Naruto: Becoming Mizukage

The voting for Mist Shinobi's Jōnin promotions was not anonymous, meaning each vote had to be cast openly, adding an element of tension and transparency to the process. Each Jōnin present was expected to raise their hand in agreement or disagreement with the proposed candidates.

It quickly became evident that support for the Mizuki clan, to which Ryosuke belonged, was strong. Around half of the Jōnin present, many clad in the white kimonos that signified their affiliation with the Mizuki family, raised their hands in favour of the candidates from their clan. 

This display of unity was a testament to the Mizuki clan's strength and influence within Kirigakure. As the largest and most powerful ninja clan in the village, especially with Mizukage Mizuki Taki at the helm, the Mizuki clan had over twenty Jōnin at the meeting, showcasing their considerable numbers and presence.

In contrast, across the room sat the Kaguya clan, another significant and powerful ninja family. The Kaguya clan, known for their robust physiques and distinctive appearance—plucked eyebrows replaced with black spots drawn on their foreheads—were as physically imposing as they were politically antagonistic toward the Mizuki family. 

The Kaguya clan's patriarch, Teru Yoruichiro, led the group, his stature even more impressive than the others. The Kaguya clan members sat in silence, but their sneers and body language spoke volumes. It was no surprise when the entire Kaguya group unanimously voted against Mizuki Ryosuke's promotion.

This rivalry between the two clans was well-known, and mutual vetoing of Jōnin promotions was commonplace. Just as the Mizuki family would oppose any Kaguya promotion, the Kaguya clan made it their business to reject Mizuki Ryosuke's advancement. 

Interestingly, Mizuki Ryosuke also noticed opposition from Yagura, the head of Anbu, and his faction. Even though some of Maeda's subordinates showed some tentative support for Ryosuke, it was clear that Yagura and his supporters were not on Ryosuke's side. 

Yagura's group seemed to represent a political force in Kirigakure separate from both the Mizuki and Kaguya clans, one that was uninterested in supporting Mizuki Taki's influence, including promoting his kin. 

Despite this, a handful of Jōnins within Mizukage's faction cast favourable votes, bringing Ryosuke's total to about 40 votes, just enough to surpass the required 30% threshold.

While Ryosuke had technically passed the voting phase, he couldn't help but feel uneasy. The numbers were too close for comfort. With 90 Jōnins present, including over 20 from the Mizuki family, it was clear that Mizuki Taki's grip on the village's elite was slipping. 

That Ryosuke, a direct descendant of the Mizuki clan and favoured by the Mizukage, had received barely 40 votes showed just how precarious the political landscape had become. The results indicated a divide among the Jōnin, and the diminishing influence of the Mizuki clan was apparent.

Ryosuke pondered this situation with growing concern. Although his clan's position was still strong, the balance of power was shifting. With Yagura and the Kaguya clan actively opposing them, Ryosuke realized that his strategy of keeping a low profile was the right approach. 

In the midst of such political tension, drawing too much attention to himself could be dangerous. His resolve to maintain a "mediocre" and unobtrusive persona was only strengthened.

As the voting phase concluded, the next step was the combat evaluations. Mizuki Ryosuke was the last to compete, and the first four candidates prepared to face off against a Jōnin chosen by lottery. 

The first to be called was Kato Ichiro, a young ninja who had garnered some reputation within the village. Though Ryosuke didn't know him well, he recognized the name. The Kato clan was a smaller ninja clan in Kirigakure, but still well-connected enough to secure influence within the village.

As luck would have it, Kato Ichiro drew a middle-aged Jōnin from the lottery, and it didn't take long for Ryosuke to sense a prearranged agreement between the two. The brief glance and smile exchanged between them before the match made it clear that this fight would be more of a formality. 

True to Ryosuke's suspicions, the battle was brief and cautious, ending in a draw. It was clear that the older Jōnin had no intention of defeating Ichiro and had essentially let him pass the evaluation.

The next candidate, Hideno Hara, was not as fortunate. He drew an Anbu ninja from Yagura's group, a fierce and elite warrior. Before the fight even began, Hara's expression darkened, knowing full well that his opponent would not go easy on him. 

As soon as the battle started, it became evident that the Anbu ninja was far more skilled. Within ten moves, Hideno Hara was decisively defeated, his hopes of promotion dashed.

The third candidate, Naoki Jiang, fared better. His fight was more evenly matched, and after an intense exchange of techniques, both parties agreed to a draw, which was sufficient for Jiang to be considered for promotion. His skills were evident, and even without a clear victory, he had proven himself capable of handling the responsibilities of a Jōnin.

Finally, it was Mizuki Ryosuke's turn. Like the others, his opponent was determined by lottery. Maeda Motoji, the Jōnin squad leader, conducted the drawing, and as he pulled out the name of Ryosuke's opponent, a murmur spread through the room. Some of the Jōnin present exchanged glances, and a few even smirked in anticipation.

"Mizuki Ryosuke's opponent is..." Maeda paused, his voice steady as he read the name aloud, 

"Kaguya Yuta."

The announcement caused an audible reaction from the crowd. The tension in the room heightened as everyone realized what this meant. Ryosuke had drawn an opponent from the Kaguya clan, and not just any member, but Kaguya Yuta, a notorious figure within the clan.

The room was filled with anticipation. A fight between a member of the Mizuki clan and the Kaguya clan would be more than just a test of skill—it would be a clash of two rival families, both vying for dominance in Kirigakure. Everyone knew that this would not be an ordinary evaluation, but a spectacle of strength, pride, and clan rivalry.

As Mizuki Ryosuke prepared to face Kaguya Yuta, he braced himself for the challenge ahead. This was no longer just about earning the rank of Jōnin; it was about surviving a battle that could define his place within Kirigakure and the ongoing struggle between the Mizuki and Kaguya clans.

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