Escape From Konoha

Kirigakure was plunged into a full-scale war.

Explosions erupted simultaneously in multiple areas, instantly destroying many streets, buildings and setting off flames everywhere. As the detonation flash illuminated the chaos, buildings crumbled, and the anguished cries of several people filled the air.

Some ninjas rushed to evacuate non-combatants to emergency shelters amid the turmoil. Soon, the entire village would face the baptism of war.

The once-proud Mizukage building now only stood as a base with its underground part intact; the towering structures were reduced to rubble.

Observing the smoky Kirigakure, they couldn't help but feel resentful. In the final analysis, all of this chaos was triggered by one person—the emergence of Karatachi Yagura. In his quest for the position of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, without any hesitation, orchestrated a coup, subverting the decisions of the high-ranking officials.

Such recklessness left many questioning his sanity.

Ignoring the complex thoughts of the high-ranking officials, Yagura covered with the tailed beast cloak, gathering a substantial amount of chakra between his throats then released

"Water Burst!"

A torrent of water gushed out from Yagura's mouth, instantly forming a massive lake above the Mizukage Building's foundation, flooding the surrounding area, turning the entire area into a huge water area.

Faced with Yagura's reckless combat style, the high-ranking leaders, led by the Third Mizukage, naturally had to stop Yagura. Especially considering his possession of the dangerous weapon, a tailed beast, and the charge of inciting this chaos, his actions were deemed unforgivable.

"Water Release - Water Iron Cannon!!"

Yagura had created an environment suitable for the three tails, yet it also favored the Kiri nins proficient in water release ninjutsu.

Launching a colossal water bomb as hard as steel, it flew towards Yagura.

Yagura still remained calm, a long tail filled with thorns, extended from behind, with a flick it effortlessly deflected the water bombs.

"He has truly mastered the power of the three tails...."

The ninjas attacking Yagura with water cannons found it hard to believe. With Yagura skillfully controlling the power of the three tails by smashing their jutsu, showing that his claim of being a "perfect jinchuriki" wasn't mere boasting.

Like Kumo's Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, he achieved integration with the Tailed Beast and gained its recognition.

"Even so, his actions can't be forgiven. We'll talk about the Three Tails later; for now, we must bring him under control."

The Third Mizukage took a deep breath, realizing that Yagura's transformation into a perfect Jinchuriki was something which he never expected. However, Yagura's current behavior crossed the village's moral boundaries. Even as a Perfect Jinchuriki, he couldn't escape severe punishment.

"Hidden Mist Jutsu!" The Third Mizukage immediately used the known jutsu, enveloping the water surface in thick fog.

Yagura was blinded to his surroundings, reducing visibility to one meter. Only the sound of riots happening in various parts of the village could be heard from his ears. The reformist ninjas clashing with the Blood Mist faction.

Soldiers against soldiers, generals against generals, the ninjas in the village had deep conflicts and prejudices. The reformists and the Blood Mist faction who had been advocating for the rule of blood mist have long been at odds, and only one of them will be coming out alive.

Suddenly, a faint sound pierced the air. Yagura swiftly directed the three tails behind him to shield himself.

Boom!

The three-tails tails quivered as Yagura's pupils contracted. A finger-sized hole appeared in the tail, and the attack grazed his face, leaving a bloody mark.

"The water gun jutsu of the Hozuki Clan? You're really good, Mizukage-sama."

Yagura's tone showed his increased seriousness. Even facing against tne old Kage, Yagura acknowledged that he wasn't an opponent that could be defeated easily.

Although the Third Mizukage wasn't a member of the Hozuki clan, his sensei, the Second Mizukage, was a skilled ninja of the Hozuki clan. Learning the water gun jutsu from him during his youth was expected, but the proficiency demonstrated now exceeded all expectations. It was unexpected that the Third Mizukage had mastered the water gun jutsu to the extent of piercing a tailed beast's body.

