Acting Mizukage

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

However, this truly was a good opportunity to increase their income. They could not quite understand Doichi Hyuga's thinking.

"Things aren't 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 in our squad could die! And that's only the first point!"

"Second, the Mizukage's strength as the leader of a village won't be that simple. Capturing him alive without anyone dying is impossible! If we go too easy, we might get ourselves killed! If we hit too hard, the mission target dies and the mission fails! We might even face the hostility of Kirigakure's villagers and pursuit from the Mizukage's diehard supporters!"

"Third, even if the mission is completed perfectly, what benefit does Konoha get? Whether it's one hundred million ryo or one billion ryo makes little difference; the impact on Konoha would be small either way. Letting more people in Kirigakure die would be far more beneficial to Konoha."

"If we die here, Kirigakure will be overjoyed! Especially Senior Kakashi—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 also be implicated and cast aside.

"Doichi! Are you making fun of me? Compared to you, what kind of signature ninja am I? My strength is far below yours!"

Kakashi was unhappy. Since he had already stabbed Doichi Hyuga in the back once, doing it again did not put much pressure on him.

"Doichi! You're terrifying. You feel 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.

Shikuro Aburame silently nodded, effectively hammering the final nail into the coffin.

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

Good thing he wasn't an enemy. He was a companion? Then there was no problem!

"..."

Doichi Hyuga was speechless.

"Seniors, you need to be careful of 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 Senior Kakashi! If I'm not mistaken, she'll become the next Mizukage!"

The three of them were startled, no longer knowing what to say.

Since Mei Terumi was that strong, they really would need to be extra careful in the future!

"Mm! There's nothing left for us to do now. We just have to wait for the reward to be paid!"

Kakashi added that line, ending the discussion.

"Lord Genji! The plan failed!"

Mei Terumi found Genji, her expression rather grim.

"Oh? Tell me about it!"

Mei Terumi recounted the entire course of events truthfully, without adding anything to it.

"Hehe! This Doichi Hyuga is no simple man! Although the strategy failed, information provided by someone like him is actually more credible!"

Genji leaned shakily on his cane and laughed cheerfully.

"Send word down! Tell everyone below to make thorough preparations. I 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's genjutsu had been lifted.

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

Karatachi Yagura believed that his own incompetence had caused irreparable harm to the Hidden Mist Village. He directly made a public confession to the entire village about his cruel policies and accepted all responsibility.

After making arrangements for several matters, Karatachi Yagura chose to commit suicide in atonement.

Genji assumed the position of acting Mizukage and began training Mei Terumi with all his effort.

"Lord Mizukage!"

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

"Kirigakure is deeply grateful for Konoha's help this time! We have been poor hosts and made you all suffer. Please, have a seat!"

Genji rose to his feet and shakily made his way before the four of them.

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

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

Doichi Hyuga said with a smile.

"Mei! Settle the reward for our distinguished guests!"

"You are all friends of the Hidden Mist Village. You are welcome to visit us again in the future. Feel free to tour Kirigakure and the Land of Water, and experience customs different from your own!"

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

Doichi Hyuga replied politely.

Once the payment had been settled, the four bid their farewells and departed.

Ten days later, the four returned to Konoha.

Hokage's Office.

The four handed over the mission scroll and recounted their experience during the mission.

"Doichi! You did exceptionally well this time—calm, wise, and sufficiently vigilant. With such a talented young man as you in Konoha, this old man can rest a little easier! Hahahaha!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed brightly, satisfaction shining in his eyes. Doichi had grown close to Tsunade over the past two years, so he could be considered his grand-disciple. Such a fine prospect needed to be carefully nurtured!

Doichi Hyuga understood. This was preparation to raise the pressure on him and give him a heavier burden.

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

Hiruzen Sarutobi kept them for some idle conversation before letting them leave.

After collecting the 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 was now also a capitalist hated by everyone.

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

"Shuichi! Open your best private room!"

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

"Yes, Lord Doichi!"

Tezuka Shuichi bowed and had a waiter lead them upstairs.

The sixteen dishes were quickly served. Kakashi and the other two ate with great satisfaction. After all, it was their first time encountering cuisine with such rich variety of flavors.

The alcohol was also spicier than anything they had ever tasted, but it was quite satisfying to drink.

After the meal, the bill came to one hundred and fifty thousand ryo. With a forty percent discount, they paid ninety thousand ryo!

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

After taking the money, 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 Doichi get forty percent off?"

Tsume Inuzuka, the big-sister figure, was somewhat displeased, while Kakashi also looked puzzled.

"Lord Doichi is a major shareholder of our establishment, so he receives a forty percent discount! At present, the highest discount is the black gold card's thirty percent off, and only the Daimyo and Lord Hokage possess one!"

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

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