Hidden Mist.
The village established in the thin mist, relying on the vast sea, can be said to be Land of Water's maritime gateway.
Among the Five Great Nations, Hidden Mist Village is also the most skilled ninja village at water combat. The sea and lakes are the favored battlegrounds of Hidden Mist Ninja.
Yagura is accustomed to completing political affairs in the morning and then heading to the rooftop of the Mizukage Building to gaze at the boundless sea, allowing his mind and body to relax.
The constant pressure from work has brought Yagura many troubles.
When he initially assumed leadership, many high-ranking elders had criticisms towards him, especially regarding the inclusion of Kisame in the Seven-swords Ninja, which further fueled their discontent.
But as Hidden Mist Village has indeed rapidly regained its strength over the years, those high-ranking elders have quieted down. However, Yagura knows these people are still watching his every move, waiting to catch any slip-ups to launch an attack.
This assassination attempt on the Daimyo of the Land of Water, Kisame's betrayal, and abandonment of the village became the reason for these high-ranking individuals' attacks.
Therefore, Yagura had to make compromises in high-level meetings, as they viewed the whole incident as a bad consequence stemming from his failure to judge his subordinates.
This led to further deterioration in relations between Hidden Mist and the aristocracy of the Land of Water.
Some nobles even believe that Kisame is merely a tool in the Mizukage's hand, and the defection of the Seven-swords Ninja was orchestrated by the Mizukage.
They simply lacked evidence, and without concrete testimony, the precise reason for Kisame's defection from the Land of Water remained unclear, and suspicion of Mizukage's involvement in the Daimyo's assassination persisted. Ultimately, it was left unresolved.
Looking up at the endless sea, the warm and gentle sea breeze greeted Yagura, and much of his depression dissipated over the past few days.
Regarding Kisame's matter, fewer than five people within Hidden Mist Village know the truth.
These individuals are trusted aides at his side, personally cultivated ninjas, whose loyalty to him and the village is beyond doubt.
Yet from the start, he hesitated whether to exile Kisame from Hidden Mist Village.
After internal turmoil, Hidden Mist Village's military power had waned, and Kisame was indispensable as a general for Hidden Mist Village.
The Seven-swords Ninja, although jonin of the village, only the most elite jonin could join and form this special ninja squad, representing the face of Hidden Mist Village.
As a prominent member of this generation's Seven-swords Ninja, Kisame's strength was undeniably formidable.
However, compared to future plans, dispatching Kisame for espionage work would yield greater results than having him stationed at Hidden Mist Village.
At this juncture, the focus must be on quickly nurturing new, excellent ninjas within Hidden Mist, to act as pillars and bear the village's future.
Following the actions of the origin master, in a few years, he will retire and pass the Mizukage position to another Hidden Mist Ninja.
Before then, he must prepare thoroughly to hand over the Mizukage role to his successor with peace of mind.
After a moment of idle thoughts, Yagura descended from the rooftop, returning to his office.
Ao, the jonin guard, also serves as Mizukage Secretary, diligently sorting documents there.
"Do you still need more rest, Lord Mizukage? You've been working late these past few days. Would you like a Medical Ninja to adjust your body?"
Ao asked with concern.
While diligent in political affairs is commendable, exhausting oneself is counterproductive, in Ao's view.
Hidden Mist Village has just managed to emerge from the shadow of the Blood Mist, and under Yagura's leadership over the years, has recovered rapidly. Soon, the great trauma brought by the Blood Mist Faction to Hidden Mist Village can be healed. Ao believes, at such a time, Yagura as Mizukage can appropriately relax.
"Don't worry, my body is fine, no need to call for Medical Ninja. I'm not as fragile as you imagine, Ao."
Even in his prime, handling intense work for half a month straight is no problem for Yagura.
"Is that so? But I still hope Lord Mizukage can take better care of his health."
"Got it... Speaking of recuperation, I do miss the warmth of Land of Demons. I went there recently, but returned right after the talks, without enjoying it properly. After retiring, I'll go spend some time there."
Yagura stretched his body and thought aloud.
"You're the Mizukage of Hidden Mist, is it alright to say such things?"
Ao glanced at Yagura, helplessly.
"You're too rigid, Ao. According to the agreement with the origin master, in a few years, I'll retire and pass on the position."
"Jonin Terumi Mei, right? She's been quite active lately under the origin master's operation."
Ao pondered slightly and realized something.
It's not hard to see that barring any unforeseen events, she is already the designated Fifth Mizukage.
No, even if surprises occur, Yagura will eliminate them and ensure Terumi Mei inherits his Mizukage position.
As she was aware and agreed with the cooperation with the Land of Demons.
If another takes the Mizukage role, the collaboration with the Land of Demons might end, which would be detrimental to Hidden Mist Village's future development.