The Strongest Artist in Naruto

"Impossible!"

That was Mei's first reaction. The Fourth Mizukage under genjutsu control? But he's a perfect Jinchūriki! Did that mean even the Three-Tails inside him was also being controlled?

Deidara didn't argue, even as someone who knew the entire storyline as a transmigrator, he found it unbelievable. Let alone anyone else.

"That aside, don't you think the Fourth Mizukage's behavior is too abnormal?" Deidara asked.

Abnormal? Of course, it was!

Before becoming Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi was known to be a kind and approachable person. But after assuming office, he suddenly underwent a drastic change in personality. Suspicious? Yes. But not enough to be conclusive.

After all, this world was filled with people who wore masks of civility to hide their ambitions. Once they achieved their goals, they discarded their disguises.

This was how most in Kirigakure viewed the current Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi—a petty opportunist drunk on power.

"Shouldn't this kind of thing be discussed discreetly?" Mei questioned while unleashing another Lava Release attack.

"I had to avoid the prying eyes of my own companions, as they are tied to this situation," Deidara replied.

Without hesitation, Terumi Mei shot back, "Hoshigaki Kisame?"

Deidara didn't deny it but instead revealed his true objective.

"I need you to leak the details of our operation to the higher-ups in the anti-bloodline faction. Ideally, you could lure out Yagura Karatachi. With his presence, your Byakugan user can immediately confirm if he's under genjutsu."

"And if Yagura refuses to show up, we can take the opportunity to eliminate some of his supporters for you."

"Either way, you won't lose anything from this deal."

Deidara's suggestion highlighted two key issues.

First, the Mizukage's building was heavily fortified with defensive barriers, including an anti-detection seal, making it nearly impossible to uncover the truth about Yagura's situation. This was why Ao, despite possessing the Byakugan, hadn't confirmed anything yet—Yagura rarely appeared publicly and deliberately avoided sensory ninja when under Obito's control.

Second, apart from defectors like the Hōzuki clan, Kirigakure had factions seeking to restore order. The anti-Yagura faction was led by an elder named Genshi, a relic from the Warring States Period, who had chosen Terumi Mei as his successor.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Mei agreed.

"Alright!"

"If the opportunity arises, we'll join the action that day."

Regardless of whether Yagura was under genjutsu, the sins he had committed were unforgivable. Overthrowing him was beyond question.

As for the risk of Deidara and his group being outmatched by the anti-bloodline faction, Mei didn't worry. The strange young man with three mouths clearly had formidable skills, not to mention his three equally capable companions.

With their agreement reached, the battle between the two factions concluded. The training ground, resembling the moon's surface with its countless craters, was now even more devastated.

"Let's go, Chōjūrō, Ao." Mei beckoned to her subordinates, turning to leave. Suddenly, she glanced back at Deidara, blowing him a playful kiss.

"Looking forward to our next meeting, handsome!"

"Deidara, quite the ladies' man, aren't you?" Sasori teased irritably. It wasn't jealousy, but rather the irritating feeling that everyone in Kirigakure seemed to be showing off, leaving him—the proud artist—feeling overshadowed.

After this brief interlude, no further incidents occurred. At the appointed time, Deidara and his group met with a gathering of anti-Yagura faction leaders at the bottom of the lake in Training Ground #7.

After a friendly discussion, the consensus was clear: it was time to defect.

"We'll make our move tonight!"

"Gather on the western outskirts of the village. We'll cover your escape," Deidara instructed.

Unlike civilians, ninja could move quickly and efficiently, even with families in tow. Financial concerns were secondary—survival was the priority, and they could always earn more through missions later.

...

Kirigakure, Northern District

A grand mansion served as the residence of a prominent figure in the bloodline purge faction. Due to fears of riots and assassinations, the mansion was heavily guarded by loyal subordinates—the foundation of his influence.

Like a small gang, each faction leader had their own group of lackeys, with numbers and loyalty determining their power.

That day, he received shocking intel: the anti-Yagura factions had united and were planning something big.

At first, he doubted the information, but a message from his spy confirmed its veracity.

The opposition truly intended to defect—in droves.

Unacceptable!

He sprang to his feet. This needed to be reported to the Mizukage immediately. Their current power and privilege were built on the exploitation of others. If the defectors escaped, who would they oppress next? Each other? That would lead to internal collapse.

When he rushed to the Mizukage's building, it was already filled with familiar faces, with more arriving by the minute.

Evidently, the scale of the defection had made it impossible to keep a secret. Even without Terumi Mei's leak, the bloodline purge faction would have found out.

A scarred man emerged from Yagura's office, immediately surrounded by the crowd.

"Daisaku-sama, what did the Mizukage say?"

The scarred man, Ōhashi Daisaku, Yagura's right-hand man, answered, "The Mizukage knows."

Knows? The crowd exchanged bewildered looks. What kind of response was that?

Ōhashi Daisaku offered no further explanation and returned to the office, ignoring the commotion outside.

Inside the office, Obito sat in the Mizukage's chair, while Yagura and Ōhashi Daisaku stood deferentially nearby. Zetsu clung to the ceiling.

"This is troublesome," Obito muttered. He had considered letting the defectors leave, but their numbers had caused too much disruption.

"What now?" White Zetsu asked.

"Even if you don't act, the bloodline purge faction will likely move on their own," Black Zetsu added with a grim tone.

The faction was composed of opportunists, thugs, and power-hungry scum. Obedience wasn't in their nature, especially if their 'property' was at risk.

"We'll play it by ear. If necessary, Yagura will make an appearance," Obito decided.

"But before that, Ao and his Byakugan need to be dealt with. He's too much of a threat."

"Should've eliminated him long ago," Black Zetsu agreed.

"His status as a core member of Genshi's faction made that difficult," Yagura pointed out. "But given the current situation, we don't have the luxury to hesitate anymore."

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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