“You really think we can take the Mizukage’s word for it?” Miyuki asked as the trio walked down a passageway, their ANBU masks to the side of their heads. It had been on her mind for a while, and they were on their way to his office to receive their next mission. It had been five years since the Nine-Tails attack on the Hidden Leaf.

“Who knows… Judging by the lack of missions we’ve been receiving, and the missions most of Rakurai Division haven’t been receiving lately, it’s difficult to say.” Katsu shrugged. “What’s wrong with only getting missions every few weeks? It’s nice taking it easy every once in a while.” Ryuu interrupted as he stretched his arms out, over the back of his head. Miyuki gave him a pouted look. She was nearly 20-years-old now. Her non-identical twin brothers were 16. The twins had been promoted to Rakurai just under two years ago. Miyuki was now their Captain, and main oversight within the division. They had become the most elite ANBU Hunters within the Rakurai ranks, often leading their own separate squads. They spent their free time at Lee’s Place, and had plenty of it lately. It was beginning to unsettle the more work orientated pair, while Ryuu remained as optimistic as ever. “It’s been like this for months. Don’t you find it strange, Little Brother?” Katsu asked, glancing at him in the middle of the trio. “Look, if dad trusts the Mizukage, then I trust him too. And, so should you guys. Seriously, you two are way too suspicious of others.” Miyuki sunk her head at Ryuu’s response, “Urgh, how did you get promoted to ANBU Hunter again?” She complained, Katsu chuckling at Ryuu’s frowning response.

The trio arrived, kneeling before the young-looking Lord Yagura. “Rise.” He instructed. Yagura was not only the Fourth Mizukage, but the Jinchuriki of the Three-tailed Beast after Rin’s death. With no tolerance for traitors, he was deemed the strongest Shinobi in the Village at a young age. Even the trio's parents feared him. “I have an S-Rank mission for you all.” The three couldn’t help looking taken aback. “Rumours are circulating throughout my Blood Mist Village. They say the Kaguya Clan are planning a coup d'état against me. You are to investigate these accusations by infiltrating the Kaguya Clan compound. Gather information from the civilians in that said area. Understood?” He formally inquired. The three straightened up, “Hai!”

“Very good. Then I hereby appoint Miyuki Haurutsuki as Captain of this mission. Ryuu Haurutsuki, and Katsu Haurutsuki will act as your advisers for this assignment. It’s a rather large and taxing task, which is why you'll be commanding a large squad of both regular and Rakurai ANBU Operatives for this mission.” Lord Yagura said, raising a file to them. Miyuki walked up to him, bowing as she took it. “Report your findings directly to me. Mission failure or exposure is punishable by death.” And with that, the three accepted the mission and began preparing for it.

That night, at dinner, “So any exciting news from your meeting with the Mizukage today kids?” Their father asked. After the Third Great Shinobi War, Tadashi had lost the feeling in his left arm, and retired along with his wife, Shizu. Now they oversee the Rakurai and Haurutsuki Clan from home.

“Well, we got an S-Rank mission today.” Ryuu answered, pouring everyone tea. “Ha! At last, some action! I told you my nudge would work, didn’t I, Honey?” Shizu smiled, “Oh yes, dear. I knew it would.” The three deadpanned, “You did this, father?” Katsu gasped out. “Of course, I did. Why, I said: Lord Yagura, as Head of the Haurutsuki Clan and the Rakurai Special Forces, I must insist that you provide the more dangerous missions to our Clan. With Miyuki almost 21, she needs to be more active in leading such tasks, in order for her to be the next Head of your Rakurai ANBU Division. Ha! Isn’t that right, my darling?” Their father confidently explained. “That’s right, kids. Your father certainly worked wonders with Lord Fourth. You should be thanking him for all the effort we put into you three. In fact, we should celebrate!” Their mother beamed. Her head sunk low, and her brothers feared for next her response. She then got up and bowed, “Thank you for the meal, but I’d like to rest up before the mission.” She plainly stated. “Alright, my Princess. Go get enough sleep. I’ll see you in the morning to go over the Rakurai troops I’ll pick for you to brief on your new mission.” Tadashi said, after slurping his tea. She nodded, not meeting his eyes, and then left the room.

