Chapter 45: Only You Are Worthy of Becoming the Fifth Mizukage!

Chapter 45: Only You Are Worthy of Becoming the Fifth Mizukage!

"No need to thank me!"

Uchiha Yi waved his hand, smiling with satisfaction, showing the lofty virtue of a young man who does good deeds without expecting anything in return.

Obito's face turned green with anger, but he held back, forced to keep smiling as if he were having a friendly chat with a close relative.

Anyone watching would have thought they were affectionate brothers enjoying a warm conversation.

"Senior Ah-Huo, I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be leaving now!"

Unable to stay any longer, Obito didn't even wait for Uchiha Yi's reaction before phasing out, disappearing as if in retreat.

By now, Obito had figured out that Ah-Huo was a petty-minded jerk!

In the Akatsuki, he had only once played a little prank to scare him. Did Ah-Huo really need to hold a grudge over something so trivial?

Now this guy had dared to mock and insult him—unforgivable!

Once Obito had used up Ah-Huo's value, he would definitely make him pay!

Obito wasn't one to let grudges go, and anyone who crossed him met a terrible end!

But did Uchiha Yi still need to fear him? When he checked his system stats, he saw his score had risen to around 1500!

It was a massive feeling of security.

He didn't have time to think about spending this "wealth" just yet.

His shadow clone had sent back news that the Taketori clan had broken into the Hidden Mist prison and freed their leader, forcing Taketori Shika into a position where he could only lead the rebellion himself and rise as the Hidden Mist's answer to Liu Bang.

The people of the Hidden Mist had suffered long enough under the tyrannical rule of the Fourth Mizukage!

I, Taketori Shika, the true destined ruler, will end Yagura's reign of terror today!

I will bring an end to the Hidden Mist's brutal Blood Mist policy!

While many in the Taketori clan lacked intelligence, Taketori Shika was relatively sane.

He knew that launching a coup was a last resort, and that the Taketori clan alone would not succeed.

Using what little brainpower he had, he thought of rallying those opposed to the Mizukage to join forces, greatly increasing their chance of success.

So, Taketori Shika took a high position and raised his voice in a call to arms!

To his surprise, many people responded, willing to stand with him against Yagura's rule.

For a moment, Taketori Shika felt triumphant, as if the Mizukage title was already within his grasp.

The plan for the coup was simple, without too many twists.

Once he gathered a force strong enough to make everyone in the Hidden Mist take notice, he would advance.

This put families who hoped to watch from the sidelines in a difficult position.

The coup led by Taketori Shika seemed likely to topple the Fourth Mizukage's rule, but no one wanted a man like Taketori Shika as the Fifth Mizukage. With so few brains among the Taketori clan, his success would likely doom the Hidden Mist Village.

Yet, their frustration with Yagura's tyranny also prevented them from openly supporting him, making the option of helping Yagura fight Taketori Shika unappealing.

Forced to choose a side, they wondered, what could they do?

That's it—there was still Lord Genshi!

Surely, he could guide the Hidden Mist Village onto the right path!

Thus, the situation in the Hidden Mist split into three powerful factions, each vying for dominance with no clear advantage to any side.

In a secret base of the Hidden Mist, the village's young elites—Mei Terumi, Yi, Chojuro, Mangetsu Hozuki, and others—had gathered.

"Lord Genshi, what should we do?"

"If this continues, the Hidden Mist Village will be doomed!"

For a long time, Mei Terumi had hoped to see the village prosper and grow stronger.

But the reality was moving further from her hopes, leaving her feeling both angry and helpless.

Now that the village had split into three factions, it looked stable on the surface, but this was far from true.

Just one spark could set off an explosion that would drag the village into an abyss. Mei desperately wished to avoid this outcome and had placed her hopes on Genshi, a respected elder.

"Sigh…"

Genshi let out an aged sigh.

If he hadn't seen the village in such a state, he truly wouldn't want to be dragged out of semi-retirement to handle such important matters when he was halfway into the grave.

One could only imagine his inner despair.

How unfair! Why did the Leaf Village thrive despite its troubles, while the Hidden Mist faced crisis after crisis, on the verge of collapse?

"Lord Genshi, please say something!"

"Taketori Shika's ambition is obvious. He could launch a coup at any moment!"

"If that happens, it will be too late!"

Seeing Genshi hesitate, Mei Terumi grew anxious and urged him to act.

"Oh, Mei, can't you spare my old bones?"

"Being dragged around by you young ones like this—I'll end up in my grave sooner than planned!"

Genshi grumbled, a hint of irritation in his tone.

"That won't happen!"

"I swear it won't!"

"I promise that after this, our village will never reach such a state again!"

Hearing this, Mei didn't hesitate to make a heartfelt vow, not noticing Genshi's hidden intent.

"Oh!"

"Then how about making young Mei the Fifth Mizukage?"

Genshi had guided her to this conclusion, hoping she would make a statement of responsibility.

"I… I…"

"I'm not suitable for it! There are others more qualified…"

Mei had not expected Genshi to consider her for the position of Fifth Mizukage, and his sudden "ambush" left her flustered and at a loss.

"Mei, don't refuse Genshi's suggestion!"

"You're the only one worthy of becoming the Fifth Mizukage!"

"If anyone else takes the title, I won't recognize them!"

As Mei's close friend, Yi stepped in to support her, and his words were sincere.

"Hahaha!"

"Sister Mei, no need to look at me!"

"I have no interest in the Mizukage's position!"

"But once you're Mizukage, don't forget to support me to join the Seven Ninja Swordsmen!"

Mangetsu Hozuki laughed, acting carefree as always.

"You all…"

Hearing her friends' sincere support filled Mei with warmth.

"Now do you see, Mei?"

"What else do you have to worry about?"

"I've watched you grow, Mei, and I know your character well!"

"You are the one best suited to become the Fifth Mizukage of the Hidden Mist Village!"

"So, what will your choice be?"

Genshi's wrinkled face broke into a smile, fully confident that Mei would accept.

"Phew!"

"If you all believe in me so strongly…"

"Then I'll become the Fifth Mizukage—I won't let any of you down!"

With newfound clarity, Mei made a bold declaration.
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