Immediately, Yagura sensed something wrong, swiftly jumping to the side while forming seals with both hands.

The Third Mizukage emerged from the water's surface where Yagura had stood, causing the surrounding water to converge toward the Mizukage.

"Water Release - Water Prison Jutsu!"

The water flowing on the Third Mizukage's body grew immensely heavy, transforming into an unyielding water sphere that entrapped him. Before Yagura could breathe a sigh of relief, the Third Mizukage, to Yagura's astonishment, lightly opened his mouth and consumed all the water in the sphere.

"Water Escape · Water Dragon Slash."

In a single breath, the Third Mizukage released the water he had ingested. A slender stream of water sliced through the air, sending shivers down Yagura's spine as he sharply retreated. Although he dodged the attack in time, there was still a long, narrow gash on his chest, and a severed half of one of the three-tails tail plummeted, sinking into the water.

"I'll say it again, Yagura if you surrender now, I might spare you!" The Third Mizukage took a deep breath, he really was reluctant to kill a prodigy like Yagura.

Yagura sighed lightly, not responding to the Mizukage. His eyes conveyed his unwavering determination, he had no intention of surrendering. At this point, only one faction—either the Blood Mist Faction or the Reformation—could prevail. The internal strife in Kirigakure would only cease when one side was completely wiped out.

"Really? Since you refuse to surrender, I have no choice but to destroy you and the Three Tails!" The Third Mizukage's eyes gleamed with determination, bursting out a murderous aura.

...

"Damn, what went wrong?"

The right-hand man of the Third Mizukage and one of the candidates for the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura haf brazenly initiated a coup d'etat at the Fourth Mizukage election meeting.

A large number of ninjas who were Yagura's subordinates simultaneously incited riots in the village. It was evident that this coup would sweep the entirety of Kirigakure. This turn of events exceeded Fuguki's expectations, considering Yagura wasn't perceived as someone who would be so audacious. The consequences of a failed coup were too serious. If it ends in failure there was only one end - Death.

"What the heck is going on in that guy's head?" Fuguki gritted his teeth in frustration.

The situation had become too chaotic, and his position as the Fourth Mizukage hadn't yet been made official. Although the election passed at the meeting, the Third Mizukage had not yet made a public announcement. Yagura's attack, before the public declaration, caught everyone off guard.

"Regardless of what Yagura plans to do, the Third and the others are engaging him. Let's concentrate our strength at the moment first, then we can deal with Yagura later."

Fuguki spoke toJinin, who trailed behind him.

Yagura was powerful. Although Jinin hadn't witnessed him in extensive combat, he sensed that Yagura's power was likely on par with the Third Mizukage. Given the circumstances, Yagura had a high chance of victory in the final showdown.

Because the old Mizukage wasn't fit for prolonged battle compared to the youthful and energetic Yagura. He had a clear disadvantage. And more importantly, they knew little about Yagura's remaining trump cards. So, using their forces with the Third Mizukage seemed the safest approach to suppress Yagura. No matter how arrogant Jinin was, he acknowledged that Yagura won't be an easy opponent to deal with.

"It doesn't matter.Kumogakure should be arriving soon. Yagura recalled the southern garrison troops, likely to be commanding them. Kumo's forces should block them, preventing them from helping Yagura." Fuguki said, having discerned Yagura's secret manipulation of the southern garrison. He had communicated in advance with the Fourth Raikage, seeking Kumo's support to some extent.

"I heard the Kumo team that came to the Land of Water mysteriously disappeared on their way back to the Land of Lightning. Maybe Yagura had a hand in it."

"You mean…" Fuguki narrowed his eyes, his expression revealing a powerful murderous intent. He understood Jinin's unspoken message—there were spies within them.

Someone had leaked information about his secret dealings with Kumo, arousing Yagura's suspicions. If that were the case, Yagura's sudden coup could be an attempt to retaliate against him.

