It's only a few hundred meters away.
The Mizukage Building was just a minute's walk away. This was the first time that the three of them had entered the power center of Kirigakure. In addition to Karatachi Yagura, the Fourth Mizukage, there were more than ten Jonin important positions, working on different floors and in different offices.
Undoubtedly, the entire Kirigakure operates solely based on the orders issued from this one building!
Therefore, this can be considered the most important building in Kirigakure.
The moment Qi entered the building, he could vaguely sense the cold aura lurking around him. Judging from their aura alone, these people seemed to be close to Jonin level. Without a doubt, these people were the elite of the Mizukage's direct Anbu, and only these people were qualified to be responsible for guarding this building.
Led by Qi, the three of them tensed up at this moment, following closely behind Qing, and went straight up to the door of the Mizukage's Office, located on a high floor of the building.
"Knock knock knock!"
A gentle knock on the door.
"Come in!"
Just then, a voice, clear yet with a touch of childishness, came from inside.
"Squeak!"
Qing then pushed open the door.
Leading the three of them in single file, the next second, the familiar baby face of Karatachi Yagura came into view from the main seat.
This wasn't the first time the three of them had seen their Mizukage.
But this is indeed the first time I've been this close.
However, the three of them didn't dare to look any longer.
"Greetings, Fourth Generation Lord!"
Led by Ao, the four of them knelt down on one knee in unison, bowing respectfully to Karatachi Yagura, who was seated at the head of the table.
"Hehe, get up."
Unlike his previous meetings with other Mist Ninja, the three who came to pay their respects this time were only a little over ten years old at the oldest. Karatachi Yagura, unusually, did not have a stern face, but instead smiled and gently raised his hand to speak.
His gentle words, coupled with his baby face, made him incredibly approachable. This is a classic case of not judging a book by its cover; judging by appearances alone, who would know that this seemingly mild-mannered Mizukage would issue so many ruthless orders?
Of course, reaching the position of Kage means one cannot be measured or viewed by ordinary standards, but this also demonstrates that Karatachi Yagura fully possesses the qualities and level expected of a Kage!
Qi followed Qing and slowly got up. On the surface, he seemed calm, but in reality, he was thinking silently.
The Blood Mist Policy is definitely not a nonsensical policy that the Mizukage came up with on a whim. Ultimately, it is a result of the unique geographical environment and internal political structure of Kirigakure.
This is reflected in and permeates all aspects of the Blood Mist Policy, including personnel allocation, task assignment, and education and training. To put it bluntly, it is a way for the Mizukage to consolidate their rule and strengthen their power!
However, later on, in some areas, the standards were exceeded. For example, in the graduation exam of the Ninja Academy, accidentally killing a classmate during the exam and having to kill at least one classmate to graduate are two completely different concepts.
This will obviously lead to distrust and wariness among the Mist Ninja.
This was probably the biggest mistake of this Mizukage during his reign. Oh, let's not mention the more outrageous actions and policies that followed, since they weren't Yagura's own will, but rather brainless decisions made after he was controlled by Obito.
He can be blamed, but he can't be entirely blamed either.
Unfortunately, Qi is still a nobody with little influence. What good is being on par Jonin a Jonin?
In the vast Kirigakure, Akira still had absolutely no say.
"I know everything about your performance in the Chunin Ninja Exams. You truly boosted the prestige of Mist Ninja, especially you, Qi Jun. You are indeed the most outstanding among the next generation of young people in Kirigakure!"
Yagura looked at the three men, Kei, who had stood up, with a smile on his face and spoke gently.
Ao had already stepped aside, and now it was Kei, Mei Terumi, Kisame who were directly talking to Karatachi Yagura.
"No, Fourth Generation Lord is too kind."
Qi bowed slightly, responding with a humble expression.
In this situation, one must maintain a proper attitude. Even Kisame Hoshigaki, who is usually somewhat 'unruly', looked solemn and respectful at this moment. Sitting in front of the three of them was one of the five most powerful people in the world, the supreme leader of their Mist Ninja!
Necessary respect is absolutely essential.
"Hehe, it's good that you're not arrogant, young man. Everyone needs to understand their place; this is one of the most basic rules a ninja must adhere to. You're good, Qi-kun!"
Karatachi Yagura chuckled softly and said something with a double meaning.
The expression in Qingna's eyes, positioned to one side, also shifted slightly.
Whether he understood or not, Qi, sitting in the lower seat, remained respectfully attentive and replied earnestly, "Yes, Qi will certainly remember the Fourth Generation Lord's teachings!"
Mei Terumi and Kisame, standing side by side with Kisame, also bowed in unison and replied, "We will certainly remember the Fourth Hokage's teachings!"
"Yes, that's good!"
Karatachi Yagura didn't seem to care much whether Kei understood his second meaning. For the moment, he smiled and nodded with a satisfied expression.
"In light of your outstanding performance in the Chunin Ninja Exams, you three are being promoted to Chunin as a special rank. This is your promotion order! Continue to work hard and fight for the greater good of the village!"
It wasn't about calling out Qing or anyone else.
Instead of what Kei and the others had expected, Karatachi Yagura stepped down from his seat and personally handed the three promotion orders to Kei and the others.
Although this is a very formulaic way of 'bestowing favors'!
However, the three of them still looked slightly excited at this moment, and stretched out their hands to receive the promotion order that was exclusively for the three of them from their Mizukage.
As for how much of that so-called excitement was genuine, only the three of them know for sure.
At least Qi's act was deliberately staged.
To be honest, this is still a technical skill, and Qi wasn't sure if he had really performed well, but he certainly did his best.
"Yes, Fourth Generation Lord!"
Kei, Mei Terumi, and Kisame responded in unison.
"Well, although all three of you have been promoted to Chunin, considering practical reasons, you will still be carrying out missions as Team 7. I look forward to your even more active performances in the future!"
Karatachi Yagura chuckled and patted the three of them on the shoulder, saying with a smile.
"I obey the command of the Mizukage!"