hotmtlnovel Chapter 138 Mizukage Assistant: Makoto Karatachi!
Chapter 138 Mizukage Assistant: Makoto Karatachi!
Chapter 138 Mizukage Assistant: Makoto Karatachi!
Makoto Kari was surrounded by people as they passed through the port and walked along the main road of Kirigakure.
Cheers echoed all the way.
Someone leaned out of a second-floor window and waved to him; a child rode on his father's shoulders holding a small flag; and an old woman tremblingly held a freshly cooked rice dumpling and tried to hand it to him.
Hozuki Mangetsu and Kisame Hoshigaki acted like two dutiful gatekeepers, blocking the overly enthusiastic crowd from the left and right, while Ringo Ameyuri followed behind, her face full of pride.
This is my team leader!
Mizuki Yuki and Ao walked further back. The former had a faint smile on her cool face, while the latter rolled her eyes and occasionally scanned the crowd to make sure that no one with ill intentions had mixed in.
The group walked through the commercial street, crossed the training ground, and finally arrived at the core area of Kirigakure.
Water Shadow Building!
A large crowd had also gathered in the square in front of the building.
But unlike the frenzy of the port, the atmosphere here is more solemn.
Representatives from various ninja clans, heads of various departments within the village, and some highly respected elders were already lined up on both sides of the square, waiting.
When Makoto Goji appeared at the entrance of the square, everyone's eyes immediately focused on him.
Gouju Cheng kept walking, a smile on his face, striding forward.
"So this is the kid from the Goji Berry Clan? It's been a long time. He's really impressive."
"The God's Hand bloodline limit is just too overpowered."
"A bloodline version of the Water Mirror Technique. But we owe this battle to him; otherwise, Kirigakure would have been doomed."
"Good lad, you haven't disgraced my family of tangerines!"
People from various ninja clans spoke one after another, their expressions filled with emotion. Several elders from the Karatachi clan were practically beaming with joy.
At the end of the square, in front of the main entrance of the Water Shadow Building.
The Third Mizukage stood there.
The old man, who had been in charge of Kirigakure for decades, had specially changed into a solemn dark blue kimono today, with a Mizukage robe over it. His hair was neatly combed, and he exuded an aura of majesty and composure.
But those who know him well can see that the Third Mizukage looks more relaxed and relieved than usual today.
Makoto Karatachi walked up to the Third Mizukage, stopped, and bowed slightly.
"Lord Mizukage, Makoto Karatachi has returned as ordered."
The Third Mizukage looked at him, and a rare smile appeared on his usually serious face.
"Okay, okay, okay."
He stepped forward, placed his hands on Gouju Cheng's shoulders, and patted him hard.
"You did a fantastic job! Better than I expected, better than anyone else expected!"
Makoto Gojibana remained calm and smiled serenely: "It's all thanks to the skillful leadership of Lord Mizukage and the valiant fighting of the soldiers on the front lines. This victory is the result of our collective efforts."
"Hahaha, you're right, you're right! This battle is the result of the collective efforts of everyone in Kirigakure!"
The Third Mizukage laughed heartily, and everyone around him joined in, creating a relaxed and lively atmosphere.
The Third Mizukage released his grip, turned to face the crowd in the plaza, and cleared his throat.
"Gentlemen!"
His voice wasn't loud, but it contained chakra and clearly reached everyone's ears.
The square fell silent instantly.
"Today, I, Makoto Karatachi, the hero of Kirigakure, return in glory with the agreement!"
"This is not just a victory in war, but one of the most glorious victories in the history of Kirigakure's external operations since its founding!"
""
"Konoha, the largest village in the ninja world, has ceded territory to us, paid reparations, and bowed its head before us!"
Before the words were even finished, a deafening cheer erupted in the square.
The Third Mizukage raised his hand, gesturing for everyone to be quiet.
