"You've met the Mizukage already, haven't you? Well then, what do you think of Kirigakure's Fourth Mizukage?"
As soon as Kyoichi knelt down on the tatami, the old master opened with a question so direct that it caught everyone off guard.
Bi blinked in shock, her eyes widening.
Even the young girl massaging the elder's shoulders froze for a second, her small mouth forming a perfect circle as her sea-green eyes shimmered with surprise.
That was…
way too blunt.
Especially since Kyoichi had just arrived—asking such a question now felt almost like digging a pit for him to fall into.
The girl's hands, tense with nervousness, unconsciously pressed harder.
"Easy there, girl. You're about to snap my neck."
Elder Genji couldn't help but speak up.
"Oh!"
The girl let out a muffled response and eased her grip.
Feeling how the massage turned from firm to almost feeble, the old man barely resisted rolling his eyes. He could only sigh inwardly—these young ones really do mature too quickly these days.
He opened his mouth, preparing to change the subject—
But before he could—
"He's ambitious. And capable."
After a few seconds of quiet thought, Kyoichi gave a calm but direct answer.
In his memory, Yagura Karatachi had always been something of a tragic figure—unlucky enough to encounter Uchiha Obito at the peak of his darkness, reduced to a puppet of the man and turning the Kirigakure into the infamous "Village of Bloody Mist." Under his rule, Kirigakure became the home of more defectors than any other village.
Beyond that, there wasn't much to remember about him.
Yet after meeting Yagura in person today, Kyoichi found his impression shifting.
Though Yagura looked like a child, it was clear he had no shortage of ambition. When discussing the recent defeat in the war with Konoha, he'd shown only regret over the loss—not a trace of remorse for having started the conflict in the first place.
And the way he treated Kyoichi—with respect and generosity—revealed how desperately he sought capable people. It was the mindset of someone eager to strengthen Kirigakure, to build the foundation needed to support his grand ambitions.
The only question was—would his luck prove as terrible this time?
In theory, the Battle of Kannabi Bridge had already been rewritten.
Uchiha Obito hadn't died there. His descent into darkness had been averted.
But even so… with Uchiha Madara and Black Zetsu still lurking in the shadows, it was hard to believe they'd simply abandon their schemes. Who knew? Perhaps there would someday be an Uchiha Obira or Uchiha Obika to take his place…
Whether Yagura could escape the fate of being controlled—it was far from certain.
"You speak boldly—and quite cleverly, too."
Elder Genji raised his eyelids again, giving Kyoichi a serious, searching look.
"Also, that face of yours… it's quite handsome. No wonder little girls are so easily charmed. Not like that wooden-faced Third Mizukage we had."
"I only said what I truly think," Kyoichi replied with a polite smile.
It was the truth—but also a carefully chosen one.
Even if his words were somehow repeated to Yagura, they wouldn't cause offense.
As for the elder's teasing comments afterward, he let them in one ear and out the other.
"'The truth,' eh… Kyoichi, the Mizukage must've made you an offer already, right? Have you decided which department to join?"
Elder Genji's tone had shifted—he now addressed Kyoichi by name, dropping the condescending "boy" he'd used before.
"Not yet," Kyoichi replied. "Mizukage-sama only briefed me on the current state of things. I haven't made any decisions. I'd like to observe a bit more before choosing."
"Looks like you've learned your lesson," Genji murmured. "Acting too rashly never ends well. If he hadn't been so eager, he wouldn't have lost most of his Seven Ninja Swordsmen in one go…"
Though he spoke softly, his voice carried enough strength that everyone in the room could hear it clearly—and everyone knew exactly who he was referring to.
No one dared respond.
After a moment, the elder changed topics himself. "Kyoichi, since you haven't decided yet, consider spending some time in the Military Police Force. The work there is far lighter than in the Anbu, and you won't have to be stationed on the borders like the Defense Corps."
"I'll think about it," Kyoichi replied vaguely.
Whether to take a post—and where—wasn't a decision to make lightly. The Mizukage seemed patient, and the elder wasn't pressing him either. He had time to weigh his options.
"In that case, go home and think it over."
Genji lifted a bony hand and waved gently.
"Then, Elder Genji, I'll take my leave."
Kyoichi was a bit surprised—the meeting had gone much faster than he'd expected. Still, that wasn't a bad thing. He reflected briefly on his performance and found no glaring faults.
So he didn't linger, bowing politely before preparing to go.
But before he reached the door, the young girl spoke up:
"Elder Genji, I almost forgot—I have to visit my grandmother today, so I'll be heading out too. I'll come back tomorrow to keep you company."
"Go on then, go," Elder Genji said readily, waving her off without hesitation.
Just as Mei Terumī stepped up beside Kyoichi, however, the elder added:
"Oh, right. Since you're visiting your grandmother, take that boy beside you along to the Kirigumo Clan's compound. The Koeda Clan is currently lodging there anyway… that'll save Bi another trip."
He spoke lazily, assigning her the task as if it were a passing thought.
"Got it!" Mei stuck out her tongue and replied cheerfully.
This time, Elder Genji said no more.
Kyoichi and Mei left the elder's house without further obstruction.
After seeing them off, Bi returned to the tea room. "Elder Genji, they've gone."
"Mm. I know."
He closed his eyes, resting them.
"...Are you sure it's alright to let Mei-hime get close to Koeda Kyoichi?" Bi hesitated for a moment before asking softly.
"What's worrying you, Bi?"
"The Terumī and Kirigumo clans both hope Mei will become the Fifth Mizukage. If she grows too close to Koeda Kyoichi, it might… affect her chances."
"Having a long view isn't a bad thing," the elder said, opening his eyes and fixing her with a calm gaze. "But Bi, the future—well, it's full of too many uncertainties. Koeda Kyoichi might not become an obstacle to Mei's path. He might even become her ally. And besides… the Terumī and Kirigumo clans are just betting on a possibility. If it works out, wonderful. But if not—would their standing in the village really suffer?"
He gave a small chuckle. "Besides, Mei has her parents and elders to handle her affairs. Her life decisions don't need an old fossil like me meddling."
"So, Bi, stop overthinking it. It's not as serious as you imagine."
"...You're right. I was overthinking."
Bi let out a quiet breath of relief.
The elder looked at her, shook his head, and said nothing more.
If anyone else had voiced such concern, he might have suspected hidden motives—perhaps that they too harbored feelings for Mei. But Bi was different.
Like Ao and Gonbee, she lived by the Three Ninja Precepts as if they were holy scripture—so strictly that it bordered on obsession. She wouldn't so much as step into a pleasure district, let alone consider marriage.
"Ahh," the elder sighed deeply, leaning back against his cushion. "Where did I go wrong in their upbringing…?"
He genuinely didn't know.