She had been sleeping in her own room ever since being promoted to ANBU. Her brothers, on the other hand, continued to share. She stopped at the door and stared at the window across the wider room. She kept a blank expression, ‘Is this all life has to offer me?’ She wondered. With that in mind, she created a lightning clone and sent it to bed, allowing herself to sneak out, into the cold night air.

By now, she was well adapted to sneaking about. She gracefully leapt off the trees and roof tops, before landing at the base of the mountain. She stopped at the river’s edge. The middle of the wide lake was shrouded by the thickest mist. She let out a curt sigh and leaned forward, staring at her reflection in the murky water. Silence met with the stillness of nature’s crickets. A gentle breeze swayed at her hair, and she began to sing quietly to herself, “I can hold my breath… I can bite my tongue… I can stay awake for days, if that’s what you want. Be your number one... I can fake a smile… I can force a laugh… I can dance and play the part if that’s what you ask. Give you all I am...” A silent teardrop fell off her cheek and into the water. She choked, halting herself from continuing.

Then her eyes shot widened, and she spun on her heel. In the same motion, she brought needles out from under her sleeve, and harshly threw. The sound of four needles stabbing at wood erupted, and she lowered her guard. She stared at the tree, “That’s funny. I could’ve sworn there was someone… Here?” At that very moment, her question was answered. A shadow was felt, coming up from behind her. She wasted no time. Narrowing her eyes, she twisted her body and delivered a thrusting air kick. However… Her leg passed right through him. ‘What?’ She wondered, witnessing her kick fly through the cloaked figure’s side. “Missed.” The man taunted in a low, playful undertone. He roughly grabbed hold of her leg once it passed through. She gasped from the sudden contact. But before she could do anything, about it, he tightened his grip on her leg and flung her around, tossing her to the ground. She slid across the moist grass on her stomach before coming to a halt near the tree.

She trembled as she lifted her head from her folded arms, off the grass. “Who are you!?” She demanded from the orange-masked man.

He strode up to her before leaning down on his knee, “My name has no relevance here.” He smoothly replied. “Tch…” Miyuki said in frustration. She quickly jolted up, “Then neither does your presence!” She declared, revealing her readied needles. She aimed for his chest with a fistful of needless. However, just like before, her hand went right through him, “Feisty Heir, aren’t you… Miyuki?” She gasped at the mention of her name, before fumbling to steady herself after her missed punch. She then turned to face him, a firm fighting stance readied, “How do you know me?” The masked man smirked. But before he could turn to face her, the sound of rushing footsteps caught his attention, “Miyuki!” It was Ryuu. “No, stay back!” She panicked. In the same second, the masked man disappeared and reappeared behind Ryuu and Katsu.

“Huh?” The two brothers halted at her shout, before suddenly being kicked from the back, harshly flying forward. “Ryuu, Katsu!” She worriedly exclaimed, dropping her needles and running to their aid. They both got up, Katsu having more difficulty. Miyuki helped him sit up. The man then appeared some distance ahead of them. “Teleportation Jutsu?” Katsu wondered in nostalgia.

Ryuu grunted from the pain in his back, “Who is this guy?” He asked. “No one important apparently.” Miyuki sarcastically answered. They all stared at him from where they sat, knelt on the grass in the shadow of a tree. The two brothers had worried about their sister's difficult time accepting her role as the future Clan Leader lately. They managed to track her down, after being excused from dinner themselves.

“Now, why don’t we get down to the business at hand.” The masked man said, standing near the lake’s edge. An orb floated from behind his head, “Anything?” She asked, narrowing her eyes at the man. “No. His chakra is too strong to get a reading. We’ll have to weaken him first.” Katsu replied. At that, Ryuu sprung up to his feet and unsheathed his larger blade, “On it!” He declared, charging at the cloaked man. As he waited for Ryuu’s frontal assault, Katsu made a hand sign to his chin and the glowing-green orb floated in front of the masked man’s face, “Explode!” He declared, and the green ball splattered, baffling the masked menace. “I have you now!” Ryuu announced, slashing his wide sword through his side.

However, when he looked up, he found the man still standing, “Huh!??” Ryuu wondered, completely dumbfounded. “Ryuu get out of-” But his sister's warning only distracted him. He turned towards her, only to receive a right hook.