"Anyway... be careful. Kumo needs to explain things clearly to the Third. Mishandling this could jeopardize your future plans." Although Jinin didn't like thinking a lot, as one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, he possessed a basic understanding of politics. He felt that the recent events seemed too coincidental for his liking.

The Kumo team, which had arrived in the Land of Water for their dealing, mysteriously disappeared on their return journey. Yagura happened to launch a coup during the Fourth Mizukage selection meeting, plunging Kirigakure into a battlefield. Ameyuri Ringo, believed to have died in the Land of Demons, returned to Kirigakure, aligning with Yagura. There was certainly a big problem. Yagura had too many secrets they were yet to uncover.

Fuguki tightened his grip on his sword behind his back, his evil expression growing increasingly intense.

"As you mentioned, we were all deceived by Yagura. He turned out to be from the reformist side. I never expected it. With the identity of the Mizukage's right-hand, it explains why we've struggled to eliminate the influence of that faction over the years. Instead, they've only become more and more resilient."

Originally, he and Yagura were in opposition, but regardless, Yagura had been an enforcer of the Blood Mist Policy. Hence, the contradictions and prejudices were not irreconcilable. He had tried to recruit Yagura multiple times in the past, hoping to join hands and make it easier to overpower the Third Mizukage.

He had assumed Yagura parted ways due to the Fourth Mizukage position, but now he realizesld otherwise. Yagura was also a reformist, and becoming the Fourth Mizukage is merely a goal, not the ultimate one.

Yagura's current objective might be to eradicate the top leaders of the Blood Mist faction in Kirigakure. Once leaders like them are eliminated, controlling the lower-level ninjas of the Blood Mist Faction becomes easier. Even neutral factions would turn against the reformist faction. All of this was based on the success of Yagura's coup.

"Everyone was deceived by his seemingly harmless appearance; he's a scheming bastard."

"Hehe... What I didn't expect was to be underestimated one day. I'm the strongest ninja swordsman, and that brat truly underestimated me." Fuguki chuckled coldly, revealing his sharp teeth, akin to a beast thirsting for blood. Even though confronting Yagura directly, he might not be his match, even with Samehada. However, it won't be easy for Yagura to defeat him.

At their level of their power level, a minor mistake could be fatal. Moreover, Yagura's coup at this time challenges Kirigakure's authority. The Third Mizukage and the others would inevitably oppose Yagura.

"Kisame." Fuguki suddenly turned his head, looking at the shark-faced boy silently trailing behind him.

Kisame raised his head, meeting Fuguki's gaze.

"You're my most trusted subordinate. I leave it to you to welcome the Kumo ninjas coming. Inform Kumo's forces to head south quickly and block the ninja troops supporting Yagura there. Don't let Yagura's reinforcement enter the village."

"Yes." Kisame nodded silently and was ready to leave to convey Fuguki's orders. However, a powerful lightning storm exploded ahead.

Facing the lightning, Ringo, with her two swords on her shoulders, grinned, staring at Fuguki and Jinin. "Sorry, this road doesn't seem to be working properly."

"Ringo... you caught up? It seems Yagura has been stopped by the third." Sensing the intense murderous aura from her, Fuguki grabbed Samehada from his back.

Jinin anticipated the inevitable battle and he felt a twinge of excitement. Ringo was undeniably a powerful and woman. It would be a great sense of accomplishment if he could smash her body with Kabutowari. Although they were all part of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, they al had individual thoughts and motives. This held true throughout all the ages, they usually formed their own interest groups.

"Yeah, the fact that i didn't die probably disappoints you, doesn't it?" Kiba on both shoulders hot out lightning bolts. Ringo slowly took them off and letting them fall naturally.

"The poison in your body was cured by Tsunade-hime. She truly deserves to be the strongest medical ninja in the world. So in other words, Yagura and Konoha are secretly allied, right?" Fuguki's eyes darkened.

