Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

"Lord Mizukage said that if you hadn't intervened today and... indirectly helped him break free from control, he would probably have made an irreparable mistake and would have no face to face Kirigakure."

"Lord Mizukage said that it would only be a few words of thanks, and it wouldn't take too long, nor would he insist that you stay."

"in addition……"

Ao glanced at Mei Terumi and added:

"The Mizukage seems to have... an important decision to announce, which may... be related to the future of Kirigakure. He hopes you can be a witness."

……

Chapter 248 The Position of Water Shadow

Will you bear witness?

Qingwu's heart stirred.

Yagura Karatachi is going to...

Could it be... that the position of Mizukage is about to change hands today?

Is the hope that an "outsider," especially today's "hero" and "conspiracy whistleblower," will witness this, in order to increase its legitimacy and authority?

Perhaps... he also intends to tie himself even more closely to the new Kirigakure regime?

This old fellow... although he's just escaped control and is extremely weak, his political mind is quick.

Qingwu's mind raced; indeed, every "shadow" was extraordinary!

Terumi Mei's gaze also shifted; she and Aoko had the same idea.

At this moment, she felt a slight excitement. If the position of Mizukage changed hands, and Suigetsu Hozuki was not present, she was the most likely person to be there.

She looked at Qingwu, her eyes filled with a pleading expression.

If Qingwu could attend as a "witness," it would undoubtedly greatly enhance the legitimacy and persuasiveness of her subsequent actions.

It can also demonstrate a "righteous cause attracts much support" attitude to both inside and outside the Fog Shadow!

Although this might draw Qingwu and Konoha more deeply into Kirigakure's affairs, from her personal and reformist perspective, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Qingwu pondered for a moment.

He really didn't want to get too involved, but witnessing the alternation of mist and water shadows contained a huge amount of information and potential influence.

The key was Yagura's attitude, which successfully piqued his curiosity.

Forget it, let's just forget for now that I'm still "a criminal." I'm sure the Third Hokage won't say anything.

He glanced at the goddess Tianxin beside him, who nodded slightly, indicating that he would make the decision.

“…Okay.” Qingwu finally nodded: “Then let’s go see them!”

"Thank you, Lord Qingwu!" Terumi Mei and Qing both breathed a sigh of relief, their faces showing gratitude.

Led by Ao, the three of them traversed a devastated battlefield and arrived at the place where the Mist Ninja had gathered.

This area has been cleared out immediately, and low-ranking Mist Ninja are not allowed to approach.

However, Zabuza and Kisame Hoshigaki were both present.

Qingwu's heart stirred slightly when he saw the two of them. If Kirigakure ended "Bloody Mist Village" ahead of schedule, then... would these two still become rogue ninja in the future?

When Kisame Hoshigaki saw Aoko approaching, he gave a slight bow, appearing quite polite.

Zabuza, on the other hand, appeared defiant, glaring at him before turning his head away.

Mizukage Yagura was currently sitting on a makeshift tatami mat.

He was still wearing that tattered Water Shadow Robe, but he had taken off his straw hat, revealing a pale, tired face, and... a face that carried a sense of relief and deep guilt.

A medical ninja was tending to his injuries.

Seeing Mei Terumi, Ao, and Aogo and Shinjita following behind, Yagura Karatachi struggled to sit up straight.

"Lord Mizukage!"

Mei Terumi quickly stepped forward and said in a complicated tone, "You're injured, you should lie down and rest."

The person before her was not only the Mizukage she once served, but also the implementer of the "Bloody Mist Policy," and the source of today's disaster.

Although... it may be under control, it's still difficult to sort out emotionally for the time being.

The calamities that Kirigakure has suffered over the years have been far too numerous and far too long.

"I am no longer... worthy of being called the Mizukage."

Yagura's voice was hoarse and weak, filled with endless regret and exhaustion.

He looked at Mei Terumi, then at Aoko, his gaze lingering on Aoko for a long time, his eyes flashing with gratitude, amazement, and a hint of understanding.

"This... must be Lord Senju Seigo."

Yagura forced a gentle smile.

During the years he was controlled, he was not entirely devoid of his own thoughts. Occasionally, when he was lucid, he would handle some affairs of Kirigakure.

He had already seen the information about Senju Seigo, but he didn't expect that the Konoha genius mentioned in the information had grown to this level.

