On the way back, Mizuki Ryosuke remained deep in thought.
Aligning with Uchiha Madara was no different from walking on the edge of a blade—one misstep could mean his demise. The reason he had swiftly stabilized the internal unrest in Kirigakure and immediately descended into the depths to meet Madara again was simple: avoiding suspicion. Maintaining his role as an apparent ally of Madara not only ensured Kirigakure's temporary security but also allowed him to infiltrate the heart of the enemy's plans—the safest yet most perilous position.
However, Ryosuke was well aware that deceiving a schemer as experienced as Madara was an endeavor fraught with peril. Even the slightest mistake could unravel his efforts, branding him an adversary of the legendary Uchiha. This was an unorthodox strategy—a direct confrontation was impossible, but embedding himself within the enemy's circle offered opportunities to reshape the battlefield on his terms.
If he succeeded, he could lay countless hidden contingencies, perhaps even neutralizing the coming storm before it reached its peak. But if he failed, Madara could eliminate him at any moment, casting him aside like a disposable pawn. Fortunately, Ryosuke's meticulous planning had secured him a foothold within Madara's schemes—for now.
Yet, it was evident that he had not replaced Uchiha Obito in Madara's hierarchy. Despite his calculated efforts, he had not met Madara's stringent expectations of an heir. The evidence was clear: the so-called gift from Madara—a scroll containing Uchiha Fire Release and genjutsu techniques—was nothing more than a token. Furthermore, Madara's explanations of the Eye of the Moon Plan remained shallow, focused solely on Infinite Tsukuyomi as a means of achieving world peace.
Madara had completely withheld the true essence of his strategy: the Divine Tree's revival, the chakra unification process, and his own resurrection. The omission of these key details proved that Ryosuke's role in Madara's mind was closer to that of Uzumaki Nagato—a tool to advance the plan rather than a true successor.
That, however, was enough for Ryosuke.
Madara was an old man clinging to borrowed time. Once he perished, Ryosuke would be free to seize control and reshape the fate of the ninja world. Until then, his priority remained stability.
Two Days Later
Despite the passage of time, no updates on the Mizukage selection process had surfaced. Instead, Ryosuke's hidden subordinates—who had been stationed outside the village—had finally returned.
The moment they learned of Kirigakure's internal upheaval, they were stunned. What had started as a simple mission to eliminate a traitor had escalated into a full-scale battle within the village. Even more shocking was Ryosuke's sudden rise as a Mizukage candidate.
Without hesitation, the three made their way to his residence, bringing gifts to pay their respects.
However, when they knocked on the door, they were not greeted by Mizuki Ryosuke but by Mizuki Rokka.
"Hello, hello… We are Captain Ryosuke's subordinates. We came to visit and express our gratitude."
Takeda Yoichi, ever the mild-mannered one, spoke with a hint of nervousness upon seeing Rokka's refined beauty.
Rokka's gaze flickered with recognition, her expression subtly shifting when she spotted Mizuki Mitsuhiko among them. As a member of the Mizuki clan, she knew exactly who he was—and given the recent events surrounding the elder council's actions, she held little goodwill toward him.
However, as Ryosuke's subordinates, she had no right to turn them away.
"Welcome," she said with a neutral smile. "I am Mizuki Rokka, Ryosuke's aunt. Please, come in."
She led them through a small but elegant courtyard, into the main hall of Ryosuke's house. The home reflected a traditional Japanese aesthetic—beyond the entrance, the tranquil garden gave way to a modest yet meticulously maintained two-story residence.
As they entered, Terumi Mei's eyes roamed curiously, intrigued by the contrast between Ryosuke's disciplined nature and the serenity of his home. However, she was even more surprised to see a strikingly beautiful girl already present.
Mizuki Mitsuhiko, on the other hand, had grown visibly tense. He knew exactly who she was.
"Lian, go find Ryosuke and tell him his subordinates are here," Rokka instructed, her voice steady.
At the top of the staircase stood Mizuki Lian, her expression unreadable. However, the moment her sharp gaze locked onto Mizuki Mitsuhiko, hostility flared in her eyes.
"Mizuki Mitsuhiko," she said coldly. "What are you doing here?"
Unlike Rokka, Lian lacked restraint—her tone was openly confrontational.
Mizuki Mitsuhiko hesitated, his fingers curling into fists, clearly struggling with his emotions.
Terumi Mei raised an eyebrow, momentarily forgetting about the tension in the air. Instead, she was more interested in why another stunning girl had appeared in Ryosuke's home.
Takeda Yoichi, ever the peacemaker, felt compelled to intervene. Flushing slightly, he awkwardly bowed toward Lian.
"S-sorry!"
Of course, he had no idea why he was apologizing—only that it seemed necessary.
"Lian."
Rokka's calm but firm voice cut through the tension, causing her daughter to stiffen slightly.
Reluctantly, Lian held back further words and turned to fetch Ryosuke from the basement, where he had been training.
The room fell into an awkward silence.
With Rokka unwilling to entertain further conversation, the atmosphere remained thick with unspoken tension.
Moments later, Ryosuke arrived, his forehead still damp with sweat from his rigorous training. He surveyed the three visitors with an amused expression.
"Well, well. You're all in good spirits," he remarked casually.
The three immediately straightened and bowed in unison.
"Captain!"
Ryosuke nodded, motioning for them to sit.
Seeing that her presence was no longer needed, Rokka took her leave, demonstrating the graceful composure expected of a well-bred woman.
Ryosuke's sharp eyes swept over his subordinates, assessing them carefully. From their posture and demeanor, it seemed they had encountered no significant trouble during their absence.
His gaze landed on Mizuki Mitsuhiko, but there was no trace of hostility—Ryosuke judged actions, not bloodlines.
Before he could speak, Mizuki Mitsuhiko suddenly dropped to his knees.
The abrupt movement startled everyone.
Only Ryosuke remained composed, his expression unreadable.
"Captain!" Mitsuhiko's voice wavered slightly.
"I apologize on behalf of my brother."
"His actions were not my own."
"…And I wish to become your disciple!"
He had blurted out his intentions all at once, his voice raw with emotion.
For someone born into privilege, pleading like this was foreign and uncomfortable. Yet, Mizuki Mitsuhiko forced himself forward, driven by something greater than pride.
The room fell silent.
Ryosuke remained motionless, his expression betraying no thoughts.
Mizuki Mitsuhiko's request had been blunt—almost desperate.
And now, he waited for an answer.
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