Naruto: I Am Uchiha Sasuke!?

The spacious reception hall was silent except for the faint sound of tea being poured.

"Alright, Konoha boy," Master Ao said, his voice calm and measured. "You claim Zabuza is dead. A forehead protector alone isn't enough proof."

"Of course," Sasuke replied, nodding slightly. "I brought his body as well."

Unrolling a scroll, he formed a quick seal and slammed his palm onto it.

Bang!

A burst of white smoke filled the room, revealing a massive ice crystal containing the frozen bodies of Zabuza and Haku.

Ao stepped forward, activating his Byakugan. He scrutinized the corpses before nodding.

"It's him," he confirmed. His gaze shifted to the massive Kubikiribōchō beside Zabuza. "There's no doubt."

A heavy sigh escaped Elder Mei's lips. "The moment he set foot on this path, this ending was inevitable."

Mei Terumi and Ao fell silent, their expressions solemn.

After a moment, Elder Mei turned to Sasuke. "Tell me what happened."

Sasuke gave a brief account, making sure to highlight that Zabuza had not died by Kakashi's hand but at the betrayal of Gato's men.

Elder Mei closed his eyes for a moment before standing up. "Mei, I leave the rest to you. I'm tired."

"Understood." She nodded, then turned to Ao. "Escort the Elder back."

Ao hesitated, glancing at her. "You want to talk to him alone?"

"Yes," she replied firmly.

With a final glance at Sasuke, Ao obeyed, leaving the room with Elder Mei.

As the doors closed, Mei Terumi slowly approached Sasuke from behind. She placed her hands gently on his shoulders, leaning in close. Warm breath brushed against his ear.

"Little handsome boy," she murmured, "what did you say earlier?"

Sasuke smirked. "I said, Zabuza was a hero of the Mist."

Mei's eyes narrowed. "How do you know that?"

"Because Zabuza told me," Sasuke answered smoothly, though the truth was far more complicated.

She scoffed. "That's impossible. Zabuza would never reveal that to a Konoha ninja."

"Then let's say I just put the pieces together." Sasuke tilted his head slightly. "Your Mizukage—Yagura—something happened to him, didn't it?"

Mei studied him for a moment before sighing. "Yes, I believe Yagura-sama is being controlled."

Sasuke remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

"A long time ago, Kirigakure was a peaceful village," she began. "Under the Second Mizukage, Gengetsu Hozuki, we followed Konoha's example, establishing a Ninja Academy, Anbu, and other institutions. This led to the rise of powerful shinobi, including the Seven Ninja Swordsmen."

"But when the Third Mizukage took over, things changed."

"He pushed Kirigakure into war, hoping to expand our influence. Worse, he introduced the Blood Mist policy—training young shinobi through deadly combat. It was a disaster. We suffered terrible losses, especially against Konoha."

"When he finally stepped down, Yagura Karatachi—one of our strongest ninjas—was chosen as the Fourth Mizukage. He opposed the Blood Mist era and worked to abolish it."

Sasuke frowned. "Then why is Kirigakure still known for its brutality?"

"That's exactly what troubles me," Mei admitted. "When Yagura first became Mizukage, he signed a truce with Konoha, focused on rebuilding the economy, and even volunteered to become the Three-Tails' Jinchūriki to protect the village."

"But about ten years ago… everything changed."

"Changed how?"

"Yagura-sama suddenly reversed all his policies. He reinstated the Blood Mist, purged his own supporters, and ruled with an iron fist. His personality became erratic and violent."

She lowered her gaze. "Even the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were affected. Fuguki Suikazan, who once stood by him, was brutally executed."

Sasuke nodded, his suspicions confirmed.

"So Zabuza tried to assassinate Yagura to prevent Kirigakure from descending further into madness," he said.

"Yes," Mei confirmed. "But Yagura was too strong. He was a perfect Jinchūriki. The assassination failed, and Mangetsu Hozuki—one of the most talented Mist shinobi—died in the attempt."

"Zabuza barely escaped with his life."

Sasuke crossed his arms. "I see. That explains a lot."

"But something still doesn't add up," she muttered. "A perfect Jinchūriki shouldn't be susceptible to manipulation."

"Unless…"

Sasuke smirked. "Unless both he and the Three-Tails were under genjutsu."

Mei stiffened. "That's… possible?"

Sasuke's eyes gleamed as he activated his Sharingan.

"With these eyes," he said, "yes."

Mei's expression shifted. "You're an Uchiha?"

"That's right," Sasuke confirmed.

Mei took a deep breath. "If what you're saying is true, and Yagura-sama is being controlled…"

"Then Kirigakure's true enemy is hiding in the shadows," Sasuke finished.

A heavy silence hung between them.

Finally, Mei folded her arms, her gaze sharp.

"Alright, Uchiha Sasuke," she said. "What's your real goal here?"