Chapter 478: The “Mobilization” Assembly
After the great battle with the Kiri Ninja, Yahiko led the Akatsuki to recuperate peacefully in the Land of Hot Water.
Life was carefree and comfortable—perhaps even better than it had been in the Land of Rain. The Daimyō of the Land of Hot Water had spared no expense to accommodate these powerful figures, ensuring that even the Akatsuki's forces lived in luxury.
However, while they enjoyed their respite, others were losing sleep.
When news of the Kiri Ninja's crushing defeat and the Mizukage's death reached the Land of Water, the Daimyō nearly collapsed on the spot. He knew that not only had his dreams of expansion been utterly shattered, but his nation was now on the brink of catastrophe.
After steadying himself, he immediately enacted emergency measures, reaching out to the elder of Kirigakure.
The first words he spoke left the elder in stunned silence.
The news of their defeat had struck the elder harder than anything. He understood better than anyone the significance of losing not just one, but two Jinchūriki—especially when one of them had been the Mizukage himself, a perfect Jinchūriki.
In his mind, even if Kirigakure had lost, the idea that both Jinchūriki would fall was inconceivable. He couldn't accept the reality before him—this was an outright disaster.
The Akatsuki's top combat forces remained unscathed, while Kirigakure was now virtually defenseless. If the Akatsuki chose to invade the Land of Water, they would have no way to resist.
After more than ten seconds of heavy silence, the elder finally let out a quiet "hmm."
But the Daimyō's second question was even more difficult to answer.