"You all will be quite busy in the coming days."
Elder Genshi smiled as he addressed the gathered shinobi.
"Thanks to the outstanding performance of our young ones during the Chunin Exams, Kirigakure should start receiving more missions from abroad. From now on, our village will be shifting its focus toward foreign assignments."
The Land of Water had a rather frustrating issue—Kirigakure was forbidden from interfering in the country's government affairs.
Many A-rank and S-rank missions were tied to national or village secrets, which meant that despite primarily taking on missions from the Land of Water, Kirigakure wasn't entrusted with the high-paying S- and A-rank assignments.
In the past, due to the village's isolationist policies, this restriction had been an insurmountable hurdle. But now, Elder Genshi was seizing the opportunity to expand Kirigakure's influence abroad.
The Third Mizukage nodded in agreement.
"I'll make the arrangements. All ongoing missions assigned to the clan elites and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen should be put on hold for now."
Karatachi Natsuhiko wasn't the only one being recalled because of his exceptional son.
Many seasoned jonin like Natsuhiko, who were frequently deployed on long-term missions, were among the first batch being called back. Their new priority would be expanding Kirigakure's presence in foreign lands.
Besides, the majority of missions within the Land of Water were B-rank or lower, which could be handled by chunin and genin.
With the Third Mizukage and Elder Genshi working in perfect sync, the decision was swiftly finalized.
The clan representatives all nodded in agreement.
Reuniting with their families while reducing the Mizukage's direct oversight of their strongest warriors? No one had any objections.
And there was money to be made. No one would say no to that.
With that, the first phase of the expansion plan was smoothly approved.
The Mizukage and Elder Genshi continued discussing minor details with the clan leaders, seeking their input on issues like gradually lifting isolationist policies while reinforcing intelligence security.
Finally, the first draft of the foreign expansion policy was set in motion.
"I appreciate all of you taking the time to attend this meeting today."
A rare smile graced Elder Genshi's face as he looked at both the Mizukage and the clan heads, pleased to see them working together for once.
"I will have my people compile today's discussion into a formal document and send a copy to each of your estates. If you have any further suggestions, feel free to reach out to me."
The head of the Hozuki clan, Suika, responded with a polite smile. "Elder Genshi, you're too kind. I have full confidence in you."
And it wasn't mere flattery.
For over a decade, Elder Genshi had wielded significant political power in Kirigakure without letting things spiral into chaos. His governance skills were evident to all.
Everyone present understood just how difficult running Kirigakure was.
"If there's nothing else, you are all dismissed."
The sand in the hourglass had run dry.
The Third Mizukage stretched his hands out casually, smiling.
"We will likely have more of these meetings in the future. I'll make sure we have some fine tea ready, so don't hesitate to come back."
Clearly, this was just the first of many such discussions to come.
Karatachi Natsuhiko glanced at the various clan heads, all of whom were lost in thought, and chuckled.
"Of course, Mizukage-sama. We're all doing our part for Kirigakure."
The other representatives echoed his sentiment before taking their leave.
Once they had all exited, shutting the door behind them, only two figures remained in the Mizukage's office.
But this time, the two old comrades no longer seemed quite so alone.
Elder Genshi glanced down at his notes, his wrinkled face relaxing into a satisfied smile.
"This is a good first step, Mizukage."
The Third Mizukage responded with a noncommittal "Mm," his tone unreadable.
But Elder Genshi understood him.
His old friend was still reluctant to cooperate with the Bloodline Limit clans. Stubborn as ever.
Ah, well. Let him wrestle with his own biases.
Elder Genshi had work to do.
He rose, supporting himself with his cane, and stretched his stiff back.
"Mizukage, I'll be off to handle my tasks."
The Third Mizukage frowned. "You should rest. You've done enough for today."
"No need, haha!"
Elder Genshi laughed heartily, his steps surprisingly light for his age.
"The kids did such a brilliant job—I can't afford to slack off now, can I?"
A backhanded jab.
The Mizukage chuckled, shaking his head as he watched his old friend leave.
The door closed softly behind him.
And with that, the Mizukage turned his attention back to his paperwork, letting himself be consumed by work.
...
Meanwhile, at the Karatachi estate—
Knowing that Yagura would be returning today, Karatachi Grandpa had kicked his own son out to attend the Mizukage's meeting and had even invited the Hozuki clan head over for tea.
A perfect excuse to act like a doting parent to someone else's child.
Yagura's mother had woken up early to prepare a feast, going all out with the cooking.
But by the time afternoon rolled around, Yagura was still nowhere to be seen.
Something wasn't right.
Even his teammate Mukumo had already returned home.
After making some inquiries—
Oh.
Turns out, someone had spotted Yagura heading toward the Hozuki estate.
Clearly, the first thing he did upon returning wasn't to go home—it was to find Mangetsu.
The Hozuki clan head muttered, "…Well then."
Damn. His son had been stolen.
...
At the Hozuki estate—
"Ah-choo!"
Yagura sneezed, rubbing his nose as a strange chill ran down his spine.
"Oh dear," Mangetsu smirked, his eyes glinting mischievously. "Winter flu season, huh? You sure you're not catching something?"
"Tch. You think I'm weak?" Yagura scoffed. "Don't project your own weaknesses onto me."
"Excuse me? Weak?"
Mangetsu downed his third glass of water. Ringo Ameyuri had already left an hour ago, and as he poured himself a fourth, he suddenly realized—
"Wait a second. Yagura, why didn't you go home first? Shouldn't you have checked in with your family?"
Yagura grinned. "Oh, that's easy. Wanna guess?"
Mangetsu narrowed his eyes. "No."
Yagura exaggerated a sigh. "What a shame. It's such an easy answer."
That piqued Mangetsu's curiosity.
After a moment of contemplation, he gave up.
"Fine. What is it?"
Yagura smirked. "Because I wanted to see you first."
!
Mangetsu sat up straight, his face instantly turning red.
Avoiding Yagura's gaze, he stammered, "W-What the hell?! Why would you say something so embarrassing?!"
Yagura tilted his head. "So you don't like it?"
Mangetsu blurted out, "I didn't say that!"
"Oh? Then you do like it?"
Smoke practically poured out of Mangetsu's ears.
Boom. Critical hit.
Suki. (Sunk.)
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
+100 chapters and support me on Patreon(.)com/Jixo