Chapter 30: The Witch Tsunade
This is an extra Chapter. Thank you all for your enthusiastic support!
Jinghang wiped the sweat off his forehead, muttering, "Your Mizukage really has it tough, huh?" His gaze instinctively shifted to Chiyo, who was seated nearby, and Pakura, who stood by attentively. Both women exchanged bewildered looks, their faces mirroring disbelief.
The young man in front of them, with his baby-faced demeanor and slightly awkward posture, might have seemed harmless at first glance. However, Jinghang knew better than to underestimate him. This was none other than Yagura Karatachi, a formidable warrior and a commendable soul willing to sacrifice himself for his village. As the future Fourth Mizukage, his strength was beyond question. His Coral Palm technique alone had given even someone as overpowered as Naruto Uzumaki a hard time. Moreover, he voluntarily became a Jinchūriki, successfully controlling the Three-Tails and achieving the status of a perfect host. Such feats spoke volumes about his capabilities. Unfortunately, he eventually fell victim to Obito Uchiha's genjutsu, becoming a puppet and ushering in the brutal "Bloody Mist" era in Kirigakure.
This time, however, Yagura's visit was neither to wage war nor to negotiate peace. He came to deliver a warning. After the failed assassination attempt by the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Fuguki Suikazan and his faction of warmongers were attempting to provoke another conflict. They had rallied a group of rogue ninjas and mercenaries, planning a surprise attack on Sunagakure. Through his own channels, the Mizukage had uncovered this information and, in a bold move, decided to sell out Fuguki to the Sand Village. Such decisiveness was truly remarkable.
"The Mizukage indeed faces many challenges. He greatly values the friendship between Sunagakure and Kirigakure, but given the differing political systems of our villages, he is unable to prevent the actions of these rogue ninjas. Thus, he has entrusted me to come to Sunagakure and communicate directly. The Mizukage hopes the Kazekage will understand." Yagura Karatachi bowed deeply to Jinghang, his actions exuding humility and sincerity.
Jinghang raised his hand slightly, gesturing for Yagura to rise. However, his mind was racing, quickly piecing together the situation. The Third Mizukage was indeed a shrewd strategist. Constantly plagued by domestic opposition, he had intercepted intelligence about this cross-border attack but chose neither to oppose nor to publicize it. Instead, he handed the information directly to Sunagakure, effectively allowing the Sand Village to eliminate his adversaries for him while also earning goodwill from the Kazekage. All without mobilizing a single soldier—truly a masterstroke.
"Even the finest jade may have slight flaws; even the tallest tree may bear a few yellowed leaves. Please convey to the Mizukage that he need not trouble himself too much over this matter. On behalf of Sunagakure, I accept this gesture of friendship. I also hope that such incidents will not occur again. After all, there is no deep-seated enmity between our villages," Jinghang replied with a measured tone, his meaning clear: "Alright, I'll handle this for you. Friendship is possible, but you need to keep your house in order and stop causing trouble."
"The Kazekage is truly wise. Should you ever have the opportunity to visit Kirigakure, the Mizukage will surely offer you a warm welcome," Yagura responded courteously.
"Of course, of course." Visit Kirigakure? No, thank you. That would be like walking into an asylum full of lunatics. Not happening—not before the Fifth Mizukage, at least.
After seeing Yagura Karatachi off, Jinghang stayed behind with Chiyo, instructing Pakura to prepare two cups of tea.
"When you assign personnel later, make sure to call for Might Dai from the Leaf Village ninja academy."