"The above is the entire process of this mission, Lord Third."
Inside the Mizukage's Office.
As the captain of the support mission, Karatachi Makoto wrote down everything that happened during this mission on a scroll and handed it over as a mission report, while also roughly recounting the events.
Although the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had turned into the 'Three Auspicious Treasures,' it actually didn't have much to do with Karatachi Makoto and his team.
Their mission was to provide support, and they had successfully retrieved the people.
From a mission perspective, Karatachi Makoto and the others naturally completed the mission, even though a few people died.
But what ninja mission doesn't involve death, especially during wartime?
"...Fighting Shisui of the Body Flicker alone, you've worked hard, Makoto."
"Not hard, not hard. Real Jonin like them are the ones who worked hard and achieved merit. Senior Yōsuke even heroically sacrificed himself to cover the rear."
Karatachi Makoto actively pushed the credit away.
"Yōsuke and the others indeed did very well. The village will not be stingy with pensions and extra bonuses."
The Third Mizukage spoke slowly, but then the conversation took a turn.
"However, Makoto, for you to retreat unscathed from Uchiha Shisui's hands and make him return empty-handed, this resourcefulness and ability have made this old man look at you with new eyes."
"It seems we underestimated you in the past. Letting you be a small squad leader in the Police Force is really a waste of talent."
Something's wrong!
Alarm bells rang loudly in Karatachi Makoto's heart.
"Lord Third, please don't flatter me. Don't you know what I'm like? I don't have any ability; it was purely good luck."
"I was scared silly at the time. If my cousin hadn't forced me to learn the life-saving Water Mirror Technique before, which blocked a hit at the critical moment, how could I still be standing here reporting to you? That kid was too wicked!"
As he spoke, he even revealed a look of surviving a disaster.
"Hehe, luck is also part of strength."
The Third Mizukage said with a smile: "To be able to save your life under the hands of that 'Shisui of the Body Flicker' is itself a manifestation of ability. That Uchiha is a thorny character who has caused many elites on the front lines to suffer losses."
"Makoto, you are not young anymore. You can't always stay in that idle position in the Police Force. Now that the village is in need of people, with your identity and ability, you should shoulder more important responsibilities."
"How about I transfer you to the Anbu for some experience? Or, the front lines also need... well, sharp and talented young people like you. Yagura happens to be there too; it would be good to have him look after you."
Like hell I'd go!
Karatachi Makoto was very clear in his heart; this old fox just wanted to roast him on the fire!
Go to the Anbu? Is that a place where one can slack off? One slip up and his cover is blown, or he dies in the line of duty.
Going to the frontline command center would make him a target for everyone!
How many eyes are watching?
With his meager skills, how many chapters could he last in a brutal battlefield environment against real old foxes?
"No, no, no, Lord Third, please spare me!"
Karatachi Makoto complained endlessly: "The Anbu has too many rules. I'm used to being undisciplined; going there would definitely cause you trouble. The frontline command center has even heavier responsibilities. With my half-baked skills, going there would just delay military intelligence."
"Cousin has also asked me many times to help him, but I know my own weight. If I went, I would definitely just cause chaos for him."
"Being able to watch over the village and maintain order, I am already satisfied!"
The Third Mizukage's finger tapping on the desk paused slightly, and he looked up at Karatachi Makoto.
Brother Makoto immediately pulled a smiling face, grinning widely, truly lacking any aura of a strong person, which made the Third Mizukage somewhat silent.
"Yagura is strict with you for your own good."
After a moment, the Third Mizukage sighed lightly: "Since your ambition does not lie there, then let it be. You have merit in this mission after all. I will have someone record a credit for you in the Police Force."
"However, it is currently wartime, and manpower in the village is also quite tight. Especially some important logistical strongholds in the rear need reliable people to garrison them."
The Third Mizukage changed the subject, took out a scroll from the drawer, placed it on the table, and pushed it over.
"This is..."
"This island is named Aqua Blue Island. Although its location is remote, it is one of the important transit nodes linking the Land of Water with the outside world. It is now our supply transit station, and its stability is crucial."
Karatachi Makoto took the scroll and opened it. Inside was a map of Aqua Blue Island and some brief instructions.
The island wasn't large, but its location was indeed critical. Located next to the Land of Waves, it was the intersection of several important shipping routes. The map marked newly built warehouses, docks, and a small-scale garrison force.
"Makoto, you performed excellently in this mission. I am very reassured handing the management of Aqua Blue Island over to you."
"Lord Third, this... this responsibility is too great. I'm afraid I won't do it well."
"Hehe, no need to belittle yourself. You are, after all, a direct descendant of the Karatachi Clan and Yagura's cousin. You must have this sense of responsibility."
Since it had come to this, Karatachi Makoto could only agree: "What Lord Third says is true. Serving the village is my bounden duty! I will definitely watch over Aqua Blue Island and ensure the smooth transit of supplies!"
"Very good."
The Third Mizukage nodded with satisfaction, then seemingly remembering something, added: "Oh, right. You know that little guy from the Hōzuki Clan, Hōzuki Mangetsu, right? He recently graduated from the Ninja Academy and is in need of actual combat experience. Let him be your deputy and go to Aqua Blue Island with you."
Hōzuki Mangetsu?
"Why, is there a problem?"
"I'm afraid I'll lead the genius boy astray, and those old guys from the Hōzuki clan will use the Water Gun Technique to blow my head open..."
"Hehe, it's good for young people to communicate more. Mangetsu, that child, has high pride. It's just right for you, a senior, to guide him and temper his character. There must be more common language between you young people."
"...Alright then."
"That is good." The Third Mizukage nodded with satisfaction and waved his hand. "Go. Familiarize yourself with the affairs of Aqua Blue Island as soon as possible. There can be no mistakes in the material transfer."
"Yes, Lord Third. Your subordinate takes his leave."
Karatachi Makoto bowed, picked up the appointment scroll, and exited the Mizukage's Office.
...
Through the window, watching Karatachi Makoto's figure leaving the Mizukage building, the expression on the Third Mizukage's face gradually retracted. His expression began to become stiff, and coupled with those eyes that were always slightly closed, he looked as if he were asleep.
"Basic skills completely not inferior to an Elite Jonin, the Water Mirror Secret Technique at his fingertips, and possessing that special Kekkei Genkai... Clearly possessing such power, yet acting like a silk-pants rich kid. Does he like to disguise himself?"
"I didn't expect a place like Kirigakure to produce such an outstanding brat."
"What a pity. Only descendants of the Sage of Six Paths like the Uchiha and Senju are the seeds leading to All Creation... However, using him to sharpen Obito is a pretty good choice."