Chapter 30

Yagura left the room, leaving Kurama alone with his thoughts and the impending responsibility. As soon as he exited the office, he was greeted by the two elite swordsmen, who bowed to him slightly in a sign of respect and loyalty.

"Yagura-sama," the two said in unison, bowing slightly as a sign of respect and loyalty.

Yagura nodded, acknowledging their greeting with a serene gesture. "Today you will be in charge of the security of the new Mizukage," he told them, giving them a task of great honor and importance.

The two swordsmen stood tall and, with a glint of pride in their eyes, replied: "It is a great honor, Yagura-sama. We will perform our duty with all our ability."

With one last approving look, Yagura turned and proceeded down the corridor, leaving the two behind. Exiting the building and facing the crowd, the whispers and murmurs became audible. "The Mizukage, at last, has appeared," someone in the crowd commented, their voice tinged with curiosity and frustration. Another added, "What is he planning to do? Monster."

The weight of these words hit Yagura like a blade. Swallowing the bitterness that these memories brought, Yagura raised his hands to draw attention and began to speak.

"Citizens of Kirigakure, I apologize for the actions of my past," he said, his voice laden with sincerity and remorse. "Although I cannot reveal all the details, know that many of the acts committed were not of my own will."

He paused, allowing his words to be absorbed by the crowd, which now watched him with a mix of surprise and expectation.

"Our village will undergo several changes," Yagura continued, his voice firm, carrying over the crowd. "Changes necessary to ensure that Kirigakure's future is prosperous and fair. Therefore, I am here to announce my departure from the position of Mizukage."

A murmur ran through the crowd, many unable to hide their surprise at the news.

"A new Mizukage, more qualified than I, will assume the position," Yagura went on, his expression solemn. "He has my full trust and I know he will guide Kirigakure into an era of peace."

As Yagura made his announcement, a citizen, whose voice rose above the general murmur, shouted disdainfully: "And who's to say that this new one won't be worse? Are we to exchange the monster we know for one we don't?"

Before any more voices of doubt or fear could rise, a figure began to walk with firm steps toward the center of the gathering. It was Kurama, the one appointed to succeed Yagura as Mizukage. With a determined and powerful expression, he made a gesture for silence before speaking.

"I don't know about being worse," Kurama began with a voice that carried self-confidence and conviction, "but what I can guarantee is that I will make this nation the strongest and most prosperous of all. I don't expect you to believe my words now; over time, you will see the fruits of my actions."

The citizens, taken aback by Kurama's unexpected entrance and the tone of his words, plunged into a reflective silence. Some exchanged uncertain glances, while others contemplated the possibility of a new era for Kirigakure.

Kurama looked around, meeting the eyes of many, and then concluded: "That's all I wanted to say. May you all have a good night. See you." Without waiting for a response or applause, he turned with unwavering dignity and entered the building of the Mizukage.

The crowd remained in a thick silence, everyone's eyes still fixed on the spot where Kurama had disappeared. A collective confusion set in; people looked at each other, trying to find some explanation in the expressions of others. It was as if some sort of spell had been broken by the abrupt speech and equally sudden withdrawal of Kurama.

"Did he come here just to say that?" another asked, his voice brimming with incredulity, as if he expected there to be more, that the spectacle would continue.

Yagura, standing on the edge of the confusion, shared the same perplexity. Kurama's decision to make such a brief and confident speech, followed by a sudden retreat, was not what he expected. He could only look at Kurama's back, disappearing into the Mizukage building, and wonder what had motivated such an attitude.

Inside the office, Kurama sat down, the door closing behind him with a soft click. He leaned back in the chair, a smile of self-satisfaction creeping onto his lips. "I was incredible," he murmured to himself, reliving the moment of silence that his words had provoked.

Now alone, Kurama put his hand on his chin, thoughtful. "Well, now what should I do?" he pondered aloud. The challenges of governing Kirigakure were certainly many, and the expectation of change hung in the air like a promise.

He spun in his chair, facing the expanse of papers and pending matters that covered the Mizukage's desk. "I guess I'll raffle the characters in the system," he said, his voice subdued.

Yagura entered the office quietly, closing the door behind him. He observed Kurama for a moment, seeing him spin in the chair with a contemplative expression. The tension from the speech had been left behind, but the seriousness of the moment still loomed over them.

"You were quick, don't you think you should have given a few more words, Mizukage-sama?" Yagura asked, his voice calm, but charged with a slight curiosity. The formality of his title used by Yagura sounded almost ironic, given the situation.

Kurama looked at Yagura, a spark of humor crossing his eyes. "No, I don't think so," he replied confidently. "That is more than enough. They won't believe what I'm going to say, and I don't plan to lie to them."

Yagura shrugged, accepting the answer. "You could have said more, but since you didn't want to, that is fine," he said, taking a step further into the office. "Fine words, Mizukage-sama."

A mischievous smile appeared on Kurama's lips, and he straightened up in his chair. "You don't need to compliment me, I know I was great," he said, clearly joking and playing with the expectations of formality between them.

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