Just as Kyoichi had guessed, the seven-story cylindrical tower before them was indeed the Mizukage Building—the very heart of Kirigakure's authority. It was within these walls that the Mizukage issued orders, commanding thousands of shinobi who roamed the archipelago under his banner.
Upon entering the building, they found the wide entrance hall sparsely staffed—only a few Kirigakure shinobi were present. The moment they spotted Anjō Oniyuzu's group, one of them hurried forward and bowed respectfully.
"Elder Anjō, welcome back!"
"The Mizukage is still in his office, I presume?" Oniyuzu asked.
"I haven't seen the Mizukage leave through the main gate," the shinobi replied tactfully. He didn't dare affirm outright that the Mizukage was inside—only that he hadn't seen him leave. It was a careful answer, and a wise one.
After all, shinobi were notorious for not taking the front door. Many had a fondness for windows, hidden passages, and any path less traveled.
The reception staff here knew better than to make guarantees. For all they knew, the Mizukage could've leapt out a window hours ago. It wasn't unheard of—Second Mizukage was famous for such antics, the Third had done so on occasion, and although the Fourth hadn't yet, there was no guarantee he wouldn't someday.
"I see. You may return to your post," Oniyuzu said calmly, not pressing further.
Then, turning to the others, he said, "Kyoichi, Jūzō—come with me. The rest of you, return to your duties."
The group dispersed at once.
They were, after all, staff assigned to the Mizukage Building; Oniyuzu had only summoned them temporarily to receive guests at the harbor. Now that their errand was over, each hurried off gratefully—none particularly fond of that tedious duty.
Oniyuzu then led Kyoichi and Biwa Jūzō upstairs, all the way to the top—the seventh floor, where the Mizukage's office was located.
The walk down the corridor was silent. The building's interior, from bottom to top, was uniformly minimalist—clean, austere, and immaculately kept. Decorations were limited to the occasional hanging scroll or potted plant. The floors gleamed, polished to a mirror-like sheen.
"Kyoichi," Jūzō suddenly spoke up, smirking, "I forgot to mention—when you meet the Mizukage, you're going to be shocked."
"Oh?" Kyoichi arched a brow, though he already had a faint suspicion.
If there was one thing about the Fourth Mizukage that could truly surprise someone at first sight… it was his youthful appearance.
"Heh, you'll see soon enough," Jūzō chuckled, refusing to elaborate.
Soon they reached the end of the corridor.
Before them stood a plain wooden door with a simple plaque: "Mizukage's Office."
Oniyuzu stepped forward and knocked gently.
A moment later, a voice answered from inside—clear, youthful, slightly muffled by the wood.
"Come in."
Oniyuzu pushed open the door.
Kyoichi entered cautiously, his eyes instinctively scanning the room—a reflex ingrained in any trained shinobi. New environment, unknown variables—always observe first.
The décor inside mirrored the building's restrained aesthetic: simple, efficient, and unadorned.
In one corner stood a small ornamental tree; beside it, two tall black filing cabinets. On the opposite wall hung portraits of the previous Mizukage—only three of them, of course. The Fourth's own portrait would not join them until his death.
And behind a large, black-lacquered desk by the window sat a boy.
He had green hair, violet eyes, and a stitched scar running beneath his left eye. Despite the youthful features, his expression carried a calm, adult poise.
"Mizukage-sama, I've returned to report," Oniyuzu said respectfully.
Kyoichi narrowed his eyes slightly, studying the figure behind the desk—then allowed a perfectly timed look of mild astonishment to appear on his face.
"Hah! Surprised, aren't you?" Jūzō grinned triumphantly. He had been waiting for this reaction. "I told you! Everyone who meets the Mizukage for the first time is shocked by his baby face and—"
He never finished.
Both Kyoichi and Oniyuzu had turned their heads toward him, staring silently.
Their eyes alone conveyed: You fool.
"Eh? Kyoichi? Elder Oniyuzu? Why are you looking at me like that—"
Then a chill ran down his spine. He felt it—killing intent, sharp and cold as a blade—looming behind him.
"Jūzō," came a voice like cracking ice, "you find my 'baby face' and 'childlike height' that amusing?"
Jūzō froze. Slowly, he turned his head.
The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, was standing on his chair.
"M–Mizukage-sama, I didn't mean—"
"Shut up, you idiot!"
With a single leap, the diminutive Mizukage struck him across the back of the head with a sharp hand chop.
Kyoichi's lips twitched violently; it took every ounce of his composure not to burst out laughing. Watching the one-meter-forty-something Mizukage jump to smack the towering one-meter-eighty Jūzō was… unforgettable.
Even Oniyuzu's face remained stoic only through sheer discipline—his clasped hands behind his back clenched so tight they trembled.
"Jūzō, stand over there and stay silent."
After delivering his punishment, Yagura straightened his robes and turned toward Kyoichi.
"You must be Koeda Kyoichi, correct? A pleasure to meet you. I am the Fourth Mizukage—Yagura Karatachi."
Kyoichi quickly composed himself, suppressing the last of his amusement.
"Yes, Mizukage-sama. I am Koeda Kyoichi," he said respectfully, bowing to the childlike yet formidable leader before him.