"Uchiha Madara...you even repelled him? You're quite the young man...I'm really getting old."

Yagura, who has a baby face, looks really out of place saying things like that.

However, the atmosphere was serious, and everyone present remained silent.

Qingwu nodded slightly, without saying anything more.

If Yagura Karatachi knew that the person controlling him was just a teenager, the psychological gap would probably cause him to break down.

"I really don't know how to thank you."

Yagura attempted to bow to Aogori, but aggravated his injuries, causing him to cough a few times.

"Ahem, if it weren't for your heroic act of turning the tide and repelling the villains today, I, Yagura Karatachi, would have become a sinner of Kirigakure. Your kindness to me and to Kirigakure is truly..."

"Water Shadow... You flatter me. I just happened to be there." Qingwu replied calmly, not taking credit for it.

Yagura took a few breaths, seemingly gathering some strength.

He looked at the few remaining people around him.

“You have all witnessed what happened today.”

Yagura's voice rose slightly, filled with sorrow and resolve:

"I, the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, was betrayed by a villain, fell under a genjutsu, and had my mind controlled for many years..."

"Over the years, I have not only implemented harsh and misguided policies that have harmed the country, but I have also caused the deaths and betrayals of the elites of the Hidden Mist Village... I am deeply guilty..."

With each word he spoke, his face grew paler, but his eyes became increasingly resolute.

"Such a sinner has no face to show for himself and no right to remain in the position of Water Shadow!"

He took a deep breath, as if using all his strength, and said clearly, "I, Yagura Karatachi, hereby announce—effective immediately, that I resign from the position of Mizukage!"

A hint of admiration appeared in Qingwu's eyes as he looked at Yagura Gouju.

This guy is really decisive.

One moment he was thanking himself, the next he was announcing something big in front of so many people.

After Mizukage Yagura finished speaking, silence fell over the surroundings.

Although some people had anticipated it, when Yagura personally announced his resignation as Mizukage, it still brought a strong sense of the changing times.

Several medical ninjas and members of the Hidden Mist Anbu appeared, some with sorrowful expressions and others with complex emotions.

Kisame Hoshigaki seemed to want to say something but ultimately just lowered his head.

He was loyal to the Mizukage, and even more so to the Hidden Mist Village. Now the Mizukage himself felt unworthy, and he had nothing more to say.

Zabuza's eyes flickered, a hint of relief in them, and then... a surge of ambition ignited within him!

He considered himself one of the most talented young people in Kirigakure, and the position of Mizukage? It wasn't impossible for him...

Mei Terumi and Ao exchanged a glance, both seeing excitement in each other's eyes.

Mizukage Yagura's abdication was inevitable, but his swift and decisive action actually made things much smoother afterward.

"Human emotions are truly complex."

The ethereal voice of Tianxin Shenji echoed in Qingwu's mind.

Qingwu nodded almost imperceptibly.

Today... he really is a witness to a historic event, but Yagura letting him experience it firsthand is probably not that simple.

After Yagura finished speaking, seeing everyone silent, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes. He had done a lot of practical things for Kirigakure when he first took office.

Who would have thought...

"Cough cough cough—!!"

He coughed intermittently, as if his words had drained all his strength. He slumped backward, collapsing onto the soft couch, breathing heavily.

But he still forced himself to look at Mei Terumi.

“Mei Terumi… is exceptionally capable, cares deeply for Kirigakure, and even stepped forward in times of crisis to turn the tide and preserve the village’s vitality… Kirigakure’s future needs a leader like you.”

Yagura did not say "I will pass the throne to you" directly, but the meaning was already quite clear.

"I will have someone draft the abdication document later, along with my... letter of recommendation. As for the specific procedures... let Elder Yuan discuss and decide with the higher-ups. I'm tired..."

"!!" Zabuza's gaze turned cold. With his limited brain capacity, he really didn't expect that the Mizukage Yagura would be in such a hurry to designate a "successor".

Yagura turned his gaze to Aogori, managing a weak smile:

"Your Excellency Qingwu, I apologize for the embarrassing situation. Thank you for being my witness. Wuyin will never forget your kindness today."

Qingwu suddenly understood.

Yagura Karatachi... he's been "used" by himself.

He may have worried that Mei Terumi was too young and wouldn't be able to command respect, so he asked himself, as her "savior," to help establish her "legitimacy."

If I'm not mistaken, Yagura should have more to say.