What kind of Mizukage is Karatachi Yagura?
Ever since the death of the Third Mizukage and Yagura's succession, this question had been a hot topic in the shadows of Kirigakure.
From the very beginning, Yagura faced skepticism due to his young age—both from the shinobi and the ordinary citizens alike.
In the first few months of his tenure, Yagura buried himself in his office, never making a public appearance. This only fueled conspiracy theories.
If there was nothing to hide, why hadn't the new Mizukage shown himself to the people of Kirigakure even once?
So when Fuguki Suikazan revealed the incident with Pakura, public opinion against Yagura exploded with unprecedented intensity.
The fear of the unknown Mizukage, the distrust in his youth, and the anxiety about Kirigakure's future all coalesced into a storm of resentment, ignited and fanned by Fuguki Suikazan.
There were even riots outside the Mizukage's building.
The uproar became impossible to conceal—even the diplomatic missions from the other four nations took notice and reported back to their respective countries.
Later, Yagura decisively crushed Pakura and the previous generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist in one swift stroke, finally quelling the unrest.
Hundreds of Kirigakure shinobi had participated in the siege against Pakura. They personally witnessed her death and even cast the weapons that ended her life.
With their vengeance fulfilled, they spread the word. Among the shinobi of Kirigakure, Yagura's reputation began to improve.
Even though Yagura himself didn't care much about public opinion, Elder Genshi and Ao realized its significance and began to work on shaping it behind the scenes.
Sometimes, what you do matters less than ensuring people see what you have done.
Abolishing the Bloody Mist era, advocating for peace, and implementing various economic reforms—these changes were all officially credited to Yagura through a series of public announcements orchestrated by Elder Genshi.
The people of Kirigakure suddenly realized:
Oh… so all of this was the new Mizukage's doing.
The abolition of the Bloody Mist only impacted the shinobi; civilians saw no immediate change. Economic reforms had yet to yield tangible results, benefiting only a select few.
However, Kirigakure's neutrality in the Third Shinobi World War affected everyone.
A few aggressive warhawks saw Yagura's pacifism as weakness.
But most people? Most people feared death.
To the common folk, war had never been a good thing.
Simply maintaining neutrality and keeping Kirigakure out of the war had already earned Yagura considerable favor.
Still, when looking at everything he had done, it seemed like anyone in his position could have accomplished the same.
Nothing felt particularly extraordinary.
He did not match the image of a Kage that people held in their hearts. Compared to past Mizukage and the other leaders of the shinobi villages, he seemed different.
A Kage should be the strongest, powerful enough to protect their village.
That was the ideal figure of a Kage in the minds of Kirigakure's people.
...
The entrance ceremony was about to begin.
Yagura waited at the ceremony square on the ground floor.
Taking his seat at the podium, he glanced around.
Hozuki Mangetsu and Momochi Zabuza, along with two ANBU guards, stood at the four corners of the stage, acting as his protectors.
Some of the faster new student classes had already assembled. Led by their teachers, they stood in formation on the square.
Around them, a crowd of Kirigakure civilians who had caught wind of the event filled the perimeter, forming two or three layers deep.
People in the back stood on their toes, peering forward.
More accurately, they were staring at Yagura on the podium.
"Hey, hey! The rumors were true! That's the Mizukage!"
"Can you even call him 'Mizukage-sama'? He's just a kid!"
"They said the new Mizukage was a child, but I never actually saw him until now… so it's true."
"Honestly, if you put him among the kids down there, he wouldn't look out of place."
"How could they entrust Kirigakure's future to a child like him?"
"Hey! The Fourth Mizukage kept us out of the war!"
"I know, and I appreciate that. But having a child lead us is still worrying."
"Can he really protect us?"
...
Terumi Mei, still uneasy about Yagura, had come from the Mizukage's office.
She exchanged a glance with her mentor, Yuki Murasaki, then turned her gaze toward the podium.
Yagura sat there with his eyes closed, seemingly indifferent to the murmuring crowd, letting the discussions unfold naturally.
Most of Kirigakure's citizens were unfamiliar with their new leader. They were distrustful and filled with uncertainty.
