Yagura sighed.
There were many supporters in the village, but also many who were dissatisfied.
Because the way he ascended to the position of Fourth Mizukage was too unusual, leading to clearly divided voices of support and opposition.
Even internationally, many people criticized the manner in which he became the Mizukage, likening it to a terrorist who disrupts a country, hoping that the Land of Water would impose sanctions.
After all, since the establishment of the one-country-one-village system, he was the only Ninja to gain the title of 'Five Kage' through unconventional means, in the form of a coup.
Facing some people's verbal criticism, which made a big deal out of this matter, Yagura wasn't surprised at all.
"The rumors in the village…"
"They are not all rumors. I am very clear about the consequences of what I've done. Stepping down early is actually a form of protection for me. But before that, the Hidden Mist must complete its foundational transformation. I will do my utmost to help you perfect the prior work... of course, the premise is that you can become the Fifth Mizukage."
At the moment, within the Hidden Mist, Yagura hasn't found anyone in the same age group who could surpass Terumi Mei.
Strength is only one aspect of the evaluation. Connections, character, and leadership abilities are all within the scope of assessment.
But none now doesn't mean there won't be any in the future.
Among the tens of thousands of Ninjas in the Hidden Mist Village, the so-called talents are never in short supply.
So Yagura did not speak too definitively.
After dealing with things here, Yagura took his accompanying Anbu back to the Hidden Mist Village.
The defeat of the Blood Mist Faction was already certain. Even if some hide away or flee, Yagura wasn't worried that they could achieve anything significant.
These people have become stray dogs, sending the Anbu to eliminate them would suffice. The main focus at the current stage of the Hidden Mist is on restoration and development, fundamentally changing the development framework of the village, departing from the traditional one-country-one-village model.
But accomplishing this for the Hidden Mist, which relies on the Land of Water for development, is not something that can change with just a few words.
The Hidden Mist lacks proper institutions and professional talents needed for sustainable development. These require time to cultivate and introduce, and cannot be changed by just giving a few well-said speeches or conducting a lecture; the key is actual action.
After returning to the Hidden Mist, Yagura immediately received a letter from the Hidden Cloud Village of the Land of Lightning.
The content clearly questioned the Hidden Mist, with five hundred Hidden Cloud Village Ninjas collectively missing within the Land of Water's borders, and the Hidden Cloud wouldn't let it go, hoping the Hidden Mist would give an explanation.
"Truly speaking without thinking."
The letter did not mention a single word about collusion with Suikazan Fuguki, and why the five hundred Hidden Cloud Village Ninjas would be within the borders of the Land of Water, which was also an absurd 'friendly visit' as an excuse.
Dealing with the Hidden Cloud wasn't the first time; during the reign of the Third Mizukage, Yagura had represented the Hidden Mist in talks with official personnel from the Hidden Cloud more than once.
The Hidden Cloud used such an absurd reason to intervene in the Hidden Mist's internal conflict and to cover up the facts, which was also within Yagura's expectation.
If it were him, he would also choose to question this way, the villain complains first.
International affairs are complicated, and black and white are never absolute.
"Deliver this letter to the envoy of the Hidden Cloud, let their Raikage open it in person."
Yagura wrote a reply letter and had an Anbu pass it to the Hidden Cloud's envoy, completely ignoring or not having the time to deal with the questioning from the Hidden Cloud.
"Yes, Mizukage."
The Anbu accepts the order and leaves.
"You should also go report to the master as soon as possible, don't keep the old gentleman waiting too long."
After the Anbu left, Yagura said to Terumi Mei, who was standing beside him.
"But by doing this, the work in the Anbu cannot continue."
Terumi Mei regretted.
She had been in the Anbu for less than two years, and now having to leave made her quite reluctant.
"You don't need to worry about things here, you can come back anytime you want."
Although there is no shortage of young and capable Ninjas in the Hidden Mist Village, compared with a Dual Kekkeigenkai Ninja like Terumi Mei, most still have a significant gap.
However, negotiations on the master's side were not convenient for him to refuse.
Moreover, this kind of thing only has benefits and no drawbacks for Terumi Mei. As long as she can get the master's support and approval, Terumi Mei will definitely be the most powerful candidate for the Fifth Mizukage.
Allowing Terumi Mei, who can understand and agree with his way of doing things, to ascend to the position of Fifth Mizukage, just on this point, Yagura couldn't find a reason to refuse Terumi Mei the special training at the master's place.
"It seems we have no choice. Well then, I'll be going first, Mizukage."
She removed the mask from her face, revealing a very delicate and beautiful face, with a slight smile on Terumi Mei's face.
For the foreseeable future, she probably wouldn't be able to work under Yagura anymore.
After Terumi Mei left, the temporarily set-up office returned to its calm, leaving only Yagura to handle the documents.
Upon opening a certain document, the name of a Hidden Mist Ninja immediately caught Yagura's attention.
His fingers began to rhythmically tap on the tabletop, emitting clear sounds, while concentrating on his thoughts.
"Hoshigaki Kisame, huh… quite a usable individual."
◎
Boom!
Inside the office, a loud explosion came from the destroyed desk.
The Fourth Raikage shattered the desk in front of him with a punch, his face filled with fury.