Chapter 21 Elder of Kirigakure – Genji
Genji, elder of Kirigakure in the Land of Water, held authority equal to the Mizukage.
He was responsible for decisions on major affairs of the entire village, and all important matters required his counsel. Compared to the three elders of Konoha, the elder of Kirigakure was the true wielder of power.
Though Terumi Mei, the Mizukage, outwardly possessed full control of the village, in reality more than half of Kirigakure's authority lay in Genji's hands.
This was why, despite her deep dissatisfaction with him, Terumi Mei was compelled to meet with Elder Genji.
In truth, within Mei's heart there was still a measure of respect for him. In fact, all villagers and shinobi of Kirigakure carried respect for Elder Genji. He was an old man who truly placed the welfare of the village above all.
Inside a spacious meeting room, an elderly man sat at the foremost position of the oval conference table. His body was aged, yet his eyes were spirited and full of vigor.
"Terumi Mei, do you realize what great impact your unauthorized departure from the village may bring upon us?"
A stern and resonant voice echoed through the chamber.
Mei simply sat atop the table, curling her lips with a look of indifference.
This was hardly the first time. She knew a long lecture was coming, and if she refrained from interrupting, perhaps Elder Genji would finish sooner.
Seeing her demeanor, a trace of helplessness flashed in Genji's eyes. He had no issue with her strength, but when it came to temperament, Terumi Mei was still far from adequate.
If Kirigakure had another suitable candidate, he would never have allowed her to become Mizukage.
The village was now far too weakened. Its shinobi varied wildly in skill, and due to the policies of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, the younger generation had nearly collapsed into a void.
In such a vast village, there was shockingly no outstanding battle force to present.
"Enough. Tell me, what was your reason for suddenly leaving the village? You are not one with such a reckless disposition."
Elder Genji sighed and raised his eyes to Mei, speaking calmly.
Hearing this, Mei was momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting him to be so accommodating today.
She shifted, leaping down from the table, and for once showed a rare look of seriousness.
"This matter, I intended to report to you anyway. The reason I left the village so abruptly was because of news concerning Lord Yuto."
Genji, whose expression had been calm, trembled the instant he heard her words. He rose straight from his seat.
"Such an important matter—why are you only telling me now!"
"This happened too suddenly, and with too many uncertainties. For the sake of caution, Ao and I went personally."
Mei's face remained steady as she spoke, but before Genji could respond, she continued, her voice carrying a note of excitement and reverence.
"Lord Yuto's exact words: all of Kirigakure's higher-ups should prepare themselves, for much work lies ahead. At the same time, his resurrection must not yet be disclosed to the common villagers."
As her final word fell, Elder Genji's breathing grew rapid, his eyes burning with fervor. For a moment, it was as if years had fallen away from his body.
Only after a long silence did Elder Genji slowly exhale a single word.
"Yes!!"
Elder Genji still wore a trace of disbelief on his face as he looked at Terumi Mei.
"Where is Lord Yuto now?"
"I don't know the exact location. I only know he is within Kirigakure. As for what Lord Yuto is doing, don't bother asking me. That man's thoughts are not something I can fathom."
Mei shrugged with an indifferent expression.
Elder Genji slowly exhaled, his gaze fixed deeply on her. After a long silence, during which Mei shifted uncomfortably, he suddenly burst into loud laughter.
"Mei! You have done very well, very well indeed!"
"The hope of several generations of Kirigakure has finally been realized in yours. To think that in my old age, before death, I can still see Lord Yuto—my life is not in vain!"
Tears streamed down his cheeks. Kirigakure had been in decline for far too long.
Now that Lord Yuto had returned, it was nothing less than a powerful tonic for the entire village.
———
On a bustling street, Yuto looked helplessly at Haruna, whose mouth was full of food. This little girl truly saw him as someone to exploit.
Spending a bit of money did not trouble Yuto, but the money in his hand wasn't his—it belonged to Terumi Mei.
Fortunately, though Haruna ate plenty, it was all cheap fare, so it had not cost Yuto much.
Beside them, Ringo Ameyuri's face was slightly flushed. Dealing with such a gluttonous younger sister was also troublesome for her.
Holding Haruna's hand, Ameyuri cast curious glances at the young man before her.
From her observations over the past while, she had noticed he seemed to have no particular aim. He was simply wandering about.
And this person was not unfamiliar with Kirigakure. In some places, he even appeared more familiar than she was.
It was as if this young man had once lived here.
Although she could not sense malice from him, Ameyuri dared not relax. She had already notified the village's jōnin in secret.
"Sister, Haruna is full now."
Haruna spoke softly with a satisfied smile.
Ameyuri's cheeks reddened again, and she could not help rolling her eyes. After eating so much, if you still weren't full, the family truly couldn't afford to raise you!
"Big brother, you're so kind. Back home, my sister never let me eat until I was full."
Haruna blinked at Yuto, her face beaming with happiness.
Yuto froze slightly at her words, then crouched down and chuckled.
"Your sister is a shinobi. She earns generous pay from missions. How could she possibly let you go hungry?"
Although dangerous, being a shinobi was among the rare high-paying professions. A jōnin could easily support an entire small family.
Just as Haruna was about to reply, Ameyuri tugged her sleeve and then spoke softly to Yuto.
"Thank you for treating Haruna to so much food. If there is a chance next time, please come to Ringo Ameyuri's home as a guest."
Noting her small gesture, Yuto's expression remained unchanged as he smiled. "Certainly."
Swoosh!
At that moment, a gust of wind stirred, and Ao's figure appeared before the three of them.
Seeing him, Ameyuri froze for an instant, then her eyes lit up with delight as she bowed quickly.
"Lord Ao!"
(End of this chapter)
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