"You flatter me. Miss Terumi, you are no less exceptional. Once this matter is confirmed, the position of the next Mizukage can be none other than yours."
After the exchange of formalities, Kawasaki and Mei got down to business. "I wonder, how does Mr. Kawasaki propose we cooperate?" Mei asked.
"If you wish to legitimately and justifiably ascend to the seat of Mizukage, you must publicly expose the fact that Yagura is being controlled by genjutsu," Kawasaki explained. "As things stand, there should be no one in the village who can guarantee they can suppress the Mizukage, correct?"
It was far worse than simply being difficult to suppress. Kirigakure's high-level combat strength was severely depleted, with many of its famous Kekkei Genkai clans having been nearly wiped out by Obito. Terumi Mei herself was not yet strong enough to challenge the Fourth Mizukage alone.
Furthermore, the Mizukage possessed a unique and formidable jutsu: the Water Mirror Technique. This technique could create a mirror of water that would produce an exact copy of the enemy, capable of using the same ninjutsu with equal power. For this reason, Yagura Karatachi, a perfect Jinchuriki, was virtually unstoppable within Kirigakure. This was the fundamental reason why Mei, despite her suspicions, had been unable to act—she simply lacked the strength. It was not worth sacrificing more lives to force a confrontation when the village was already on the brink of ruin.
Mei looked at Kawasaki with an inquisitive gaze. He offered a faint smile. "The fact that I was able to obtain this evidence means I have the confidence to deal with the Fourth Mizukage."
Mei nodded. She naturally acknowledged the power of the Mangekyo Sharingan. "Did you come all this way, Mr. Kawasaki, just to help me rise to power?" she asked, leaning back lazily in her chair, her posture exuding a captivating charm.
Kawasaki, however, remained completely unfazed. He waved his hand dismissively. "Just Kawasaki is fine. And you should be well aware of the relationship between my Uchiha clan and Konoha."
Mei nodded again. She was indeed aware of the delicate state of affairs between the Uchiha and Konoha. They maintained only a superficial peace. Aside from carrying out certain missions for the village, the Uchiha participated in almost none of its other affairs, functioning more like an affiliated mercenary group than an integral part of the village. The reasons for this had long since spread throughout the shinobi world.
Mei smiled. "Why don't you just tell me what you want, Mr. Kawasaki."
Kawasaki held up two fingers. "When this is over, I want two people, and I need your help finding two others."
"Oh? And which two have managed to capture Mr. Kawasaki's interest?"
Kawasaki nodded, gesturing toward Kurita Kyoko. "Her, and Hoshigaki Kisame."
Mei glanced at Kurita Kyoko, then shot Kawasaki a meaningful look. After a moment of thought, she said, "Kurita Kyoko and Hoshigaki Kisame are both subordinates of Suikazan Fuguki. He won't let them go easily."
Kawasaki spread his hands. "That's no problem. Suikazan Fuguki is already a dead man walking. Why should I care about his feelings?"
Mei's brow furrowed. "What makes you say that?"
Kawasaki chuckled lightly. "Suikazan Fuguki has ruined his plans this time. How much longer do you think he has to live?"
"Are you certain?" Mei's eyes narrowed slightly. Suikazan Fuguki was a veteran of Kirigakure, in charge of the Cypher Division and another assassination unit. Ever since Yagura had fallen under the genjutsu's control, Fuguki had become reclusive, rarely showing his face. He was one of the few remaining figures who could still command authority in the village. However, Fuguki did not support Mei's succession, making him an obstacle in her path.
Kirigakure had been corrupted to its core. Mei had already resolved to tear it all down before rebuilding. Old hardliners like Suikazan Fuguki were prime targets for elimination.
"I am certain," Kawasaki said. "As long as you keep an eye on Hoshigaki Kisame, Suikazan Fuguki's death is guaranteed. That will also be the perfect time for you to take down Yagura Karatachi."
Mei considered it. In the end, they were just two rogue ninja. "Fine! I agree!"
...
"Kisame, you bastard..." Suikazan Fuguki coughed up another mouthful of blood. He never imagined that his most trusted subordinate would turn on him. As another blade pierced him, he felt the strength drain from his body before he collapsed heavily to the ground.
Kisame crouched down and unstrapped Samehada from Fuguki's back. This was his prize. He kicked the corpse with his foot and turned to leave, but just then, a voice called out.
"Good work, Kisame."
Kisame spun around, his hand tightening on Samehada's hilt.
"I predicted he would let his guard down around his own subordinate. It seems I was right," the voice continued. "That man was colluding with the enemy. From this day forward, you are the master of the great sword Samehada, and you will also become my subordinate."
Seeing that it was the Mizukage who had appeared, Kisame relaxed his grip on Samehada but showed no joy. A false smile spread across his face. "In the end, I suppose I won't escape being eliminated by you either, Lord Fourth Mizukage."
For a long time, Kisame's missions had consisted of killing either his comrades or his superiors. Even standing before the Fourth Mizukage, he felt no sense of belonging.
