In the Land of Cats, Mizuki Ryosuke, carrying a massive white scroll, bid farewell to the Cat Boss.
Now that the assessment was over, there were pressing matters awaiting him back in Kirigakure. Mizuki Eiro and Hozuki Mangetsu had already left ahead of him.
For reasons unknown, Elvis, the venerable elder of the Ninja Cat Clan, was unable to leave his palace, leaving the farewell ceremony to the Cat Boss.
Having obtained the summoning contract of the Ninja Cat Clan, Ryosuke's status among them was now akin to that of the elder Cat Boss himself.
As he glanced at the massive scroll slung across Ryosuke's back, a complex expression flickered in the Cat Boss's eyes.
"Ryosuke, if you ever find yourself facing a formidable enemy, you can summon me through that scroll," the Cat Boss declared. "You don't need to hesitate—I'll come to fight alongside you."
The warrior spirit burned fiercely in his eyes. He was eager for battle, and he knew that the kind of enemies Ryosuke would face would be worthy adversaries.
Ryosuke chuckled. "Of course! Until next time, Boss Cat!"
He wasn't one for formalities and accepted the offer without hesitation, then turned to leave.
At his side, a large orange cat followed—Nyutaro, the same feline who had tried to ambush Ryosuke and his team in the canyon cave. He was a descendant of the Cat Boss, and for reasons undisclosed, he was now accompanying Ryosuke back to Kirigakure to prepare for the eventual migration of the Ninja Cat Clan.
The Cat Boss turned his gaze toward Nyutaro, whose fur bristled in response. Despite his usual bravado, he had always been intimidated by his father.
"Do well. Don't disgrace our name," the Cat Boss said simply, resting a firm paw on Nyutaro's shoulder.
Nyutaro, for once, didn't respond with sarcasm. Instead, he rubbed his red eyes and gave a resolute nod.
With no further delay, the group departed for Kirigakure.
Upon returning to the village, before Ryosuke could reunite with Mizuki Lian, he was immediately summoned to the Mizukage Building by Maeda Genshi.
There, he was formally informed of the results of the assessment—he had secured 81% of the votes.
Even though Ryosuke had anticipated this outcome, he still felt a weight lift from his shoulders.
Only one step remained before he officially became the Fourth Mizukage.
But before that, an enormous burden awaited him—one that needed to be resolved within two days.
First and foremost was the aftermath of Yagura's rebellion.
How should the captured Anbu operatives be handled? How should the fallen be honored? How should a restructured Anbu force be formed?
Additionally, there was the future cooperation with the Land of Cats and the question of how Kirigakure should develop under his leadership.
Previous Mizukages had at least three months to plan such transitions.
Ryosuke had only three days.
He had no time for personal matters. He sent a message to Lian and Liuhua, then immersed himself in the overwhelming workload.
The very next day, alarming news arrived from the Mizuki Clan—Mizuki Hidero had vanished on his return journey to Kirigakure.
His whereabouts were unknown, but Ryosuke didn't hesitate—Hidero had defected.
Even if he hadn't, Ryosuke would have dealt with him the moment he returned.
Now, there was no need for restraint. He immediately issued a kill-on-sight order in the name of the village.
Ordinarily, Mist Anbu would handle rogue ninjas, but since Anbu was still in disarray, the pursuit would have to wait—though not for long.
Soon, Anbu would be rebuilt.
Taking advantage of the situation, Ryosuke met with Hozuki Mangetsu to remind him of their prior agreement.
Mangetsu, the most talented swordsman of his generation, upheld his end of the deal—agreeing to take command of Anbu.
Thus, after three sleepless days, Ryosuke had finalized his strategies for Kirigakure's future.
Three days later.
The Mizukage Succession Ceremony was held in the heart of Kirigakure.
The village was in celebration, and the crowd gathered before the Mizukage Building in their formal attire.
At the very top, five vacant seats were arranged in a row, all eyes fixed on the center one.
Among the spectators were powerful figures—former Mizukage candidates, high-ranking officials, and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
Notably present were:
• Hozuki Mangetsu, the rising prodigy of the Hozuki Clan.
• Jinin Akebino, one of the Seven Swordsmen, bearing his legendary sword, Kabutowari.
• Mizuki Rokka and Mizuki Lian, the widow and sister of the previous Mizukage.
Today, a new era was beginning.
A man who had once been an obscure ninja was about to become their leader.
Finally, five figures appeared atop the Mizukage Building.
Three elderly men—members of Kirigakure's veteran council.
The fourth, a stern-faced Maeda Genshi, Kirigakure's Jōnin squad leader and a key power figure.
And in the center, a tall young man with a striking presence.
He wore pristine white robes and a unique Mizukage hat, embroidered with the kanji for "Water" (水).
Mizuki Ryosuke.
As soon as he stepped forward, a thunderous cheer erupted.
Once the excitement settled, Ryosuke gave his inaugural speech, followed by major policy announcements:
1. A designated settlement for the migrating Ninja Cats.
2. Clemency for Anbu members who had followed Yagura—only Yagura's closest henchmen would face punishment.
3. Restoration of the Kaguya Clan's rights—all Kaguya orphans would be reinstated as shinobi.
4. Expansion of Kirigakure's Ninja Academy to replenish lost talent.
5. Lower mission commission fees to encourage ninja activity.
Over a dozen measures were announced, each met with resounding approval.
Next, Ryosuke unveiled his executive appointments:
• Maeda Genshi was promoted to Chief Elder, forming a new Elders' Council.
• Hozuki Mangetsu was named Anbu Commander.
• A Mizuki Clan Elite Jōnin was appointed Anbu Deputy Commander to balance power.
• Kuroshima Morita became Jōnin Squad Leader.
• Most shockingly, Kaguya Yuta was appointed Captain of the Mizukage Guard.
This was unprecedented—the Kaguya and Mizuki Clans had been bitter rivals.
Yet Ryosuke had chosen Yuta for his potential.
This bold decision shocked the village and signaled a new era of unity.
In the crowd, Yuta trembled with emotion.
"Father… do you see this?"
"I did it. The Kaguya Clan will never be destroyed again!"
His eyes burned with gratitude, and he swore unwavering loyalty to Mizuki Ryosuke.
With his final oath, Ryosuke officially became the Fourth Mizukage.
Elsewhere…
In the Fire Country, within Konohagakure, the great Hokage Monument loomed over the village.
Inside the Hokage's Office, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, studied an intelligence report.
"Mizuki Ryosuke… the Fourth Mizukage."
His fingers drummed against the table in thought.
"I wonder… what changes this man will bring to the world?"
After a long silence, he called for an ANBU operative.
"Prepare a diplomatic gift for Kirigakure. It's time to acknowledge the new Mizukage."
As the operative vanished, Hiruzen murmured:
"The world is shifting once again…"
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