"Teacher Mikoto, what exactly were the reforms in the Federation recently? We passed the Chunin Exams, but it seems we still can't become Chunin?"
On the road to Amegakure, Nakamura Yoko asked Uchiha Mikoto. Some time ago, the Sand Federation redefined ninja ranks. Even though the village announced the Chunin Exams, graduates of the Ninja Academy who passed were still placed in a probationary period.
"Because a Chunin in the Federation already has significant authority, Yoko-chan," Mikoto said gently. "To become one, you must pass evaluations from three different departments in the Federation and achieve satisfactory scores. The only exception is if you join the Ninja Corps—then strength and obedience alone are enough."
"Not just you— even I'm still studying. If I don't quickly learn the Federation's governing system and improve my abilities, even higher-ranking officials can be replaced."
Her words struck Sasuke, Yoko, and Imai Miwa hard, heightening their sense of urgency.
The Federation still lacked manpower. Many posts were vacant, and while locals could temporarily manage, assassins alone could not be entrusted with administration.
High-ranking officials needed knowledge of governance and administration. Uchiha Tekka, for example, worked tirelessly to stabilize the Police Force through constant study.
Mikoto's own squad was simpler, focusing only on protecting the Federation capital.
"So the competition ahead is that intense? I thought things would get easier after leaving school," Yoko muttered nervously. Advancement sounded far harder than the Ninja Academy's struggles, though benefits were greater.
"Of course. Unlike other villages that only manage one settlement, the Federation governs the largest and wealthiest nation in the ninja world," Mikoto explained with a smile. Her words gave Yoko and Miwa a sense of pride. Federation civilians now took pride in their homeland. In both land and wealth, even the Land of Fire lagged behind the Sand Federation.
"All right, focus on the mission ahead. The Land of Rain may have an agreement with the Federation, but it is still another country."
Mikoto then briefed Sasuke and the others on their task. Once finished, she planned to help them improve before the next Chunin Exams. Time was tight.
After the Chunin Exam news spread, the Five Kage agreed to meet in the Land of Hot Water.
But before the summit, troubles in Kirigakure weighed heavily on Terumi Mei.
After Genji discovered the Fourth Mizukage's odd behavior, Mei led the Hidden Mist to overthrow the controlled Yagura, ending the Bloody Mist policy.
Yet the Land of Water's daimyo and nobles soon clashed with a trade guild from the Land of Waves over profits.
They turned to Kirigakure for help. Though an elite assassination squad resolved the matter, accusations arose that the village had cheated them of payment. This eroded trust between the daimyo and Kirigakure.
If not for the Four Nations Alliance, relations might have deteriorated into bloodshed.
From that incident, Mei realized the true threat of the Kado Shipping Company.
With its monopoly at sea, both Kirigakure and the Land of Water suffered material shortages.
Old shipping merchants were driven out by Kado's cheap rates, efficiency, and even land transport. Merchants in the Land of Water abandoned their own fleets to rely on Kado, paying a small fee to have goods delivered directly.
At first, it seemed sweet, but beneath the sugar lay poison.
Once Kado cut shipping routes, their businesses collapsed.
Large vessels had been sold to Kado, and many shipwrights had been lured away. Building new freighters was impossible in the short term. Without shipping, trade was paralyzed.
Thus the daimyo and nobles demanded Kirigakure resolve it—by seizing ships through force or negotiating terms.
"Fifth Mizukage-sama, another shop closed today. At this rate, villagers may soon lack even basic supplies."
A Mist ANBU reported, kneeling before Mei. Normally, civilian affairs fell outside ANBU's scope, but now even a shop closing required the Mizukage's attention.
Mei massaged her temples and asked softly, "How many shops still supply essentials?"
"Only three remain. According to our investigation, all are tied to Kado Shipping. Two days ago, they delivered a batch of goods, but with current panic buying…" The ANBU trailed off.
"Genji, what do you think? Should we attack the Land of Waves immediately?"
Mei had considered it. But Kado's forces were strong: dozens of shinobi, hundreds of samurai, and large freighters armed with cannons. Even sailors carried firearms.
Only Chunin-level ninja capable of Shunshin could reliably face gunfire. To win, Kirigakure would need to send at least a hundred shinobi.
"Let's negotiate first, Mizukage-sama. They're still supplying us, so they must want something. If talks succeed, it's best."
Genji's aged voice trembled. He had planned to retire once Mei stabilized her rule, but this crisis forced him to persist.
"Still, we need a backup plan. Summon Yutaka. If he can attempt to control a Tailed Beast, we'll gain deterrence."
"I understand. I'll have ANBU handle Yutaka. As for Kado Shipping, before the Five Kage Summit, I'll meet them myself."
Mei took a deep breath, placed the Mizukage hat on her head, and prepared to leave the village.
"Genji, I leave Kirigakure to you."
He sighed. "I will do my best." But aside from raiding, the old man couldn't conjure supplies out of nothing.
Kado was cunning, sending only small shipments each time. If robbed once, they would cut supplies entirely.
"Have ninja carry sealing scrolls to buy supplies in the Land of Fire or Land of Lightning."
It was only a temporary fix. The entire Land of Water lacked goods, and Kirigakure couldn't supply an entire nation with limited scrolls.
Mei departed early, knowing negotiations would not be easy.
The Land of Water, an archipelago, relied heavily on fishing and marine industries. With Kado's stranglehold, it was as though a dagger pressed against its throat. Meanwhile, the Sand Federation, after annexing the Land of Tea, was building a naval force and reaching toward Rainbow Country.
This was another reason Mei supported the Four Nations Alliance.
She traveled with Ao, Chojuro, and six ANBU—sufficient protection.
"Mizukage-sama, I doubt Kado will agree to talks. They must have a bigger scheme," Ao warned. He knew the company well. Last time, he arranged the assassination attempt, and after the payment scandal, he had interrogated the operatives himself.
Kado had once lost money to monopolize shipping. Now that they had achieved it, they would never let go.
"War is the last resort, Ao. If we can't resolve this, Kirigakure will lose face before the alliance," Mei said calmly. Fighting a mere company before a summit would invite ridicule from other nations—and rebuke from the daimyo.
"We've arrived, Mizukage-sama."
As they neared the Land of Waves, a patrol boat approached. Only ships bearing the nation's flag could pass freely; strangers were interrogated.
"We are from Kirigakure. This is the Fifth Mizukage. We request an audience with Lord Kado for negotiations."
Ao called out. Seeing Mei's Mizukage hat, the patrol relayed the message via radio and, after receiving orders, allowed them through to await reception.
"Incredible… even the daimyo of the Land of Waves must bow to Kado. They're like an unofficial daimyo themselves," Ao muttered.
Mei silently agreed. If only Kirigakure wielded such authority, she would no longer need to bow to the daimyo or the foolish nobles of the Land of Water.
(End of Chapter)