The Mizukage's office fell into silence.
The Third Mizukage had quit smoking a long time ago.
But his mouth was dry, and after exhausting his mind all day, he found himself craving a cigarette for the first time in years.
A perfect Jinchuriki—was such a thing truly replicable?
The Third Mizukage had always assumed that Yagura's ability to control a Tailed Beast's chakra stemmed purely from his innate talent.
But now, it seemed that might not be the case.
Still, the Mizukage had no intention of becoming a Jinchuriki himself, nor did he press Yagura for details on how one could "mass-produce" perfect Jinchuriki.
All that mattered were the results.
If Yagura could truly achieve this, then in the next great war, a fully controlled Jinchuriki would be far more valuable than any other strategy they had in place.
"Like the Three-Tails, the Six-Tails has been without a Jinchuriki for some time."
"We've found a suitable candidate for the Six-Tails, but he's still too young. The sealing process carries significant risks at his current age."
"Our research into sealing techniques has been slow. Compared to other villages, our ability to utilize Tailed Beasts has always been inefficient."
"I won't pry into how you control a Tailed Beast's chakra. But if you're confident that, when the time comes, the Six-Tails' Jinchuriki can undergo the sealing process safely, I want you to guide him."
There was no further mention of the plan to unleash a Tailed Beast on Konoha.
Which meant—for now—the Mizukage had set that plan aside.
Yagura was inwardly thrilled. He nodded eagerly. "Understood!"
The Third Mizukage studied Yagura's earnest expression and spoke again.
"Yagura, I know you're intelligent and naturally gifted as a shinobi."
After a pause, he added sincerely, "Had you been born a few years earlier, you would have been strong enough to defeat me and take this seat for yourself."
In Kirigakure, the Mizukage was always the strongest shinobi in the village.
The Third Mizukage truly believed that if Yagura fully mastered the Three-Tails' power, he would become the most formidable Mizukage yet.
That was why, just moments ago, he had jokingly referred to Yagura as the Fourth Mizukage. While the words carried some humor, his recognition of Yagura's potential was entirely genuine.
Yagura was stunned.
Given what he knew of the Third Mizukage, this came as a complete surprise. Because of his past conflicts with Gengetsu Hozuki, the Mizukage's seat had always been a taboo subject for him.
And now, he was openly acknowledging that Yagura could take that position?
Yagura was still young—his thoughts were written all over his face.
The Third Mizukage wasn't irritated by his reaction. He idly toyed with the hourglass on his desk and murmured, "I'm getting old."
In the shinobi world, where the average life expectancy barely reached thirty, the Third Mizukage had lived long enough.
He knew his own condition well—his body wouldn't last much longer.
Holding this position meant considering not only Kirigakure's present but also its future.
Yagura's expression shifted slightly. Unable to hold back, he asked,
"Is there really no one in the village stronger than you?"
"Heh. If there were, this old man would have been forced into retirement long ago."
How ironic.
He had enforced the Blood Mist policy to cultivate elite shinobi.
Yet after decades, Kirigakure's strongest fighters were still just the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Not a single one had emerged strong enough to stand alongside the Kage of other villages.
Despite his reluctance to admit it, the truth was undeniable—his Blood Mist policy had failed.
He had been meant to succeed the Second Mizukage, but Gengetsu Hozuki had defeated him and seized the position instead. That loss had left him obsessed with the title of Mizukage.
He despised the Hozuki clan and the other noble families who possessed powerful bloodline limits, born superior to ordinary shinobi.
After taking power, he suppressed the noble clans and elevated common-born shinobi instead.
Now, six of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen hailed from civilian backgrounds.
Kirigakure lacked the funds to sustain a large standing army, and his radical enforcement of the Blood Mist policy had aligned with the village's economic constraints. It had also earned Kirigakure a fearsome reputation.
But while the outside world feared the "Bloody Mist," within the village, the truth was clear to its leadership: Kirigakure was weakening year by year.
Declining revenues, a shrinking shinobi force, dwindling population—his vision of an elite force had never materialized.
It had become a vicious cycle.
Rather than growing stronger, Kirigakure was only growing poorer and weaker.
Day by day, as the village's decline played out before his eyes, his conviction wavered.
He had clung to this position for so long that he now stood at the edge of death's door, yet Kirigakure remained the same.
Doubt crept in.
Was he truly suited for this position?
Had his policies been the right choice?
His Blood Mist policy had exacted a heavy toll, claiming countless lives in internal strife—yet Kirigakure remained on the same level as Sunagakure, struggling to compete even with Iwagakure, let alone dream of catching up to Konoha.
That was why, when the Third Tsuchikage reached out, he had chosen to quietly prepare for the Third Shinobi World War.
If Kirigakure did not prove its strength through war, the village's future would be grim—and he himself would die a disgraced Mizukage.
That was something he would never accept.
...
"Here, Yagura, have some water."
The elder advisor, Genshi, pushed a disposable cup filled with water toward Yagura.
Yagura reached out and took it. "Oh—thank you, Elder."
"You too, Lord Mizukage. Have some water."
The Third Mizukage snapped out of his thoughts and nodded. "Thank you."
"Hahaha, no need for thanks."
Genshi sat back, seemingly unbothered by the world, and returned to his work.
The Mizukage took a shallow sip of water, his gaze falling once more on Yagura. There was both regret and relief in his heart.
At last, he had found a worthy successor.
If he could train this boy properly and ensure a smooth transition of power, then half of his duty as Mizukage would be complete.
Perhaps then, when he finally passed on, he could face Lord Byakuren with some semblance of dignity.
(First Mizukage, Byakuren.)
Though Yagura was a Karatachi…
At least he was only a Karatachi…
...
Sensing the slight shift in the Mizukage's demeanor, Yagura quietly sipped his water, reassessing the man before him.
Most of his knowledge of the Third Mizukage had come from the Blood Mist policy and from Gengetsu Hozuki's bitter criticisms.
But now, speaking with him directly, Yagura could see that—despite everything—the Mizukage's actions had always been for the village.
It seemed that way, at least.
"Lord Mizukage, why did you implement the Blood Mist policy?"
"…You're still young. One day, you'll understand."
Yagura pressed further. "How do you know I won't understand if you don't tell me?"
The Mizukage studied him for a long moment, then asked,
"When you become the Fourth Mizukage, will you abolish the Blood Mist policy?"
Yagura's answer was firm.
"Of course!"
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
Read more than +100 chapters and support me on Patreon
Patreon(.)com/Jixo