Ever since Uchiha Madara had controlled Karatachi Yagura and led Kirigakure's forces into the Land of Fire, Karatachi Yagura, as Mizukage, had not once personally taken action.
Both Kirigakure and Konoha believed this was his tacit agreement that neither village's Kage would enter the fight. The real reason, however, was that Uchiha Madara's genjutsu could be seen through by Konoha's Byakugan. In a war of this scale, members of the Hyuga Clan were bound to take part. If Karatachi Yagura appeared on the battlefield, he would immediately be exposed.
When Uesugi Shinji entered the command tent and met Karatachi Yagura's eyes, he showed none of the nervousness or humility expected of a subordinate. He simply lowered his head slightly and calmly bowed.
"Your subordinate greets you, Mizukage-sama."
After Uesugi Shinji bowed, Karatachi Yagura did not respond at once. He merely stared at Uesugi Shinji with a gaze sharp as a blade, as if intent on seeing through every secret he held.
Under the Fourth Mizukage's scrutinizing gaze, Uesugi Shinji remained composed. He said nothing, quietly waiting for the other man to explain why he had summoned him.
The command tent fell silent for a good ten seconds. Just as the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, a faint smile suddenly appeared on Karatachi Yagura's stern face. He said meaningfully, "I never expected everyone to have underestimated you!"
Uesugi Shinji replied coolly, "It was just a trivial trick. Nothing compared to your abilities, Mizukage-sama."
Karatachi Yagura certainly didn't take Uesugi Shinji's feigned modesty at face value, but he had no intention of investigating the secrets behind it just yet. He had a more important task for him to carry out.
Getting up from his seat, Karatachi Yagura slowly walked over to Uesugi Shinji. He barely reached Uesugi Shinji's chest, which only made him