"It is precisely because you have completed countless dirty missions for the sake of the country and the village, and have personally experienced innumerable betrayals, that someone like you is more trustworthy," the Mizukage said, his face impassive. "Because you understand that this world is filled with falsehoods."
Kisame's expression didn't change. "That's something I realized the first time I killed my comrades. As a ninja of the Hidden Mist, I kill other ninja of the Hidden Mist. So what does that make me?"
Kisame seemed to be asking the Mizukage, but also himself. "Am I friend or foe? What is my purpose? Where do I stand? Where am I to go? Where can I find peace? I feel only a profound sense of my own false existence." He stared down at his own hands.
As he spoke, a dark figure emerged from behind the emotionless Fourth Mizukage. Kisame froze.
A deep voice drifted toward him. "Then allow me to release you from this sea of suffering and lies. Would you like me to find a place for you?"
"Who are you?" Hoshigaki Kisame was instantly on alert, his hand already on the hilt of Samehada.
"Starting with this country, you once ran yourself ragged punishing your comrades. From now on, you will act as one of my comrades," the deep voice said again. The absolute trust in the speaker's tone puzzled Kisame.
"You seem to have a great deal of confidence in me, but I still don't know who you really are."
From the darkness, a crimson Sharingan eye quietly opened. A chill ran down Hoshigaki Kisame's spine. That was...! The eye glimmered in the shadows, and in that moment, it was as if Kisame understood everything.
"I see now. The man I thought was the Fourth Mizukage was actually you... You used that Sharingan to control him. Heh, the world truly is full of lies." His gaze sharpened. "And you possess the power to control the Mizukage, a perfect Jinchuriki of the Three-Tails. Who are you?"
Obito's voice was heavy. "Uchiha Madara."
"What!" Hoshigaki Kisame was stunned. "That man should have died long ago..."
Just as Obito was about to enact the final part of his plan, a mocking laugh echoed from behind Kisame. "Heh heh, that's right. He's lying to you..."
Hoshigaki Kisame's thoughts screeched to a halt as he leaped warily to the side.
Obito's brow furrowed beneath his mask. How did he get here?
Kawasaki appeared, looking relaxed. "Sorry, your acting is just so terrible, I couldn't help but laugh out loud."
Kisame frowned. "You're the one from that day?"
Kawasaki raised an eyebrow and gave Kisame a nod of greeting.
Obito's voice was low. "What's so funny?"
A sarcastic smirk played on Kawasaki's lips. "You were the one who sent Kisame on these missions. You were the one who drove him into this state of confusion. What right do you have to talk about freeing him from his pain? Haven't you been the one causing all this turmoil in Kirigakure these past few years by controlling Yagura with genjutsu? Now you're impersonating Uchiha Madara? You want to play both the villain and the savior?"
Obito fell silent. He didn't understand the exact phrase, but he knew it was mockery. Kawasaki's appearance was a problem, but he had committed to the role of Madara and had to maintain his composure.
Just then, Kawasaki asked suddenly, "Are you really Uchiha Madara?"
Obito had no choice but to brazen it out. "I am."
Hearing him persist, Kawasaki burst into wild laughter. "Hahaha..."
Obito was growing infuriated. "What is so amusing?!"
"You claim to be Uchiha Madara?" Kawasaki's voice turned sharp. "Madara fought on the battlefield his entire life. When did he ever hide his face? Why would Madara be some coward skulking in the shadows? Your genjutsu might fool others, but do you really think you can fool another member of the Uchiha clan?!"
Kawasaki's voice was a scathing reprimand. In this world, there was no one he despised more than Obito. If it weren't for Obito stirring up trouble everywhere, he wouldn't have to be running all over the continent.
Hoshigaki Kisame stood silently to the side. Was he the "others" Kawasaki was referring to?
"Hmph!" Unable to refute the claims, Obito let out a cold snort. He took a step back, positioning himself behind Yagura Karatachi.
Yagura waved his hand, and a mirror of water materialized, reflecting Kawasaki's image. So this was the legendary Water Mirror Technique! As expected, a perfect replica of Kawasaki emerged from the mirror.
Kawasaki's eyes lit up with interest. He really wanted to test this jutsu. His fingers flew through hand seals. "Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
The man in the mirror performed the exact same jutsu. The two fireballs collided, and both were neutralized. Amazing, it really could copy him. What about Susanoo?
Kawasaki activated his Sharingan, the Mangekyo pattern spinning at high speed. "Susanoo!"
A golden Susanoo instantly erupted into existence, its immense chakra flooding the dim chamber. Obito's face darkened. How did Uchiha Kawasaki possess such powerful ocular abilities? The Susanoo materialized directly from its skeletal frame. The Water Mirror Technique opposite him flickered twice and then shattered. It seemed it couldn't replicate Susanoo.
Kawasaki's Susanoo, already formed with flesh and sinew, smashed through the stone ceiling above. Moonlight streamed down, casting a hazy golden glow upon it. Across from him, Yagura had entered a partial Tailed Beast state, his chakra flaring wildly out of control. Obito stood behind him, his Sharingan glowing ominously as it spun slowly under his mask. When Yagura transformed, Obito could no longer remain completely intangible. They were in the heart of Kirigakure; this fight had to end quickly.
