Malphegor
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HSU: Ch. 116
🕑 Added 2025-01-04 19:34:21 +0000 UTCToday in Kiri, the weather was unexpectedly pleasant.
Sunlight streamed down onto the high walls of the Mizukage's building, so clear that even the textures on the walls could be seen.
Such clear weather was a rare event in the perpetually foggy Kiri.
Of course, this was only relative to Kiri.
For Masashi and Shisui, the air here was still too humid and uncomfortable.
The upside, however, was that using Water Release techniques here was incredibly convenient.
It saved a considerable amount of chakra.
But today, no one cared about the weather.
In front of the Mizukage's office, the usually elusive Kiri ANBU stood clustered together in groups.
Ahead of them was a large crowd, each person an influential figure in Kiri.
The prominent members of Kiri's clans, dozens in total, were all gathered here. These individuals were now glaring at the ANBU, and the two groups seemed to be waiting for someone.
"Did the Mizukage summon us here just to let us bask in today's sunlight?" someone remarked sarcastically.
"Please, remain patient," the ANBU said stiffly, trying to placate them.
Although they had yet to break into open hostilities, the ANBU secretly considered these people as good as dead. However, until the final moment arrived, they were compelled to keep their heads down.
Lowering their heads was one thing, but making way for these people? That was out of the question. Yagura had issued a strict order: no one enters until the guests from Konoha arrive.
"A Mizukage who panders to Konoha like this—what kind of leadership is that?"
"Exactly! Kiri is one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, equal to Konoha. Why stoop so low?"
The ANBU's submissiveness only further fueled the clans' indignation, and they seized the opportunity to hurl insults, completely forgetting how they behaved in front of the Hōzuki clan. And as for the Hōzuki clan, to whom they were ever loyal, even they showed tremendous respect toward the two ninja from Konoha.
But that didn't matter. It was ANBU they were confronting, and venting anger on them was a rare treat.
To them, Yagura was no longer fit to be Mizukage, unworthy of the title.
He had never been their chosen Mizukage in the first place.
The ANBU were inwardly furious but remained silent. They kept their mouths shut and let the other side rant and rave.
Meanwhile, the elder faction, led by Genji, watched the scene coldly.
The old man sighed inwardly as he looked at the descendants of his former comrades.
The clans had worked hard to reach their current status, but after today, all that effort would be in vain.
He recalled the old days when marriages between clans were used to maintain relationships. For one thing, everyone had been at each other's throats, and this helped ease tensions.
Another reason was that while Kiri had many clans, few were truly strong. Intermarriage had been a way to harness the power of nature to produce miracles.
Mei was the crowning achievement of this strategy.
Though she was currently the only success, she proved that this path was viable. A difference between one and zero was fundamental.
After today, however, there might only be this "one" left.
As for the rest, the "misshapen fruits," Genji didn't hold much hope.
Perhaps they'd need to bring in fresh bloodlines, such as the Kaguya clan, who still refused to join Kiri.
Their Shikotsumyaku was an incredibly powerful bloodline limit, though it seemed that no one in the current generation had awakened it.
The clamor grew louder and louder, and Genji shook his head, unwilling to watch this disgraceful display any longer. Just as he was about to say something, the noise began to subside.
One by one, the crowd turned to look toward the back—toward the sunlit direction.
From that direction, two young men were walking toward the Mizukage's office.
"Ao."
"Genji-sama."
"Are those the White Ghost and the Teleporter?"
"Yes, Genji-sama. The one on the left is the White Ghost, and the one on the right is the Teleporter." Ao explained to Genji.
Genji leaned forward on his cane, as though trying to get a better look at the two young men.
Ao hurried to offer his support, but Genji waved him off.
"Ao, step aside. You're blocking my view."
Ao retreated begrudgingly.
Genji squinted, his eyes trying to focus.
As the two young men drew closer, their appearances became clearer to him.
The boy on the left caught his attention.
His demeanor—it felt so familiar.
"Such a resemblance…" he murmured softly.
At this moment, the two Uchiha youths passed through the crowd of the clans, who had instinctively parted to make way. They stopped in front of Genji.
"Genji-sama, it's an honor to meet you." Shisui greeted him with a bright smile.
"No, no. The honor is mine, Shisui. I've long admired your reputation," Genji replied with a chuckle. His gaze then shifted to Masashi. "And this must be Masashi, correct?"
"Genji-sama, good day to you," Masashi greeted with a polite smile.
The once-powerful figure who had stood beside the Mizukage was now nothing more than an old man, frail beyond recognition.
The most remarkable thing was that, even after all these years, he was still alive.
Ōnoki was another example of remarkable longevity.
And as for Madara, there was no need to even mention him. He had practically turned into an immortal, with not a single unblemished part of his body, and he was still manipulating Obito.
"You remind me of an old friend," Genji said thoughtfully.
"You flatter me. I could never compare to Madara."
