No new intelligence had come in.
Yagura clapped his hands, signaling a shift in the discussion.
"Ao, have the Intelligence Division and the Anbu continue monitoring the Third Shinobi World War on the mainland. Report any urgent developments immediately. If there's nothing major, just send a daily report to my desk."
"Especially regarding Iwagakure."
Ōnoki, that old fox, was too cunning—Yagura had to stay on guard.
"Understood." Ao and the others acknowledged the order.
"As for the other departments, carry on with your usual duties," Yagura said, glancing at those not directly involved in the war. With a relaxed smile, he added, "It's natural to be curious about the battle situation, but let's not get too distracted."
The mainland was embroiled in chaos, yet in Kirigakure, life remained peaceful. The contrast was almost amusing.
"Just don't let it interfere with work," Yagura reminded them.
The room erupted in lighthearted agreement. "Yes, sir~~"
Over the past few months, the staff had learned that Yagura, despite his title, wasn't a tyrannical leader. When in a good mood, he didn't mind some casual banter.
And right now, was Yagura in a good mood?
Absolutely.
The Third Shinobi World War was in full swing, yet Kirigakure had successfully distanced itself from the conflict. The previously exhausting diplomatic matters were finally settling down.
While intelligence on the war was crucial, unless it was something that could alter the battlefield's balance, it wouldn't even reach Yagura's desk—Ao and his team would filter out the noise.
Aside from the possibility of Ōnoki making a move, nothing else required immediate concern.
If Ōnoki did attack, Yagura wouldn't hesitate to call upon Isobu and engage the Iwa-nin in a naval battle.
Let's see who suffers more then.
...
Within the village, Yagura had laid out the general direction for development, but the execution was left to the Elder Council, led by Genshi.
With everything running smoothly, his workload had lightened considerably. These days, he only needed to handle routine government affairs before heading home early.
The Karatachi family affairs were now fully managed by Karatachi Natsuhiko.
Having a Mizukage in the clan meant Natsuhiko had been swamped with visitors, gifts, and requests over the past two months.
Incidentally, this was also one of the reasons Yagura had been avoiding going home.
"Now then..."
Swinging his legs leisurely, Yagura pondered, "What should I do next?"
Domestic affairs weren't his concern.
As Mizukage, his focus should be on Kirigakure's military strength.
However, most of the village's resources were currently allocated to development, leaving little budget for expanding the military. Strengthening their forces would have to wait a few years.
Hmm...
His gaze drifted to the two figures standing nearby—Kisame and Ringo Ameyuri.
More precisely, their swords.
Realization struck.
Of course—the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist!
His old comrades!
With a nimble flip, Yagura landed on his feet and sprinted toward the exit.
"Ameyuri, Kisame, let's go!"
The two quickly followed. "Where to?"
"The Hōzuki estate!"
Time to find Mangetsu!
...
Arriving at the Hōzuki household, Yagura was promptly welcomed inside.
The Hōzuki clan leader tactfully gave his son and Yagura some private space.
After months apart, Mangetsu seemed uncertain about how to face his old friend—who was now the Mizukage.
And there was also the lingering shadow of Hōzuki Chiren's death, something that Yagura had a hand in.
The once-familiar friend now felt strangely distant.
Mangetsu stiffly greeted, "Yo, long time no see."
The shift in emotion and distance was obvious.
Yagura had initially been excited to reunite, but seeing Mangetsu's demeanor, his words stuck in his throat.
Noticing that Mangetsu had slowed his pace, lagging behind, Yagura sighed inwardly and made introductions.
"This is Hoshigaki Kisame, wielder of Samehada. Ameyuri, you already know—she now wields the Thunder Swords."
Ameyuri, her dual blades strapped to her back, greeted cheerfully, "Yo, long time no see!"
Mangetsu responded politely, "Nice to meet you. And thank you both for looking after Yagura."
Kisame extended a hand with a sharp-toothed grin.
"I've heard a lot about you from the Mizukage. The leader of our Seven Ninja Swordsmen—Hōzuki Mangetsu."
Mangetsu froze for a moment before hesitantly shaking Kisame's hand. He then turned to Yagura in disbelief.
"That's how you introduce me?"
Yagura stopped, stepped forward, and stood directly in front of Mangetsu, his gaze serious.
"Hey, have you forgotten what we talked about when we first met?"
"I become the Fourth Mizukage, and you become the leader of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen."
Locking eyes with his old friend, Yagura's expression didn't waver.
"Well? Have you forgotten?"
Mangetsu's pupils trembled.
His fists clenched instinctively.
Of course, he hadn't forgotten.
But while Yagura had already ascended to Mizukage, he himself had remained stagnant.
"The title is yours," Yagura said firmly. "But you'll have to prove yourself to Kisame and the others."
He didn't sugarcoat his words.
Yagura believed in Mangetsu—he just needed time to break free from his hesitation.
"That position is still waiting for you."
Mangetsu took an involuntary step back.
Yagura didn't let up, closing the distance again, his voice low but unwavering.
"Don't keep me waiting too long. Got it?"
Mangetsu's entire body tensed.
After a long pause, he finally exhaled a stiff, "Got it."
Yagura smirked, taking a step back and waving. "Be at my office at 8 AM tomorrow. I need you to help contact Zabuza and Kaede."
...
As they left the Hōzuki estate, Kisame chuckled.
"Yagura, the leader you picked seems a little... weak."
Ameyuri laced her fingers behind her head. "I had a good impression of him before. This time, he seemed... lacking."
"Yeah."
Yagura didn't deny it.
Mangetsu's performance had indeed been disappointing.
And he was irritated by it.
"Ameyuri, go find Mukumo. Tell him to come to my office tomorrow."
"Now?"
"Now." Yagura nodded. "Kisame's with me—nothing will happen."
Ameyuri trusted their strength, so she promptly changed direction toward the Mukumo estate.
"Yagura, who's next?" Kisame asked.
Yagura thought for a moment. He didn't have many people he truly trusted in the village.
But there was one more. Someone he wasn't familiar with—someone he'd only briefly seen from afar.
Yet, she was important.
With a decisive clap of his hands, he grinned. "Let's go visit the Terumi clan."
...
Yagura's sudden visit shocked the Terumi household.
Their clan leader hurried to greet him, but Yagura waved it off.
"No need for formalities. I'm here to see Mei—is she home?"
"Mei?" The clan leader was taken aback.
Mei had been in the estate and soon arrived, curious about the commotion.
Catching sight of her, Yagura waved. "Hey~~"
Mei composed herself and greeted formally, "Terumi Mei, at your service, Mizukage-sama."
Yagura smirked. "No need for all that.'"
Mei's heart skipped a beat.
"Please! By all means!" she beamed.
Yagura chuckled. This was going to be fun.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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