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"I was under the impression that, aside from Uchiha Itachi and a seven-year-old orphan, the entire Uchiha clan had been wiped out. Why is there an Uchiha here?" one of the ninja asked, his voice tinged with confusion.
Miao seemed to have anticipated their doubts and calmly responded, "Though I am indeed a member of the Uchiha clan, I am not affiliated with Konoha. You could say I'm one of the remnants of the Uchiha who were left outside the village."
"Ah, I see," Ao nodded in understanding. As an intelligence gatherer for the Water Country, he was familiar with Uchiha Itachi's appearance. The person before him clearly wasn't Itachi, so everything made sense now.
"So, what is your purpose…?" Ao cautiously asked. He couldn't believe that these two would save them without a reason. After all, they shared no familial ties or prior connections.
"This matter isn't suitable for discussion here. Please take us to your leader. I'll speak with him personally," Miao said evenly.
"To meet the leader?" Ao and the others exchanged uneasy glances. They were still unsure about Miao and Deidara's true intentions. If they brought these two strangers directly to their leader, and if Miao and Deidara harbored any malicious plans against the alliance or their leader, it could deal a severe blow to their cause. For all they knew, Miao and Deidara could be spies sent by the Fourth Mizukage.
Seemingly aware of their concerns, Miao continued, "It's just the two of us—me and Deidara. Would it really be so difficult to bring us to your base? Once we're there, we'll naturally be surrounded by your forces. Are you telling me that your so-called rebellion aiming to overthrow the Fourth Mizukage fears just the two of us? I've already revealed my identity—I'm an Uchiha, and Deidara is a rogue ninja from Iwagakure. If you were the Fourth Mizukage, would you send two individuals with such obvious identities as spies?"
Upon hearing Miao's words, the group visibly relaxed. Indeed, even the most foolish Fourth Mizukage wouldn't send two people with such conspicuous backgrounds to infiltrate their ranks, especially when the alliance included someone like Ao, whose Byakugan could detect deception sooner or later.
"Very well. In gratitude for saving us, I'll take you to meet the leader. But whether or not she agrees to your request is beyond my control," Ao sighed deeply before speaking.
"That's all I ask," Miao smiled faintly. Deidara, on the other hand, let out a disdainful snort, clearly dissatisfied with Ao's cautious attitude. However, Miao understood their wariness. In such critical times, trusting strangers blindly was unwise. If Miao were in Ao's position, he wouldn't trust two unknowns either.
Two days later, Ao and several other ninja escorted Miao and Deidara to the rebel headquarters, located deep within the mountains of Water Country. The vast mountain range housed countless tents and wooden huts. Ordinary ninja resided in the tents, while captains and leaders occupied the wooden structures, reflecting a strict hierarchy. Numerous squads patrolled the area, resembling wartime operations. However, unlike the Great Ninja Wars, this conflict was internal to Water Country.
With Ao leading the way, Miao and Deidara entered the rebel encampment without issue. Many resting or patrolling ninja turned their gazes toward Ao and his companions—specifically, toward Miao and Deidara, who appeared unfamiliar and didn't seem to belong to the alliance. Still, no one questioned their presence since everyone recognized Ao.
After passing through layers of huts and tents, Ao led Miao and Deidara to the deepest part of the encampment. There, they arrived at an enormous cavern shrouded in damp mist. Beyond the cavern lay a majestic waterfall, its clear waters cascading down like shimmering silk from the cliffs above, resembling a beautiful Milky Way.
The ninja drew water from the lake formed by the waterfall. Supplies such as food, medicine, soldier pills, and strategic materials were sourced from nearby towns controlled by the rebels. Elite ninja guarded these towns, ensuring a steady flow of resources. Thus, the current occupants of the base represented only a fraction of the entire rebel force.
"Come. The leader is inside," Ao said indifferently, guiding Miao and Deidara into the cavern. The other escorts dispersed, replaced by two jonin who trailed closely behind to monitor their movements. Though Miao and Deidara weren't allies of the Fourth Mizukage, they also weren't part of the rebellion—they were outsiders. Their true intentions remained unclear.
The cavern twisted and turned, pitch-black to the point where one couldn't see their hand in front of their face. Yet neither Miao nor Deidara seemed perturbed, continuing forward steadily. Soon, a faint light appeared ahead, signaling their destination.
Following Ao into the illuminated area, Miao and Deidara found themselves in a vast, open space within the cavern. Several electric lamps hung from the ceiling, casting bright light across the expansive chamber.
Numerous rooms lined the walls, some even carved into the rock itself. These likely served as temporary quarters or storage areas for supplies.
In the center of the space stood a massive stone table, around which sat numerous figures. Each wore the forehead protector of rogue Kiri ninja, exuding a faint aura of killing intent. These were Water Country's elite shinobi—the upper echelons of the rebellion.
At the head of the table sat a woman—a strikingly beautiful woman clad in a long blue dress. Her mature and alluring figure radiated confidence. Her fair skin contrasted with her smooth, chestnut-brown hair, partially covering her right eye and adding to her enigmatic allure. Emerald-green eyes sparkled with intelligence, and a mysterious smile graced her sensuous lips. This was Mei Terumī, leader of the rebellion.