“Ryuu!” Both Katsu and Miyuki exclaimed, running up and catching him as he flew their way. The three were back to square one. “I didn’t come here to fight you.” The masked man smoothly stated. “Well, you have a funny way of showing it.” She frowned. “To be fair, you did attack me first, Miyuki.” He taunted. She clenched her jaw. There was something about him. The way he said her name. She's never admit out loud, but it was familiar, warm. It only irritated her more, “Katsu, analysis.” She instructed. “It’s some kind of Matter Manipulation Jutsu that allows him to teleport at will. I’ve never seen anything like it.” He answered, growing slightly concerned.

“Katsu Haurutsuki of the Rakurai ANBU Hunter Division. I see you live up to your name as the Mastermind behind operations... It takes other Shinobi a lot longer to get that close to my true technique. I should be more careful to use it around you.” The masked man said. “Who is this guy!? How does he know so much about us?” Ryuu anxiously inquired. Miyuki grew nervous, 'Why do I feel so drawn to him? It doesn't make sense!' He stood still before speaking up, “I know a great deal about all of you. Ryuu Haurutsuki, the Dual-Sword Wielder of the Mist. Pity you weren’t chosen as one of the Great 7 Ninja Swordsman of the Hidden Mist. Keeping Clan’s secrets is such a waste of talent.” Ryuu was taken aback. “Then there’s you… Miyuki Haurutsuki. You’ve spent your whole life being groomed for a throne you don’t even want, haven’t you?”

Her brothers turned to face her as she hid her eyes beneath her bangs. “Big Sister…?” Ryuu asked in concern. She pulled more needles from her sleeve and pointed it to the masked man, “Enough games. Tell us why you’re here or die where you stand.” She instructed, fiercely determined, and with flickers of purple coming off her needled hand. The cloaked man smirked beneath his orange mask, “Very well… I have a proposition for you.”

“Proposition?” Ryuu said in disbelief. She suspiciously raised an eyebrow. “Well, a proposition and warning to be more precise.” He corrected himself. “What warning?” Miyuki sternly questioned. The clouds and mist of the starlit sky gave way to the light of the full moon. And it's rays illuminated the masked man’s masked face, “That the Mizukage plans on eliminating you.” The three gasped, catching the gleam of his single, crimson eye.

“Tch. What? The Mizukage would never betray us. He gave us his word.” Ryuu said, brushing him off. “Yes, I’m sure he has. Just like he did with the Yuki Clan before he ordered your parents to eliminate them. I hear you lost quite a few of your own during that mission.” Miyuki growled her teeth, “Tch!” She was really annoyed with the odd feelings brimming inside of her. “Deep down, you know he cannot be trusted. Why else would he give you the false accusations of the Kaguya Clan staging a coup d'état against him?” He asked rhetorically. “False?” Katsu questioned. “That’s right. You’ll find that out soon enough. He’s creating tension amongst his clans. Causing suspicion and pinning his strongest Shinobi against each other. Are you really going to turn a blind eye? The Rakurai numbers are dwindling enough as it is. Using children before they’re ready to make up for your Kage’s mistakes.”

Miyuki snapped at this, instinctively throwing a needle straight at his head. It slipped through and stabbed at the grass instead. “I said enough games. What’s your point in all this, Masked Man?” She sternly taunted, hands on her hips. “All in due time. If I just told you straight away, you wouldn’t be inclined to accept.” He smoothly explained.

“Stop wasting our time and give us the information.” Katsu told him. Ryuu raised his large sword, “Not like we’ll be accepting any offers from you, anyway.”

He sighed through his mask, “To be blunt, the Mizukage is using you. The only reason you’re still alive is because he needs you to wipe out those savages first. I’m sure you’ve been wondering why clans with a kekkei genkai and your Rakurai Forces have been receiving less missions recently. It’s because he needs to make way for the regular Shinobi who will take your place when your time is up. As for your new mission well, he wants your Clan to take down the Kaguya Clan... Because your expendable.” Their trio’s eyes shot wide.

