The Mist Ninja Village—a shinobi village once sealed off from the outside world since the Third Great Ninja War. However, since the rise of the Fourth Mizukage, Terumi Mei, the village's foreign policy had begun to shift dramatically. Communication between Kirigakure and the rest of the world steadily increased, and internally, the shadows of the Bloody Mist era slowly began to fade.
The younger generation of Mist Shinobi were no longer like the era of Zabuza and Kisame, where rising to prominence meant killing one's comrades. In their place were gentler, more reasonable evaluation methods.
These reforms were led under the guidance of Mizukage Terumi Mei. Her political accomplishments, combined with her immense strength, secured her absolute authority within Kirigakure.
As the sun set, the long-unused Mist Ninja council chamber welcomed an unusual guest.
For the first time in years, a shinobi from another village—Uzumaki Raiden—walked into this chamber as an honored guest. The massive conference room was packed. At its center was a long table that seated twenty, surrounded by a dense crowd of Mist shinobi.
Nearly a hundred people filled the room, all notable figures within Kirigakure, gathered today for one reason.
At the head seat of the central table sat Terumi Mei, clad in a long blue gown with bare shoulders, hands folded before her, her face solemn. Seated slightly below her was an old man with a bald head and sagging skin, grasping a wooden staff carved with a demon's face. His name was Elder Atsuchi.
A veteran of the First Great Ninja War, Elder Atsuchi belonged to the same generation as Ōnoki. Though his current strength remained a mystery, his status in Mist was unmatched. He had long since withdrawn from political affairs, becoming a symbol rather than a player—more shrine guardian than statesman.
The old man looked weary, his head bobbing as he dozed.
Across from him sat Uzumaki Raiden, calm and composed, ignoring the many scrutinizing gazes from the Mist shinobi. His eyes were fixed on the sleeping elder, quietly sizing him up.
After Raiden and Terumi Mei confessed their feelings days prior, she had personally sent her most trusted subordinates to escort Shisui and Misa safely back to Konoha. As for Raiden himself, he was dragged—half against his will—to Kirigakure by Terumi Mei. After notifying Minato, Raiden followed her to the Mist.
Terumi Mei seemed determined to push the wedding forward—something she had long yearned for. Now that she had found her partner, preparations had naturally begun.
However, neither Uzumaki Raiden nor Terumi Mei were ordinary people. In today's shinobi world, cross-village marriages were rare, and virtually unheard of between Kage.
Raiden's situation was simpler. He had long since retired as Hokage and withdrawn from Konoha's politics. No one would object. Moreover, the current Hokage was Raiden's brother-in-law, Namikaze Minato. Raiden had full autonomy in personal matters.
But Terumi Mei's case was far more complicated. She was still the reigning Mizukage. Many of her reforms remained incomplete and required her leadership. Politically, Mist was still unstable. If Terumi Mei suddenly married Raiden and moved to Konoha, Kirigakure would be left leaderless, which could easily plunge the village into civil strife.
Such unrest could undo years of progress—an unacceptable outcome for many within Mist.
"While marriage is a personal matter, Mizukage-sama, you are not just any shinobi. Without your leadership, our Mist Village may regress into the chaos of the past."
"The marriage between you and Uzumaki Raiden..."
A middle-aged shinobi, likely in his forties, stood from his seat, respectfully bowing to Elder Atsuchi before speaking in a grave tone. His words reflected deep concern for the village's future and immediately stirred murmurs of agreement.
"That's right! Lord Soma is correct. Mizukage-sama, this is no time for self-indulgence!"
"Uzumaki Raiden is still from Konoha. If you must marry, choose someone else."
"If you leave for Konoha, our village will fall into disarray!"
More voices chimed in after Soma's statement. Many were from Terumi Mei's faction. If she resigned as Mizukage, their positions would be shaken. The stability she had brought to the village could collapse without her.
Of course, not all objections came from self-interest. Some genuinely feared the impact her absence would have on Mist's development.
But among the crowd, a few figures remained steadfast in support of Terumi Mei.
"What the hell are you all spouting?!"
"Mizukage-sama can marry whoever she damn well pleases. Since when is marriage your business?!"
A white-haired youth suddenly rose to his feet, scolding the crowd. A wide grin stretched across his face, revealing jagged shark-like teeth.
"Mizukage-sama, I'm truly happy for you. I hope your life with your beloved is a joyful one."
"But once you marry Uzumaki Raiden, as Konoha's daughter-in-law, you will no longer be able to serve as Mizukage of Mist."
"Have you considered who will succeed you after your resignation?"
He bowed slightly with a smile. Though his words seemed well-meaning, everyone at the table understood the implication. Many of the more ambitious individuals narrowed their eyes, silently taking note.