The partially transformed Yagura leaped forward, striking the Susanoo with his palm. Kawasaki met the attack head-on, blocking it with the Susanoo's arm.
Bang!
With a dull thud, a massive coral growth sprouted from the Susanoo's arm. Kawasaki's construct didn't budge an inch; it simply shook the coral off. It then swatted Yagura, sending him flying backward directly toward Obito. Obito watched impassively as Yagura flew at him, not moving a muscle. As expected, Yagura passed right through his body and continued flying.
Kawasaki's Susanoo drew its blade and swung it down at Obito. "Make a move, you coward! Aren't you supposed to be Uchiha Madara?"
Boom!
With a tremendous crash, a deep chasm split the ground, sending dust and debris flying. But the blade merely passed through Obito's body, leaving him completely unharmed.
A cold smirk touched Obito's lips. "You can't hurt me."
Yagura, now cloaked in Tailed Beast chakra, charged forward at incredible speed.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Amidst the fierce explosions, no matter how ferociously Yagura attacked, Kawasaki calmly neutralized every blow.
"My lady, should we not intervene?" one of Mei's subordinates asked her.
Mei narrowed her eyes. "The time is not yet right."
"But the Mizukage..."
"That is a puppet! Not the Mizukage!" Mei cut him off.
"Yes, my lady!"
The Mizukage's high-speed assaults were all blocked by Kawasaki's Susanoo, and Kawasaki still appeared to be handling it with ease. Could his ocular jutsu reduce the chakra drain of the Susanoo?
"I wonder how long you can maintain that Susanoo," Obito's voice was a mix of provocation and probing. The Kirigakure ninja had yet to show themselves. Terumi Mei was certainly patient. And Kisame was not far off, his shark-like eyes fixed on the battle.
Kawasaki chuckled, pointing his Susanoo's blade at Obito. "You don't need to worry about that. Where's your Susanoo?! An Uchiha Madara without a Susanoo? A skulking Uchiha Madara?! Without a Susanoo, you're nothing but a maggot!"
Although Mei had cleared the immediate area, their clash was too intense. The Susanoo stood dozens of meters tall. In the dark night, it was like a blazing torch, illuminating the surroundings as if it were day. More and more Kirigakure villagers began to gather. Seeing the large crowd, Mei knew she could no longer wait on the sidelines. She took a high position and, with a rallying cry, led her forces forward in a surge.
Only then did Obito realize he was completely surrounded by the ninja of Kirigakure.
"Kawasaki!" Obito's voice was a mixture of shock and rage. The power in his eye flared once more, forcing the Fourth Mizukage to fully transform into his Tailed Beast form.
In the blink of an eye, Yagura transformed from a human into Isobu. The Three-Tails' body expanded dramatically, its size rivaling that of Kawasaki's Susanoo. It resembled a giant, armored turtle, thrashing its three massive tails.
"Hmph... hmph..." Unlike suppressing the Nine-Tails, Obito had to simultaneously control Isobu and fight against Yagura's own will. Even for him, the ocular power required was immense.
"Armored Roll!" Isobu tensed its entire body, wrapping itself in its thick dorsal shell and charging forward like a giant, rolling wheel.
Rumble! The ground shook as if from an earthquake. Isobu used its enormous size and weight to come crashing forward with overwhelming force.
Kawasaki's ocular power surged again. His Susanoo became even more substantial, its body evolving from flesh and sinew to being clad in armor. The weapon in its hand grew more solid, more immense. Kawasaki's Susanoo swung its blade in a wide arc, clashing violently with Isobu's body.
Boom! For a moment, the very earth seemed to tremble.
...
The distant roar of the battle struck terror into the hearts of the villagers on the periphery. Flying rocks rained down like shrapnel, preventing them from even getting close.
"Is that the power of a Tailed Beast?"
"And that's the strength of a Susanoo?"
"It's actually fighting on par with the Three-Tails."
Terumi Mei's face was grim. The power of both Uchiha Kawasaki and the Fourth Mizukage had far exceeded her imagination.
The Susanoo and Isobu were locked in a contest of strength, neither able to overpower the other.
"Maggot! You were the one who orchestrated the Nine-Tails' attack on Konoha all those years ago!" Kawasaki's voice boomed, echoing throughout the entire village. "And now you're using the same trick to control the Mizukage! Do you dare take off that mask?!"
"The Mizukage is being controlled?"
"By the same person who attacked Konoha with the Nine-Tails?"
"Is it true?"
Many villagers had been drawn by the commotion, some having only heard that someone was impersonating Uchiha Madara. Now they learned that their own Mizukage was fighting an Uchiha, and worse, that he was being controlled.
Obito's heart pounded in his chest. How could Kawasaki possibly know he was behind the Nine-Tails incident?
Seizing the opening, Kawasaki focused his ocular power directly on Isobu. "Wake up!"
Isobu's body faltered for an instant, and in that moment, the Susanoo sent it flying.