After bidding farewell to Sarutobi, the diplomatic envoy from Konohagakure, Yagura grinned brightly.
"Alright, alright, alright! Our first major client is lined up. Elder, everything running smoothly?"
"Everything has been operating normally since its inception," replied Elder Genshi, who was overseeing the project. "We've already started redirecting some D-rank missions from the military department. The workforce consists of this year's reserve ninja graduates and retired shinobi—more than enough hands to go around."
"Great! I trust your management."
This seemingly minor detail, overlooked by Sarutobi, was actually the crux of Yagura and Elder Genshi's plans.
With Konohagakure's official channels now open to them, the entire Fire Country market lay before them like an oversized, half-clothed behemoth. All they had to do was slip in, grow their influence quietly, and by the time Konoha finished its wars and caught on, it would be too late to stop them.
Taking on local commissions from the Fire Country meant the majority of their workforce would inevitably consist of Konoha's own shinobi and civilians. There was no way Konoha could afford to cut off its own people's livelihoods—the public outcry alone would drown them.
Everything within Kirigakure was progressing smoothly.
Externally, the bonds with Konoha were more or less secured.
The only real concern left was Kumogakure.
But they were far away, across mountains and seas. Would the Third Raikage really go out of his way to cause trouble?
Hard to say. It all depended on his next move.
...
"Today's the 20th, right?" Yagura counted on his fingers. "Almost New Year's."
Among the recent shipments from Konoha were paper, bamboo, and wax—materials he had personally requested for purchase.
Thinking of this, Yagura's eyes gleamed as he turned to the resources department.
His gaze was unmistakable. The personnel in charge quickly nodded.
"The shipment is arriving today. Once it reaches the village, I'll have the staff prioritize the inventory check."
"Good, good! Let me know once it's done—I'll bring some craftsmen over."
What was he planning now?
Everyone exchanged glances, intrigued by Yagura's latest scheme.
The waterway connecting Kirigakure to the western coast of the Land of Water was still under construction, so shipping via that route wasn't an option yet. Fortunately, the overland transport from the docks encountered no issues, and Yagura didn't have to wait long.
As soon as the supplies were confirmed to have arrived in the village, the resources department immediately reported to him.
Yagura tossed aside his paperwork without hesitation. "Go! Everyone who's free, follow me to the warehouse!"
At a time like this, even those who were busy made themselves available.
They had to see what their young Mizukage was up to this time.
The officials in the Mizukage's office, who had already spent the day distracted like restless schoolchildren awaiting a field trip, eagerly dropped their tasks and followed Yagura.
His requested materials were no secret, word had already spread through the village. But when asked about their purpose, Yagura had kept it a mystery, fueling everyone's curiosity even further.
...
Upon reaching the grand warehouse within Kirigakure, they found that the resources department had already prioritized checking and storing Yagura's shipment. By the time he and his entourage arrived, the process was nearly complete.
One of the staff members approached him. "Mizukage-sama, please sign the requisition form over here."
"Oh, alright."
As Mizukage, he had to follow the proper procedures.
After filling out the necessary paperwork, Yagura requested enough materials for about ten people. Once the inventory check was complete, he'd be able to collect them.
While waiting, he gathered a group of craftsmen he had brought along.
"Alright, masters, listen carefully to what I need you to do."
Seeing his serious demeanor, the artisans instinctively straightened up. "Understood."
Words alone weren't enough. Yagura gestured animatedly as he explained.
"Carve the bamboo into a frame, cover it with fire-resistant paper, and leave the bottom hollow."
"There needs to be a wire base to hold a candle. When the candle is lit, the heat will lift the lantern into the sky."
Oh, he wanted a flying lantern.
Everyone present understood the basic physics behind it without needing an explanation.
Yagura carefully described the structure of the lantern he envisioned, and the skilled craftsmen quickly grasped the concept. Designing a functional version of his idea was child's play for them.
Half an hour later, the warehouse staff confirmed the materials were properly stored and released Yagura's requested amount. He took enough for about five lanterns.
Other necessary materials, like wire and alcohol, were already stocked in the warehouse.
The craftsmen, having quickly sketched out a design during the waiting period, immediately got to work.
With skilled hands, the four artisans swiftly turned raw materials into delicate flying lanterns. Even though it was their first time making them, they completed the task with ease.
"Amazing!" Yagura couldn't help but admire their craftsmanship.
No matter how many times he witnessed it, he always felt that his hands and those of craftsmen belonged to entirely different worlds.
Holding the finished lanterns, the artisans beamed at the rare, direct praise from their Mizukage.
Yagura carefully reached out. "May I hold one?"
"Of course, Mizukage-sama!" one of the craftsmen said enthusiastically.
"Thank you!"
Yagura took the lantern, turning to the crowd with an almost childlike glee, as if he had crafted it himself.
"Don't smile like you actually made that lantern yourself," Zabuza teased mercilessly. "So, Yagura, what exactly are these for?"
Mangetsu chimed in, "Yeah, you gathered so many people and got what you wanted—time to reveal the big secret."
Yagura smirked. "You're curious, huh?"
Mangetsu gave him a sidelong glance. "A little."
"If you're curious, just say so. Why act tough?" Yagura chuckled, glancing at the gathered crowd. He knew he had kept them in suspense long enough.
"These lanterns," he finally revealed, "are for a new tradition I want to establish in Kirigakure—a New Year's festival."
Ever since arriving in this world, Yagura had introduced small traditions to his clan, the Karatachi. Each New Year's, they would greet one another with warm wishes.
He sat on a nearby stone ledge and gestured for everyone to gather around.
"Masters, let everyone take a look at the lanterns."
With today's centerpiece in his hands, Yagura pondered how best to explain it.
Kirigakure was a place of cold detachment. Not just among shinobi, but even among civilians.
So, he began telling a story.
"A long time ago, before there was a Land of Water, before the great nations existed, the people of this island released lanterns into the sky, guiding warriors home with their glow."
"As time passed, this practice evolved into a festival. On the first full moon of the new year, families would release lanterns, carrying their hopes and dreams."
"The countless floating lights 'dispelled' the misty nights of Water Country, illuminating the land and sea alike. That was the beauty of 'Ten Thousand Lights.'"
His voice, imbued with nostalgia and longing, painted a vivid picture in their minds.
The thought of a sky filled with warm lights piercing through the endless mist...
Of distant warriors turning back, seeing those flickering lanterns, knowing that among them was a beacon from home...
Yagura's grip on the lantern tightened. His gaze softened with distant hope.
"I think this is a beautiful tradition. I want to pass it down in Kirigakure."
...
A strange feeling settled over the gathered crowd.
A tightness in the chest. A prickling behind the eyes. A hollow ache in the limbs.
And a single, overwhelming thought.
They wanted to go home for the New Year.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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