After finishing a hearty meal, Wayne followed Terumi Mei to the Mizukage's office.
To be honest, the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, though respected for his position, was not having a great time.
In the wake of Kirigakure's failed military operations during the Third Great Ninja War, especially against Konohagakure, the village had suffered heavy casualties—including elite jonin and members of the Anbu. Their reputation as the "Bloody Mist" was beginning to fade under Yagura's rule.
Many within the village had begun to question his ability to lead, especially after unsuccessful skirmishes with not only Konoha, but also Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure. A recent botched ambush led by Kirigakure against Konoha forces had only resulted in more losses—including a full squad wiped out by the Uchiha.
"It's that cursed Uchiha clan again!"
Yagura slammed the desk with his small fist, his usually expressionless face twisted with fury. One of his most elite units—nearly 200 shinobi—had been decimated in a confrontation with an Uchiha operative. It was humiliating.
He needed a win—something decisive—to restore Kirigakure's strength and his own credibility.
Initially, he had planned to deploy the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist to launch a precision strike on Konoha, but fate—or rather, Wayne—intervened.
Before the mission could even be launched, Wayne had nearly killed one of the Swordsmen—Jūzō Biwa—in a duel gone out of control.
And Wayne carried the blood of the Uchiha.
Yagura's frustration was palpable.
Knock knock knock!
There was a knock at the door. Yagura straightened his robes and called out in a surprisingly youthful, almost childlike tone, "Come in."
Creaaak.
The office door opened, revealing Terumi Mei and Wayne.
"Mizukage-sama," they both greeted respectfully.
Despite Yagura's volatile temper and the rumors of his instability, he was still the Mizukage, and protocol had to be observed.
"Terumi Mei?" Yagura raised an eyebrow. "I summoned Wayne, not you."
"My brother's new to the village layout. I simply brought him here," she replied coolly.
Yagura narrowed his eyes. It was hard to get lost in Kirigakure, especially when heading to the Mizukage's tower. But he let it slide.
He turned his sharp gaze to Wayne. "You nearly killed Jūzō Biwa," he said flatly. "Do you deny it?"
"You said 'nearly.' So what's the crime?" Wayne replied calmly.
Yagura's eye twitched. The audacity.
"You think you get a pass just because you didn't finish the job?" Yagura's voice dropped, cold and cutting. "Especially when that man mysteriously disappears right after?"
Wayne crossed his arms. "I don't concern myself with weaklings. Ask me something that matters, Mizukage-sama."
The air in the office instantly grew colder, an oppressive chakra pressing down. Even Terumi Mei tensed.
"Show some respect," she whispered, tugging on Wayne's sleeve. "He is the Mizukage."
Wayne's voice was steady, but audible. "I came here as requested."
Yagura gave a sudden chuckle, though his jade eyes glinted with malice. "Such arrogance for one so young…"
His smile vanished. "Let's get to the point."
He rose from his seat. "Kirigakure has suffered enough losses. I had hoped to send the Seven Swordsmen to retaliate against Konoha, but thanks to you, we're down a man."
He looked directly at Wayne. "You'll take Jūzō's position."
Then, turning to Mei, he added coldly, "And since you're so fond of babysitting, you'll go with him."
Terumi Mei narrowed her eyes. Sending us together? Is this a mission—or a setup?
Yagura leaned forward, his voice lowering to a near whisper. "I also have a piece of information I think you'll find…interesting."
"Say it," Wayne replied, expression unreadable.
Yagura grinned, amused by the boy's bluntness. "Very well. The truth is… the ones who killed your parents were Konoha shinobi."
Wayne's eyes darkened.
Even Terumi Mei was stunned.
"When they were sent on a joint mission, your parents were ambushed by Konoha's elite," Yagura continued. "Outnumbered. Outmaneuvered."
"We never announced it publicly. You were too young. But now… you deserve to know."
Wayne clenched his fists.
Yagura smiled thinly. "And by the way… I despise the Uchiha. Your blood is no exception."
"So this is what it's about," Wayne said quietly. "You want to use me to fight your war."
Yagura shrugged. "I simply revealed the truth. What you do with it… is your choice."
He turned his back. "That's all I wanted to say. If you have nothing else, you may leave."
Wayne stared at him for a moment, then glanced sideways at Terumi Mei.
"Sis… I think it's time you became Mizukage."
His voice was calm, but his words left her confused.
What's that supposed to mean?