At the mention of that name, the atmosphere froze.
In the era of the shinobi villages, the name of Hashirama represented light and hope, while Madara embodied raw power.
Even now, long after his time, the mere mention of his name filled people with awe and wonder.
Such was the aura of that name.
Of all present, only Genji had actually met Madara in person.
He still remembered the feelings he had when he heard about the demands made by the Kazekage during the first Five Kage Summit.
Madara had already died by then. Otherwise, Genji doubted the Kazekage would have dared to make such bold claims.
Had Madara not fallen out with Hashirama, and if he had accompanied him to that meeting, it wouldn't have been Tobirama sitting beside Hashirama.
The Kazekage would probably have been sent flying before finishing a single sentence.
Hearing Masashi humbly claim he couldn't compare to Madara made Genji chuckle.
"You misunderstand me. I wasn't referring to him." Genji smiled, swallowing back the question he had intended to ask.
The resemblance was uncanny.
But there is no need to ask—those people are long gone.
"Thank you both for staying these past days. On behalf of Kiri, I offer my gratitude and hope today brings a fruitful outcome."
"Of course. Peace is what matters most," Masashi replied, extending a hand. To the alarm of the elder faction, he held onto Genji's arm. "Let me assist you. You're the treasure of Kiri. I hope you won't mind this small act of kindness."
"Hahaha," Genji laughed heartily. "Oh dear, age really is catching up with me. Thank you, Masashi."
At this point, the ANBU at the door stepped aside, though no one was bold enough to enter first in Genji's presence.
The clans might have had their grievances with Yagura, but they were deferential to Genji.
After all, his seniority was undeniable. Among those present, every single one of their ancestors had ties with Genji.
He was like a living relic.
Seeing Masashi supporting Genji as they entered the building, the others finally began to follow.
As they passed the ANBU guarding the door, most of them strutted arrogantly, their attitudes scornful.
Once everyone was inside, some of the Kiri ANBU quickly shut the doors and began inscribing sealing techniques on them.
The others dispersed, heading to their assigned positions.
There, loyal Kiri shinobi forces were already fully prepared.
---
The doors to the council hall burst open with a loud bang, and a group of people filed in one after another.
At the front of the group was Masashi, who was supporting the Genji as they walked in together.
"You can let go now," Genji said kindly, even giving Masashi's arm a friendly pat.
Judging by the look on their faces, one might mistakenly think the two shared some kind of deep, cross-generational friendship.
"Alright, take care," Masashi said as he let go.
Genji gave him a deep, meaningful glance before walking over to his seat and sitting down.
Masashi, along with Shisui, walked to the other side of the room and sat in their assigned seats.
One could not help but notice that the Mizukage's building had a notable feature: everything was on a grand scale.
Today's council hall was no exception, as the table had been replaced with an even larger one than the one used two days prior.
The seats representing Kiri's side were fully occupied, with several rows extending behind the main table.
On the side representing Konoha, however, there were only two seats, though a few rows of chairs had also been arranged behind them.
More and more people entered on behalf of Kiri.
Among them was Ketsuki, who offered a friendly smile to Masashi and Shisui, as though it was perfectly natural to convey the hospitality of Kiri.
However, when he reached Genji's side, his demeanor shifted dramatically. He bowed deeply with utmost respect before taking his seat. Other representatives of the clans followed suit.
Before long, every seat was filled except for the primary one reserved for Yagura.
Masashi and Shisui were now surrounded, front and back, giving the impression that they were encircled.
Genji silently observed the expressions of the two young men.
Such a disparity in numbers would be abnormal under any circumstances and would create significant pressure on the smaller group.
From his perspective, Shisui appeared calm on the surface but showed subtle signs of tension.
This tension wasn't due to fear or other emotions but rather stemmed from a ninja's natural instincts.
It was entirely understandable.
However, the so-called White Ghost, Masashi, showed no signs of tension whatsoever.
Genji hadn't seen someone like this in a long time, and he quickly made his own assessment.
The White Ghost not only possessed immense power but also had an exceptionally composed mind, far superior to Shisui's.
For someone of his age, this level of mental control was remarkable, to say the least. Only those who had survived countless battles and bloodshed could develop such an air of composure.
Genji could only conclude that Masashi was innately bloodthirsty and carried an overwhelming confidence in his abilities, making him entirely indifferent to the pressure in this room.
The Uchiha clan truly produces exceptional talent...
He couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. Kiri had no one like this among their younger generation.
"The Mizukage is arriving!" one of the ANBU at the door suddenly announced.
Everyone except Genji immediately stood up.
Masashi and Shisui also rose to their feet.
This was a matter of formality. The occasion was an official signing, and one of the Five Kage was present, so such protocol was to be expected.
It wasn't about privilege; it was about respect. Not adhering to basic courtesies as a ninja could only mean one thing—battle to the death.