Even Soma said nothing in response, choosing instead to look expectantly at Terumi Mei.
"Mangetsu Hōzuki, then tell me—who do you believe should succeed the position of Mizukage?"
At last, Terumi Mei spoke, a faint smile on her lips as she posed the question.
Indeed, the white-haired youth was none other than Mangetsu Hōzuki, elder brother of Mangetsu, a prodigious shinobi once said to master all Seven Ninja Swords.
Though most of the swords were now under Konoha's control, Mangetsu Hōzuki's talent could not be denied. Despite lacking the title of "Seven Swordsman," his strength had reached the pinnacle.
It was this ability that granted him a place at the central table—and his current status within Mist was no small matter.
"Of course..." Mangetsu Hōzuki almost blurted out his own name but quickly caught himself and smiled. "Of course, I hope Mizukage-sama will name her successor."
"As long as the candidate is recommended by you, we will give our unconditional support."
His smile remained bright, though his heart brewed plans. If the chosen successor wasn't him, he would lead the Ghost Lantern Clan and initiate a coup.
He was confident—aside from Terumi Mei, no one in Mist could stop him.
"Is that so? Unconditional support?"
"In that case... there should be no objection to my marriage with Raiden, right?"
Terumi Mei didn't respond to his question. Instead, she refocused on the topic of her wedding.
At this point, who she married hardly mattered. The real concern had become the Mizukage succession. Everyone at the table was silently scheming. Each one of them had aspirations for the seat of power.
Those in Terumi Mei's faction watched her with burning eyes, hoping the title would fall upon them.
"Mizukage-sama, who are we to interfere in your personal life? As long as the village remains stable and you're happy, we're satisfied."
Soma, ever the shrewd politician, swiftly changed his tune and flattered her, sensing which way the wind was blowing. Mangetsu Hōzuki glanced at him with narrowed eyes, hostility barely concealed.
Others began to follow suit, some congratulating her with feigned enthusiasm, others remaining silent and solemn, watching the chaos unfold.
"In that case, allow me to name my preferred successor."
"Of course, this is merely a suggestion. The final decision will still require a vote in the Jōnin Council."
"I think..."
Before Terumi Mei could finish, Elder Atsuchi suddenly opened his eyes. A sharp gleam flashed within them as he interrupted:
"Mizukage-sama, you must think twice."
His words silenced the entire room.
Though he had long been absent from politics, everyone respected Elder Atsuchi. His rare opinions carried great weight—even Mizukage had to consider them carefully.
"Elder... you..." Terumi Mei's smile froze as she looked toward him.
"The Mizukage is the pillar of our Mist Village. Anyone who can make the village stronger is fit to lead."
"Even if the world calls us the 'Village of Bloody Mist,' I will support any method that ensures our survival and strength."
"But as it stands, there is no one more suitable to be Mizukage than you."
"Which is why I don't want you to step down, Mizukage-sama."
His voice was hoarse and slow, but each word struck with clarity.
Terumi Mei frowned, about to refute, when the old man continued:
"I watched you grow up. I won't let you sacrifice your happiness."
"If you and Uzumaki Raiden truly love each other, I have no objection to your marriage."
"However, the condition is—Terumi Mei, you must not leave Mist Village."
"There are many ways to be married. If Lord Raiden doesn't mind, let him live in our village. I've saved up plenty over the years. I have no heirs. I'll use that wealth to build you a new home—your dowry."
His words shocked everyone. The idea of Uzumaki Raiden, a former Hokage, living in Mist? Wouldn't that risk Konoha's secrets being exposed?
"Mizukage-sama, you and Raiden are in love, aren't you? Then what's the difference between living in Konoha and Mist?"
"Lord Raiden, from what I understand, you've long retired from politics—even stepped down as the Konoha Academy's principal."
"You have nothing tying you to Konoha. After marrying Mizukage-sama, why not live here in Mist?"
"If you ever get bored, I can appoint you as commander of the Anbu, or even as an assistant to the Mizukage. You'll have full autonomy."
The room gasped. These were powerful positions—real authority. Yet the elder offered them casually to a former Konoha leader.
Terumi Mei was surprised, then turned expectantly to Uzumaki Raiden.
"...Are you telling me to marry into your family? You want me to live off my wife?!"
Raiden frowned and gave Elder Atsuchi a deep look. This old man was clearly no simple figure.
"No, no, you misunderstand," the elder chuckled. "I only hope that after marrying Mizukage-sama, you'll reside in Mist."
"You've nothing pressing in Konoha, so why not spend your remaining years here, contributing to our village's prosperity?"
"I believe with both of you working together, Mist will reach new heights."
(End Of Chapter)
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