"Just as our hero said, this victory belongs to every ninja who fought for Kirigakure! It belongs to every villager who silently supported us from the rear! It belongs to everyone in Kirigakure!"
"but."
He paused, his gaze slowly sweeping over everyone present, finally settling on Makoto Koji.
"The greatest contributor to this victory is undoubtedly this young man before us!"
"Kujiri Makoto!"
"Kujiri Makoto!"
The crowd erupted in cheers again, this time chanting his name in unison.
Gouju Cheng's smile grew even brighter, and he was secretly delighted.
It feels so damn good to be praised in public and be the center of attention!
"in addition."
The Third Mizukage's voice rang out again, and the plaza fell silent once more.
The old man's gaze swept over everyone present, and he waved his hand.
Two Hidden Mist ninjas immediately stepped forward, carrying a tray with a neatly folded white robe on it.
The collar and cuffs of the robe were embroidered with blue and gold cloud patterns, which shimmered in the sunlight.
The Third Mizukage took the robe, unfolded it solemnly, and draped it over Makoto Karatachi's shoulders.
"From this day forward, Makoto Karatachi, you will be the Mizukage's assistant from Kirigakure," reporting directly to the Mizukage!
"What?!"
A gasp of surprise erupted from the crowd.
Mizukage assists!
This position has never appeared in the history of Kirigakure before, and it is extremely rare even in the history of ninjas. It was established only in special periods to recognize people with outstanding achievements and exceptional abilities.
Its status is second only to the Shadow, and in certain special matters, it even has higher decision-making power than ordinary elders!
The most famous of them all is Shimura Danzo of Konoha.
Known as the Dark Lord of the Ninja, Shimura Danzo was not only a member of the Konoha Elders, but also the Hokage's assistant, making him second only to the Hokage in Konoha!
Most of Konoha's decisions are made by Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura. Moreover, according to the latest information from the intelligence team, when Hiruzen Sarutobi comes to the meeting, Danzo Shimura basically handles all matters concerning Konoha.
Acting Hokage!
But Danzo was Danzo after all; his name as the Dark Ninja was renowned throughout the ninja world, and he dominated the ninja world for decades.
But how old is Gouju Chengcai?
Not even twenty years old!
To receive such an honor at such a young age is unparalleled in the entire ninja world.
"Mizukage assist! Mizukage assist!"
"Hero Makoto! Hero!"
The Third Mizukage nodded in satisfaction, then raised his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet.
The cheers gradually subsided, and everyone waited to see what else the old Mizukage had to say.
The Third Mizukage turned around, facing the high platform, the elders, and the sea of villagers and ninjas below.
"Gentlemen."
His voice wasn't loud, but with the enhancement of chakra, it clearly reached everyone's ears.
"I have been the Mizukage for thirty-seven years now."
"For the past thirty-seven years, I have witnessed the rise and fall of Kirigakure, the smoke of the First and Second Shinobi World Wars, and the sacrifice of countless Kirigakure warriors."
"The Third Shinobi World War is not yet completely over, but Kirigakure has already achieved a victory worthy of being recorded in history."
"This victory belongs to every Kirigakure ninja who fought and bled! It belongs to every Kirigakure villager who silently contributed from the rear! It belongs to the entire Kirigakure village!"
Once again, enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted from the crowd.
The Third Mizukage raised his hand, and the applause gradually subsided.
He took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the familiar faces below the stage, over his old comrades who had fought alongside him for decades, and over the energetic young faces.
"I'm getting old."
His voice carried a hint of weariness and a touch of emotion.
"These eyes can no longer see the distance. These hands can no longer hold the scepter firmly. This heart has gradually lost its former sharpness."
"For a village, a ninja village, to survive in a chaotic world, to establish itself in the ever-changing ninja world, what it needs is not an old, indolent guardian, but a visionary leader!"
"Therefore, I have decided to formally abdicate and hand over Kirigakure to the Fourth Hokage during the Lunar New Year!"
Upon hearing this, the entire square fell into a deathly silence.
