Chapter 301: Bubbles
Momochi Zabuza, the Demon of the Hidden Mist. Like Kakashi, he covers half of his face, and his reputation as a "demon" comes from one gruesome event. At nine years old, Zabuza single-handedly slaughtered every graduating student from his academy class during the Blood Mist Village's brutal final exam. As the sole survivor, he gained notoriety throughout the ninja world.
When Zabuza entered the small eatery, the entire atmosphere grew noticeably colder. The other patrons quickly finished their meals, aware of the dangerous presence among them.
Zabuza ordered without sparing anyone a glance, his voice rough and indifferent. "Boss, the usual."
The owner responded with a warm, almost reverent smile. "Got it! Just a moment."
Despite Zabuza's notoriously brutal reputation, the villagers treated him with a mix of respect and admiration. This seeming contradiction stemmed from Zabuza's pivotal role in ending the Bloody Mist Era.
During the Blood Mist Era, under the Third Mizukage's oppressive rule, academy graduates were forced to kill each other to become full-fledged shinobi. Zabuza's massacre of his entire class marked a turning point—his brutal act shocked even the hardened shinobi of Kirigakure.
But it wasn't just senseless slaughter. That act planted a seed of rebellion against the Bloody Mist policies, prompting influential figures like Yagura Karatachi and Ao to plot the overthrow of the Third Mizukage.
Zabuza's act of defiance became a symbol of change, ironically earning him the respect of many villagers and some young shinobi. His actions led to Yagura's rise as the Fourth Mizukage, supported by Kaguya, Hozuki, and other influential clans. Though the revolution cost many lives, including key figures from the Hozuki Clan, it put an end to the blood-soaked tyranny.
Zabuza's presence in the eatery was both familiar and intimidating. To the common people, he was a war hero. To shinobi, he was a lethal weapon.
As Zabuza ate, his sharp senses picked up on something. He glanced in the direction where Tonari sat, feeling the faintest hint of killing intent. Yet when his gaze met Tonari's spot, he saw nothing unusual.
Tonari simply smiled, adjusting his grip on his chopsticks. "Interesting… he noticed me despite how well I suppressed my presence."
His curiosity satisfied, Tonari finished his meal and left some coins on the table before slipping out. "Zabuza Momochi, huh? He could be a good opponent for Shisui. Let's see how the Mist's Demon fares against Konoha's Shisui of the Body Flicker."
The Search for the Six-Tails Jinchuriki
Early the next morning, Tonari was already on the move. After summoning a few scouting cats and snakes, he headed toward Mist Village's rear mountains.
Reports from local chatter hinted that the Six-Tails Jinchuriki, named Utakata, had been seen in the area, training under the guidance of Yagura Karatachi, the Fourth Mizukage.
As Tonari approached, his senses picked up chakra fluctuations. A familiar blue-black silhouette appeared on his shoulder—Matatabi's smaller form.
"Two powerful chakra signatures up ahead," she reported, flicking her tail.
Tonari gave a casual nod. "Looks like we found them. Good job, Matatabi."
The giant cat purred softly. "It smells acidic... that's definitely Six-Tails' chakra."
As they moved closer, they found themselves observing a clearing by a secluded lake. There, Yagura and Utakata were sparring. Bubbles floated in the air, shimmering under the faint morning light.
Utakata's body was cloaked in a dark red chakra shroud, the corrosive bubbles floating around him, sizzling as they hit the ground. Yagura, wielding his hooked staff, moved with agility and precision, his hands coated with a thin layer of coral armor.
When Yagura struck Utakata's shoulder, coral quickly formed around the jinchuriki, restraining him. The corrosive chakra dispersed, and Utakata gasped, his senses returning to normal.
"Sorry, Mizukage-sama... I still can't fully control it."
Yagura offered a gentle smile, patting Utakata's shoulder. "You're improving, Utakata. Just take it slow. Mastering a tailed beast takes time. You've already made progress by suppressing its will to some extent."
Utakata nodded reluctantly, looking down at his hands. "It just feels... like it's always on the verge of breaking free."
Yagura reassured him. "That's why we train. One step at a time."
Intrusion Detected
Suddenly, Utakata's gaze snapped toward the forest. "Mizukage-sama... someone's here."
Yagura's eyes sharpened, his grip on his weapon tightening. "Who's there? Come out!"
Tonari stepped out from behind a tree, his expression relaxed and casual. "No need to be so tense. I'm just a passerby. Call me Sasaki."
Yagura's expression didn't relax. "Sasaki? Never heard of you. What are you doing on Mizukage's training grounds?"
Tonari put his hands up in a gesture of peace. "Just admiring the sight. A Jinchuriki's training isn't something you see every day."
Yagura's eyes narrowed. "Admiring? Or spying?"
Tonari shrugged. "Why not both? It's fascinating how you've managed to suppress Six-Tails' corrosive chakra so effectively."
Utakata's face showed a mix of suspicion and curiosity. "You're from the village, right? What's your rank?"
Tonari chuckled. "Nothing too impressive—just a low-ranking shinobi. But I've traveled a lot, and I like seeing different techniques."
Yagura remained cautious. "If you're just curious, then watch from a distance. Don't interfere."
Tonari nodded politely. "Of course, Mizukage-sama."
As Yagura and Utakata resumed their training, Tonari continued observing with keen interest. The way Yagura controlled the coral formation to instantly suppress the tailed beast chakra was impressive, but it also revealed how Utakata still struggled to control his power.
After the session ended, Yagura and Utakata moved toward the village, while Tonari remained behind, deep in thought.
"He's stronger than I expected. The coral technique is well-suited for suppressing Bijuu. Still, the Six-Tails' acidic nature is tricky to manage."
Matatabi, still perched on his shoulder, spoke up. "That kid has potential. His control isn't there yet, but if he figures it out, he could be quite formidable."
Tonari smirked. "I suppose we'll see. For now, let's keep an eye on them. Once he fully controls Six-Tails, I might just pay him another visit."
He looked at the now-empty clearing, his eyes glinting with ambition. "Besides, I'll need to collect the chakra eventually. Better to see how he grows first."
Tonari vanished into the mist, blending seamlessly with his surroundings. The game had only just begun, and he was eager to see how the pieces would move.
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