Suddenly, Kuroshima Morita's voice rang in Mizuki Ryosuke's ear.
"Ryosuke, everyone is waiting. Let's get together with everyone."
"What do you think?"
As he spoke, Kuroshima Morita placed a hand on Ryosuke's shoulder. However, the once-familiar weight was now far lighter, a subtle reflection of their shifting dynamics. Gone was the rough, unrestrained camaraderie—replaced instead by a tone of negotiation, of measured restraint.
This invitation was something Ryosuke had anticipated. After all, Morita's faction had moved quickly in securing support, and forging closer ties with the leading candidate was a natural step.
"Captain Morita, let's forget it this time."
"The village will arrange an assessment next. I need to prepare first."
"If you want to get together, it's not too late to talk about it later."
With that, Mizuki Ryosuke offered a polite but firm refusal.
Kuroshima Morita grinned, his easygoing demeanor unchanged, though his sharp eyes flickered with understanding. He knew that Ryosuke had his own calculations to make. After exchanging a few more perfunctory words, Morita departed.
Now that everyone had left, Mizuki Ryosuke didn't linger. He turned to leave the Mizukage Building, but as he rounded a corner, he saw someone waiting.
A handsome face, pale as freshly fallen snow, framed by short, silver hair.
Ghost Lantern Mangetsu.
"I've been waiting for you, Mizuki Ryosuke."
Mangetsu's golden eyes gleamed with an intense light, his presence commanding yet unreadable.
Ryosuke's brows knitted slightly.
'Is he looking for a fight?'
Of course, Ryosuke wasn't afraid. He just wasn't in the mood for a pointless confrontation.
"What do you want, Ghost Lantern Jōnin?"
His voice was steady, his gaze unwavering.
Mangetsu smirked.
"Mizuki Ryosuke, we're both Mizukage candidates now."
"I acknowledge your strength. I acknowledge you as my rival."
"I came here to make a bet."
Ryosuke's expression remained unreadable, but internally, he was taken aback.
'A bet?'
"The outcome of the Mizukage selection doesn't matter," Mangetsu continued.
"The loser should stand by the winner's side and help them stabilize the village."
"Do you dare to wager on it?"
Ryosuke raised an eyebrow.
For a moment, he misread the intensity in Mangetsu's eyes, recalling certain whispered rumors that the Ghost Lantern prodigy had little interest in women.
'Wait… don't tell me…'
His expression stiffened slightly, but Mangetsu, oblivious to the misunderstanding, continued.
"I want you to be my chief Anbu commander after I become Mizukage."
His tone was matter-of-fact, his confidence unshaken.
Hearing this, Ryosuke relaxed.
"You're that sure you'll win?"
Mangetsu laughed heartily.
"And if you lose?" Ryosuke pressed.
"Then it just means I lost to someone worthy."
The implication was clear—Mangetsu had already dismissed Mizuki Eiro from contention.
"How about it? Do you accept?"
Initially, Mizuki Ryosuke had intended to decline, but Mangetsu's sincerity changed his mind.
"Alright."
"It'd be rude to refuse."
He extended his hand.
Mangetsu grasped it firmly, his grip unwavering.
With a final nod, his form shimmered before melting into water, vanishing into the mist.
After leaving the Mizukage Building, Mizuki Ryosuke made his way to Kaguya Yuta's hidden stronghold.
He carried with him important news—
The village had officially restored the Kaguya Clan's rights.
Their previous rebellion had been fully pardoned, and Yuta along with several surviving clansmen were once again recognized as Mist shinobi.
Upon hearing this, Kaguya Yuta was visibly moved. His voice trembled with emotion as he repeatedly expressed his gratitude.
But Mizuki Ryosuke merely smiled, his tone indifferent.
"This was Third Mizukage's decision," he said simply. "If you want to thank someone, thank him."
But Yuta Kaguya was no fool.
Even in hiding, he had kept his ear to the ground. He knew that Third Mizukage Mizuki Taki was dead, and that this turnaround had only happened because Mizuki Ryosuke fought for it.
He also understood one absolute truth—
Ryosuke was now one of the strongest contenders for the Mizukage seat.
With resolve in his eyes, Kaguya Yuta stepped forward.
"My lord!"
"In the future, the Kaguya Clan will follow you!"
As his voice rang out, dozens of Kaguya warriors behind him knelt in unison, their postures firm, their eyes filled with conviction.
Yuta Kaguya had made his decision.
The Third Mizukage was gone, and in his place stood a new rising force—Mizuki Ryosuke.
Looking at the muscular, battle-hardened warriors before him, Ryosuke let out a small, amused sigh.
'It seems I won't be short on security from now on.'
With Kaguya warriors at his side, he had just gained a formidable force of enforcers.
After handling affairs with the Kaguya Clan, Mizuki Ryosuke finally headed home.
As he stepped into the Mizuki Clan compound, the air was thick with grief.
The once lively village center now stood eerily silent, shrouded in a somber atmosphere.
From behind closed doors, the quiet sound of mourning seeped through—a stark reminder of the war's heavy toll.
Many clansmen had fallen, and though the official village memorial would be conducted by the Fourth Mizukage, families had already begun holding private funerals.
Mizuki Ryosuke closed his eyes for a brief moment.
He had always kept his distance from the clan's internal affairs, choosing to remain low-key—but that didn't mean he was immune to their suffering.
A soft sigh escaped his lips.
He moved on, stepping further into the compound.
Then—
His eyes hardened.
A familiar presence was waiting for him.
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