Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make
Chapter 151: Law
---Mizukage---
Hozuki is a good Mizukage, knowing exactly how to handle the rising tension. In the original timeline, he successfully redirected the conflict by trapping Tsuchikage Mu.
His initial plan was to lure Iwagakure shinobi into attacking the village, but Tsuchikage Mu decided to infiltrate Kirigakure and assassinate Gengetsu Hozuki instead.
It was easy for Mu to attempt this due to his ability to fly and turn invisible. Their battle was intense, with Mu managing to kill Gengetsu at the cost of his own life. They both died fighting each other.
Afterward, Hiroto was chosen as the next Mizukage, but he wasn't a good leader for the village.
He was the one who initiated the "Demon of the Hidden Mist" policy, where students would kill each other upon graduation.
Gradually, shinobi became more like tools than human beings, forced to suppress their emotions to survive and become the best.
Kirigakure turned into a nightmare for shinobi, starting with the rules established by the Third Mizukage.
Hiroto, unlike Gengetsu, was not a good Mizukage. He used a different approach to the ongoing conflict, opting for cruel methods to toughen up the village's shinobi. He was chosen as Mizukage not because he had been Gengetsu's guard but because of his immense strength.
Fortunately, the Second Mizukage was still alive, so there was no need to pass the Kage position to anyone else.
However, Hozuki's plan was clearly seen through by Onoki, who refused to play along or attempt to assassinate him.
---Bowl Of Meat---
"Mizukage-sama, a shinobi from the Kaguya clan has attacked another civilian, and this time it's worse than before," reported the Anbu.
Gengetsu felt a headache coming on as he listened. Why couldn't this clan just stay quiet and avoid causing trouble? Civilians are the backbone of the village, and without them, it would be hard to get food or clothes.
"How is the condition of that man injuries?" Gengetsu Hozuki asked.
"His left hand was cut off, and it's impossible to reattach it," replied the Anbu.
Gengetsu frowned.
"Why did he attack the civilian?" he asked.
"He said it was because the civilian disrespected him by reducing the portion of meat in his bowl," the Anbu responded.
"What? Did the civilian really give him less meat?" asked Gengetsu.
"According to the report, the size of the meat was slightly smaller," the Anbu explained.
Gengetsu was dumbfounded and so frustrated that he slapped his own forehead.
"Of course—did he really think the meat would be the same size every time?" Gengetsu muttered, finding the reason given by the Kaguya shinobi utterly ridiculous.
Civilians couldn't possibly cut the meat to exactly 10 grams with every slice. Sometimes it would be 11 grams, sometimes 9 grams.
"Lock that man up in prison," ordered the Mizukage.
"Understood," the Anbu replied, leaving. But five minutes later, he returned.
"Mizukage-sama," said the Anbu.
"You again? Is there another problem?" asked the Mizukage.
"Yes, the elders from the Kaguya clan have come to bail out the criminal," said the Anbu.
"What?" Gengetsu was shocked and decided to go to the prison himself.
---Punishment---
Even though the Kaguya Clan is one of the strongest clans in Kirigakure, they have crossed the line by attempting to bail out a criminal. If, as the Kage, he allows this criminal to go free, the people will lose trust in him. On the other hand, if he attacks the Kaguya Clan, it will make the other clans wary of him.
"Hold on, what are you doing, Kaguya Shimimaro?" the Mizukage asked upon arriving at the cell holding the prisoner.
"I'm trying to save my nephew from this injustice," said Shimimaro.
"Injustice? He attacked and severely injured a civilian!" the Mizukage replied, his voice rising in frustration.
"That civilian crossed the line and embarrassed the Kaguya Clan," Shimimaro tried to defend his nephew.
"Alright, if you say this is injustice, let's have the other clan heads come here for a trial," said the Mizukage. He then ordered the Anbu to summon the other clan leaders.
The Mizukage knew he had to be fair in this trial. If the Kaguya Clan went unpunished, they would repeat their actions, causing civilians to flee from Kirigakure.
Fifteen minutes later, all the clan heads had gathered, and the Mizukage held the trial.
It took about 20 minutes to explain the situation and show evidence to the other clan leaders. While they frowned at the situation, they didn't want to get involved in the confrontation.
"So, who agrees that the criminal should be punished?" the Mizukage asked.
Unfortunately, only one-third of the leaders raised their hands in agreement with the Mizukage's judgment.
Shimimaro smiled at the result, while Mizukage was shocked. In response, the Mizukage made a shocking move that surprised the entire room.
"Alright, it seems most of the clan heads believe the criminal should not be punished. From now on, there will be no need to punish any criminal in a similar situation," he said. He then called for the Anbu to bring paper and a brush.
Everyone watched him intently, curious about what the Mizukage was planning.
"Those who agree that he is innocent, please sign this paper. If a similar incident happens to your clan, your clan will have no right to seek justice for your members. If the Kaguya Clan cuts off the hand of one of your clan members, there will be no justice. You'll simply need to ask for forgiveness then your crime will be forgiven," said the Mizukage.
His words shocked everyone in the room.
"Wait, we didn't agree to this! Why are you forcing us?" protested one of the clan heads.
"Because your decision today will affect the law of this village. If there is no law today, then there won't be any law for your clan members. Even if they are harmed or incapacitated, the perpetrators will be able to escape punishment simply by asking for forgiveness," explained the Mizukage.
Kaguya Shimimaro frowned, realizing the other clans would now be inclined to agree.
"Now, let's hold one last vote. Your decision today will shape the laws of this village," the Mizukage declared.
This time, every clan except the Kaguya Clan raised their hands, ensuring that the criminal could not escape punishment.
The criminal's hands and feet were ordered to be cut off so he could never attack a civilian again.
This incident spread throughout Kirigakure, and the Mizukage's name became known as that of a wise and kind leader.
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