"The alliance agreement between Konoha and Kirigakure has been signed, and both parties are now in a friendly cooperative relationship. For the development of both sides, it is best for the Mizukage to return to Kirigakure."
[Under Tobirama's efforts, Kirigakure finally lowered its proud head and forged a solid alliance with Konoha.]
[New Mission: Escort the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, back to Kirigakure.]
Satoshi scratched his head. It was agreed that Yagura would only return to the village after Orochimaru and Obito were found.
Sending him back now, wouldn't it seem like a breach of trust?
After a brief moment of thought, he remembered something else. Their village seemed to have some good things. He left in a hurry last time and didn't have time to learn, so this time he could properly study them.
The escort mission was naturally given to Satoshi.
Hiruzen had originally wanted to send a Konoha Squad.
Who knew Satoshi would say that if he couldn't protect Yagura, then anyone else who came would just be sacrifices?
He would also have to carve a few more memorial stones, so it would be better to save the village some money.
Hiruzen almost choked to death.
Later, Satoshi still brought Tenzo along, he was useful.
Tenzo had a headache. The last time they went to Kirigakure, they beat up the Mizukage.
Now they were going again, and who knew what kind of trouble Satoshi would stir up?
On the way back to the Land of Water, Satoshi and Yagura sat on the deck, chatting.
Yagura looked at the gradually familiar shipping route and broke the silence. "Satoshi, how long have I been in Konoha?"
Satoshi asked, "What? Is Mizukage going to pay for food or rent?"
Yagura rubbed his face. Forget it, he shouldn't have expected to have a proper conversation with Satoshi.
The news of the Mizukage's return to the village reached the village in advance.
Yagura's loyal subordinates were overjoyed, as excited as if it were New Year's.
In contrast, the rogue ninjas lurking in the shadows were like sharks that smelled blood, sharpening their kunai and blades, looking for the perfect opportunity to assassinate this Mizukage.
Above the sea, over a dozen fast boats approached.
Satoshi said, "Yagura-sama, it seems your popularity is as bad as ever."
Yagura put on a pained expression. He knew these people were most likely doomed.
However, when they saw a white-haired figure on the ship, they didn't hesitate for a moment and turned around to flee.
Satoshi's reputation was already very great.
The Ninja World knew that Konoha had produced an Uchiha with white hair who was wickedly strong.
Some even secretly discussed whether he could reach the heights of Madara. For an Uchiha, this was the highest praise.
As they got closer to Kirigakure, Yagura's excitement grew.
During his time in Konoha, besides discussing cooperation matters, he also diligently studied knowledge and read many books.
Konoha Chronicles
From the First Hokage's Great Achievements to the Tragedy of Nine-Tails's Rampage
On the will of fire
Essence of First and Second Hokage's Thought
New Edition of the will of fire: Third Hokage's Exclusive Interpretation and Extension
Self-Cultivation of Konoha ninja
How to Become an Excellent Leader
And other works.
Yagura brought a few books back, wanting to study them with the elders.
Now he was eager to share this precious knowledge with them and to introduce the advanced concepts of the will of fire into the reforms of Kirigakure, adapting them to local conditions.
Similarly, the loyal subordinates of Kirigakure were also very excited.
The hostage is returning home—bah, the Mizukage is returning to the village.
As soon as the ship docked, they surrounded him.
"Mizukage-sama has finally returned. You must have suffered during this time."
"Konoha didn't make things difficult for you, did they?"
"The villagers miss you very much."
Of course, Yagura knew this was pure nonsense. It was more like the villagers wanted him dead.
After flattering the Mizukage, the shrewd individuals of Kirigakure also didn't forget to fawn over Satoshi.
Firstly, they and Konoha were now truly allied, and an envoy like Satoshi held a high status. Perhaps a single word from him could determine the Hokage's attitude towards Kirigakure.
Secondly, they still remembered how that little bastard had covered Yagura with explosive tags last time.
What if he repeated it? Could you endure that?
At such a time, it was up to the older ninjas to speak.
"Satoshi, thank you for personally escorting Mizukage-sama back to the village."
Satoshi waved his hand. "It's nothing. I'm just a bit hungry. Can I get some food?"
"Of course. Please follow me."
Satoshi swaggered into Kirigakure. This time, no short-sighted rogue ninja came to ambush him.
He sniffed, there was still a faint smell of blood in the air.
Tsk, now they really must be all dead.
If Kirigakure didn't have a transmigrator with the Multichild Multiblessing system, it would probably take them at least ten years to recover.
A lavish welcome banquet was held in the Mizukage Building's reception room.
During the banquet, the elders, led by Genji, went to great lengths to be hospitable.
The conversation revolved around thanking Konoha and subtly hinting at the current difficulties faced by Kirigakure.
They hoped that Satoshi, upon his return, would speak well of them to the Hokage and expedite bilateral trade.
Of course, if that didn't work, even a marriage alliance was an option. The village was quite safe now.
"Look at our Jonin Mei, she's excellent."
Mei glared fiercely at the table. She still wanted to tear Satoshi apart with her bare hands.
After exchanging pleasantries, Satoshi laid his cards on the table.
"According to our agreement, Kirigakure was supposed to capture Obito and Orochimaru before we returned the Mizukage."
"However, given our good relationship, Hokage-sama decided to send the Mizukage back early. This fully demonstrates our sincerity in cooperation."
Genji nodded. "We deeply feel Konoha's sincerity and are immensely grateful."
Satoshi smiled at the high-ranking officials of Kirigakure. "Since we have shown such great sincerity, can Kirigakure also do me a small favor?"
Upon hearing this, the ninjas, including the Mizukage, changed their expressions.
Oh no, this brat is going to cause trouble again.
They looked at Yagura.
Yagura coughed lightly. "Please speak. As long as it is within Kirigakure's capabilities, I will do my best."
"The secret scroll left by the Second Mizukage, Hōzuki Gengetsu, lend it to me to read. Just to read, not to take away."
As soon as Satoshi finished speaking, the air in the secret room seemed to instantly freeze. The Kirigakure ninjas present visibly paled.
If this were a ninja from a small country, they would have already swarmed him and chopped him to pieces.
Do they not know what the dignity of the Five Great Nations means?
But the person who had said this was an Uchiha.
Not to mention that behind him stood Konoha, who had forcibly abducted their Mizukage and made them sign an alliance.
They had to carefully weigh the pros and cons.
After dealing with Konoha for so many years, Kirigakure never seemed to have gained an advantage from the Uchiha.
Under the influence of various circumstances, some elders even brainwashed themselves.
Satoshi's strongest skill is Water Release. The Water Release secret techniques left by the Second Mizukage would naturally be very appealing to him, who is also skilled in Water Release.
So, his desire to see them is, uh, quite reasonable, isn't it?
Besides, Satoshi only said he wanted to look, not even borrow, let alone take them away.
Didn't that give Kirigakure enough respect and preserve their last shred of dignity?
If we really tore off all pretense, and he wanted to snatch them, all of us combined wouldn't be enough to fight him.
Let's face reality.
However...
They still wanted to struggle a bit and see if they could get some benefits.
This arduous task, requiring sufficient gravitas and acting skills, naturally fell on the shoulders of Genji, who held the highest position and had the most experience.