This was the perfect opportunity for Yagura to assert his presence.
Taking over from Yuki Murasaki, Terumi Mei stepped forward.
"Mizukage-sama, all 48 new student classes, totaling 2,451 students, have assembled. We're ready to begin."
"Oh, good."
Yagura glanced at the neat rows of small figures below.
He nodded at Mei. "Alright, let's begin."
Placing his hands on the table, he pushed his chair back and stood up.
Mei, still uneasy, followed closely behind, whispering, "Mizukage-sama, please stick to the speech approved by the elders."
"Wow, Mei, using the elders to pressure me? You've gotten sneaky."
"Well, that's only because you're too reckless."
Taking the microphone from an ANBU member, Yagura stepped to the front of the stage.
Facing countless gazes filled with mixed emotions, he met their eyes head-on.
The square fell silent.
He tapped the microphone twice. The sound echoed through the venue.
Testing…
Confirming that it worked, he let out a long breath, steadying himself.
He was well aware of the general skepticism the people held toward him. Elder Genshi and the others had warned him about the public's perception.
He had never paid much attention to it, confident that in time, he would prove himself as a worthy Kage.
But standing here now, facing the countless suspicious eyes of thousands, he truly understood the weight of their words.
"Well, well, well~ let's begin today's entrance ceremony."
But contrary to expectations, Yagura showed no nervousness. His voice was smooth and clear as he spoke: "Nice to meet you, students. And to all the parents and people of Kirigakure here today."
"There are more people here than I expected. It's a little nerve-wracking, I must say."
With a light chuckle, his tone grew more serious as he continued: "Since this is the perfect opportunity, I'd like to formally introduce myself. I apologize for taking two to three months before showing myself to you all."
Pausing for a moment, he lowered the microphone.
Hah...
Facing thousands upon thousands of villagers, Yagura took a deep breath.
"I am Karatachi Yagura, the Fourth Mizukage of Kirigakure."
"And with that, I welcome all new students to the academy!"
After all, today's main event was the entrance ceremony.
Yagura moved on to the main topic of his speech. "First of all, congratulations to all of you. You have successfully refined chakra, standing out among hundreds of thousands of your peers, and have earned the qualification to enter the Ninja Academy."
"Compared to your age group, you are fortunate. Compared to past students, you are even luckier."
"Starting this year, the Blood Mist policy is being gradually abolished. The graduates from this Ninja Academy will no longer have to go through the brutal tradition of killing their fellow classmates to become Genin."
"Perhaps your parents have already told you about this."
"I am also pleased to see that this year, students who did not pass the ninja exam were able to walk out of the academy alive. Some have applied to retake the exam, while others have already put their chakra training to use in various professions."
Yagura paused for a moment.
The reactions of the adults were one thing.
The reactions of the young students below him were another.
Yagura felt a sense of relief.
At the very least, there weren't as many children showing the same kind of fear he had seen when he entered the academy last year. Most were simply overwhelmed by the new environment.
Some of the more intelligent children understood the meaning behind his words, their eyes gleaming as they stared at the Mizukage before them.
Only a year older than them and already the Mizukage!
And he had overthrown and defeated the terrifying Blood Mist rule!
More students—some skipping class, others just out of school—began gathering at the plaza.
The future ninja of Kirigakure skillfully weaved through the crowd, making their way to the front.
Encouraged by the bright-eyed children, Yagura felt a warmth in his chest and smiled in satisfaction.
Perhaps... he was still a Mizukage worthy of the title.
But, as Zabuza had pointed out, he had to face reality.
"I don't want to dampen your spirits, but first, let me share a number with you—a harsh reality."
"There are 2,451 freshmen here today. Based on past graduation rates, only about 1,000 of you will eventually become full-fledged ninja."
"The Blood Mist policy has been lifted, but make no mistake—the ninja selection process remains strict. From the moment you enter the academy, understand this: becoming a ninja is not child's play."
"A ninja is someone who can endure all hardships."
Clenching his fist, his tone gradually shifted from lighthearted to serious.
"Now, I have something to say to those of you who, six years from now, will not pass the Genin exam."
"Perhaps you will never wear a forehead protector or become a Kirigakure ninja."
