To Yagura, the "Blood Mist" policy was utterly reprehensible—he could see no benefits to it whatsoever.
Because of this, he harbored deep prejudice against the one responsible for enforcing it: the Third Mizukage.
However, after interacting with the man, Yagura realized that the Third Mizukage was neither an idiot nor someone under Uchiha Madara's control.
So why did he push forward with the Blood Mist policy?
From what Yagura had gathered so far, the Mizukage's motive was simple—he despised the Hozuki Clan, and by extension, all of the major clans within Kirigakure.
Yet, this alone wasn't enough to justify the implementation of such a brutal policy.
Logically speaking, after so many years, had the Blood Mist policy actually suppressed the influence of the major clans?
Not really.
Children born into these clans still had more resources than civilian shinobi, benefiting from structured training and upbringing.
Not to mention their bloodline-based kekkei genkai and inherited secret techniques.
When two graduates—one from a clan and one from a civilian background—entered the real world as shinobi, the survival rate disparity was obvious.
To counterbalance this, the academy formed squads that mixed major clan heirs together, as seen with Yagura, Mangetsu, and Kaede's three-man team.
But at best, this was only a secondary objective.
The real reason was—
"Kirigakure is not Konoha, nor is it Kumogakure. The village doesn't have the funds to sustain a standing force of twenty to thirty thousand shinobi."
Perhaps elderly men simply enjoyed discussing national affairs with the younger generation.
Even after Yagura openly rejected his policies and vowed to overturn them once he took power, the Third Mizukage wasn't angry.
For reasons unknown, the Mizukage patiently explained his rationale, speaking in a way that a child could understand.
"The situation you'll face when you take over is exactly this: the village has no money. Maintaining a certain number of shinobi requires funding. We cannot afford to be careless with who we train and keep. I understand that the Blood Mist policy isn't ideal, but it is the most suitable choice for Kirigakure."
"These are things your grandfather should have told you, yet it seems he never did."
Being a Kage wasn't just about strength.
Even Uzumaki Naruto, the Seventh Hokage, who was arguably the strongest shinobi in history, was swamped with administrative duties after assuming office.
He worked himself to exhaustion.
He even had to send a shadow clone to his own daughter's birthday party.
Halfway through, the clone dispelled, and the cake in his hands fell to the ground, ruined.
The Third Mizukage had enforced the Blood Mist policy for decades. There had to be multiple layers of reasoning behind it.
As Yagura's eyes gradually cleared with understanding, the Mizukage nodded in approval. If a student could be taught, and they understood the lesson, then there was hope.
At present, the leaders of the other four great villages had all been in power for over a decade.
If Kirigakure's next Mizukage was an ignorant fool, the village might very well be sold out without even realizing it.
If there were better candidates, the Third Mizukage wouldn't have chosen a child as the future Fourth Mizukage.
But there was no one else.
In mere seconds, countless thoughts flashed through his mind before he settled his gaze on Yagura.
"Yagura, I have a few questions for you."
Yagura straightened up, ready for the challenge. "Go ahead."
"Why does Kirigakure receive so few commissions from other nations?"
Yagura blinked. It felt like he was back in a history exam.
This was his forte!
He had read the village's history books multiple times.
Structuring an essay response? A humanities student's bread and butter.
After carefully considering his wording, Yagura smoothly replied:
"Kirigakure follows a closed-door policy, so it can only take commissions from within its own country. Most commissions go to a nation's own village to sustain its economy.
Additionally, Kirigakure is too far away. The mainland villages are much closer. Even when foreign clients seek services outside their own country, Kirigakure is rarely the first choice."
"Not bad."
The Third Mizukage nodded in approval. "Our village's shinobi are strong, but given these conditions, we realized that the problem lies in how little the outside world knows about our capabilities."
Yagura understood this all too well. Even in the 21st century, many excellent films and products failed due to poor marketing.
"You need better publicity."
The Mizukage continued, "To attract more commissions, Kirigakure needs to increase its visibility. What would you suggest?"
…
Boosting the village's reputation…?
If it were any other policy question, Yagura might have needed time to think.
But he had already seen the correct answer to this one.
Smirking with confidence, he suggested, "How about participating in the joint Chunin Exams with other villages?"
!!
Elder Genshi's hand slipped, and his brush left a long, crooked line across his document.
That scroll was going to need rewriting.
But that was the least of his concerns.
Having previously been listening absentmindedly, the elder snapped to attention, turning to Yagura in shock.
The Third Mizukage fell silent, contemplating the proposal. Finally, he countered,
"That would contradict Kirigakure's closed-door policy. Our shinobi's abilities would be exposed."
Yagura was speechless.
"You want exposure but also secrecy? Isn't that like trying to be a prostitute while insisting on a chastity plaque?"
The Mizukage's expression darkened instantly.
Black lines formed on his forehead at the crude analogy, but he had to admit—the logic was sound.
...
"Lord Mizukage."
Elder Genshi finally spoke up. "I believe it's worth considering."
He was the one who managed the village's finances.
Did the Mizukage have any idea how hard it had been to keep the village afloat these past years?
If the Chunin Exams could genuinely increase Kirigakure's visibility and attract commissions, it was a golden opportunity.
The Mizukage found it amusing to see the usually composed elder losing his cool.
Genshi was usually so reserved...
But he knew the elder had been struggling with Kirigakure's financial woes for too long.
Frankly, he himself was exhausted by it.
"Elder, this isn't a small matter. It requires thorough discussion."
"You're right."
Genshi sat back down, mumbling, "We'd need to negotiate with the other Kage about the timing and location. Kirigakure has never participated in a joint Chunin Exam before—this would be an unprecedented move."
The Mizukage sighed.
You're already discussing the logistics? We haven't even decided if we're participating yet!
Looking over at Yagura, who was brimming with anticipation, the Mizukage raised an eyebrow.
"You want to take part?"
"Absolutely!"
The Chunin Exams were essential to the world of shinobi.
Just as the West could never lose Jerusalem.
Yagura nodded fervently. "If you're concerned about exposing our shinobi's skills, why not just send a single three-man team? And, of course, I want one of those spots."
"We could also use this as an opportunity to gather intel on the other villages."
Kirigakure's isolation was a double-edged sword.
Just as the outside world knew nothing about Kirigakure's shinobi, Kirigakure knew nothing about them.
Especially Konoha.
With war looming, gathering intelligence on Konoha's shinobi could be a huge advantage.
And all they had to sacrifice was the information of three of their own.
A tempting deal.
The Third Mizukage quietly weighed the possibilities.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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