Since his last conversation with Mei Terumī, Asuka had enjoyed another brief period of calm. Aside from completing his daily missions, he devoted nearly all of his time to training. Clearly, that discussion had made him realize that peaceful days were running out.
Not only was the Third Great Ninja War looming on the horizon, but the Third Mizukage's Bloody Mist Policy could be enacted at any time. On top of that, Asuka had no idea whether Uchiha Madara was already manipulating events from the shadows. The uncertainty stirred a growing sense of urgency within him.
At the same time, a long-term plan gradually began to take shape in his mind.
One day, as Asuka was returning home from a mission, he suddenly heard the sharp cries of numerous ninja hawks overhead. Looking up, he saw a large flock flying directly toward the Mizukage Building.
His eyes narrowed slightly, but his expression remained unchanged as he continued walking home.
Not long after he arrived, hurried knocking sounded at his door. When he opened it, a ninja quickly reported, "Lord Asuka, the Mizukage has called an emergency Jōnin meeting. Please head to the Mizukage Building immediately."
Asuka nodded, changed into his Jōnin uniform, and set off at once.
As the scenery blurred past him, he thought to himself, So it's beginning. The Shinobi World is about to change.
…
By the time Asuka arrived at the conference room, many Jōnin were already present. Most were chatting casually, clearly unaware of the meeting's true purpose.
After exchanging brief greetings with a few acquaintances, Asuka moved to a quiet corner.
Unfortunately, a loud, mocking voice cut through the room.
"Well, if it isn't our famous Lord Asuka. Why hide in the corner? Come, everyone, make space! Let our genius stand in the center."
Asuka didn't even need to turn around to recognize the speaker.
Kaguya Daisuke—the current patriarch of the Kaguya clan, and his distant cousin on his father's side.
After Asuka's parents died in battle, Daisuke had relentlessly exploited him. It could be said that the original Asuka's death was directly connected to Daisuke's oppression.
The transmigrated Asuka had endured that dark period thanks to Wolverine's regenerative abilities. Once he had gained enough strength to protect himself, he left the Kaguya clan entirely—but he had never forgotten the suffering of those days.
Ignoring Daisuke's provocation, Asuka replied coldly, "You're still as foolish as ever, Kaguya Daisuke."
"Nani?! You bastard—how dare you speak to me like that!" Daisuke erupted like a lit fuse. True to the Kaguya clan's notorious temperament, he was arrogant, hot-blooded, and reckless.
Just as he was about to lose control and attack, a firm voice rang out from the doorway.
"Enough."
The room instantly fell silent.
The Third Mizukage had arrived.
Daisuke froze, his face dark, but he stepped back into line. The Mizukage walked calmly to the front, sat down, and swept his gaze across the room.
"I will not tolerate disruptions during official meetings. Now, let us begin."
"The purpose of this Jōnin meeting is to discuss developments in Sunagakure."
At once, murmurs spread among the Jōnin. What could have happened in the Hidden Sand to warrant such urgency?
A veteran Jōnin stepped forward. "Mizukage-sama, may we ask what has occurred in Sunagakure?"
The Third Mizukage replied gravely, "According to intelligence from our spies, the Third Kazekage may have gone missing."
The room erupted in discussion.
Standing in the corner, Asuka remained silent. As expected.
The veteran Jōnin spoke again. "Mizukage-sama, is the intelligence reliable? Could it be misinformation?"
"It has been verified," the Mizukage answered. "The Third Kazekage has not appeared in public for some time. Rumors are spreading within Sunagakure that he has been assassinated."
The statement struck the room like a stone thrown into water.
A Jōnin with short light-blue hair and earrings stepped forward—it was Ao, known for his analytical mind.
"If such rumors are being allowed to spread," Ao said thoughtfully, "then the Third Kazekage has likely encountered serious trouble. Sunagakure's leadership may be unable to conceal the truth any longer. They could be using these rumors to test other villages' reactions while stabilizing their own."
The Third Mizukage nodded. "That aligns with my assessment. If the Third Kazekage is truly missing, then Sunagakure will become leaderless."
Ao continued, "And such instability cannot be hidden from the other great villages. In the coming months, tensions across the Shinobi World will only intensify."
Silence fell over the room.
After a moment, the Third Mizukage spoke slowly.
"Correct. That is precisely why I have summoned you. War may soon break out again."
His voice hardened.
"Effective immediately, Kirigakure will enter Level Three Alert. All forces are to prepare for emergency mobilization."
With that declaration, the vast war machine of Kirigakure began to turn.
…
Once the meeting concluded, the atmosphere within the village changed dramatically.
Ninja on leave were recalled. The logistics division began mobilizing weapons, supplies, and provisions. Border patrols intensified. Even the streets grew noticeably emptier.
Soon, Asuka received his assignment:
He was to lead ANBU Squad Four to the border as reinforcement.
Shortly after graduating from the Academy, Asuka had joined the ANBU. The dangerous, high-risk missions suited him perfectly. With Wolverine's regenerative abilities, he possessed an extraordinary margin for error. Aside from sealing techniques, there were few injuries he truly feared.
It was within the ANBU that his strength and experience had grown at an astonishing pace. Through countless life-and-death missions, he had built his reputation. Thanks to his terrifying recovery ability, he became known as:
"Undying Asuka."
Upon receiving his orders, he wasted no time. He immediately issued a summons to ANBU Squad Four.
Squad Four was an elite unit directly under his command. Normally, its members operated independently and only assembled for special assignments. Because of this, the squad's mortality rate remained high—but every member possessed a unique and valuable specialty.
After sending out the assembly notice, Asuka arrived early at the designated meeting point and waited in silence.