Kirigakure.
Several ninjas huddled together, talking among themselves.
One Mist Ninja sighed.
"That came out of nowhere. The Third Mizukage was still in his prime. Why did he suddenly step down?"
Another Mist Ninja joked.
"Maybe all those years of hard work wore him out. Couldn't keep up with the ladies anymore! Hahaha!"
The first Mist Ninja gave him a look.
"Oh, get lost. Third-sama isn't like that!"
"Ahem. Though I did hear Third-sama might... Ahem. You know what I mean, brothers."
Beside them,
a Mist Ninja who was clearly their leader cut in.
"All right, that's enough gossip about the Mizukage."
"The Third Mizukage has poured his heart into this village. I won't have you talking nonsense about him."
"Besides, everyone agrees Yagura should succeed him as the Fourth Mizukage. You two can stop wagging your tongues!"
The two Mist Ninjas immediately grinned sheepishly and dropped the subject.
"Got it, boss."
"Yeah, yeah. We're all fully behind Yagura becoming Mizukage."
"Exactly. We just feel a little sorry to see Third-sama go."
The Third Mizukage's sudden retirement
caused quite a stir in Kirigakure.
But Togami Kurotsuru was no longer young.
And Karatachi Yagura had already been chosen as the Fourth Mizukage's successor.
It was a normal transfer of power between them.
After the initial buzz died down, no one thought much of it.
As for Togami Kurotsuru's plans after retirement
to leave the village and clear his head,
there was even less to say.
The man had spent his whole life fighting. Now that he had finally retired,
couldn't he enjoy himself?
Inside the Mizukage's Office,
Black String looked at Setsuna in the main seat and smiled.
"My lord, everything has been taken care of. We can leave whenever you're ready."
Setsuna nodded slightly and rose from the chair.
"No