Naruto: Becoming Mizukage

After Yumi confirmed that Ryosuke was unharmed, she gently led him to the dining table, where a simple yet heartfelt meal awaited. The table was set with a traditional Japanese dinner, and without hesitation, Ryosuke began to eat, comforted by the familiar warmth of home and Yumi's presence. 

Their interactions over the meal were natural and comfortable, like that of a newly married couple, even though they both considered their relationship to be more like that of siblings. 

As the evening wound down, Yumi left Ryosuke's house, maintaining the propriety expected of their relationship. Despite their close bond, some boundaries had to be observed, especially within the strict societal expectations of the Mizuki clan. 

Once she was gone, Ryosuke settled into his nightly routine of training. The recent events had left him feeling an increasing sense of urgency. With his newfound powers and the attention they had brought, he knew he had to grow stronger, faster than ever.

---

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the village of Kirigakure, in a shadowy, nondescript building tucked into a quiet corner, a different scene was unfolding. 

This seemingly ordinary structure was, in fact, the secret headquarters of Kirigakure's Anbu—a place few civilians would ever know existed. 

Inside the dimly lit building, Yagura, the current head of Anbu and an ambitious ninja, sat behind a desk. His sharp features and a deep scar that ran across his face made him an intimidating figure. Before him, an Anbu ninja knelt, delivering a report.

Yagura's expression grew darker with each word spoken, his displeasure evident. 

"Incompetent," he muttered through gritted teeth. "You've let that old fool Mizuki Taki catch wind of the situation." 

His frustration was palpable, and the air in the room grew colder as his murderous intent seeped through.

The Anbu ninja quickly lowered his head, offering an apology. "Lord Yagura, I've already ordered the remaining Iwa Shinobi operatives to hide. There won't be any more slip-ups."

Yagura, though still clearly displeased, responded with a grunt of acknowledgement. 

The man before him was referring to a network of spies and saboteurs from Iwagakure that Yagura had secretly employed to destabilize the village. Yagura had ambitious plans, and any interference from Mizukage Mizuki Taki could put those plans at risk.

Yagura, who would one day become the Fourth Mizukage and the Jinchūriki of the Three-Tails, was a man driven by ruthless ambition. Even now, as the Anbu commander, he was positioning himself to seize power.

"You'd better hope this is the last mistake you make," Yagura growled, his voice sending a shiver down the spine of the Anbu ninja, who bowed even lower in fear.

Shifting gears, Yagura asked, "What's the status with the Kaguya clan?"

The ninja straightened slightly, speaking with more confidence. "Everything is going according to plan. The Kaguya clan believes in the promises we've made. At your command, they will launch an uprising."

Yagura smirked, clearly pleased. "Fools," he muttered under his breath. 

The Kaguya clan, known for their violent tendencies and reckless behaviour, were easy to manipulate. Yagura viewed them as nothing more than muscle—a tool to be used for his own gain.

The Anbu ninja hesitated before asking, "What about Mizuki Ryosuke? How should we handle him?"

Yagura waved his hand dismissively. "He's insignificant. Let him be. Once Mizuki Taki is dealt with, Ryosuke won't matter." With that, Yagura ssignalledthat the conversation was over, and the Anbu ninja vanished into the shadows, leaving Yagura alone.

A dark smile spread across Yagura's face. He was on the verge of achieving his greatest desire: to take the title of Mizukage for himself. 

The only obstacle left in his path was Mizuki Taki. Once the current Mizukage was eliminated, Yagura would have the power and control he craved. His ambition blinded him to everything else, his only focus on the prize that lay ahead.

But even as he revelled in his plans, something strange began to happen. Yagura's sharp eyes dulled, and his pupils began to shift. His once-orange irises slowly turned blood-red, and three distinct tomoe formed within them—the unmistakable sign of the Sharingan. 

Unbeknownst to him, Yagura had fallen under the control of a powerful illusion, one cast by the Uchiha clan, masters of the Sharingan. Without hesitation, Yagura rose from his seat, his body moving of its own accord, and began walking toward the lower levels of the Anbu building.

---

The next day, the mood in Kirigakure was tense as the village's Jōnin gathered at the Mizukage Building for their monthly meeting. This assembly of elite ninjas was crucial for the village, as the Jōnin were the backbone of Kirigakure's military strength. 

Though the village boasted no more than 300 Jōnin, each was a powerful ninja, capable of wielding advanced jutsu and leading critical missions. Together, they represented the true strength of the village.

In attendance were not only current Jōnin but also those on the verge of being promoted—a tradition in the village where the Jōnin meeting served as the forum for advancing skilled Chūnin to Jōnin status. 

Today, Mizuki Ryosuke was one of those candidates. As he entered the Mizukage Building, he felt the weight of dozens of eyes on him. His presence at this meeting meant one thing: Ryosuke was about to be promoted to Jōnin.

Whispers rippled through the room as the other Jōnin took note of his arrival. Ryosuke, previously an unremarkable Chūnin, had suddenly risen in prominence. His recent achievements—most notably his awakening of the Ice Release Bloodline and his victory against a Jōnin from Iwagakure—had propelled him into the spotlight.

For most of his life, Ryosuke had been overlooked by his peers. Many saw him as an ordinary ninja with little potential, but his sudden rise in power had forced them to reconsider. 

Now, he stood among the elite, ready to take the next step in his career. However, this promotion wasn't just a formality; it was a sign that Ryosuke was being drawn deeper into the intricate web of village politics.

The Jōnin meeting was not only a time for discussing the village's future but also for selecting leaders. The Mizukage and the village elders paid close attention to rising stars like Ryosuke. Today's meeting could very well determine the trajectory of his future. As Ryosuke took his place among the other Jōnin, he understood the significance of this moment. 

The promotion to Jōnin was more than just a new rank; it was an invitation into the upper echelons of village society, where decisions were made, alliances were forged, and power was brokered. With his newfound status, Ryosuke was no longer a passive observer. He was now a key player in the unfolding drama within Kirigakure—a village on the brink of upheaval, where old powers clung to control, and new forces like Yagura sought to reshape the future.

Little did Ryosuke know, the village he had grown up in was teetering on the edge of a violent transformation. And in the shadows, figures like Yagura, under the influence of unseen forces, were plotting to claim it all.

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