The Mizukage Is Strong But Overly Cautious

Two hours later.

As the night deepened, an eerie silence enveloped the entire village of Kirigakure.

Beneath the surface, nearly every significant figure in the village was on the move, acting under the veil of secrecy.

It would be nearly impossible for any single person to investigate the full extent of what was happening.

The Anbu, the Mizukage's personal guard, the Mizuki clan, the Kaguya clan, the Hōzuki clan…

Every major faction within Kirigakure was engaged in covert operations, moving like shadows in the mist, ensuring their actions remained concealed from prying eyes.

On the other side of the village, Yagura, the commander of the Mist Anbu and a direct disciple of the Third Mizukage, was already deep in his own preparations.

The stakes were enormous—this night could determine Kirigakure's future.

Thus, he had placed himself at the center of the operation, ensuring that every detail was accounted for.

He could not afford even a single misstep.

"What's the status on the Rock Shinobi?"

His voice, usually calm, carried a sharp impatience as he addressed the Anbu operative tasked with maintaining contact with their allies from Iwagakure.

"I'm still trying to reach them. There's been no response so far."

The Anbu's head was lowered, his voice tinged with unease.

A flicker of suspicion flashed through Yagura's sharp, crimson-ringed eyes.

Something felt off.

But just as he was about to issue an order for immediate reconnaissance, another Anbu rushed in at high speed.

"Minister!"

"Jōnin Squad Leader Maeda Yuanshi has arrived unannounced. He's requesting to see you immediately."

The Anbu's report was crisp and urgent.

Yagura's initial reaction was to frown, his brows knitting into the kanji for "river" (川) before quickly relaxing.

Maeda Yuanshi?

Why is that old man coming to see me at this hour?

Did he sense something? Or did he receive information from the Mizukage?

A sudden, unsettling thought crossed his mind.

No… it couldn't be.

A cold feeling crept up Yagura's spine.

Maeda Yuanshi's unexpected arrival in the dead of night had now become an urgent variable—one that needed to be handled carefully.

"Take me to him."

Yagura made his decision swiftly.

But before leaving, he turned to his Anbu communicator, his voice hardening.

"Get in touch with the Rock Shinobi now. Give them an ultimatum."

"No more delays. They need to be in position immediately."

With those last words, Yagura followed his Anbu escort toward Maeda Yuanshi.

Maeda Yuanshi stood in the middle of the Anbu headquarters, his hands clasped behind his back as he silently observed a massive kanji for "water" (水) hanging in the center of the hall.

It was an all-too-familiar sight.

After all, an identical kanji hung at the entrance of the Mizukage's office.

Yagura is comparing his Anbu headquarters to the Mizukage's building?

He's already making his ambitions clear.

Years ago, Maeda Yuanshi might have chosen to overlook this.

In fact, he might have even felt a slight inclination toward supporting Yagura's side.

But now…

Now, Yagura had crossed a line that should never have been touched.

Thinking of the intelligence he had just received from the Mizukage, Maeda Yuanshi let out a silent sigh of regret.

Before long, a small figure approached.

Thin, with a youthful, almost childlike face—yet carrying a presence that demanded caution.

Yagura entered, flanked by two elite Anbu operatives.

The moment he saw that Maeda Yuanshi had come alone, his wariness increased.

"Squad Leader Maeda."

Yagura offered a small, polite smile as he walked forward.

"What brings you here alone in the middle of the night?"

His tone was light, almost casual—but his sharp, calculating gaze betrayed his true thoughts.

Maeda Yuanshi turned to face him, his expression unreadable as always.

His face, emotionless as a corpse, made it impossible to gauge his thoughts.

"There are some matters I need to discuss with Minister Yagura."

His voice was calm, almost indifferent.

Yagura narrowed his eyes slightly.

The more nonchalant Maeda Yuanshi acted, the more he doubted what the old veteran might know.

"Can it wait?"

Yagura probed further.

"No."

That same flat, unwavering tone.

That same lifeless expression.

Yagura's wariness reached its peak.

For the first time, the faintest trace of killing intent flickered in his mind.

But reason held him back.

Attacking Maeda Yuanshi recklessly could be disastrous.

"Very well."

Yagura gestured toward an inner chamber.

"Let's talk inside."

Without hesitation, Maeda Yuanshi strode forward, showing no fear.

As he followed, Yagura found himself hesitating once more.

Just what game is this old man playing?

Inside a secluded chamber, Maeda Yuanshi and Yagura sat opposite one another.

A silent contest of patience unfolded between them.

Neither spoke.

Between them, an Anbu-served pot of tea sat untouched.

Without a word, Maeda Yuanshi poured himself a cup and took a sip.

"Good tea."

The sound of his voice shattered the heavy silence.

Yagura, arms folded, fixed him with a scrutinizing gaze.

"What is it you wanted to discuss?"

His words were measured, his tone steady.

"Well…"

Maeda Yuanshi tilted his head slightly.

"I've heard that Minister Yagura is skilled at shogi."

He reached out and tapped the table lightly.

"Shall we play a few rounds?"

Yagura's eyes narrowed.

Shogi?

What kind of move is this?

Was this an attempt at subtle messaging? A psychological tactic?

Or was the old man simply testing him?

A long silence passed.

Then—

"…Fine."

Yagura agreed.

He would play along for now.

Four hours later.

The first hints of morning light crept through the mist.

Across from him, Maeda Yuanshi remained seated, utterly unfazed.

Four hours.

Four full hours of silent, uninterrupted chess.

Maeda Yuanshi had played without speaking a single unnecessary word.

Yagura's patience had worn dangerously thin.

Just as he was about to break the silence—

Maeda Yuanshi suddenly moved.

"…Oops."

"I've been checkmated."

He exhaled lightly, setting his final piece down.

"Well, it's getting late."

He rose smoothly from his seat.

"I'll take my leave now."

With that, Maeda Yuanshi turned and strode toward the door.

Yagura, watching his retreating figure, clenched his fists beneath the table.

What the hell was that?

The uncertainty gnawed at him.

Had he just wasted hours on a meaningless game?

Or had he just been played?

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