Chapter 451: Assassinate the Third Mizukage? Sorry, Not Interested

"What do you mean?" Tsunade broke the silence.

Konoha cooperating with the investigation wasn't a problem. Considering the enticing conditions offered by Yagura and Genji, refusal wasn't an option.

But what did "staging a performance" mean?

Surely, they weren't asking someone from Konoha to pretend to be the Third Mizukage?

Faced with Tsunade's question, Yagura explained calmly, "We need to gather enough intelligence and evidence. Otherwise, it will be impossible to silence all the doubters. That's why we need your village to collaborate with us in staging a scene."

He continued, "If Konoha agrees, I'll return to Kirigakure and have the village recall the Mizukage under the pretext of needing him back due to insufficient resources. During his journey, your village's ninja can attempt an assassination."

An assassination?

Why waste time on lengthy investigations when a single assassination attempt could force the Mizukage to reveal any hidden truths?

Yagura and Genji weren't ones to waste time. Their approach was direct—quick and decisive, cutting through complications with a sharp blade rather than dragging things out with drawn-out investigations.

So, that was the plan. They intended to work with Konoha to stage an assassination attempt on their own Mizukage.

Using an assassination attempt to expose any anomalies was indeed a bold and efficient move.

Yagura's gaze swept across the room, landing on Konoha's strongest candidates: Hatake Sakumo, Takuya, and Minato.

The message was clear—Konoha needed to deploy its elite ninja to ensure success. They would need individuals with both exceptional strength and mobility.

Minato, with his Flying Raijin Jutsu, was unmatched in mobility—he could come and go as he pleased.

As for raw power, Hatake Sakumo and Takuya were more than capable. In fact, any one of them alone could be enough for the mission.

Would Konoha agree to this?

Minato scratched his head, looking like he wanted to say something, but he hesitated.

Hatake Sakumo smiled wryly and shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I can't take on this mission. It's not suitable for me."

"Sakumo!" Homura Mitokado immediately protested, his tone sharp. "What do you mean by that? Are you saying you're unwilling to serve the village?"

Sakumo's response was steady but resolute. "Apologies, but I've already decided to stay home to guide Kakashi and support his growth. I've stepped away from active duty, and this task should fall to someone else."

Although he had made an exception for Tsunade to take part in the battlefield, Hatake Sakumo had no intention of accepting further assignments unless absolutely necessary.

After all, Konoha had no shortage of capable shinobi who could handle this task.

Your village politics are a mess, Yagura thought to himself.

To have the esteemed "White Fang" of Konoha essentially sidelined, unwilling to contribute—what a glaring indictment of poor leadership.

Sakumo's refusal was a slap in the face, and the awkward atmosphere that followed was palpable.

Even Homura and Koharu looked visibly irritated, their expressions stiff.

The Third Hokage remained silent, puffing on his pipe, while Tsunade rolled her eyes, unable to hide her disdain.

This is what happens when you create such a mess, her expression seemed to say. Does it hurt to see it backfire now?

But the real surprise came when Takuya, who had been idly staring at his teacup, suddenly spoke up:

"I'm not going either. I'm tired and need to stay in the village to rest for at least a year. I also have students to train, so I don't have the time or energy to deal with this kind of task."

If Sakumo's refusal was a slap, Takuya's rejection was a full-on gut punch.

Yagura's expression faltered, and his gaze flickered between Takuya and Sakumo in disbelief.

"Why?"

The Third Hokage's face darkened, his composure slipping.

Takuya shrugged casually. "No particular reason. I just don't feel like going. In the past, I had no choice and was dragged into missions that weren't even my responsibility. But now? I'm done. I need a break. If you think I'm not doing enough for the village, that's your opinion. I have nothing more to say."

The pointed tone in Takuya's words left no room for further argument.

When you were busy stirring up trouble, did you ever stop to ask yourselves why? Now you want to act like you're the ones being wronged? Spare me, Takuya thought, his expression unreadable.

Meanwhile, Minato looked like he was about to cry.

All eyes were on him now, as if silently saying, Don't you dare refuse!

With both Sakumo and Takuya unwilling to participate, Konoha's leadership was desperate. If Minato also refused, the high-ranking officials would undoubtedly be in an uproar.

For this mission, Minato's unique mobility was crucial. Without him, the plan would face significant challenges.

Unlike Sakumo and Takuya, Minato lacked the clout to outright refuse. The contributions and influence of the other two granted them a degree of autonomy, but Minato wasn't yet at that level.

Seeing the growing tension, Tsunade intervened, breaking the awkward silence.

"Let's focus on the plan first," she said, addressing Yagura directly. "Explain the details of how you intend to proceed."

The underlying message was clear: discussions about personnel could wait until later, behind closed doors. There was no need to air internal conflicts in front of an outsider.

Homura and Koharu quickly followed Tsunade's lead, redirecting the meeting back to the matter at hand.

Yagura noticed the swift shift in tone but didn't comment.

So, Konoha's internal politics aren't entirely stable either, he mused.

Still, he refrained from making any disparaging observations. After all, Kirigakure had no room to judge.

Among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, Konoha's disputes were largely behind closed doors, while Kirigakure's internal strife was notorious and out in the open.

The infamous "Blood Mist" era was a testament to the chaos within Kirigakure.

Even Yagura himself was deeply entangled in the turmoil, often serving as the Third Mizukage's weapon.

Many ninja had perished under his hand, their lives claimed during the height of the Blood Mist's brutality.

So, who was he to laugh at Konoha?

"The assassination is our initial plan," Yagura explained. "However, if Konoha has a better alternative, we're open to adjustments. The goal isn't to kill the Mizukage outright but to force him into a corner where he has no choice but to reveal his true nature."

In life-and-death situations, even the most guarded individuals would inevitably expose themselves.

Unless, of course, they had a death wish and chose to face their end without resistance.

Yagura's tone was firm as he continued, "That's why we need ninja with exceptional strength, explosive capabilities, and unparalleled mobility to assist us. During the operation, Kirigakure's forces will remain in the shadows, ensuring everything is attributed to an external assassination attempt."

Whether the plan succeeded or failed, the blame would be deflected onto unknown adversaries.

The room nodded subtly in agreement. Even if they were in Yagura's position, they would have taken the same approach.

Tsunade glanced at the silent Third Hokage and the ever-unbothered Takuya, who seemed more interested in his tea than the discussion at hand.

If you had handled things differently back then, would we even be in this mess now? she thought to herself, sighing inwardly.

------- IMPORTANT-------

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