Yagura's subordinates had taken Ringo to Konoha, and he had later sent someone to verify it. But according to Konoha's statement at the time, the poison wasn't completely removed, so Ringo went to the Land of Demons for more treatment.

Given the current situation, Konoha had deceived him. Ringo's poison had indeed been cured by Tsunade, and they chose to hide the truth. Behind this was Yagura's secret operation and a secret agreement with Konoha to hide that Ringo had recovered.

"You really enjoy making such meaningless guesses. But you got one thing right. The person who treated my illness was indeed a Konoha ninja."

There was no denying that Chiba Shiraishi was a Konoha ninja, though the term "Konoha ninja" needed to be preceded with 'once'.

"They really like meddling in other people's affairs. Do they want Kiri's alliance letter?" Fuguki snorted. Similar to the alliance between him and Kumo, once he became the Fourth Mizukage, he'd agree to join Kumo in attacking Konoha.

Yagura probably proposed a similar agreement to Konoha. For Konoha, surrounded by enemies, Kirigakure's alliance letter held great importance. Considering this condition, Konoha concealed Ringo's recovery for Yagura, everything fell into place.

"So, when will your delusion end? Also, let me share another piece of good news." Ringo sighed helplessly, and then a wicked smile crossed her face.

"Do you think those Kumo ninjas can still make it here?"

"What!?" Fuguki immediately paled with fright.

"It means, pig head, I'm making a decision today! I'll be taking my revenge for the time!" After Ringo finished speaking, she swiftly swung her twin swords, flashing with lightning, charging at Fuguki at an incredible speed.

Fuguki forcefully swung his sword, snorting coldly.

"My sword can devour chakra, making your lightning ninjutsu useless against me!"

Fugaku resisted the onslaught of the lightning attack, and the current of lightning grew weaker and weaker, flowing into Samehada.

On the other side, Jinin didn't immediately raise his weapon to assist Fuguki against Ringo. He took out a signal tube from his pocket, pulled the mechanism, and the marbles inside transformed into streamers that flew into the sky, exploding into a beautiful fireworks display, catching everyone's attention.

Ringo noticed the fireworks in the sky, undeterred, she moved back skillfully, arms spread out, and lightning flashed densely on the blade.

"Lightning Release - Lightning Fang!"

A field of lightning generated, covering a large area of the ground.

Fuguki continued to snort coldly, brandishing his sword, he rushed into the sea of lightning without hesitation, devouring the lightning field with Samehada in one go.

"It's useless! No matter how powerful your Lightning release is, it's useless in front of my sword!"

Among the seven ninja swords, Kiba's destructive power was undoubtedly one of the best, but it focused too much on attack ability, with other weaker capabilities.

Samehada wa indeed a special sword with the most powerful functions. With just one swimg, it split the rushing sea of lightning.

In his blind spot, the lightning made a sharp turn, attacking from behind.

Unexpectedly, Fuguki seemed to have eyes on the back, and his long orange-red hair became longer and harder as steel, forming a steel-like wall, bouncing off all the lightning that struck his back. With an impeccable defense method and a versatile sword, Ringo had to admit that she hadn't seen him for a few years, and Fuguki's strength had grown stronger.

In Kiri, there were very few ninjas who could match him.

"Water Release - Water Dragon Bullet!"

Releasing his sword, Fuguki began to form seals. A huge water dragon, over ten meters long, rose from behind and swooped down from the sky to the ground.

Ringo jumped back to evade the water dragon's attack.

Floodwaters surged through the deserted streets, crashing fiercely into surrounding buildings.

Stepping on the water's surface, Fuguki gripped his sword with both hands and charged forward.

Ringo crossed her swords, blocking Fuguki's slashing attack.

The chakras of the two clashed, creating a storm around them, forming a wall of water on the surface, and eventually turning into white foam, splashing in all directions.

'That sword is truly troublesome,' Ringo remarked, staring at Samehada, dlfrowning. It wasn't just about the sword. To wield such a massive blade, Fuguki's strength and chakra shouldn't be underestimated.

