Daimyo's Mansion of the Land of Water, a place named Tensho.
It is similar to the Land of Fire, a crucial meeting place for the country.
The Daimyo of the Land of Water, along with the country's key personnel, gather here to discuss major matters concerning the interests of the Land of Water.
The visitor to the Daimyo of the Land of Water and the key personnel from various prestigious families is Karatachi Yagura, the newly appointed Fourth Mizukage of the Hidden Mist Village.
Yagura did not obtain the position of Mizukage through orthodox methods. Although intelligence offered only brief descriptions, those like the Daimyo who had already infiltrated the inner workings of the Hidden Mist understood well the means by which Yagura subdued the voices within the village to become the Fourth Mizukage.
The meeting lasted only half an hour before Yagura walked out from the Daimyo's Mansion.
Yagura coming out so quickly surprised Terumi Mei, who had been waiting outside the mansion.
"Lord Mizukage, did the negotiations conclude so swiftly?"
Since Yagura became the Fourth Mizukage with the support of the Elder Master and the approval of more than half of the high-level officials, Terumi Mei naturally changed the way she addressed him.
Along with her, there were four squads of Anbu, a total of sixteen guards, accompanying Yagura this time.
"No matter how long the negotiations, it's just a waste of time. Although these people irritate me, it's not yet the time to completely fall out with them."
Yagura replied.
"What about the funding?"
Terumi Mei was more concerned about the funding issue than the Daimyo's attitude.
With most of the Hidden Mist Village needing reconstruction, without the financial support of the Daimyo of the Land of Water and other nobles, it would be impossible for the Hidden Mist Village to restore the damaged structures on its own.
Moreover, the compensation payments also represented a large expenditure.
"Rest assured, they are even more unwilling than I am to let such things leak out, so consider it a hush money. They need two days to gather the restoration budget for the Hidden Mist, and it can be delivered to the Hidden Mist in three days."
Yagura nodded, having mostly achieved the purpose of the visit.
"It seems we must maintain this delicate balance for quite a while."
"Therefore, making the village financially independent as quickly as possible is the primary task after restoring the village."
The traditional mission model isn't sufficient for a Ninja Village to prosper.
Just look at Konoha; the funds acquired through mission rewards put them significantly ahead of other Ninja Villages.
Even so, Konoha also relies on the Daimyo and nobles of the Land of Fire to secure sufficient funding to develop the village's strength.
The annual budget for a Ninja Village, even just for maintenance, is astronomical, let alone developing strength, for which money is essential.
Konoha's continuous lead over other Ninja Villages is also significantly due to the funding from the Daimyo and nobles of the Land of Fire.
The cooperative model of Konoha and the Land of Fire is progressing in a healthy direction compared to the Hidden Mist and the Land of Water.
However, with trust between the Hidden Mist, the Daimyo, and the nobles of the Land of Water collapsing, the Hidden Mist can only seek other avenues for development and growth, not tethering themselves solely to the Land of Water.
"Achieving this is quite troublesome."
Ninjas spend substantial time honing their skills; making money is something for merchants to pursue.
"Once the funding is approved, I will secretly invest part of the funds into industries in the Land of Demons. Some people will go to the Land of Demons to learn commerce and how to govern a country. I am very interested in the military, political, and economic integrated national system Chiba Hakushi talked about."
Although a brief mention, Yagura's statement completely revealed his ambition; he would not remain stagnant.
"It seems Lord Mizukage, you have made up your mind."
As Yagura's confidant, and one of the few members around Yagura who could liaise with the Land of Demons, Terumi Mei was aware of some situations in the Land of Demons.
"The Hidden Mist has no other path. I initially didn't want to do so, but if they dare to try once, they'll do it a second, third time... I don't like leaving troubles for later generations to solve. Anyway, sooner or later, we will break with them; might as well start with my generation."
"Understood, I will take charge of overseeing personnel at the Land of Demons in that case."
Terumi Mei volunteered eagerly.
"No, I will send some unfamiliar faces, those who usually attract no attention, over—it would be less suspicious. You are an outstanding ninja in the village, going to the Land of Demons could easily leave a handle, exposing something. Moreover, there's another important task I need you to accomplish."
Yagura shook his head, declining Terumi Mei's proposal to go to the Land of Demons.
"What important task?"
"I have already recommended you to the Elder Master. He will conduct comprehensive training as one of the candidates for the Fifth Mizukage."
Terumi Mei felt incredulous; the village engaging in Fifth Mizukage matters so soon, even stranger than being inexplicably made a candidate for the Fifth Mizukage... seemed too hasty.
Bear in mind that Yagura, as the Fourth Mizukage, was not yet thirty; the Mizukage position could potentially be held for another twenty to thirty years.
Typically, the selection of the next generation, even candidate selection meetings, occur only a few years before the predecessor's retirement.
Yet Yagura's retirement still lies far off.
"I cannot remain long in the Mizukage position."