Immediately afterwards, it was as if a huge rock had been thrown into a calm lake, causing it to explode with a loud bang!
"The Fourth Mizukage?!"
"The Mizukage is abdicating?!"
"Oh my god, is this real?"
A deafening murmur erupted from the crowd; everyone was stunned by the sudden news.
The representatives of those major families had different expressions.
Some were shocked, some were excited, some were thoughtful, and some had a complex glint in their eyes.
Makoto Karatachi stood beside the Third Mizukage, his smile unchanged, but a hint of understanding flashed deep in his eyes.
Sure enough.
The Third Mizukage's announcement of his abdication at this time was clearly a well-thought-out decision.
Kirigakure has just achieved a historic victory over Konoha, and its morale and prestige are at their peak. This is the most stable and natural moment for the transfer of power.
and----
Makoto Goji's gaze swept across the crowd below the stage.
Yagura was standing not far ahead, his young face showing disbelief, clearly also taken aback by the news.
But in his eyes, besides shock, there was more of a calm and resolute determination.
Gouju nodded silently to himself.
Yagura's cousin, the future Fourth Mizukage, is indeed ready.
"Please be quiet, everyone."
The Third Mizukage raised his hand again, signaling everyone to be quiet.
The murmurs gradually subsided, but the excitement and shock in the crowd were still written on everyone's face.
"The selection of the Fourth Mizukage has been discussed by the elders for quite some time."
The Third Mizukage's voice rang out again, his gaze slowly sweeping across the crowd before finally settling on a certain spot within it.
"Yagura the tachibana!"
All eyes turned to them.
Yagura took a deep breath, stepped out from the crowd, his steps steady and his expression solemn.
He walked up to the Third Mizukage and bowed his head.
"Yagura is here."
The Third Mizukage looked at him, his eyes filled with relief and expectation.
"Since becoming a Jonin, Yagura Karatachi has repeatedly distinguished himself in battle. He is calm and decisive in frontline command, and brave and fearless in battle. In this operation against Konoha, you led your troops to withstand the fierce attacks of Jiraiya and Fugaku Uchiha, creating an excellent opportunity for rear operations."
"Your abilities, your character, and your sense of responsibility have all been witnessed by me and the elders."
"Therefore, I hereby formally announce..."
The Third Mizukage raised his voice, his chakra surging, each word resounding like a great bell, echoing throughout the entire plaza.
"Yagura Karatachi will become the Fourth Mizukage of Kirigakure!"
"The enthronement ceremony is scheduled to be held during the Spring Festival!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the square erupted in thunderous cheers once again!
"The Yondaime! The Yondaime!"
"Yakura-sama! Yagura-sama!"
"Long live Kirigakure! Long live the Fourth Hokage!"
The cheers were like a tsunami, one wave higher than the next.
Representatives from various families applauded in response, with members of the Hozuki and Hoshigaki clans nodding frequently, and the Terumi clan beaming with joy.
After all, Mei Terumi is Makoto Karatachi's fiancée, and Makoto Karatachi is Yagura's cousin.
This kinship is enough to give the Zhaomei clan a favorable position in the future power structure.
The people of the Goji Berry family were so excited that they burst into tears.
One Fourth Mizukage, and one Mizukage assisting him.
Such power is enough to elevate the Karatachi clan to the pinnacle of status in Kirigakure!
Some people were envious, some were sentimental, but the news of Yagura becoming the Mizukage had already spread throughout Kirigakure long ago, so when the Third Hokage announced it now, naturally no one objected.
Because of his achievements, Yagura truly deserves this position.
more importantly.
All eyes turned to the young man wearing the robes of a Mizukage's assistant, standing beside the Third Mizukage.
Goji citrus is sincere!
This young man transformed from a spoiled brat into a hidden hero in just a few months.
This monster, who possesses the heaven-defying bloodline of the God's Hand, strikes fear into the hearts of Konoha on the battlefield.
