Acting Mizukage

Kakashi, Tsume Inuzuka, and Aburame Shikuroo were all experienced ninja. Strictly obeying their superiors' orders was a basic quality.

However, this truly was a good opportunity to increase their income, and they did not quite understand Doichi Hyuga's reasoning.

"It's not that simple! They're setting us up!"

"Once we accept this mission, we'll have to make a move against the Mizukage! If things go wrong, someone on our team could die! And that's only the first point!"

"Second, as the leader of a village, the Mizukage's strength is no simple matter. Capturing him alive without anyone dying would be impossible! If we hold back, we might get ourselves killed! If we hit too hard, the target dies and the mission fails! We might even face the hostility of Kirigakure's villagers, as well as pursuit from the Mizukage's diehard supporters!"

"Third, even if the mission is completed perfectly, what benefit does Konoha gain? Whether it's one hundred million ryo or one billion ryo makes little difference; the impact on Konoha is minimal. Letting Kirigakure lose a few more people would benefit Konoha far more."

"If we die here, Kirigakure will be overjoyed! Especially Kakashi-senpai—he's one of Konoha's signature ninja. Whether he lives or dies will greatly affect Konoha's reputation!"

If Kakashi died, not only would Konoha's reputation suffer, Hiruzen Sarutobi would probably cry himself unconscious in the bathroom. Those who returned alive would be implicated as well and cast aside.

"Dao Yi! Are you mocking me? Compared to you, how can I be called a signature ninja? My strength is far inferior to yours!"

Kakashi was displeased. In any case, he had already stabbed Doichi Hyuga in the back once, so doing it again did not put much pressure on him.

"Dao Yi! You're terrifying. You seem even smarter than Nara Shikaku!"

After hearing him out, Tsume Inuzuka gave him a shocked "good review"! Still, she decided she should keep her distance from Doichi Hyuga in the future.

Aburame Shikuroo silently nodded, effectively driving another nail into the coffin.

Though they said that, all three of them felt that Doichi Hyuga, their captain, had somehow become much more dependable.

Thankfully, he was not an enemy. He was an ally, right? Then there was no problem!

"..."

Doichi Hyuga was speechless.

"You three should be careful around Mei Terumi in the future! If you encounter her, seek support immediately!"

"Is she really that dangerous?"

Tsume Inuzuka found it hard to believe.

"She's very strong—stronger than Kakashi-senpai! If I'm not mistaken, she'll become the next Mizukage!"

The three were startled and no longer knew what to say.

Since Mei Terumi possessed such strength, they truly would have to be extra careful around her in the future!

"Right! There's nothing left for us to do. We just need to wait for the reward to be settled!"

Kakashi added that, bringing the topic to an end.

"Lord Genji! The plan failed!"

Mei Terumi found Genji, her expression rather grim.

"Oh? Tell me about it."

Mei Terumi truthfully recounted everything that had happened, without embellishing anything.

"Hehe! This Doichi Hyuga is no simple man! Although the strategy did not succeed, information provided by someone like him is actually even more credible!"

Leaning tremblingly on his cane, Genji chuckled happily.

"Send out the notice! Tell those below to prepare thoroughly. I only hope we can lose a few fewer comrades."

Genji sighed. After three successive unreliable Mizukage, when would Kirigakure finally rise again?

Three days later, news arrived that the Mizukage had been freed from the genjutsu.

Naturally, it came at the cost of thirteen Jonin lives. Kirigakure's Jonin were still rather lacking in substance.

Karatachi Yagura believed that his own incompetence had caused irreparable harm to the Hidden Mist Village. He publicly confessed his evil policies to the entire village and took responsibility for every crime.

After making arrangements for several matters, Karatachi Yagura chose suicide to atone for his sins.

Genji assumed the position of acting Mizukage and began fully nurturing Mei Terumi.

"Lord Mizukage!"

Doichi Hyuga led his teammates into the Hokage's Office.

"For Konoha's assistance this time, Kirigakure is deeply grateful! We failed to properly receive our guests and have troubled you all. Please, have a seat!"

Genji rose to his feet and made his way tremblingly toward the four of them.

Mei Terumi poured tea, then returned to stand behind Genji.

"We're glad to have been able to help your village! Lord Mizukage, you're too courteous!"

Doichi Hyuga said with a smile.

"Mei! Settle our distinguished guests' reward!"

"You are all friends of the Hidden Mist Village. You are welcome to visit Kirigakure in the future. You may tour Kirigakure and the Land of Water, and experience different local customs!"

"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Mizukage. We'll consider it!"

Doichi Hyuga politely replied.

After the reward was settled, the four bid farewell and departed.

Ten days later, the four returned to Konoha.

Hokage's Office.

The four submitted their mission scroll and recounted their experience during the mission.

"Dao Yi! You did exceptionally well this time—calm, wise, and sufficiently vigilant. With a genius youth like you in Konoha, this old man can rest a little easier! Hahahaha!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled brightly, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. Dao Yi had been close to Tsunade these past two years, making him his grand-disciple. Such an excellent seedling needed to be carefully nurtured!

Doichi Hyuga understood. They were preparing to increase his workload and place greater burdens on him.

"Thank you, Lord Hokage! I still have much to learn!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi kept them chatting for a while before allowing them to leave.

After collecting their reward, Doichi Hyuga took them to Huaxia Restaurant for a meal.

As the captain, this was necessary social interaction.

The owner of Huaxia Restaurant was one of Doichi Hyuga's business partners. He had now become the sort of capitalist everyone hated.

Konoha's Huaxia Restaurant had only been open for a month, yet business was already booming.

"Shuichi! Prepare the finest private room!"

Tezuka Shuichi came from a culinary family in the Land of Fire, with restaurants throughout the Ninja World. Doichi Hyuga had approached them to cooperate, investing his technology in exchange for dividends.

"Certainly, Lord Dao Yi!"

Tezuka Shuichi bowed respectfully and had a waiter lead them upstairs.

All sixteen dishes were soon served. Kakashi and the other two ate with great satisfaction. After all, it was their first time encountering dishes with such varied flavors.

The liquor was also spicier than anything they had ever tasted, but drinking it was incredibly satisfying.

After the meal, the bill came to 150,000 ryo. With a forty-percent discount, they paid 90,000 ryo!

Business was business, and personal matters were personal matters. They still had to pay, since it was not a one-man business. Of course, as a shareholder, he naturally had to enjoy the lowest available discount.

After receiving the payment, Tezuka Shuichi respectfully presented three diamond membership cards. They offered a twenty-percent discount, second only to the black gold cards.

"Huh? Only twenty percent off? Why does Dao Yi get forty percent off?"

Big Sister Tsume Inuzuka was somewhat displeased, and Kakashi wore a questioning expression as well.

"Lord Dao Yi is a major shareholder of our establishment, so he receives a forty-percent discount! At present, the highest discount available is thirty percent off with a black gold card, and only the Daimyo and Lord Hokage possess them!"

"I see. I wrongly blamed you! Then thank you, Boss Tezuka!"

The three nodded. Their discount benefits truly had reached the limit.