Ryuu slashed his blade across the air, “That’s a lie! The Mizukage would never!” He frustratedly declared. “Then you’re a naïve fool. Believe what you were led to believe. I will have what I want regardless.” He sneered. “A-and what is that exactly?” Katsu stuttered, growing nervousness at his tenseness. “Well that… Is where my proposition comes in. Join me in my Cause to create a world of peace or die in this one. The choice is yours.” Miyuki scoffed, “Join you?” She chuckled out. “World peace?” Ryuu wondered in awe. “D-die?” Katsu quivered. “I have no intention of killing you. The Mizukage will see to that, if you don’t heed my warning. It doesn’t matter to me. You will join my Cause regardless of the outcome. I just wanted to give you the chance to consider your options.” The masked man smugly explained.

“Join you even if we die…” Katsu wondered. “Well, that doesn’t make any sense.” Ryuu frowned in question. “Guess that means his crusade is a sinking ship.” Miyuki cheekily concluded. “Hn. You can join me now of your own will or against it in the afterlife. Imagine a world where your deepest desires and wishes could be granted without interfering with another’s. A world better than reality itself. A dream. That… Is true world peace.” He explained. “A world like that doesn’t exist.” She sceptically retorted. “Oh, but it can. Together we can create it. Imagine a world where you don’t have to rule your Clan, or take orders from a blood thirsty Mizukage. A world of true freedom and prosperity for you and all those you love, even the ones you've lost. All it takes is a simple answer, and we can turn this world on its head and pave the way for a new and better one.” He encouraged, remaining composed, though brimming with excitement at the thought.

Miyuki looked to the ground, trying to take in his words, ‘A world where I’m free…’ Katsu clenched his jaw, ‘It’s like a dream world. Could he really bring back Master Daichi? Things would be so different if he met his little girl. Kaiyo-Sensei would be so happy. Just imagine a world where I could do whatever I wanted, without worry! With everyone...’ He clutched to his fist at the thought.

Suddenly, Ryuu burst forth and spoke out, “Never! A world like that isn’t real. It’s not even worth having! If we live in a world without pain… How could we possibly know joy!?”

Their grim heads rose, staring up at their brother in awe, “We have to fight for what we want and get stronger! We should be rewarded for our efforts or life isn’t worth living! Sorrow... It drives us to live better, to give us something to live for. It gives us a purpose!” Even the masked man was taken aback. Ryuu’s Will reminded him of his own, former self.

“You heard him, Masked man.” Miyuki smirked. “Looks like the answer is no.” Katsu added, smugly folding his arms. It turned the masked man’s surprise into a snarl, “Then let me give you something to mourn over… Your old friends from the Leaf Village? Are finished.” The three’s eyes widened in shock. “H-how do you-” He cut off her baffled stuttering, “I told you. I know more than you think. Rin Haruno was the former Three-tails Jinchuriki.” The three gasped. “Obito Uchiha died trying to rescue her from the Hidden Mist Shinobi who kidnapped her on your very own Mizukage’s orders.” He continued. “N-no! Obito is going to become Hokage! He promised-” The masked man cut Ryuu off, “Obito Uchiha is dead. And so is Rin...” The masked man said, averting his gaze.

He clutched to his fist, frustrated. He then looked back up with renewed strength, “She was killed by the very Shinobi she loved, Kakashi Hatake. Rin jumped right into the same Chidori he was using to protect her… To prevent the Three-tailed Beast from unleashing on her beloved Village.” He was bitter, resenting every word he said. “Rin…” She quietly gasped out. ‘No. No one else knew about his Chidori. Kakashi wanted to keep it a secret, until it was ready. Which means…’

Her eyes gradually widened. What he said was true. “D-don’t listen to him. He’s just trying to mess with our heads. R-right, Miyuki?” Katsu asked, turning to her. She slowly shook her head, unable to voice what little doubt she had left. “My work here is done. Remember, I gave you a chance to bring them back. Heed my warning and watch as a thousand of your comrades and closet friends and family die before your very eyes.” Without another word, he disappeared into a swirl around his crimson eye.

Miyuki dropped down to her knees, covering her mouth. Tears fell freely from her mortified expression. One thought haunted her. Drowning out the worried calls from her brothers. It whispered, ‘It’s all my fault…’