Chapter 51: Just a Formality, and I Become Kirigakure's Number Two?
Seeing Oborotsuki's cold attitude, Yagura's smile faded slightly. He glanced toward Mei standing beside him.
"It's like this—I've already heard Mei's report about your conditions…"
"But Oborotsuki, you also know what happened in the village before."
"Years of chaos have left Kirigakure severely weakened—not just in terms of combat power, but economically as well."
"Rebuilding the former Hōzuki clan compound in the village requires a massive amount of funding…"
"The Daimyō's office… sigh!"
Yagura let out a helpless sigh and shook his head bitterly: "You're not an outsider, so I'll be direct."
"The Daimyō's office is only willing to provide seventy percent of the funds. The remaining thirty percent… we have to figure out ourselves."
"So you want me to take on missions, right?"
Oborotsuki didn't even wait for him to finish—he had already guessed where this was going.
No matter which of the five great ninja villages, even the most powerful ones, were heavily dependent on military funding from their respective daimyōs.
Without that support, even a powerhouse like Konoha would struggle to sustain itself.
That's why daimyōs frequently used funding cuts as leverage against the villages—forcing them to provide military protection while also taking on high-risk missions.
Sometimes they even had to act on behalf of the daimyōs, applying pressure to other villages.
This was the harsh reality of survival for every ninja village in the world.
"Missions aren't needed right now. Mainly, you may need to sign a certain agreement."
Yagura looked at Oborotsuki seriously.
"What agreement?"
Oborotsuki immediately frowned, his gaze sharpening.
He had already made it clear—he would not serve under anyone. Was this guy about to go back on his word?
Yagura sighed again.
"Mei, you explain."
He turned away, back facing them, as if there were some unspeakable difficulty.
Mei looked up at Oborotsuki:
"The Fourth's meaning is—you need to swear loyalty to the Fifth Mizukage."
"Only by confirming that returning shinobi are one hundred percent friendly and loyal to Kirigakure will the daimyō's office provide full funding to help rebuild the village."
"There's no room for negotiation."
After hearing Mei's explanation, Oborotsuki immediately waved his hand.
"I already made myself very clear before."
Even knowing the future Fifth Mizukage would be Mei, he had no intention of serving under her.
Oborotsuki's resolute attitude gave both Yagura and Mei a headache.
It wasn't that they feared Oborotsuki's strength.
Right now, Yagura's understanding of Oborotsuki's power was still limited to old records about the Hōzuki clan.
He simply didn't want to offend a powerful shinobi they had finally managed to invite back.
So at this moment, he couldn't help but shoot Mei a meaningful glance.
"The document is just for the daimyōs to see. Once they're satisfied and feel at ease, they'll release the funds."
"For you, in reality, you'll still be free, Oborotsuki."
"At that time, you will remain in the village with the official title of Fifth Mizukage Advisor. You're also a shinobi of Kirigakure—so you understand what that position means, right?"
"And with your strength… who exactly could force you to submit anyway?"
Mei spoke directly to Oborotsuki.
These words left Yagura stunned, mouth agape in disbelief.
I asked you to persuade Hōzuki Oborotsuki.
I didn't tell you to say that!
"Oh? That's more like it…"
Oborotsuki's expression immediately brightened with satisfaction as he nodded.
The position of Mizukage Advisor was essentially the same as equivalent roles in other major ninja villages.
In simple terms—it was the second most powerful person in the village after the Mizukage, possessing nearly identical authority.
They could freely enter and exit the village, access forbidden technique scrolls, and hold decision-making power over all major and minor village affairs.
If the Mizukage was absent or incapacitated, the Advisor would be the first in line to take over.
Seeing Oborotsuki agree, Mei also breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
For her, keeping Oborotsuki in the village was far more important than anything else.
Letting such a powerful shinobi remain a missing-nin would be far too dangerous.
"I'll sign the document for you. You don't need to worry about these details."
"Now go accompany your concubines—go shopping for clothes or whatever."
"Though in a couple of days, you'll need to come with me to the daimyō's office for an official report."
Mei reminded him.
"That's fine."
Oborotsuki nodded carelessly. He gave Yagura a brief nod as farewell, then turned and walked out of the office.
After he left, Yagura finally took a deep breath and looked at Mei in confusion:
"Although Master Gen already basically confirmed you'll be the next Fifth Mizukage…"
"But Mei… isn't this a bit too much?"
"Making Hōzuki Oborotsuki the Mizukage Advisor… I'm afraid he's not yet qualified for that position…"
Yagura said meaningfully.
After all—in his eyes, Oborotsuki was just a nineteen-year-old boy. If not for the special circumstances and his Hōzuki lineage,
Under normal conditions, he would still need to be carefully evaluated even to become a jōnin.
"Lord Fourth… you may need to update your understanding of Oborotsuki."
"That kid's strength is no weaker than mine!"
Mei replied with a playful smile.
"What…? Are you serious?"
Yagura was instantly shocked.
…
After leaving the Mizukage building, Mei discovered that Oborotsuki was actually waiting for her downstairs.
Right now he was leaning casually against a large tree across the street in the shade, wearing that signature teasing smirk.
"…"
Mei walked over calmly.
"What? Did you come to invite me to dinner?"
She asked with a smile as soon as she reached him.
"I wanted to ask—when are you going to marry me?"
Oborotsuki replied teasingly.
Mei rolled her eyes and pretended not to hear.
"Aren't you going shopping with your concubines?"
She turned her head toward the long street and asked, her tone carrying just a hint of resentment.
"So you're admitting you're jealous?"
Oborotsuki continued teasing, arms still folded.
"Jealous of you? Keep dreaming."
Mei rolled her eyes again.
Her gaze flickered unconsciously.
"So… how about grilled meat?"
"There's a new place in the village that looks like it has good reviews."
She changed the subject.
"Nah—if you're not willing to be my concubine, I should probably keep my distance."
"Bye~"
Oborotsuki waved his hand, shouldered the Decapitation Greatsword, and actually turned to leave.
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