To wield the powerful Samehada, the wielder must possess a chakra level far surpassing that of ordinary people. This is the first and foremost requirement for gaining the sword's recognition. Those who attempt to forcefully wield it without meeting this prerequisite will be met with rejection.

Fuguki was precisely this ninja who met this requirement. His ability to wield Samehada with one hand was a testament to his immense brute strength, while his chakra, exceeding that of ordinary people, serves as the key to the sword's acknowledgment.

A prolonged battle would be disadvantageous for Ringo. Her attacks mainly involved Lightning Release and Kenjutsu, but as one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, each of whom was a Kenjutsu master, deciding victory or defeat through Kenjutsu quickly wasn't feasible. Moreover, in close combat, Fuguki's sword might absorb her chakra.

As the battle continued, the situation would grow increasingly dire.

In her moment of uncertainty, a fireball suddenly flew from a distance. Instead of heading toward her or Fuguki, it flew towards the sky.

The fireball broke through the atmosphere, exploding and rapidly heating the air. But it didn't end there. More fireballs burst through the atmosphere, creating a spectacular display.

Boom! Boom!

The unusual occurrence in the sky drew everyone's attention.

Not only the battlefield with Ringo and Fuguki but also Kirigakure ninjas in other areas were captivated by the abnormal phenomena in the sky.

Someone had used a high-level Fire jutsu, attracting a massive thundercloud that spread rapidly, shrouding the sky above Kiri.

"A thunderstorm? What power! They used a Fire Release jutsu to attract such a large thundercloud." Ringo looked up at the sky, denser and covering a larger area than the thunderclouds conjured by her Lightning Release.

Most importantly, the thundercloud she summoned with Lightning Release was an aggregation of Chakra, while the thunderstorm from the fire release were genuine lightning from the sky. As if she understood something, Ringo showed a grin, and without hesitation she thrusted her two swords into the ground, infusing lightning chakra into them.

"Lightning Gate!"

Boom!

The thunderclouds in the sky rumbled, blinding those illuminated by the lightning. Terrifying lightning from the sky descended, pulled by Ringo's swords, wrapping around them.

The earth erupted.

Lightning surged like a torrent, rushing towards the surrounding area.

A lightning flash streaked across a concrete building, causing it to collapse into ruins.

Witnessing this, Fuguki couldn't help but change his expression, hastily lifting Samehada to resist. He spat out blood as he flew backward, and Samehada let out a vague cry of pain, clearly displeased with Fuguki's actions.

"Damn it, using natural lightning against Samehada's abilities?" Fuguki now understood why Samehada couldn't absorb Ringo's Lightning. She was using her own chakra as sustenance for Kiba, letting the lightning sword draw from the sky.

The lightning from.the sky wasn't composed of chakra but a force of nature. Without chakra, Samehada couldn't absorb it and suffered severe injuries. But the important question remained: who used the Fire Release to create an 'opportunity' for Ringo? To his knowledge, no one in Kirigakure possessed the ability to use such a powerful fire release jutsu.

Fuguki subtly winked at Jinin, who nodded in understanding, swiftly dashing towards a specific direction. The path he chose led to the area where the fireball had been launched into the sky moments ago.

The distance between the two parties wasn't far; Jinin swiftly moved through the ruins, discovering three figures standing beside a dilapidated wall. Directing his weapon at one of them who had assisted Ringo, her raised it forcefully, intending to ruthlessly crush the opponent's body.

As if anticipating the gruesome scene where he would be reduced to meat paste, Jinin wore a bloodthirsty smile on his face.

Suddenly, they both turned. In their vivid red eyes, a mysterious black comma-shaped tomoe emerged, rotating slowly within the red eyes, fixed on him.

'Sharingan!?' Jinin's expression changed to shock, and his vision swiftly plunged into darkness.

In an instant, the sound of a body being sliced resonated in his ears, and his consciousness descended into chaos.

---

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