This guy who personally killed the Hokage's son and forced the Third Hokage to sign a humiliating treaty!
He is Yagura's cousin.
He was Yagura's most trusted right-hand man.
It's the Mizukage who's helping!
With such a person standing behind Yagura, who would dare to harbor any disloyal thoughts?
Who dares to disagree?
Amid cheers, Makoto Goji stepped forward and said softly, "Congratulations, cousin."
Yagura looked at him, this cousin who had followed him around since childhood and whom he had scolded countless times for being useless, and who had now grown up to be so successful.
He patted Makoto Kouju's shoulder forcefully.
"Acheng—thank you very much."
This simple "thank you" contains so much.
Many thanks to him for his desperate fighting on the battlefield, many thanks to him for the victory he won for Kirigakure, many thanks to him for the glory he brought to the Karatachi clan, and many thanks to him for clearing all the obstacles on his way to becoming the Mizukage.
Gouju Cheng shook his head, his smile unchanged.
"We're family, no need for thanks."
"But the Lunar New Year is just around the corner, cousin. If you really want to thank me—how about giving me a big red envelope?"
"Let's get this straight, I negotiated a deal with Konoha for 2 billion taels this time. If you give me another five taels, I'm going to cause a scene."
"You little brat!"
Yagura was taken aback, then laughed and scolded, "Those five taels are commemorative coins for a daimyo, and you're complaining about them!"
"I don't care!"
The Third Mizukage watched this scene with a relieved smile on his face.
These two young men were quite different: one was calm and decisive, the other quick-witted and cunning. One was tasked with great responsibility, the other achieved victory through unconventional means.
With them joining forces, the future of Kirigakure might truly be even more glorious than he had hoped.
"alright!"
The third generation of Mizukage said in a clear voice.
"Today brings a string of good news; it's not advisable to stand here for long! Pass down the order: a three-day celebration will be held throughout the village!"
"All villagers will be rewarded! All ninjas will be rewarded!"
"Tonight, a banquet will be held at the Water Shadow Building to entertain representatives of various families and meritorious officials!"
"Rejoice, people of Kirigakure!"
"Long live! Long live!"
"Long live Kirigakure! Long live the Third Hokage! Long live the Fourth Hokage!"
The cheers erupted again, even more enthusiastic and frenzied than before.
At this moment, the entire Hidden Mist Village transformed into a sea of joy.
April 21, Konoha Year 49.
A bombshell announcement swept through the entire ninja world.
In the Land of Waves, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, formally signed a ceasefire agreement with Kirigakure, and Konoha declared its defeat and surrender.
The contents of the agreement quickly spread throughout the five great nations through various channels. Konoha paid Kirigakure 2 billion ryo in war reparations, leased Kazekage Valley and its coastal area for 99 years, opened some border trade ports, and granted Kirigakure and the Land of Water a series of most-favored-nation privileges, among other things.
-
During the war, Kirigakure, as the aggressor, launched the first attack on Konoha, but Konoha repeatedly thwarted them. However, thanks to Makoto Karatachi's unparalleled strength and decisive tactics, he managed to turn the tide of the battle and win the victory.
That afternoon.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, issued a statement expressing Konoha's deepest apologies for everything Kirigakure had done and offering condolences to the ninjas from both sides who sacrificed their lives in the war.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stated, "War is never the best way to solve problems. Miyazaki is willing to acknowledge its defeat in this conflict and learn from it to re-examine its relationship with Kirigakure. From now on, we hope that both countries and villages can put aside their hatred and work together to create peace."
These words caused an uproar throughout the ninja world.
The Land of Fire, Konoha Village.
Thousands of villagers and ninjas gathered in the plaza in front of the Hokage Building.
Their faces were filled with shock, confusion, anger, and deep humiliation.
"Surrender?! Konoha actually surrendered?!"
"Why should we?! We still have so many ninjas, so much Jiraiya-sama, so many clans! Why should we surrender to Kirigakure?!"
