Chapter 28

Meanwhile, in Kirigakure, Kurama, the new Mizukage, let out a heavy sigh as he looked at his desk piled high with documents. Lifting weary eyes to the mountain of paperwork, he uttered a sarcastic murmur, "Seriously? What's with all these papers?"

Yagura looked at Kurama with a half-smile and explained patiently, "As the Mizukage now, you have to deal with missions, requests, taxes, and various other administrative aspects of the village."

Kurama rolled his eyes, clearly overwhelmed. "I wish you would do this by yourself," he joked, though a part of him wished it were true.

Yagura laughed, shaking his head. "No, no," he replied jokingly. "You're not getting out of this that easily. And besides, don't be lazy."

Kurama shook his head, his red eyes glowing with a mix of determination and discontent. "It's not about laziness, Yagura," he said, his voice firm despite exhaustion. "It's just... it's a lot. It seems like every ninja in the village has decided that now is the perfect time to send in their reports, requests, and complaints."

Yagura watched the new Mizukage with an understanding look, but not without a hint of amusement. "I know it's a lot, Kurama, but that's the burden of leadership. And you have the strength, both physical and mental, to carry that weight."

"What if you just went back to the position?" Kurama threw out the question with a faint hope, trying to find a way out of the mountain of paperwork still to be done.

Yagura shook his head, his expression becoming serious. "That's not up for discussion. Besides, there are more pressing matters at hand. You need to be officially announced as the new Mizukage, and we can't put that off. The village needs to know their leader."

Kurama sighed, knowing that Yagura was right. "And what's the urgency now?" he asked, not really expecting a peaceful answer.

"I've received a letter from the other Kages," Yagura began, handing Kurama a scroll sealed with the emblems of the other major villages. "They're summoning a meeting. The political situation is delicate, and your presence there as the new Mizukage is essential. This can't wait, and the village needs to be united under its new leader before we can face any discussions with the other nations."

Kurama cast a glance at the sealed scroll, his brow furrowing slightly as he recognized the emblems of the other major villages. "They're waiting for you, Yagura, not for me," Kurama said with calm defiance. "They don't even know that Kirigakure has a new Mizukage."

Yagura nodded, a trace of approval on his face. "That's true. But once you're officially announced and we make your position known at the meeting, they will be perfectly aware. It's just a matter of procedure."

Kurama shrugged, indifferent to the other Kages' opinions. "I'm not particularly concerned with what they expect or don't expect," he said, the authority in his voice cutting through the silence of the room. "What matters is what's best for Kirigakure. They will adjust to reality."

Yagura sketched a smile, recognizing the determination of the new Mizukage. "Exactly. And now, what matters is the current situation of our village."

Kurama tilted his head, his eyes as sharp as a fox's, focusing on Yagura. "And how are we doing? What's happening in Kirigakure while we drown in paper?"

Yagura sighed, his expression growing darker. "It's complicated. The repercussions of the war are still felt, and there are internal tensions that we need to resolve."

"The Seven Swordsmen of the Mist," spoke Kurama, his voice low but laden with interest. "Where do they stand in all this?"

Yagura shook his head, regretting the news he had to deliver. "Of the seven, only three remain alive. One has defected, and the others... were lost in the Third Ninja War, facing a ninja from Konoha."

Kurama raised an eyebrow, the weight of responsibility pressing against his shoulders. "Are they in the village?" he asked, referring to the remnants of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist.

Yagura nodded once, his expression serious and determined. "Yes, they are. They have been a crucial part in maintaining order after the war."

"Then we will need them," said Kurama, his decision clear as crystal. "Send for them."

Without a word, Yagura nodded and left the office. He knew that time was of the essence and that each action now would define the tone of Kurama's leadership.

Minutes later, the office door opened and two men entered. The first was a burly man, with wild red hair, small eyes that surveyed the room with a cunning look. The other was tall and more slender, with shoulder-length brown hair that framed his face of strong features.

Yagura gestured towards Kurama and spoke firmly, "This is the new Mizukage." He pointed to Kurama, who watched the two with calculated intensity.

The redhead wasted no time in questioning. He stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "My name is Fuguki Suikazan," he introduced himself, his voice hoarse. "I am at the service of Kirigakure."

The brown-haired man followed suit, making a more discreet bow. "Raiga Kurosuki," he said, his tone of voice softer than his companion's. "Ready to follow the Mizukage's orders."

Kurama assessed the two men before him, gauging their loyalty and worth. They were notable warriors, each with their own reputation, but as the new Mizukage, Kurama had to confirm their loyalty to Kirigakure, especially in such a volatile period.

"Are you dependable?" Kurama questioned, his voice carrying the authority of his new title.

Both men straightened up, and with firm conviction, answered in unison, "Yes, Mizukage-sama."

Kurama nodded, satisfied with the straightforward and direct response. "Very well, I will believe in you. Kirigakure is recovering from turbulent times, and trust is a scarce resource. I need loyal and strong men like you to ensure the security of our village."

He stood up, his imposing figure projecting the image of an unwavering leader. "I want you to stay at the border of our country. The political situation is delicate, and rumors of instability could attract unwanted attention from other nations. You must be the eyes and the strength of Kirigakure, ensuring that no threat goes unnoticed."

Fuguki Suikazan nodded, his expression serious. "Understood, Mizukage-sama. Our presence will be strong and deterrent."

Raiga Kurosuki, equally serious, added, "No one will cross the border without our permission."

--------------

49 chapters on patreon, whoever can support me I appreciate it. patreon.com/Louisdg