In the Mizukage's office, Mei Terumi was swamped with work. Genji's influence was deeply entrenched, and the purge would not be easy.
"Ao, has the East Harbor garrison been replaced?"
"Our people are already in place, Lady Mei." Ao nodded, his single eye—the Byakugan—remaining active in case of any sudden developments.
"What about Hozuki Mangetsu?"
"He went to settle his younger brother, Suigetsu." Ao replied, "He promised to support you fully, as long as his brother's safety is guaranteed."
Mei Terumi rubbed her brow. The situation was stabilizing, but the greatest hidden danger was still in the room next door.
Karatachi Yagura sat in the temporary lounge. He was no longer trying to kill himself; he merely stared blankly out the window.
Naruto's words had branded themselves into his soul like a red-hot iron.
"...You will only be remembered as a pitiful innocent, a coward controlled by the enemy who ultimately took his own life in regret."
He did not want to be a coward.
The door opened, and Mei Terumi entered.
Yagura slowly raised his head. His once-empty eyes were now filled with dead stillness and pain.
"Mei... Terumi." His voice was hoarse.
"Fourth..." Mei Terumi did not know how to address him.
"Am... am I still useful?" Yagura asked. It was not a plea, but a near-desperate need for confirmation.
"That boy from Konoha said I still have value."
Mei Terumi took a deep breath. "You do. Kirigakure needs you. Not as the Mizukage, but as... someone seeking redemption."
Yagura's body trembled slightly.
"I will become the Fifth Mizukage," Mei Terumi said with absolute certainty. "And you, Yagura. You must live. Use your strength and your knowledge of Akatsuki to help the people of the Land of Water."
Yagura closed his eyes, and two streams of tears slid