If Minato were denied the ceremonial treatment befitting one of the Five Kage in a setting like this, it would essentially signify that the opposing side harbored deep-seated hostility toward Konoha.
Yagura entered.
Compared to the other day, he now wore the wide-brimmed hat that symbolized his role as Mizukage and carried his personal weapon on his back.
It was a staff-like weapon with a hooked tip, entirely made of metal.
Genji began to prop himself up with his cane, preparing to stand.
"There's no need for that," Yagura said as he walked over to help Genji back into his seat.
The faction loyal to the elder smiled warmly at this gesture.
Although they had decided to side with the Mizukage, seeing Yagura show such respect toward Genji reassured them.
After all, Yagura had been acting erratically in recent years.
If Ao hadn't returned that day and sworn on his life that Yagura hadn't changed and wasn't under anyone's control, they wouldn't have believed it.
That said, one key individual was still missing.
Without him, this event would lack its central character.
"Mizukage-sama, where is Tobi?" one of the clan representatives finally asked, unable to hold back any longer.
Yagura ignored the question. As of today, he no longer needed to pretend.
He sat in his seat, smiling as he looked at Masashi and Shisui.
"Shisui, Masashi, we have prepared a revised agreement for your review."
Yagura clapped his hands.
An ANBU member stepped forward and placed two copies of the agreement in front of Masashi and Shisui.
Masashi glanced at the document and then set it aside.
"Mizukage-sama, does this agreement differ from the one we discussed two days ago?"
"No," Yagura replied with a calm smile. "This draft was strongly recommended by the head of our ANBU, who conducted a detailed analysis of our two nations and deemed this agreement the most appropriate."
"I see," Masashi replied thoughtfully. "In that case, I must ask for the presence of this ANBU head. Since he drafted the agreement, it's only fitting to discuss the relevant clauses with him."
"That's no problem," Yagura said with a nod before turning to one of the ANBU. "As Masashi suggested, summon Tobi to join the meeting."
"Understood, Mizukage-sama," the ANBU responded before leaving the council hall.
The room fell into an eerie silence. At the mention of the name Tobi, everyone seemed to enter a peculiar state of unease.
Only two individuals in the room appeared unaffected by the tension.
"Masashi, you're not planning to outright reject the agreement this time without discussion, are you?" Yagura asked with a smile. "That wouldn't do at all."
"Of course not," Masashi replied in a seemingly helpless tone. "Since Kiri is so insistent, we'll just have to discuss it clause by clause."
He stopped just short of saying, "Oh, Mizukage-sama, you're such a tease."
Everyone in the room, knowing the true circumstances, couldn't help but think...
These two are really getting into their roles.
Footsteps echoed outside the door.
Everyone turned their attention toward the entrance.
Under the watchful gaze of the crowd, the ANBU member returned, but he was alone.
"What's going on?" Yagura's expression remained unchanged. "Where is Tobi?"
"Mizukage-sama..." The ANBU hesitated, seemingly at a loss for words.
Suddenly, the space beside him distorted, and a figure emerged from the swirling void.
"I'm here, Mizukage-sama."
"Oh, Tobi, you're finally here," Yagura said with an unusually cheerful tone. "Come, let me introduce you to Konoha's envoys."
"There's no need for that, Mizukage-sama. We're old acquaintances," Obito said coldly as he stared at the two familiar faces sitting before him. "White Ghost, how dare you sit here as if nothing's wrong."
"Indeed, why am I still sitting here?" Masashi replied cheerfully.
The council hall fell into complete silence. Some people were already sweating nervously.
Ketsuki suddenly stood up, pointing a finger at Obito and shouting, "Tobi, mind your tone in front of the Mizukage-sama! Are you trying to stir conflict between Kiri and Konoha?"
"Trash," Obito sneered disdainfully, not even sparing Ketsuki a glance.
The space distorted once more, and this time, Obito appeared beside Yagura, casually placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Mizukage-sama, Konoha clearly lacks sincerity. Why not just capture them?"
"If that's your recommendation, then so be it," Yagura said, nodding as if he always followed Obito's lead.
Feeling triumphant, Obito was about to taunt Masashi further when Yagura suddenly spoke again.
"By the way, Tobi, there's one more thing."
"Mizukage-sama, let's handle the important matters first," Obito replied impatiently.
Normally, he might have exercised more restraint, but in his eyes, aside from Masashi and Shisui, everyone else in this room was insignificant.
All of them were going to die anyway. Why bother pretending?
The Kiri ninja clans would be slaughtered. Genji would be killed as well.
And the blame? That would fall squarely on the two Konoha envoys.
"If you insist," Yagura said with a regretful sigh, his tone as calm as always. "In that case, Tobi, you may die now."
Huh?
Obito froze.
The next moment, he heard a crackling sound and felt a sudden burst of chakra.
Startled, he glanced down—and found himself staring into a pair of eyes filled with killing intent.
