Naruto: From Konoha to One Piece

Seeing Zabuza's calm expression, Terumi Mei began to think of other things.

"Is Zabuza one of your people, Elder Genji?" she asked in surprise.

"Not exactly," Elder Genji responded with a slight smile. "But it was my 'idea' initially, so naturally, I had to support him afterward."

Terumi Mei nodded thoughtfully, recalling that the 'idea' was Zabuza's infamous act of killing all his classmates. Though he had a cold reputation in the Mist Village, he wasn't known for cruelty without cause. His actions seemed calculated, possibly driven by the desire to end the blood mist system, not simply due to a violent personality.

Indeed, Zabuza's actions seemed too strategic for a mere ten-year-old. He had used his determination and resilience to challenge the blood mist system, and Elder Genji had subtly guided him along this path.

"Alright, it seems everyone is here." Elder Genji tapped his cane, his expression growing serious. "What do you think about the Kaguya clan incident?"

Terumi Mei had anticipated this topic, given its sensational impact on the Mist Village.

"I don't think this was Mizukage-sama's doing," remarked Mangetsu, head of the Hozuki clan. "Someone capable of piercing their body is unlikely a subordinate of Yagura."

While Kiri's bloodline clans weren't exactly adversaries of the Mizukage, they maintained a healthy caution toward him. This vigilance allowed Mangetsu to know the strengths of the Mizukage's followers well, and this person's abilities didn't match any on record.

Terumi Mei frowned slightly. Her Terumi clan was minor and lacked notable influence. This unique background brought her closer to the civilian ninjas and distanced her somewhat from the bloodline clans.

Having observed the Fourth Mizukage closely, Terumi Mei was confident that his forces lacked a ninja capable of wiping out the Kaguya clan alone. If she were the only one with these suspicions, she might dismiss it as a hidden asset of Mizukage, but Mangetsu's agreement solidified her doubts. Together, they had intelligence resources that rivaled—if not surpassed—that of the Mizukage himself.

"But the problem now," Ringo Ameyuri interjected impatiently, "is that the Fourth Mizukage hasn't denied his involvement!"

This misdirection stemmed from Obito's cautious interference. With the Akatsuki's goals in mind, he didn't want Kiri's elite chasing after the truth, fearing Shin might reveal secrets that could jeopardize Obito's plans.

"So, is the Mizukage possibly colluding with an outside force? But… it doesn't add up."

High-ranking shinobi had occasionally allied with outsiders, but someone of the Mizukage's status had little to gain from such actions. He could easily have used the village's authority to crush the Kaguya clan outright rather than stage a covert operation.

"And if he really did collaborate with an outsider, why would he leave the Kaguya clan massacre so messy?" Terumi Mei added.

"It's pointless to speculate here!" Zabuza interrupted coldly. "If we capture the perpetrators, we'll know the truth."

"The opponent is powerful, and it may be difficult for you to go alone. That's why I gathered you here," Elder Genji said, his gaze sweeping over the assembled shinobi. "You are some of the best of Kiri's new generation. I trust you'll work together."

"In addition," Elder Genji continued, frowning, "We should temporarily halt the flow of information to the Fourth Mizukage for the next three or four days."

Elder Genji held lingering doubts about the Mizukage. Obito's rougher actions, pressured by Pain, had led to noticeable changes in the Fourth Mizukage, causing suspicion among the village elders—someone as experienced in schemes as Elder Genji wouldn't easily dismiss these signs.

However, he kept his concerns to himself. Revealing such doubts to the younger shinobi would only foster chaos.

"Temporarily hindering the Mizukage's intelligence channels will help delay his response. Let's work together to uncover the truth."

Meanwhile, in the Land of Water, Shin sighed as he used the dead bone pulse to create material made of bones.

"The weather here in the Land of Water is unpleasant. It always feels damp," he muttered.

Sasori looked at Shin intensely, admiring the bone materials he was producing. To him, these bones were the ideal puppet material.

In puppetry, materials with good chakra conductivity are crucial. Organic substances, like wood, allow for better chakra flow, enabling puppeteers to control their creations and even perform simple jutsu, like transformation. In contrast, steel is less suited for this purpose unless it's chakra metal. Ordinary steel disrupts chakra flow, making puppets sluggish and chakra-intensive.

However, the dead bone pulse offered a remarkable solution: bones rivaled steel in hardness while surpassing wood in chakra conductivity. However, with Shin's dense chakra, these bones were as resilient as chakra metal.

Shin's bones were an irresistible resource for Sasori, and the possibilities thrilled him.

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