"How could the Third Hokage sign such an agreement! I don't believe it!"
A commotion erupted from the crowd.
Some people broke down in tears, while others angrily waved their fists, their faces filled with resentment.
They have never failed. In the fifty years since its founding, the pride accumulated by this number one ninja village in the ninja world is unimaginable.
At this moment, they were defeated. They signed the surrender terms, and their Hokage even personally apologized, admitting that the war was Konoha's fault.
But what does this mean?
What does this mean for those who died on the battlefield?!
The war was clearly started by Kirigakure, and Konoha still possesses such formidable fighting power—
Inside the Hokage Building, in the Hokage's office.
Through the window, Acting Hokage Danzo Shimura looked down at the villagers and ninjas gathered below, his expression grim.
In fact, when Hiruzen Sarutobi made his decision to surrender to Kirigakure, he had already guessed that this scene would occur, but he did not expect the public's reaction to be so enthusiastic.
However, this is for the best.
Danzo took a deep breath, turned around, and returned to the desk that symbolized the Hokage.
His thin, bony fingers gently stroked the armrests of the chair, feeling the smooth wood grain.
The Hokage's seat.
He had imagined sitting here countless times, and had mentally rehearsed the scene of becoming Hokage countless times.
When Kang Qing was young, he fought alongside Hiruzen and together they made countless contributions.
Later, Hiruzen inherited the will of the Second Hokage, Suzuka, and became the Third Hokage. As for him, he could only retreat behind the scenes, becoming the leader of the arts and the shadow of Konoha.
Hiruzen said it was for the village.
Hiruzen said, "What you need to do is protect the darkness of Konoha."
Hiruzen said—
enough!
A cold glint flashed in Danzo's eyes as he slowly sat down in the chair.
It's gone up to several tens of degrees.
He waited for dozens of hours!
Now, Hiruzen, because of a humiliating defeat, has no choice but to personally bow down and apologize to Kirigakure.
Such a trend, such public opinion, such public outrage.
Without a doubt, once the war ends, Hiruzen Sarutobi will resign in disgrace.
At that time, he will serve as the acting Hokage, as the Hokage's assistant, and as Konoha's most loyal guardian.
Who could stop me from taking this position?!
"Ryoma!"
"Lord Danzo!"
Danzo spoke in a deep voice: "Immediately issue the order. I will hold a speech to personally appease the people and stabilize morale!"
"This—Lord Danzo, isn't it a bit hasty to hold this speech now?"
Ryoma Aburame frowned slightly and cautiously reminded her, "Public sentiment is on the verge of exploding. If you step forward now, you might become the target of everyone's anger. Moreover, the Hokage just made an announcement. As the acting Hokage, if you stand up now—"
"It is precisely because Hiruzen just made that ridiculous announcement that I must stand up."
Danzo's single eye gleamed, but his tone remained increasingly calm and composed.
"Although Da Ren is angry at this moment, his true intention is to care about Konoha. Concern makes one lose focus."
"The people need someone to give them confidence, someone to tell them that Konoha has not fallen, Konoha is still the same Konoha!"
"Hiruzen's apology was necessary; it was political. But after the politics, someone needs to win people's hearts and stabilize the situation. That is my duty as the acting Hokage."
"Besides—do you really think these people are just angry?"
"No, Ryoma. They are more afraid and confused. They don't know where Konoha's future lies, and they are afraid that this village that they were once proud of will fall into ruin."
"And what I need to do is tell them that Konoha is still strong! Konoha still has potential! As long as I am here, Konoha will not fall!"
Aburame Ryoma remained silent for a moment, then lowered his head.
"Understood, I will make the arrangements immediately."
Go!
Danzo Shimura gazed out the window at the Hokage Rock, then looked at the crowd gathered below the Hokage Building.
Hiruzen, you have brought shame upon Konoha.
And me.
He will lead this village to greatness once again!