Naruto: Tenseigan Eye

Shinki calmly placed another piece of barbecue onto the grill, pausing briefly before answering the Third Kazekage's question.

"Is it possible to succeed?"

The Third Kazekage raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by the subtle shift in phrasing.

A single word, yet it changes everything.

Realizing the conversation was over, the Kazekage didn't press further. The two finished their meal in relative silence, parting ways once the plates were cleared.

Back at his residence, the Third Kazekage barely had time to settle in before visitors arrived: Onoki and the Third Raikage.

Both of them were curious about Shinki's insights, knowing full well that the Third Kazekage had likely probed him about the Rinnegan. Rather than approach Shinki themselves, they opted to get the details secondhand.

Pouring tea for his guests, the Third Kazekage cut straight to the point.

"'Is it possible to succeed?' That's what Shinki said."

Onoki and the Third Raikage exchanged glances.

"'Is it possible to succeed?'" Onoki repeated, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

The Third Raikage leaned back in his chair, his grin widening. "Hahaha, that's rich. It sounds like our friend Yagura is in for a rude awakening."

"I wonder who the Mist Village will send for this… experiment," Onoki mused aloud.

The Raikage chuckled. "Whoever it is, they'd better prepare their funeral rites. This isn't going to end well for them—or Yagura."

Even the Third Kazekage allowed himself a small smirk. The prospect of the Mist Village losing a valuable asset for a reckless gamble was undeniably entertaining.

The three Kage, all seasoned veterans, had little respect for Yagura. His youth, coupled with his impulsive decisions, made him an easy target for their disdain.

And now, with his plan to test the Rinnegan, Yagura had handed them a reason to sit back and laugh.

Meanwhile, in the Mist Village, Yagura's orders had reached the elders.

Genshi, though puzzled by the request, complied without hesitation. After much deliberation, two elite ninjas were selected for the mission: Hōzuki Mangetsu of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and Ao, a seasoned veteran known for his prowess with sensory techniques.

Mangetsu, in particular, was an intriguing choice. As a prodigy of the Hōzuki clan, his selection was bound to raise eyebrows—especially given the clan's history of animosity with Yagura.

"Mizukage-sama's orders are absolute," Genshi said curtly when Mangetsu questioned the assignment.

Mangetsu exchanged a wary glance with Ao as they prepared to depart.

"Mizukage-sama must have a reason for choosing us," Ao said diplomatically.

Mangetsu, however, couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Yagura had targeted his clan relentlessly since becoming Mizukage. Was this another thinly veiled attempt at retribution?

"Let's just hope this isn't a suicide mission," Mangetsu muttered under his breath.

Using a flying summon, the pair made the journey to Konoha in record time. Upon arrival, they were escorted to Yagura's temporary residence.

"Mizukage-sama," they greeted, bowing respectfully.

Yagura, seated in a chair, barely acknowledged them. His sharp gaze lingered on Mangetsu for a moment before gesturing for Ao to close the door.

"Don't worry," Yagura began, his tone cool and measured. "This isn't about settling old scores. At least… not today."

Mangetsu's brows furrowed, unsure whether to feel relieved or suspicious.

Yagura wasted no time.

"I summoned you here for an experiment. It's dangerous—if you fail, you will die. But if you succeed, you'll gain power unlike anything you've ever imagined."

Ao remained silent, his expression unreadable, while Mangetsu's eyes narrowed.

"And if I refuse?" Mangetsu asked.

Yagura met his gaze without flinching.

"This experiment is voluntary. However, if you agree to participate, I'll personally ensure the Mist Village stops targeting the Hōzuki clan. Our feud will end here and now."

Mangetsu blinked, stunned.

This was an unexpected offer. Yagura's vendetta against the Hōzuki clan was well-known, and many of its members had suffered under his rule. If Mangetsu could end that animosity, perhaps this "experiment" was worth the risk.

But the question remained: What was the experiment?