Naruto: Becoming Mizukage

After entering the Mizukage building's meeting room, Mizuki Ryosuke made his way to greet the familiar Jōnins he had worked alongside in the past. He then quietly settled into a spot in the back corner, out of the main focus of attention. 

Ryosuke wasn't surprised by how things were unfolding today. Mizuki Taki, the current Mizukage, had hinted at placing greater responsibilities on him in the near future. Still, Ryosuke hadn't expected that this would mean a swift promotion to Jōnin. 

In his mind, Ryosuke felt a sense of inadequacy about the promotion. Despite his recent accomplishments, including defeating an Iwa Shinobi Jōnin, Ryosuke considered that victory more of a lucky fluke rather than a true test of skill. At least that is what he wanted it to look like.

Deep down, despite his act, Ryosuke was unsure if he was ready for the responsibility that came with being a Jōnin, given his own "low-key" approach to life and training.

Soon after Ryosuke took his seat, the conference room began to fill up. Besides the Mizukage, there were key figures like Karatachi Yagura, the head of the Anbu, and Maeda Motoji, the Jōnin squad commander, who were seated prominently on either side of the room. 

These two figures represented the second and third highest ranks in the village. Yagura, with his deceptively young appearance, and Maeda, with his dignified, middle-aged face, both exuded an air of authority and power, reminding everyone present of their superior status.

Ryosuke observed these figures carefully, especially Yagura, knowing that this man would eventually become the Fourth Mizukage. Around him, the room was filled with high-ranking Jōnins, including many from the Mizuki clan, who were likely there to support Ryosuke's promotion. 

Their presence suggested this event had been orchestrated with some care, particularly by Mizukage Mizuki Taki himself, who seemed intent on securing Ryosuke's future within the village hierarchy.

The quiet murmur of conversation in the room died down as two masked Anbu members entered the conference room, signalling that the meeting was about to begin. 

The soft sound of a cough from the hallway drew the attention of the entire assembly as Mizuki Taki, the Mizukage, slowly made his way to his seat. His presence was commanding, despite his frail appearance, and he carried the weight of leadership with ease. 

Once seated, Mizuki Taki began the meeting with a standard briefing on the village's recent developments, speaking in general terms about the challenges and successes Kirigakure had faced in recent months.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.

"Cough, cough... Now, onto the main reason we're gathered here today," Mizuki Taki announced with a smile, his voice kind but firm. "We have five candidates up for promotion to Jōnin this year."

He continued, outlining the usual process. "As always, three nominations come from me, one from Kafratachi Yagura, and one from Maeda Motoji. Now, let's proceed with the voting. If anyone has any objections, now is the time to raise them."

The Jōnin promotions, as Ryosuke knew, required not just merit and demonstrated strength, but also approval from the gathered Jōnin. A nominee needed more than a third of the attendees' support to advance to the next phase of evaluation.

"Maeda read the names," Mizuki Taki directed.

Maeda, the Jōnin squad leader, cleared his throat and began reading off the list of nominees. "Toshi Miyake, Ichiro Kato, Hideno Hara, Naoki Jiang, and… Mizuki Ryosuke."

As Maeda called Ryosuke's name, there was a brief but palpable ripple of attention through the room. Many of the Jōnin glanced toward Ryosuke, not because of his fame or achievements, but because of his close relationship with the Mizukage. Everyone knew that Ryosuke was connected to the powerful Mizuki clan, and his nomination undoubtedly reflected that.

Yagura, who sat nearby, seemed disinterested. "Let's get this over with," he said dismissively. "I've got matters to attend to in Anbu."

Maeda, unfazed by Yagura's attitude, proceeded with the voting process. Ryosuke, being the last on the list, watched the proceedings carefully, all the while mentally preparing for the next part: the strength evaluation.

Ryosuke had learned that in addition to the voting, the promotion process included a critical step—the combat test. In this phase, a nominated Chūnin would face off against an existing Jōnin in a supervised match. 

The goal wasn't necessarily to win but to demonstrate sufficient strength and skill, proving that the nominee was worthy of the rank of Jōnin. This test would be observed by the Mizukage, the Anbu commander, and the Jōnin squad leader to ensure fairness and accuracy in judging.

Ryosuke knew that if he could manage to hold his own and avoid outright defeat, he would pass. But if he lost decisively, his promotion would be delayed until the following year, when he could try again. 

This "competition" was what Ryosuke had been preparing for, as he considered it the true test of his abilities.

In truth, Ryosuke didn't feel particularly eager to become a Jōnin. He wondered if this rank would truly prepare him to face the legendary figures of the ninja world—monsters like Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, Uchiha Madara, or even Senju Hashirama. 

Compared to those titans of history, the rank of Jōnin felt almost trivial. Ryosuke saw it as just another stepping stone on his long journey toward true strength.

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The vote continued, and soon the results were tallied for the other candidates. Taishi Miyake, a civilian-born ninja, failed to secure enough votes, while the other three nominees, who had strong family backgrounds, passed without any issues. 

Finally, it was Ryosuke's turn.

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