I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

Naruto was on his way to the Mizukage Building, accompanied by Hōzuki Mangetsu.

Yagura Karatachi, the Fourth Mizukage, and Elder Genji had summoned Jūzō Biwa, a former member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. They sought information regarding the masked man—Tobi—who had manipulated Kirigakure from the shadows, plunging it into chaos.

However, after Jūzō divulged everything he knew, Yagura and Genji fell into silence.

Kirigakure was struggling to handle a single masked man, yet behind him was the Akatsuki—a mercenary organization comprised of S-rank rogue ninja, each capable of destroying entire nations.

This revelation made Kirigakure, which lacked powerful shinobi in the current era, acutely aware of the looming threat.

Yagura's first instinct was to unite with the other Great Shinobi Villages to eliminate Akatsuki. However, after careful consideration, he abandoned the idea.

The Five Great Nations were rivals. If Kirigakure showed weakness, the others might exploit the situation rather than offer aid. Unless it could be proven that Akatsuki threatened all five villages, no alliance would form.

At that moment, a knock came from the Mizukage's office door. Hōzuki Mangetsu entered, leading Naruto inside.

Seeing Naruto, Yagura's tense expression eased. With a faint smile, he gestured for Naruto to sit.

"If you hadn't come, Kirigakure and I might not survive today," Yagura said.

Naruto acknowledged the remark with a nod and sat on the office's sofa. His gaze shifted to Jūzō Biwa.

"You just spoke with Jūzō Biwa?" Naruto asked. "What did he tell you? Did he uncover Tobi's stronghold?"

Yagura's expression turned grim. "We didn't find much on the masked man, but we did confirm that he controls Akatsuki. This organization won't be easy to handle."

Yagura briefly explained Akatsuki's composition, displaying clear concern.

Naruto crossed his legs, listening intently. "That aligns with what I know. Tobi is indeed a key Akatsuki member. But does Kirigakure not intend to retaliate?"

Yagura and Genji exchanged glances before Yagura forced a wry smile. "We lack the strength to take on Tobi. But if you intend to fight Akatsuki, Kirigakure will contribute."

Yagura handed Naruto a scroll.

Naruto glanced through it. The document outlined Kirigakure's commitments to Uzushiogakure—military support, resources, and a wartime alliance.

Closing the scroll, Naruto nodded with satisfaction. "I'm pleased with this agreement, but I have a small request."

Yagura responded immediately. "Please, go ahead."

"I want to meet Kirigakure's Six-Tails Jinchūriki."

Yagura hesitated. "To be honest, I don't know his whereabouts. I was under Tobi's control for years… My grasp on village matters was compromised."

Naruto frowned, though he wasn't entirely surprised. If the Six-Tails had been in Kirigakure, they would have deployed him in battle earlier.

Yagura, sensing Naruto's curiosity, asked, "May I ask why you want to find the Six-Tails' host?"

Naruto didn't evade the question. "Because Akatsuki's goal is to capture all the Tailed Beasts. Jūzō can confirm this."

Jūzō nodded. "Akatsuki has long sought the Tailed Beasts. Their exact purpose remains unclear, but their ambition is undeniable."

Yagura's expression darkened. If Tobi had been after the Tailed Beasts, controlling Yagura made sense. But why hadn't he extracted the Three-Tails to create a new Jinchūriki?

Seeing Yagura's confusion, Jūzō explained, "Mizukage-sama, Akatsuki isn't unified. There are two factions: Tobi's and Pain's. When Itachi and I attacked Kirigakure, we exploited their internal conflict."

Yagura was taken aback. A former Mist swordsman, now a rogue, had protected Kirigakure's interests in his own way. But why had he deliberately spared Uchiha Itachi?

A new thought struck Yagura. "Mianma, since Akatsuki is after the Tailed Beasts, why don't we call a Five Kage Summit and deal with them together?"

Naruto shrugged. "If Mizukage-sama thinks that's best, I won't object—so long as Uzushiogakure remains uninvolved."

If the Five Great Nations could truly unite, war could be avoided. Nagato's plan for the Ten-Tails wouldn't even be necessary. But Naruto knew better than to hope for such unity.

Yagura sighed. He had been too naïve. A Mizukage couldn't afford idealism.

Kirigakure was weak. If not for its poor resources, it would have already been devoured by the great nations.

After much deliberation, Yagura made a difficult decision. Looking at Naruto seriously, he declared, "In three months, I will resign as Mizukage. Who do you think should replace me?"

Naruto was momentarily caught off guard by Yagura's willingness to surrender power. Then, with a smirk, he joked, "How about me? Kirigakure values strength, right? That way, we wouldn't have to negotiate every time."

Yagura hesitated.

"Mizukage is Kirigakure's internal matter," Naruto continued. "I won't interfere as long as the alliance agreement remains intact."

Naruto then turned to Elder Genji. "But I do have a personal request. I'd like to discuss the history of Uzushiogakure with you. There are still details I don't fully understand."

Genji's expression remained calm. He had expected this moment. With his cane in hand, he gestured toward an adjacent room.

"I did not directly participate in the war against Uzushiogakure," Genji admitted. "But I may be able to clarify some things."

He paused before adding, "After all, both Uzushiogakure and Kirigakure share a common enemy."

Naruto said nothing and followed Genji into the next room.

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