Chapter 303: Counting Your Sins
As the newly appointed personal guard of the Fourth Mizukage, Sasaki's status in Kirigakure rose significantly.
Originally, Sasaki was just a regular Chunin with an unremarkable reputation. Although many people knew him, few paid him any attention. But now, with his appointment to the Mizukage's guard, he quickly became a welcomed guest among various clans.
During this period, Tonari also met the leader of the Mizukage Guard, Ao, an experienced and highly respected Jonin in Kirigakure.
In the original timeline, Ao should have acquired a Byakugan from a Hyuga clan member during the Third Great Ninja War and gained the title "White Eye Hunter." However, due to Tonari's interference, Ao did not acquire the Byakugan, and among the hundreds of Kirigakure shinobi dispatched, he was the only one to survive and return.
This massive failure infuriated the Third Mizukage, who imprisoned Ao for a long time. Therefore, during the coup, Ao decisively sided with Yagura. Knowing Ao's loyalty and capabilities, Yagura entrusted him with managing the Mizukage Guard and made him its captain.
However, without the Byakugan, Ao posed no threat to Tonari. Their first meeting was brief, and there was no conflict between them.
Another member of the Mizukage Guard was Mei Terumi, a talented Jonin from Kirigakure, renowned for her unique ability to use both Lava Release and Boil Release. She was also one of the major supporters of Yagura's coup.
Thus, with Ao and Mei Terumi being Yagura's trusted confidants, Sasaki (Tonari) naturally became part of the inner circle.
Despite some doubts about Sasaki's sudden rise, Yagura's authoritative decision left no room for objections, given his immense influence as the newly appointed Fourth Mizukage.
Back at Sasaki's residence, Tonari finally released Kisame from the Kamui dimension, where he had been confined for quite some time.
Kisame, surprisingly tolerant, merely stretched his shoulders after being trapped alone for so long.
"The space was... quite empty," Kisame said with a light-hearted chuckle as he stroked Samehada.
Tonari offered a freshly brewed cup of tea, his tone somewhat apologetic.
"Sorry for leaving you in there for so long. It wasn't intentional."
Kisame took a sip of the tea and smiled.
"No worries. If it serves your plan, it doesn't matter how long I have to stay. It was a good chance to reflect and strengthen my connection with Samehada."
The sentient blade wiggled its spine-like appendages happily, seeming to agree.
Tonari shot a warning look at Samehada.
"Samehada, you better stay loyal to Kisame. Betray him, and I'll find you no matter where you hide—and destroy you."
Samehada quivered, its prickly scales flattening as it displayed submission. It remembered Tonari's overwhelming power and didn't dare to challenge him.
"Relax, Tonari-sensei. Samehada won't betray me, just as I won't betray you," Kisame said calmly.
Tonari chuckled.
"I trust you, Kisame. Samehada just needs a little reminder to stay in line."
Kisame nodded in understanding.
"So, what's the plan now? Are we really going to control Kirigakure completely?"
Tonari nodded.
"I'm just waiting for someone to show up. In the meantime, we'll hold Kirigakure under our control. Once that person arrives, we'll deal with it then. But I'll need you to manage things here, Kisame. I want you to be my representative when I'm not around."
Kisame was taken aback.
"Me? You really want me to oversee Kirigakure?"
Tonari smiled.
"With Yagura under my control and you by his side, it'll be easy. I just need you to maintain order. I'll periodically deliver chakra imprints to reinforce his control, and you'll be my hands and eyes here."
Kisame considered the proposal and finally nodded.
"If that's what you want, I'll do my best. You can count on me."
At that moment, Yagura entered the room, his eyes blank and expressionless—completely under Tonari's control.
Kisame's eyes narrowed.
"So, Yagura is already under your spell?"
Tonari nodded.
"Yes. His willpower is strong, but his resistance to Genjutsu is weak. I need to reinforce the control periodically, but for now, he's completely obedient."
Kisame let out a low whistle.
"Controlling a Kage... as expected of you, Tonari-sensei."
A few days later, news spread throughout Kirigakure that the feared "Monster of the Hidden Mist," Hoshigaki Kisame, had returned to the village, still wielding Samehada. This marked the resurgence of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
With Yagura's backing and Kisame's reappearance, Kirigakure's morale soared. The villagers believed the new Mizukage's leadership heralded a brighter future.
Not long after, Kirigakure received an invitation from Konoha to participate in a joint Chunin Exam involving all major villages. Despite some initial opposition, Yagura made the decisive choice to participate, aiming to showcase the revitalized strength of Kirigakure.
However, unbeknownst to most, danger was already looming over the village.
---
Kirigakure Outskirts
Two figures appeared from the ground—one covered in a bizarre plant-like structure and the other donning a spiral-patterned mask.
These were none other than Black Zetsu and Uchiha Obito.
"Is this really necessary, Obito? I mean... Kirigakure?" Black Zetsu asked cautiously.
Obito's lone visible eye glowed with the Mangekyo pattern.
"I will destroy it. I will destroy the village that killed Rin," he said coldly.
Zetsu sighed.
"But Nagato still needs you with the Akatsuki. Are you sure you want to waste time here?"
Obito didn't respond directly, merely glancing back.
"The Three-Tails is essential. And this is where it'll respawn. We must secure it before anyone else does."
Seeing Obito's determination, Black Zetsu couldn't help but lament.
"You're just as stubborn as your predecessor..."
---
Meanwhile, inside the Mizukage's office, Tonari's eyes suddenly sharpened.
"Space-time fluctuation... and such a familiar presence. So, you've come at last, Obito."
He vanished into the distorted space, reappearing outside the village alongside Yagura and Kisame.
A sudden force expelled Obito from his warped space, making him tumble across the ground. He barely regained his balance when Zetsu caught him.
"Obito... no, Madara!" Zetsu whispered.
Obito stared at Tonari, bewildered.
"You... Fourth Hokage! Why are you here?!"
Tonari smirked, his eyes gleaming ominously.
"Oh, I'm here to settle some accounts—to count your sins."
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