In the office of the Mizukage of Kiri.
The Third Mizukage narrowed his eyes and scrutinized the treasure map on the desk.
The location was very familiar.
Fujiwara Island.
But it was different from the maps he had seen. There was a huge palace drawn under the island.
Although the specific situation wasn't detailed, anyone who saw this map could understand its meaning.
This underground palace was the location of the treasure.
The Third Mizukage tapped on the table, feeling a bit annoyed.
He didn't believe in the story of the so - called One Piece.
But unfortunately, the recent commotion had been getting bigger and bigger.
As the Mizukage, he clearly knew that once people believed the rumor, the Land of Water might never have peace again.
He had to stop it.
"Where's Chiba Katsugetsu?"
The Third Mizukage looked up and asked.
In front of him stood a ninja who looked like a child.
Yagura Karatachi.
He had green hair and purple eyes, with a scar like a suture under his left eye.
He had a natural baby face, and although his actual age was unknown, he was over thirty and extremely powerful. He was a top expert among the younger generation.
"He died in the explosion of an Explosive Tag after a fight with the Anbu."
Yagura replied calmly, like a gentleman.
"Dead?"
The Third Mizukage frowned. It wasn't that he was blaming Yagura.
Chiba Katsugetsu was an S - rank Rogue Ninja with considerable strength. It was originally difficult to capture him alive.
What troubled him was that he couldn't figure out why this guy claimed to be one of the Four Emperors.
"Do you know the origin of the treasure map?" the Third Mizukage asked again.
"No. We asked almost everyone on the island, but there was no result."
Yagura's face changed a bit when he mentioned this. "I suspect there must be something fishy going on."
The Third Mizukage pressed his head in distress.
Other ninjas were stupid enough to believe this show.
But they in Kiri didn't.
Such a big and suddenly - emerged rumor must have a hidden agenda behind it.
"The only way now is to go to Fujiwara Island."
The Third Mizukage sighed and said, "I originally didn't want Kiri to get involved. After all, our participation would only make this rumor seem more real. But for now, we have to step in ourselves and reveal the truth about the treasure in front of everyone."
He looked at Yagura and instructed, "You'll lead the team."
...
"Kiri is acting fast."
Haruki couldn't help but smile when he heard the news of Chiba Katsugetsu's death. "What a poor guy."
Kakuzu gave him a glance.
Isn't this all your doing?
Although he himself was the executor.
Thanks to Kakuzu's connections, Haruki managed to make Chiba Katsugetsu believe that he was one of the legendary Four Emperors, a powerful figure who could create great feats and conquer the sea.
But three days later, he was caught by Kiri.
Fortunately, Kakuzu helped him out with an Explosive Tag. Otherwise, the plan might have been exposed.
"Fame and fortune in this world are really hard to let go of."
Haruki then looked at other news that Kakuzu had brought.
"Is it Yagura who's coming?"
His impression of this guy was that he was really pitiful, extremely so.
He clearly became Mizukage, holding one of the most powerful positions, but this joy didn't last long.
Then he was controlled by Obito's Sharingan and became a puppet, making a complete mess of Kiri Village.
Many geniuses and masters left one after another, causing the overall strength of Kiri Village to decline precipitously.
If it weren't for his subordinate, Ao, who obtained a Byakugan from the main family of the Hyuga clan during The Third Great Ninja War and broke the Genjutsu on him, his tragic fate might never end until his death.
Haruki pondered slightly.
According to the plan, he had to find the final recipient of a treasure.
Yagura Karatachi's status was very suitable.
If he could prove the power of the Chakra Fruit, it would definitely cause a great sensation.
But he had too much experience and strength. It would be difficult to approach him, and he could easily see through others' intentions.
Moreover, he could deny it.
After all, he was originally a well - known ninja in Kiri Village.
If he said it was his hidden strength rather than the power gained from eating the Chakra Fruit, it would be hard to argue with him.
Only those with poor strength were more convincing.
"Keep investigating for me."
Haruki rejected the option of Yagura Karatachi and assigned the duty to Kakuzu.
Come to think of it, he increasingly felt that it was a very wise choice to keep Kakuzu back then.
This guy could fit in anywhere.
Kakuzu nodded.
It wasn't because he was convinced by Haruki, but because he was paid.
He wouldn't turn down money.
"Now the time is ripe. We can let the black market release more treasure maps."
After some time of hard work by Haruki and Kakuzu, they finally built the maze.
To make the maze look more ancient, he specially invited a master to disguise it.
Of course, this was done under the premise of secrecy.
"The maze has a limited capacity. Design a mechanism to let those with strength in."
Haruki thought for a while and added.
The more people there were, the more difficult it would be to deal with them.
He only needed the right people to show up.
Kakuzu glanced at him and reminded, "The major forces in the Land of Water have never been at peace. If you gather them together, it may cause a greater stir than you think."
"Don't worry."
Haruki knew what he was thinking. He was just afraid that he would mess things up.
But with his current strength, the chance of him messing up was about as likely as winning a lottery ticket.
Unless it was Madara Uchiha and the White and Black Zetsu.
But these two had their own goals and were restricted.
Time passed quickly.
In just one month, all kinds of chaos stirred up in the Land of Water.
The black market business also became more and more prosperous.
Taking this opportunity, they completely introduced the bounty system of One Piece.
The rogue ninjas and pirates roaming the vast seas all jumped on the bandwagon.
Because they found that once there were the so - called Four Emperors and Supernovas, many islands would directly pay them money.
The only ones unhappy were the Land of Water and Kiri Village.
The pressure doubled.
But fortunately, the so - called Fujiwara treasure was about to be unearthed, and all the rumors would be self - defeated.
Before the curtain was lifted, Haruki called Tsunade and others.
"This is a rare opportunity.
Kakashi, Obito, and Rin have made rapid progress during this period. The combined strength of the three of them is no less than that of a Jonin. As long as they don't go deep into the maze, they won't encounter dangerous people. Tsunade, take them along and let the three of them have some training."
"What about you?" Tsunade had no objections.
"Kakuzu will maintain the maze's mechanisms. I'll go and pick a lucky one."
Haruki pinched her cheek. He had previously explained to Tsunade the reason for doing all this.
To reduce the strength of the Land of Water.
In the original story, although there isn't a very detailed description of the Third Great Ninja War, based on the content that appears, Kiri did a lot of things.
Firstly, the Seven Swords of the Bloody Mist attacked Konoha and encountered Might Dai.
Secondly, they made Rin Nohara a San Jinchuriki and planned to send her back to Konoha for Self - Destruction. In the end, to avoid this situation, she voluntarily died at Kakashi's hands.
Apart from these, there must be more.