Chapter 139: A New Era of Mist Shinobi
What exactly was it that Kirigakure's top brass were so eager to obtain? What was the true value of the artifact in Elvis' possession?
The answer soon became clear as Ochoku, the feline companion, made the revelation.
A clawed paw stretched from behind Elvis' rotund frame, reaching toward the black-and-white throne beneath him. From its hidden compartment, the cat extracted an enormous, pristine white scroll.
Elvis grasped one end of the scroll, his golden eyes gleaming as he tossed the other end toward Mizuki Ryosuke.
The massive scroll unfurled in midair, its contents finally revealed.
Once fully extended, the scroll spanned nearly ten meters. But despite its grand size, its surface remained mostly blank—save for a single name and a palm print at its center.
Mizuki Ryosuke caught the trailing end, his fingers tightening over the smooth parchment. His eyes burned with intensity as he stared at the vast, untouched space on the scroll.
"Now, it's yours."
Elvis' voice carried a note of amusement, but his gaze held a trace of satisfaction.
"You may write your name."
Ryosuke exhaled slowly, absorbing the significance of the moment.
"This is…"
From the side, Hōzuki Mangetsu stood frozen, his expression one of disbelief.
"That's right," Elvis confirmed, his feline smirk deepening. "The object in my hands is none other than the Summoning Contract of the Ninja Cat Clan."
Murmurs rippled through the ranks of the assembled Kirigakure Jōnin.
At last, the pieces of the puzzle clicked into place.
The top officials of Kirigakure had not simply been seeking a Mizukage. The real prize was a binding contract that would forge a powerful alliance with the Ninja Cat Clan, a Summoning faction as ancient as the Great Toads of Mount Myōboku or the Snakes of Ryūchi Cave.
For years, the Ninja Cat Clan had grown restless. Though their domain remained stable, they sought a new avenue for expansion—one that would allow them to carve a more significant presence in the ninja world.
But with much of the world's prime Summoning territories already claimed, their options were limited.
They could either wage war against other Summoning clans… or they could align themselves with a major power.
And what better ally than Kirigakure, one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages?
Thus, this entire selection process had been more than just Kirigakure choosing a Mizukage.
It had also been a trial set by the Ninja Cat Clan to determine which candidate was worthy of being their summoning contractor—a bridge between their world and the Hidden Mist.
The test had been broadcasted live to the Jōnin of Kirigakure, ensuring transparency in the selection. The entire village had watched as the candidates navigated the trials, proving their worth not just as potential Mizukage, but as allies to the Ninja Cats.
Now, the winner was clear.
Mizuki Ryosuke had earned the right to sign the contract.
Holding the brush between his fingers, he dipped it into the ink, his movements calm but deliberate. With slow precision, he etched his name in blood upon the scroll.
"Mizuki Ryosuke."
Beneath his name, he pressed his bloodstained palm against the parchment, sealing the bond.
In that instant, he felt it—a pulse of chakra, an ethereal thread linking his spirit to the Ninja Cat Clan.
The connection was now permanent.
From this moment forward, he held the authority to summon any member of the Ninja Cat Clan, second only to Elvis himself.
The weight of his decision settled upon his shoulders, but Ryosuke stood unwavering.
The title of Mizukage was now firmly within his grasp.
Across from him, Hōzuki Mangetsu exhaled sharply, a flicker of admiration crossing his sharp features.
He had lost—but he accepted his defeat with dignity.
"It seems I'll be serving as Captain of the Anbu for the foreseeable future," he murmured to himself, shaking his head with a wry smile.
Back in Kirigakure—Mizukage Office
Within the dimly lit council chamber, the elite Jōnin of Kirigakure sat in contemplative silence.
The impact of this event was monumental.
The addition of the Ninja Cat Clan to Kirigakure's forces came at a time when the village was at its weakest. Following the disastrous reign of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, and the brutal purges of the Bloody Mist Era, Kirigakure had struggled to maintain its former glory.
But now, Mizuki Ryosuke had brought them an alliance with a powerful Summoning faction—a strategic advantage that no other Great Village currently possessed.
This was not just a Mizukage selection process.
This was a political and military coup.
Mizuki Ryosuke had not only proven his strength and leadership, but he had also engineered a turning point for the Hidden Mist.
Motoji Maeda, one of the village elders, rose to his feet, his voice solemn.
"This assessment… was carefully designed by myself and the other senior leaders of the village."
His piercing gaze swept across the room.
"The time has come to vote."
With practiced movements, he lifted the first ballot box.
"Your votes will determine the future of the Hidden Mist. Choose wisely."
Without hesitation, he cast his own vote.
"I, Motoji Maeda, vote for Mizuki Ryosuke."
A ripple of acknowledgment passed through the chamber. No one seemed surprised.
As the Jōnin began to submit their votes, the results became increasingly clear.
One by one, they stood.
"I am convinced by Mizuki Ryosuke Jōnin's performance!"
"I cast my vote for Mizuki Ryosuke!"
The support was overwhelming.
Some held out at first, lingering on old allegiances, but even they soon yielded to reason. The Mizuki Clan, once divided, had already begun to consolidate their backing behind Ryosuke.
Even the civilian Jōnin, once hesitant, now voiced their approval.
By the end of the count, Ryosuke had secured 121 votes—an unprecedented 81% approval rate.
To put this into perspective, when the Third Mizukage, Mizuki Taki, took office, he had barely secured 50%.
This was a landslide victory.
Motoji Maeda exhaled, a rare smile tugging at his lips.
"The decision is clear."
He stepped forward, his voice ringing with finality.
"I formally declare Mizuki Ryosuke as the Fourth Mizukage of Kirigakure."
A new era had begun.
Though Mist Shinobi had endured its darkest days, Ryosuke had forged a new path—one built on unity, strength, and a powerful new alliance with the Ninja Cat Clan.
As the chamber erupted in murmurs of approval, Mizuki Ryosuke stood tall, his gaze steady.
The future of Kirigakure was now his to shape.
And he would ensure that the Hidden Mist rose once more.
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