After leaving the Land of Wind with the peace treaty and ten million ryō, Mei Terumi and the others sailed back to the waters outside the Land of Water.
Looking at the Land of Water shrouded in thick fog, Mei Terumi and the others walked straight in without concealing themselves.
The fog was no mere decoration. Anyone who entered without a Sea Capital-certified citizen badge would trigger an anomaly in the mist barrier, and the military personnel hidden within would immediately arrest them or kill them on the spot.
This was also the fundamental reason the Land of Water had been able to keep its borders closed all this time. Now, after Yuzuru had taken it back to Ten Thousand Fathom Peak and improved it, the barrier had grown even stronger.
At this critical time, unless something absolutely had to be imported, no one would leave the Land of Water. Who would be foolish enough to give up a good life and go back out to the old days of being ruled by nobles and daimyō?
The Land of Water still had everything to rebuild, but at least every household had land to farm and food to eat. Once next year's harvest came, things could change completely, with everyone fed and clothed.
Life would only get better from then on. With something to look forward to, who would want to return to their former lives?
Ordinary people lacked worldly experience, but they were not stupid. They could still tell good from bad.
Back in the president's office, Mei Terumi gave Yuzuru a full account of the negotiations.
Only when he heard that Temari had been chosen as the hostage did Yuzuru realize that Gaara probably had not even been born yet.
But never mind. It did not matter; Temari would do. After seeing the Land of Water's current system and then returning to that backward era, anyone would know which to choose.
Besides, Temari's status was sufficient. At least when they incorporated the Land of Wind's territory in the future, her status would be enough to keep those who refused to give up in check.
"You and Hikari should pay close attention to Pakura's situation. The village still sorely needs Kage Level fighters like her. Besides, someone who has been betrayed like that will be even more loyal. In the future, she and Temari will be important tools for conquering the Land of Wind."
Yuzuru entrusted the matter to Mei Terumi and Uchiha Hikari without concern.
"Yes."
Just then, Kakashi suddenly appeared in the office. Looking at Yuzuru, he said, "We've found all the members of the Chinoike Clan."
"Bring them in. I'd also like to see this Ketsuryūgan that's said to rival an ordinary Mangekyō."
Hearing this, Uchiha Hikari grew curious as well.
Soon, seven strange, red-eyed people entered the office.
Yuzuru studied them, and they looked at Yuzuru in turn.
Beside him, Uchiha Hikari stared at their eyes, her face full of curiosity.
"It seems you've all awakened the Ketsuryūgan."
"All thanks to you, Lord Mizukage."
One of the men, who had a rather imposing air, said this as he looked at Yuzuru.
Hearing his attitude, Uchiha Hikari immediately revealed the pattern of the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan in her eyes, and her terrifying ocular power bore down on the seven people before her.
"U-Uchiha? The Mangekyō Sharingan!"
"Hikari, stop."
Yuzuru pulled Hikari back to his side and gently held her hand.
Only after hearing Yuzuru's words did Hikari deactivate her Sharingan.
"Since you're in the Land of Water, you must know about the changes happening here. I'm not the Mizukage, and there won't be a Mizukage anymore. I'm the president of Sea Capital and the true ruler of the Land of Water. I've already thrown the old daimyō, nobles, and ninja village onto history's scrap heap."
"I know what you experienced in the past, but it won't happen again. I've already settled the Yuki Clan, the Hozuki Clan, and the other bloodline clans. They're all living in Sea Capital, and you'll be no different. I'll designate a residential area for you. From now on, you're citizens of Sea Capital too. I treat everyone equally."
"However, the Ketsuryūgan is no ordinary bloodline ability, after all. So, like the other bloodline clans, your clan members will have priority in military selection. After graduation, as long as your academic and ideological studies meet the required standards, you can become fourth-class soldiers directly.
"For the specifics, you can ask the Kaguya Clan later. In short, don't go around causing trouble, and keep Sea Capital's laws firmly in mind. As long as you don't break the law, you're all good citizens. If you do break it, don't blame me for dealing with you according to the law."
Hearing this, the Chinoike Clan members looked at the man in the middle.
"Thank you, Mr. President."
As he bowed in submission of his own accord, the matter of the Chinoike Clan was finally settled.
"Oh, and those who want to join the military should register their strength in a moment. Those over fifteen should go back, study Sea Capital's laws and military law, and take an exam. Once you pass, you can become third-class soldiers. Those under fifteen will all attend Sea Capital Academy when it opens in the fall."
"Yes, Mr. President."
"All right. Someone take them to Director Ao at the Inspection Department."
Soon, two people appeared and led the Chinoike Clan out of the office.
Kakashi pulled over a chair and sat down as well.
"Thanks for your hard work."
Yuzuru smiled as he spoke.
"It wasn't too bad. But during the mission, I heard that Minato-sensei has become the Fourth Hokage."
Kakashi spoke suddenly.
"I know. Counting the time, it's almost here."
Yuzuru nodded and looked out the window.
"What's almost here?"
"The day Obito attacks Minato and his wife."
Yuzuru spoke calmly.
Hearing this, Kakashi's pupils contracted slightly.
"Minato has become the Fourth Hokage, and Madara Uchiha is also nearing death. Obito will be trained by Madara Uchiha as his pawn. Not only will he become proficient with the Mangekyō Sharingan, he'll also master Wood Release. On top of that, he has a space-time ability like Kamui. Although his replacement Sharingan isn't as good as his original one, that doesn't diminish the power of this Dōjutsu. It only means a longer interval between consecutive uses."
"Once Madara Uchiha dies, there will be no one left to keep Obito in check."
Yuzuru's words left Kakashi unable to sit still any longer. Looking at him, he asked, "Do you have any way to save Minato-sensei?"
"I can save him, but the problem is that, given Minato's personality, convincing him to join us will be difficult."
"We can start with Kushina, Sensei's wife. Minato-sensei's only weakness is Kushina."
Kakashi spoke at once.
Hearing this, Yuzuru suddenly laughed as he looked at Kakashi.
"W-what is it?"
"You really have given me a good idea."
Kakashi: !
"Just don't take it too far."
"Don't worry. I won't kill them. On the contrary, they'll have to stay alive and well."
With a quiet chuckle, Yuzuru patted Kakashi on the shoulder. "I've got another mission for you."
"Go to Kusagakure and find a red-haired mother and daughter."
"Red hair? Could they be-!"
Kakashi caught on at once.
"Go. If you get there early, they might be in a better state. If you're late, they might already be dead."
Hearing this, Kakashi did not hesitate. He immediately used Flying Thunder God and left.
"Red hair... the Uzumaki Clan?"
Uchiha Hikari looked at Yuzuru.
"Yes, and an Uzumaki Constitution awakened from birth, at that."
After leaving the Land of Water, Kakashi immediately summoned a Thunder Eagle.
"What's wrong, Kakashi? You seem to be in quite a hurry."
"Do me a favor. Fly in that direction at full speed."
"All right. Hold on tight."
The man and eagle sped toward the Land of Grass, entering its territory in less than half a day.