"But I hope that, after leaving the academy, the knowledge you gained here will benefit you for a lifetime."
"For instance, I know of a student who graduated last year but did not pass the Genin exam. Now, he uses his Earth Release techniques to assist in our construction teams."
Yagura didn't embellish his words or make grand statements.
He was talking about the future of these students. Only about one-third would become ninja.
Both the incoming students and those already in the academy, along with their parents standing on the outskirts, listened attentively.
Fewer were distracted. More were listening.
Yagura's tone grew solemn and dignified.
"Now, I turn to those among you who, six years from now, will pass the graduation exam and become Kirigakure ninja."
Here it comes!
Ninja!
As he reached the crucial part, the children held their breath in anticipation.
Yagura did too.
The next words were the true heart of his speech.
Earlier, he could speak freely, as long as he didn't go too far.
But from this point on, the Elders and Mei Terumi had prepared a specially marked speech for him to follow.
Behind him, Mei Terumi watched with growing anxiety. She knew all too well how unpredictable her Mizukage could be.
The core of the speech was to present the image of a Mizukage worthy of the people's trust.
Yagura reminded himself of his mission.
Compared to that goal, the academy entrance ceremony had become secondary.
"Becoming a ninja is not the end—it is the beginning. It means offering your life to the village. At any time, you may be sent on missions, or even to war, where you could die."
"As ninja, your lifelong duty is to protect the village, safeguard its interests, and eliminate all threats to Kirigakure!"
However...
It seemed he was about to waste the effort Mei Terumi and the Elders had put into drafting his speech.
Sorry about that.
Yagura never intended to read it word for word.
He had his own message to share with the people of Kirigakure, including those closest to him—like Mangetsu.
A flicker of hesitation passed through his eyes, but he quickly steeled his resolve.
"Even if that threat... is me."
What?!
On either side of him, Mangetsu and Zabuza stiffened in shock, staring at Yagura in disbelief.
Behind him, Mei Terumi's expression darkened instantly.
She knew it!
Yagura straightened his posture.
With solemn conviction, he declared, "I am the Mizukage—the leader of Kirigakure, the strongest among us. I must lead by example!"
"Over the past year, I have made many mistakes. I welcome and accept all feedback and suggestions from the people of Kirigakure regarding my leadership."
"I, the Fourth Mizukage, hereby swear before all of you—before everyone in Kirigakure—that I will dedicate everything to this village!"
Yagura's eyes darkened. "If the day ever comes when I stray from my original path, refuse to listen to advice, and reinstate the horrors of the Blood Mist..."
A final safeguard.
The previous Mizukage was gone, and the future of Kirigakure rested on his shoulders.
Yagura would not allow past horrors to repeat themselves.
"If I ever raise a bloody blade against you, your comrades, or your families..."
"Then I hope every one of you here today will remember my words. Never forget the will to protect Kirigakure. Have the courage to challenge the Mizukage. Gain the strength to surpass me—"
He glanced at the stunned expressions of Mangetsu, Zabuza, and Mei Terumi, smiled at them, and continued, "—Defeat me! Overthrow me! Kill me!"
Mangetsu, don't die a meaningless death this time.
Zabuza, if you can't kill me alone, remember to bring backup.
Mei, I hope you never have to bear the burden of Kirigakure alone again, secretly mourning the pain of the Blood Mist.
"Kirigakure does not need a Mizukage who will bring suffering and torment to its people!"
The words burst from him, carried by raw emotion.
There was no applause. No cheers.
Only silence. A heavy, stunned silence that enveloped the entire plaza.
The ninja standing beside the Mizukage, the hidden clan observers mingling in the crowd, the ordinary Kirigakure shinobi, the civilians, the students...
This Mizukage was not as weak or ordinary as they had imagined.
Assessing the atmosphere, Yagura saw that, while the process had deviated from Mei Terumi's expectations, the outcome had been achieved.
Lowering his hand, he concluded, "Dismissed!"
Under countless stunned and contemplative gazes, their Mizukage handed the microphone to an Anbu member and walked offstage.
Glancing back briefly, he grinned mischievously at Mei Terumi.
A little trouble never hurt, right