Chapter 271: The Mizukage's Visit, The Beginning of Turmoil
That night, in the Uchiha compound.
"Waaaah!"
A loud cry broke the silence of the night, bringing a wave of joy to the faces of those waiting outside in the courtyard.
Kyosuke couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of the stoic Fugaku, who was trying his best to maintain his composure. "It's not your first time, Fugaku-san. What are you so nervous about?"
Fugaku shot him a sideways glance and, without a word, pushed open the door and went inside.
"...What was that? I feel like I was just scorned," a bewildered Kyosuke said to the smiling Ukyo.
"Figure it out yourself. Hahaha," Ukyo laughed and followed Fugaku inside to see the new Uchiha prince.
"You're not married either. What are you laughing at?" Kyosuke muttered. After a moment, his expression turned serious.
Indra's reincarnation has been born. Asura's won't be far behind. It's time to tell Saori to begin the coup...
A week later, Kyosuke, who had been on high alert, received an unexpected summons from the Hokage. He went to Minato's office, a sense of confusion and unease washing over him.
"What?! The Mizukage is visiting at a time like this?" he exclaimed after hearing the details of the mission.
"What's wrong? Is there a problem?" Minato asked, a strange look on his face.
"Uh... no. I'm just surprised the Mizukage has the guts to come to Konoha," Kyosuke said, quickly coming up with an excuse.
"It's not that surprising," Minato replied with a smile. "Konoha is ahead of the other villages in so many ways. It's only natural that he would want to come and learn from us. Besides, it's a good opportunity to strengthen the relationship between our two villages."
Kyosuke nodded along, his mind racing.
Why would the Mizukage come now? I know that Yagura's death changed the timeline, but this is... too much of a coincidence. Asura's reincarnation is about to be born, which means the Mist delegation will be here for the Nine-Tails' attack.
Is the Mizukage already under Obito's control? I'll have to find a way to test him.
"I'll take the surveillance mission," he said, then added, "Since the Mizukage is visiting, I'd like to be there to greet him as well."
"Alright. They'll be here in a few hours," Minato said, a hint of surprise in his voice.
Back at his home, Kyosuke began to prepare, his mind replaying the possible scenarios. He was almost certain that the "Mizukage's" visit was a ploy to assist Obito. With his own strength now a known factor, Obito would not have made his move without a countermeasure. Even with two intact Sharingan, he was likely not confident enough to face both Minato and himself at the same time. The genjutsu-controlled Mizukage was a distraction, meant to keep him occupied.
He had to be prepared. If he failed, and the Nine-Tails was taken...
He gave a special hand signal, and a secret guard appeared at his side, kneeling.
"Inform Saori that the plan has changed. Speed up the coup and then come and reinforce me... no. Have her monitor the Mist delegation. If they make any move, she is to stop them at all costs. If she can't, she is to make as much of a scene as possible. Understood?" he said, his voice grim.
"Yes, sir."
With a heavy heart, Kyosuke made his way to the village gates. The Mizukage would be arriving soon. And in a few days, Obito would make his move.
Saori listened in silence as the disguised secret guard relayed Kyosuke's message.
The Mizukage's unexpected arrival... you think it's connected to the 'great change' you spoke of? she thought. Damn you, Kyosuke. You never tell me anything.
How many more secrets are you keeping from me...?
She shook her head, forcing the thoughts away, and called in one of her trusted subordinates. "The time for our action has been decided. Tomorrow, at sunset."
The man's body trembled with a suppressed excitement. He gave a low bow and left to inform the others.
The great change... the main family... I hope everything goes smoothly.
No. It has to. For all of us who have suffered for so long... I will not allow failure.
I will not!!!
At the main gate, the Mizukage and his delegation had arrived and were exchanging pleasantries with Minato and the other village leaders.
A short distance away, Kyosuke stood observing them, his eyes sharp, searching for any sign of abnormality. But all of them, with the exception of the Mizukage and one of his assistants, were shrouded in cloaks, their faces hidden.
He would have to ask Minato later.
The Mizukage and his delegation were escorted to their quarters, and Kyosuke accompanied Minato back to the Hokage's office.
"Well? Did you see anything?" he asked, not to Minato, but to the Hyuga clan head, Hiashi, who had also been at the reception.
"Their chakra is normal," Hiashi said, "but... one of the attendants... his chakra signature is strange. And his mask... it seems to be made of some material that blocks the Byakugan."
That was all the confirmation he needed. The Mist's visit was definitely connected to the impending Nine-Tails attack.
But Minato was not convinced. "It's not unusual for a Kage to travel with powerful bodyguards," he said, but he did order the security around the village to be tightened. With Kushina's due date so close, he couldn't afford to take any chances.
The meeting ended, and they all went their separate ways. Kyosuke went to make his own, final preparations.
There was only one day left until the birth of Asura's reincarnation.
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