Time passed swiftly.
On a clear morning in the Hidden Mist Village, warm sunlight poured down from above.
Its reflection danced across the surface of the sea, scattering shimmering light and making the entire village sparkle as if wrapped in silver mist.
Today, the streets of Kirigakure were filled with smiles.
Because today, the Hidden Mist Village would welcome a new Mizukage.
And this Mizukage was unprecedentedly powerful.
Ninja discussing matters along the streets wore relaxed, excited expressions. Even the civilians could feel the change in the air. The entire village was immersed in a rare atmosphere of celebration.
As time went on, the largest square in the village gradually filled.
Located near the Mizukage Building, the square overlooked the lake surrounding it. From every direction, Kirigakure ninja gathered—anyone not currently on a mission had rushed here without hesitation.
Members of various clans stood together, all gazing toward the Mizukage Building with anticipation.
On the rooftop.
Mei Terumī gently adjusted Shigure's collar. Behind her, Temari and Hinata exchanged soft smiles as they watched him.
"Are you ready?" Mei asked, looking directly at Shigure.
Dressed in brand-new ceremonial clothes and the Mizukage robe, Shigure seemed different today.
There was an indescribable presence about him—calm, composed, yet carrying a quiet weight.
Strictly speaking, he also looked far more striking than usual.
"Ready?" Shigure raised an eyebrow. "What else is there to prepare for?"
Mei gave a faint chuckle. After straightening his clothes one last time, she took the Mizukage hat from Hinata and placed it carefully on Shigure's head.
"Of course there is," she said softly. "From today onward, everything you do represents the Hidden Mist Village. Every decision you make will affect its future, its prosperity, and its survival."
She paused, then stepped closer to the edge of the building.
"And what you'll truly face," Mei continued, looking down, "are those countless pairs of hopeful eyes."
From here, she could already hear the cheers echoing faintly below.
"They're placing everything on you—their trust, their expectations. That kind of pressure is heavier than any battlefield."
Mei pressed her lips together and stepped aside, signaling for Shigure to go.
Shigure glanced at her, then reached up and adjusted the Mizukage hat.
"Pressure?" he said calmly. "Just a little. Why would I be afraid?"
With that, he turned and walked toward the edge of the Mizukage Building.
The instant Shigure appeared in full view—
A thunderous roar swept through the entire village.
Cheers erupted like crashing waves. Civilians and ninja alike raised their arms, shouting his name, their voices blending into one overwhelming sound.
Shigure looked down at the crowd and drew a deep breath.
So this is what it feels like.
The weight of countless gazes pressed down on him.
To be expected of… to be relied upon—this was indeed a heavy burden.
Slowly, Shigure raised his hand and removed the Mizukage hat.
His voice rang out, clear and steady.
"From today onward—"
"I am the Sixth Mizukage of the Hidden Mist Village!"
For a moment, there was silence.
Then—
"Lord Mizukage!"
"Lord Mizukage!"
The cheers surged even louder than before, shaking the air itself.
The inauguration ceremony itself was simple and dignified, without excessive formalities. Everything proceeded calmly.
However—
Not every corner of the ninja world shared this calm.
At the same time, in the Land of Wind.
Zabuza Momochi walked through a dense forest alongside Kisame Hoshigaki, with Mei and a small negotiation team of five or six people following behind.
Zabuza let out a low sigh.
"Today's the day Lord Shigure becomes Mizukage," he said. "And yet, we're stuck outside the village on a mission."
Kisame glanced sideways at him, a sharp-toothed grin forming.
"Don't tell me," he said, "you wanted to go back and attend the ceremony too?"
Zabuza let out a low laugh.
"Of course. I want to witness Lord Shigure's splendor as well."
"There will be another chance," Kisame replied calmly. "But right now… something feels wrong."
As soon as Kisame spoke, Zabuza's expression darkened.
"Do you feel it too?"
Mei opened her eyes and looked straight ahead.
"There's an unfamiliar chakra signature."
"Hmph." Kisame grinned slightly. "I noticed it as well. Looks like our enemies have finally shown themselves."
Behind them, the five members of the negotiation team grew tense.
Although they were all ninja, their strength barely reached the chūnin level. With three jōnin at the front, their role was little more than logistical support—they had no real combat power in a situation like this.
The five exchanged uneasy glances, not daring to speak.
Then—
Zabuza, Kisame, and Mei drew their weapons at the same time.
No warning. No hesitation.
That alone confirmed it—the enemy was already here.
Zabuza Momochi fixed his gaze on a large tree directly ahead.
Still trying to hide?
Without another word, he swung the Kubikiribōchō.
Slash!
A crescent of water chakra surged forward, slicing cleanly through the tree. The trunk split apart with a deafening crack as it collapsed to the ground.
At the same moment, a figure leaped out from within the foliage.
Zabuza's eyes narrowed—then widened slightly.
"So it's you."
The man landed lightly and straightened up.
"I didn't expect this either," he replied calmly. "To run into you again."
Hatake Kakashi looked up at Zabuza, his visible eye narrowing.
"That slash just now…"
Zabuza chuckled. "Familiar, isn't it?"
Familiar?
Of course it was. In fact, it couldn't have been more familiar.
"…Did Shigure teach you Water Breathing?" Kakashi asked.
Zabuza grinned broadly.
"That's right. And I'd say my talent with this swordsmanship isn't bad—I picked it up pretty quickly."
He tilted his head slightly.
"Come out already, Kakashi. There's no point hiding."
At his words, two more figures stepped forward from concealment.
Might Guy and Kurenai Yūhi revealed themselves.
Immediately after, Neji Hyūga, Rock Lee, and Tenten emerged as well, forming up behind them.
Kisame's grin widened.
"Three elite jōnin and a well-trained ninja squad. Looks like Konoha is serious about stopping us."
Despite his words, excitement was clearly written on his face.
Mei's gaze shifted to Might Guy.
"So this is Konoha's Blue Beast… To think they'd send out a monster like you."
Guy smiled brightly.
"My reputation is exaggerated. If anything, Kirigakure is the one fielding true heavyweights."
He glanced at Zabuza and Kisame.
"Three members of the new Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist… That alone shows how much the Hidden Mist values its relationship with Sunagakure."
Kisame turned his attention back to Kakashi.
"Today is our Lord Mizukage's inauguration day," he said casually. "Is Konoha really sure it wants to clash with Kirigakure at a time like this?"
Kakashi froze.
Mizukage inauguration… today?
Of all days?
Even though this wasn't the Hidden Mist Village itself, starting a conflict on such a symbolic day would escalate matters enormously.
It would be nothing less than a public insult to the Mizukage.
If word spread, Kirigakure would be forced to respond—and other villages would take notice.
What a headache…
Kakashi felt a familiar sense of frustration well up inside him.
Why do I always get missions like this?
Zabuza's voice cut through his thoughts.
"Since you're already here, it doesn't look like you'll retreat easily."
He lifted the Kubikiribōchō onto his shoulder.
"It's always been a regret of mine that I never got to fight the famous Copy Ninja properly."
A sharp smile spread across his face.
"Today's a good opportunity to make up for that."
The moment he finished speaking, Zabuza swung his blade forward and vanished.
His figure blurred unnaturally, reappearing in an instant—
Water Release: Water Body Flicker Technique!
Zabuza surged forward like a crashing wave.
Having inherited Shigure's swordsmanship, he had also gained access to several of Shigure's Water Release techniques—absorbed naturally through combat, battle, and experience.
And now—
He intended to test them against Konoha's strongest.
(End of Chapter)
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