Chapter 6: Chapter 6 - An Eventful Night - Part 1
Land of Water
Mizukage Office
The aged, gray-haired third Mizukage Hakuren listened to his subordinate's report in solemn.
Several minutes after the report ended, Hakuren stroked his temple to massage his tired eyes after days of sleeplessness.
"So you're telling me that we lost a quarter of our men including many of the village's Elite Jonin and what we got in return was…a few unidentified sealing techniques? Not even one live Uzumaki clansman?"
The kneeling Anbu member couldn't but feel cold sweat run down his neck upon hearing the question, unsure of how to answer.
"Y-yes, Mizukage-sama."
Hakuren sighed before continuing, "What about Kumogakure? What's the damage report?"
"News from the frontline said that the Kumogakure forces leading the invasion on Uzushiogakure were nearly wiped out and only a few members escaped, as for whether they were able to obtain any sealing techniques, it's uncertain at this time."
"Nearly wiped out? Okay then."
Hakuren suddenly felt a lot more balanced hearing of his rival's misfortunes.
Leaning back in his chair and thinking deeply about what to do next, Hakuren felt the weight of the passing years on his shoulders.
"Call a meeting."
"Yes, Mizukage-sama!"
The Anbu member disappeared from sight upon hearing the order.
Hakuren stood up and looked outside his office window to the moonlit Kirigakure village.
"Not yet, it's not time yet. Konoha is still too strong, and the losses this time are too severe. However, in time, the ruined Land of Whirlpool will become our important nail in Konoha's defenses."
Hakuren, as the guard of the first Mizukage always thought his life would be set with glory. However, unlike his contemporaries, he lost in the Kage election for the second Kage in his village. If it were not for Hozuki Gengetsu's untimely death in the First Ninja World War, he would not be sitting in his current seat now.
28 years have passed since he took this position, and he can be considered an elder in the ninja world at almost 60 years old. He did his best to restore Kirigakure to its current position today after the disastrous losses in the First Ninja World War, but decades of peace left him with no chances to win glory in his name.
Now, with Konoha's allies destroyed, the Land of Whirlpools as a relay point to attack the mainland, and the potential for a controlled tailed-beast on the battlefield, Hakuren hungers for an opportunity. An opportunity to make his name resound throughout history.
Hakuren clenched his wrinkled fist, the years have not been kind to him.
"Not yet. I only have one opportunity, and I must make it count."
As Hakuren stood, lost in his thoughts, a knock came from his office door.
"Enter."
The door opened, and the previous Anbu member returned.
"Mizukage-sama, they're ready for you."
Hakuren turned around and nodded.
"Then let's go."
After a few short moments of walking in the Mizukage building, Hakuren arrived at the conference room.
Upon entering, he could see several of the elders sitting in the room waiting for him, as well as the various clan patriarchs of Kirigakure.
Seeing the Mizukage entering, everyone stood up to show respect to the current reigning Mizukage, whether or not they meant it in their hearts, only they themselves knew.
"Mizukage-sama."
The elder and advisor Genji, 50 years old, was the first to show his respect for Hakuren.
Hakuren nodded in satisfaction at Genji's respect, and his gaze scanned the current members in the room.
The patriarch of the Hozuki clan, the Yuki clan, the Hoshigaki clan, the Funato clan, the Karatachi clan, and finally the Kaguya clan were all present. Alongside them were representatives of smaller families and a few remaining Elite Jonin in the village.
Hakuren arrived at his seat and sat down, putting down his Mizukage hat. Seeing this action, many of the clan patriarchs all intentionally or unintentionally cast a glance toward the hat, but they quickly restrained their gaze.
Of course, Hakuren knew what they meant in their heart, but until he won glory for himself he would never step down. This has been the current stalemate in the village for many years.
"Everyone, I'm sure you've read the reports. Let me know your thoughts," Hakuren asked the room.
To this question, many clan patriarchs have a slightly ugly look on their faces. The damage report this time was considerable and the main forces of this operation were more or less members of the big clans.
The contemporary Kaguya patriarch, Kaguya Kinryu, was the first to speak.
"What's more is there to say? I lost my brother, Arimoto, an important elder in the family to this operation and all we got in return was a condolence letter filled with empty promises. Mizukage-sama, I don't know what you mean by this?"
Kaguya Kinryu, a known belligerent in Kirigakure, did not shy away from an opportunity to question the third Mizukage Hakuren for the operation's failure.
The other patriarchs all kept silent, more or less agreeing in their hearts, although they would not display it so blatantly.
Hakuren huffed in dissatisfaction but did not explode in anger. This was not the first time he had to deal with the war-addicted Kaguya members.
"The operation was successful due to the sacrifice of loyal members of Kirigakure Village like your brother, Kinryu. We now have a relay point where we can build a base of operation to attack the Land of Fire. Everyone's contribution will be recorded and rewards will be sent out accordingly."
"Haha, is that right? And when exactly do you plan to commence said attack, Mizukage-sama? I seem to recall many times in this very room you mentioned that the next election would be based on contributions to the upcoming war. Perhaps Mizukage-sama, the years have not been as kind to you as it appears and it slipped your memory."
Kaguya Kinryu stared at the Mizukage hat on the table as he said his provocative words. To this, the other patriarchs did not agree or disagree but try as they might, their gaze could not help but also fall on the Mizukage hat.
Hakuren slapped his hand on the table and said, "Hmph! I have never gone back on my word. The one who makes the most contribution in the war against Konoha will become my successor and the Fourth Mizukage."
Hearing this clear promise in front of all of the village decision-makers, Kaguya Kinryu smiled broadly and then did not provoke further.
Seeing the gloomy atmosphere in the room, derailed by Kaguya Kinryu's repeated provocations, elder Genji decided to speak up at this time to be a mediator.
"Now now, everyone. This is not the time to question Mizukage-sama's intentions. We have all discussed the plan going into this operation before and we knew the risks. Now, our priority should be building the Land of Whirlpools' detachment base, replenishing our troops, and stocking up supplies for the war."
Everyone nodded upon hearing Genji's words. As greedy as they are for the position of Mizukage, no one would be foolish enough to force Hakuren's hand, someone who has been in power for decades and has deep roots within the village.
It's a tacit understanding among the clans that the next great ninja war would be the stage to determine the next Mizukage, considering Hakuren's age.
Then, discussions started regarding the building of the base and plans to recruit more civilians to the ninja school.
Hakuren smiled with gratitude toward Genji. As a well-known man who rose in the First Ninja World War like Hakuren, Genji commands much respect and considerable power in the village. Genji has always been a supporter of the Mizukage, regardless of who sat in its seat. This made him someone who everyone wants to win over.
Hakuren sat by and listened to the discussion, his mind drifting toward the distant fertile land in the west, and greed flashed in his eyes.
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