I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

Awakened Yagura Karatachi

Inside the Mizukage's Office within the Hidden Mist Village.

After being healed by a medical-nin, Yagura Karatachi slowly regained consciousness. His vision settled on the assembled jōnin of Kirigakure, and with a complicated gaze, he asked, "How long has it been since the day I took the title of Fourth Mizukage?"

"After this month, Lord Yagura, you will have served as Mizukage for eleven years."

The gathered jōnin exchanged glances, hesitating until Master Gengetsu Hōzuki finally stepped forward to provide the exact time.

Yagura was momentarily stunned, then let out a soft sigh. "Has it really been that long? I still remember when you were young, Gengetsu. Terumi Mei and Hōzuki Mangetsu were still students at the Academy…"

As he spoke, Yagura's expression darkened, his once-youthful demeanor fading with the weight of memory.

To him, the period of his manipulation by the masked man—Obito Uchiha—was a living nightmare. The worst part wasn't waking up, but realizing that the nightmare had shaped reality itself.

Under Obito's influence, Kirigakure's development was thrown into chaos, replaced by years of brutal civil strife.

The bloodline limit clans were systematically persecuted and nearly wiped out, and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist—once Kirigakure's pride—had been decimated. Only one wielder remained, while the rest of the legendary blades were either lost or lacked suitable heirs.

After a long silence, Yagura inquired about recent events and the identity of Uzumaki Naruto.

Upon hearing that Naruto had been invited by Hōzuki Mangetsu, Yagura turned to him and said, "Mangetsu, tell me about this Uzumaki. His background, his power, and the terms of his support for Kirigakure."

Mangetsu hesitated, exchanging glances with the others before Gengetsu gave him a subtle nod. Reluctantly, he revealed part of the deal negotiated with Naruto.

As Yagura listened, his expression became unreadable. The terms were, in essence, Kirigakure bowing before Naruto, conceding key strategic assets. If signed, this treaty would forever stain the village's legacy.

Noticing his reaction, Mangetsu tensed. If the Mizukage rejected the deal, how would he justify it?

Understanding Naruto's overwhelming power, Terumi Mei stepped forward. "Lord Fourth, I think it's in Kirigakure's best interest to accept. If Uzumaki Naruto turns against us, the village has no means of resisting him."

Yagura shook his head slightly. "I intend to accept every term, and the sooner the contract is signed, the better."

Mangetsu exhaled in relief, though Terumi Mei frowned in confusion.

Yagura sighed. "You don't understand who the masked man truly is, but I have my suspicions. If I'm correct, he is none other than Uchiha Madara—the same legendary figure who once fought the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju."

"Uchiha Madara?"

Everyone froze. His name was the stuff of legend—a warrior as powerful as the God of Shinobi himself, the co-founder of Konohagakure.

Yagura continued. "Moreover, I suspect that I wasn't the only one under his control. The Third Mizukage may have also been manipulated, which led to the establishment of the Blood Mist Village policies. If that's true, Madara has been controlling Kirigakure for decades."

"The Third Mizukage too?" Terumi Mei's eyes widened in disbelief.

Master Gengetsu took a deep breath before nodding. "The Fourth is correct. We had our doubts about the Third Mizukage's behavior back then, but most of the higher-ups supported the brutal elite training system. No one questioned his actions too deeply."

"But then, the Third Mizukage sent the Seven Ninja Swordsmen to raid the Land of Fire, and his plan to use Jinchūriki to destroy Konoha made little strategic sense. It was completely out of character for Kirigakure's usual approach of playing political balances."

As Gengetsu spoke, the assembled Mist jōnin felt a deep sense of unease.

They had always believed Kirigakure to be an equal to Konoha. And yet, a rogue shinobi from Konoha had managed to manipulate their village from the shadows for decades.

Yagura let out another weary sigh. "Gengetsu is right. I had begun suspecting the Third Mizukage's odd behavior, but before I could investigate further, the masked man found me first."

"There are few shinobi alive who can stand against Uchiha Madara. We cannot afford to waste this opportunity."

"More than pride, Kirigakure's survival is what matters most."

His words cast the room into silence.

At that moment, Ao—who had been silent—finally spoke. "Lord Fourth, you said that Uchiha Madara controlled the Third and Fourth Mizukage… but from what we saw in the recent battle, the masked man didn't display strength on Madara's level. Isn't that strange?"

"Perhaps he wasn't certain he could defeat Uzumaki Naruto," Yagura mused. He, too, found the masked man's apparent restraint unusual, but for now, there were more pressing matters. "Regardless, we must secure an alliance with Naruto. If he shares our burden, Kirigakure will have a chance."

With the decision made, Yagura dismissed most of the jōnin, keeping only Gengetsu by his side.

Once they were alone, his demeanor shifted. The strength in his posture faded, and his face paled. With a weak voice, he asked, "Master Gengetsu, I need to begin the selection process for the Fifth Mizukage. Do you have any recommendations?"

Gengetsu's face darkened before he sighed. "If I must choose, I'd say Terumi Mei and Hōzuki Mangetsu. Terumi Mei possesses both Lava Release and Boil Release Kekkei Genkai, making her an exceptional candidate. Mangetsu is a prodigy, the rightful heir to the Seven Swordsmen, and the wielder of the Hiramekarei."

"However," Gengetsu hesitated, "there is no need for you to resign. You should remain Mizukage and not bear this burden alone."

Yagura shook his head. "I can handle the political consequences, but my body can't take much more. If my suspicions are correct… I only have a few months left."

Gengetsu's expression turned grim. "Is this because of Madara's genjutsu?"

Yagura nodded. "Being trapped under an illusion for years takes a toll. I suspect Madara knew this and didn't bother stopping me from leaving the Mizukage's office that day."

"I don't fear death, but if my passing plunges the village into another civil war over succession, then all will be lost."

"Even if this treaty is humiliating, it must be signed. Only then can Kirigakure escape the cycle of Mizukage being mere pawns in a greater scheme."

Gengetsu was silent for a moment before finally letting out a bitter chuckle. "In that case, Mangetsu may be the safest choice. He is aligned with Uzumaki Naruto. If anyone else is chosen, Naruto may retaliate. After all, Kirigakure played a role in the destruction of Uzushiogakure and stole many of its sealing techniques."

"And once this treaty is signed," Gengetsu continued, "history will remember you as the weakest Mizukage…"

"The weakest Mizukage…" Yagura murmured, his voice tinged with regret.

"But if this ensures Kirigakure's survival, I will gladly bear that shame. After all, the village cannot afford to lose its place among the Five Great Nations."

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