"An outstanding child indeed."
...
Meanwhile, in another part of the village—
Inside the Mizukage's office.
Jinin Akebino and several ANBU members meticulously reported every detail of the Chunin Exams to the Third Mizukage and the high-ranking elders of Kirigakure.
Elder Genshi was visibly pleased and set the tone for the meeting early on.
It wasn't just Yagura that pleased him.
Everyone present shared similar sentiments.
It had been a long time since the Mizukage had sat down with the heads of Kirigakure's major clans for a "peaceful" meeting like this.
The elderly patriarch of the Onime clan cast a teasing glance at Kokitsu's son—Yagura's father—before smirking. "You've raised a fine son, Natsuhiko."
(T/N: Kokitsu –name of mc grandpa)
"I appreciate the praise, Elder."
Feeling the weight of many eyes on him, Karatachi Natsuhiko chuckled sheepishly.
"Ah, he's just a mischievous boy. I hope everyone here can continue to look after him."
A representative of the Kaguya clan, a contemporary of Natsuhiko, feigned anger.
"Natsuhiko, when did you even return to the village? We've been old friends for years, and you didn't even let me know? Are we strangers now?"
Like hell he just found out now.
Natsuhiko muttered internally but still waved his hand apologetically.
"My bad, my bad. Things have been hectic since I got back. I owe you a drink."
The leader of the Hozuki clan, Hozuki Shizuru, chimed in.
"What about the head of the Karatachi clan?"
"He caught a slight cold and stayed home."
"Ah, I see. The weather's been chilly lately—best to take care."
"Indeed, thank you for your concern."
Having been away for years, Natsuhiko found himself somewhat unaccustomed to the social niceties of such gatherings.
Ah, great, now I'm the center of attention.
His father knew his grandson was coming home today and promptly kicked him out to attend the meeting instead of waiting at home.
Not long after Yagura left for Konoha, the Third Mizukage recalled his parents from their long-term external assignments.
Karatachi's elder had kept them updated through letters, so the couple knew how "glorious" (and troublesome) their son had been.
As parents, they were proud of their son's accomplishments.
But when they received the Third Mizukage's official recall order, their hearts tightened. (After all, the Third Mizukage didn't have the best reputation among the clans.)
Fearing something had happened to their family, they finished their missions as quickly as possible and rushed back to the village.
Upon arrival, they immediately reported to the Mizukage's office before heading home to question Natsuhiko's father.
That was when they learned the truth.
Their son had done so well that the Third Mizukage had decided to break precedent and allow him to participate in the joint Konoha-Sunagakure Chunin Exams.
Moreover, it was highly likely that their child had already been marked as the next Mizukage in the Third's mind.
Recently, the Third Mizukage had been making noticeable efforts to repair his relationship with the major clans of Kirigakure.
This meeting—where so many clan leaders or their representatives gathered together—was something Natsuhiko had never seen in his entire life.
Among those present were:
—Hozuki Shizuru, leader of the Hozuki clan. —A prominent young figure from the Kaguya clan. —The elderly patriarch of the Onime clan. —Two sons from the Kumozen family. —The leader of the Terumi clan.
And then—
Natsuhiko discreetly glanced at the lone man standing at the side, a massive blade strapped to his back.
Hozuki Chiren, a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, once cast out from the Hozuki clan, now attending as its representative.
Every sign pointed to the fact that the Third Mizukage—an old veteran as ancient as the history of the ninja world itself—was preparing to pass down his mantle to the Fourth Mizukage.
There was no other reason that could justify such a drastic change.
Everyone in the room had at least an inkling of this. No one voiced it out loud.
Rather, they welcomed the idea of a new Mizukage taking over as soon as possible.
...
The Third Mizukage studied Natsuhiko from the corner of his eye, a rare feeling stirring within him—curiosity.
He wanted to know what kind of father raised such a child.
The Karatachi clan had coddled Yagura endlessly, making him so... unrestrained?
The Third Mizukage still hadn't forgotten their first meeting—when Yagura had the audacity to tell him to "make way."
Now, it was clear. It wasn't just because the Karatachi clan spoiled the boy.
It was genetics.
Father and son—equally lacking in restraint.
Retracting his gaze, the Third Mizukage signaled for Jinin Akebino and the ANBU to step back.
"Everyone, the matter of the Chunin Exams is now settled."
With hands clasped on the table, the aged leader, his hair almost entirely devoid of its original color, spoke gravely.
"You are all pillars of Kirigakure, so I won't keep secrets from you."
"Deciding to participate in the joint Konoha-Sunagakure Chunin Exams was a bold and risky move on my part."
"Since the time of the First Mizukage, Byakuren, Kirigakure has maintained a policy of isolation due to our geographical separation from the mainland. Both Byakuren and the Second Mizukage agreed that remaining closed off would keep us from being entangled in continental conflicts while protecting our village's secrets."
"For decades, we have remained largely untouched by war. Even during the First Great Ninja War, despite the loss of the Second Mizukage, we suffered minimal damage. The Second Great Ninja War, sparked by Hanzō of the Salamander, barely affected us."
"I have been fortunate, and I am grateful for all of your efforts. We have safeguarded Byakuren's legacy and ensured Kirigakure will endure into the next generation."
Natsuhiko remained motionless, listening intently.
At that moment, he was the unspoken focal point of the room.
...
Tapping the hourglass on the table—a relic older than most in the room—the Third Mizukage turned it over and continued.
"I am pleased to see Kirigakure's young generation breaking conventions with such tenacity and talent."
"This Chunin Exam has showcased our strength to the mainland—to dignitaries, wealthy merchants, powerful aristocrats, and renowned clans alike."
Elder Genshi, seated at the Mizukage's immediate left, interjected at the perfect moment.
"Just yesterday, a client from the mainland submitted an A-rank mission through their connections in the Land of Water. Kurosuki Raiga and Munashi Jinpachi have already set out."
A wave of surprise rippled through the room.
An A-rank mission normally warranted no more than a team of Chunin, yet two members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had been dispatched.
Clearly, the Third Mizukage and Elder Genshi took this very seriously.
Everyone present, all influential figures within their respective clans, understood the underlying issue.
Kirigakure was struggling.
Low manpower. Financial constraints.
Elder Genshi's deeply furrowed brow spoke volumes about his exhaustion over the village's administrative and financial burdens.
If Kirigakure clung to its stagnant ways, it would only grow weaker.
Was the Third Mizukage planning to open up the village?
The Chunin Exams were merely the first step.
Now, everyone waited for the next move.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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