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In a spacious chamber deep within Kirigakure, the leaders, elders, and clan heads of the major families gathered. At the center sat Elder Genji, once known as, a figure both highly respected and feared in the Hidden Mist Village. He presided over the meeting with an air of authority.
Once everyone had settled, Genji spoke solemnly, "I won't waste time on needless words. Everyone here understands the gravity of our situation."
"Since the Fourth Mizukage was manipulated by the masked man, our Hidden Mist Village has descended into chaos. While this was not the Fourth Mizukage's fault, it was still a failure during his tenure."
"Even if the Fourth Mizukage were alive today, he would no longer qualify to lead."
"Moreover, he has likely been kidnapped by the masked man. His fate is unknown."
"With such upheaval, Kirigakure is faltering. We cannot continue leaderless, wandering in the dark."
"We need a new Mizukage."
Murmurs of agreement spread throughout the room.
Elder Genji's words were indisputable — Kirigakure desperately needed a strong hand to guide them through the crisis.
This person would become the Fifth Mizukage.
Seeing no objections, Genji continued, "Everyone may now propose candidates. We will vote, then formally notify the Land of Water that the Mizukage has taken office."
"Please, present your nominees."
A moment of silence hung in the air.
Despite their power and status, the gathered clan heads and officials hesitated.
Each represented vested interests, expected to push candidates favorable to their clans, yet no one spoke.
The truth was bleak.
Under the Fourth Mizukage's dark, blood-soaked reign—twisted by the masked man's genjutsu—countless clans and ninja had fallen, or fled Kirigakure. The village was fractured.
There were no suitable candidates.
Those with potential were either too old, lacking vitality and adaptability, or too young, inexperienced and unproven.
Who could shoulder the burden of Mizukage now?
Kirigakure, once a great power among the five great ninja nations, had fallen to such ruin. It was heartbreaking.
Finally, a voice broke the silence.
A ninja rose and said, "With the Fourth Mizukage missing, Kirigakure is vulnerable. The people's spirits are low. We need someone who commands respect, with the credentials and reputation to lead decisively."
"I believe Elder Genji is such a person. No one in the Hidden Mist Village disobeys him. At this critical moment, he is the one best suited to guide us."
The room filled with nods of agreement.
While Elder Genji's strength might no longer match younger ninja, his popularity and loyal supporters were unmatched.
A subtle smile crossed his face.
At this moment, humility was all he needed.
Even if opposition arose, who else could claim greater suitability?
Soon, the Mizukage title would be his.
But that smile quickly faded.
He remembered the agreement with Uchiha Haru — a thorn in his path.
This position was slipping away.
"I suspected something was amiss," another ninja said.
"Of course, I do not challenge Elder Genji's talents or virtue. I admire him greatly."
"But the Mizukage is the village's symbol. We must be extremely careful."
"If Elder Genji were twenty years younger, I would support him wholeheartedly."
"But now..."
He left the rest unsaid.
The meaning was clear: Elder Genji was too old for the Mizukage role.
This sentiment resonated with many others.
Mizukage was not just a position, but the face of Kirigakure.
Across the great ninja nations, Kage were typically in their prime. Even the Third Hokage of Konoha was younger than Elder Genji.
An elder approaching seventy was simply not appropriate.
This opinion ignited dissatisfaction among Genji's supporters.
Voices rose in debate.
"Silence! Silence!" Genji commanded, cutting through the tension.
"There is no need to argue."
He exhaled deeply, a hint of regret shadowing his features.
"I know I am old and lack the vigor required. I am not fit to be Mizukage."
His words were final, effectively withdrawing himself from contention.
If even Genji admitted his unsuitability, what could his followers say?
"Elder Genji... alas!"
"Who else in Kirigakure is worthy?"
His supporters sighed, unwavering in their belief that only Genji could lead them to salvation.
Raising a hand to quiet them, Genji said, "Do not despair. I have a candidate in mind. I believe she can bear the responsibilities of Mizukage and lead Kirigakure to a brighter future."
"Oh?" Several voices echoed with interest.
"Elder, who is this person you're talking about?"
"Yes, Elder, who exactly do you mean?"
Everyone spoke up hurriedly, their voices filled with curiosity and anticipation.
The elder Yuanshi remained calm, his voice steady and gentle as he spoke three simple words:
"Mei Terumi."
The moment his words echoed through the spacious room, the door swung open.
A beautiful woman stepped inside.
It was Mei Terumi.
But this Mei Terumi was very different from before.
She carried herself with a newfound maturity and calmness. A commanding presence radiated from her — a majestic aura that instantly demanded respect.
Elder face momentarily darkened with a shadow of thought before softening back into his gentle, familiar smile.
"Mei Terumi is the most outstanding ninja of the younger generation in Hidden Mist Village. She has already made considerable contributions."
"This time, Mei Terumi played a crucial role in exposing the masked man's conspiracy to control the Fourth Mizukage."
"It is no exaggeration to say that without Mei Terumi's efforts, even if we uncovered the masked man's plot, it would have taken much longer — and the longer the delay, the greater the damage inflicted on Kirigakure..."
"Although Mei Terumi is young, she is calm, composed, and capable of handling the bigger picture. I believe Mei Terumi is the best choice for our fifth Mizukage."
The faces of many high-ranking officials and clan leaders from Hidden Mist shifted in surprise.
Even those who always trusted Elder looked unsettled.
"Elder, isn't this a bit inappropriate?" one cautiously spoke.
"It's true Mei Terumi is one of the best ninjas of the younger generation," another added, "but she is simply too young. At such an age, how can she bear the immense responsibility of Mizukage and lead our Hidden Mist Village?"
Their words were polite but firm.
It was a delicate issue—becoming Mizukage was never just about talent or merit.
It was, at its core, about relationships. Political alliances. Bloodlines. Legacy.
Take Konohagakure as an example:
Hashirama Senju was the First Hokage.
The Second Hokage was his younger brother, Tobirama Senju.
The Third Hokage was Tobirama's student, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The Fourth Hokage was Hiruzen's student's Student, Minato Namikaze.
The Fifth Hokage was Tsunade, granddaughter of the First Hokage and student of Hiruzen.
The Sixth Hokage was Kakashi Hatake, student of Minato.
The Seventh Hokage was Naruto Uzumaki, son of Minato and student of Kakashi.
In short, the Hokage title passed almost exclusively within a tight-knit circle — a family affair.
Anyone outside that circle, no matter how capable, had no chance.
And this pattern was not unique to Konoha; the entire ninja world was much the same.
But now, due to the Fourth Mizukage's misfortune, Kirigakure's traditional lineage and inheritance had been abruptly broken.
This gap at the top power center was glaring, and many eyes from within the village and beyond were watching, waiting for someone to step forward.
Most lacked the strength or status to raise their voices openly, but the desire was there.
Now, Elder anshi openly recommended Mei Terumi for the Fifth Mizukage position.
What was Mei Terumi to them?
Despite her status among the younger generation, in the eyes of Kirigakure's top leaders, she was still a fledgling—her wings had not fully grown, and her background was unremarkable.
If she could become Mizukage, then the bar for that office was too low.
"Elder, no! This won't do!"
"If a young girl like Mei Terumi can be Mizukage, then why not me?"
"Young people must learn restraint and patience. Not everyone is fit to become Mizukage."
...
All these words, whether respectful or rude, reached Mei Terumi's ears.
Yet she remained composed. Calm on the outside, at least. There was no visible sign of anger or frustration.
The ordeal of uncovering the Fourth Mizukage's control had been a profound lesson for Mei Terumi — she had changed deeply and matured considerably.
A few harsh words would not shake her resolve.
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