The Mizukage Is Strong But Overly Cautious

As Mizuki Taki actively sought his advice, Mizuki Ryosuke remained composed on the surface but sighed inwardly.

The flawless "moderate" strategy he had upheld for years had finally been exposed.

After this, the Third Mizukage and the Mizuki clan's elders would no longer see him as just a cautious and unremarkable figure. Instead, they would begin viewing him as a schemer—a "genius" in the most troublesome sense.

Ryosuke found it lamentable. If only Mizuki Taki knew what this meant. Yet, oblivious to Ryosuke's inner turmoil, the Mizukage continued to look at him, eyes burning with anticipation, eager for a plan.

However, the current level of exposure was still within acceptable limits.

After all, Ryosuke had plenty of hidden cards left to play.

If he wanted to secure his peaceful life in Kirigakure, he needed to demonstrate his value—just enough to solidify his position, but not enough to be considered a threat.

"The current situation places us at a strategic advantage," Ryosuke began, his voice steady.

"Our transition from being in the open while the enemy lurked in the shadows has now shifted into a position of calculated defense—we are the ones waiting for their move."

"By tomorrow, everything will reach its climax, but there isn't enough time left to enact any large-scale maneuvers."

"Therefore, I do not recommend taking further proactive measures. Acting too boldly now risks alerting Yagura and making him suspicious."

His words, measured and deliberate, made Mizuki Taki nod slightly. It was true—on the chessboard they now played on, he held the upper hand.

"Ryosuke, based on your assessment, what are our chances of victory in tomorrow's battle?"

It was a straightforward question, yet one that carried immense weight.

In Mizuki Taki's mind, knowing the enemy's movements in advance, securing the Ghost Lantern clan's support, and outmaneuvering Yagura's forces had already given him at least a 70% chance of victory.

Even so, he wanted to hear Ryosuke's thoughts.

Ryosuke, however, had a different perspective.

If Mizuki Taki acted alone, his chances of winning were at best 30%. Without the Ghost Lantern's aid, it would plummet to a mere 10%.

Yet, he couldn't voice this outright. He had long learned the art of adjusting his words to suit his audience.

"…Fifty-fifty."

"The enemy likely has a hidden trump card. Nothing is certain yet."

Mizuki Taki's brows furrowed at the unexpectedly cautious assessment, but he didn't question it.

Instead, before he could say more, Ryosuke continued.

"That said, while we cannot afford a major move right now…"

"I do have a strategy that will slightly improve our chances of victory."

Mizuki Taki raised an eyebrow, interest flickering in his gaze.

"Oh? What is it?"

After all, who would turn down an opportunity to improve their odds?

"Previously, I eliminated the Rock Shinobi team Yagura had stationed outside the village," Ryosuke reminded him.

"It won't remain a secret for long. Sooner or later, Yagura will realize their absence."

"I estimate that Yagura will attempt to confirm their status before dawn."

"At that point, he'll realize they've been eliminated, and that will put him on high alert."

Mizuki Taki's expression hardened. He saw the problem immediately.

"If that happens, we'll lose our element of surprise."

Ryosuke nodded.

"Yes. But I have a way to delay Yagura, to keep him occupied so that he doesn't have time to verify their status."

"If we execute this properly, we can continue using the Rock Shinobi's 'presence' as misinformation to confuse him."

A glint of understanding flickered in Mizuki Taki's eyes.

If they could successfully deceive Yagura about the fate of his Rock Shinobi allies, their odds of victory would increase by at least 50%.

"I presume that, to minimize risk, Yagura has been limiting his contact with the Rock Shinobi," Ryosuke reasoned.

"He would only reach out at a critical moment—likely between tonight and early morning."

"If we can keep him preoccupied during that window, he won't receive any confirmation of their demise."

Mizuki Taki fell silent, his eyes flashing with thought. He understood the idea, but there was still one major question left unanswered.

How would they stall Yagura?

More importantly, who would do it?

Ryosuke posed the crucial question:

"Squad Leader Maeda… is he trustworthy?"

At the sound of that name, Mizuki Taki's eyes narrowed in contemplation.

Ryosuke had observed Maeda Yuanshi's stance during the previous Jōnin exams—his neutral faction tendencies made his true allegiance difficult to determine.

It was a gamble, and one only the Mizukage himself could assess.

After a long pause, Mizuki Taki finally spoke, his voice firm.

"I understand your intent."

"I trust Maeda. He won't waver at such a crucial moment."

Ryosuke exhaled subtly.

That settled it.

His plan was simple yet effective: use Maeda Yuanshi, the third-in-command of Kirigakure, to hold down Yagura, the second-in-command.

With Maeda's influence as a Jōnin squad leader, Yagura would be forced to engage with him carefully, trying to sway him to his side.

This prolonged interaction would serve its purpose—Yagura would be too preoccupied to verify the Rock Shinobi situation in time.

If Maeda could stall him until noon, then everything would fall into place.

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