"It must be for a significant reason. However, the current Fifth Mizukage Mei Terumi seems determined to make changes—that's actually the foundation for cooperation between Mist and Konoha. Otherwise, an untrustworthy ally from a ninja village that could potentially experience sudden upheavals would render any alliance nothing more than empty paper, liable to be torn apart at any moment."
Now that Mist had actively sought cooperation, it was also a rare opportunity for Konoha, which had just suffered serious setbacks and was licking its wounds. Konoha desperately needed a stable external environment, making this collaboration mutually beneficial. Therefore, Konoha took this test very seriously.
"The Land of Water is still too complicated," Kakashi said with some frustration about this mission—there were far too many issues beyond mere battlefields.
"That's unavoidable; it's due to the unique geographical circumstances."
Indeed, in the past, the Land of Water was also chaotic, with conflicts between ninja being the main culprit.
Inside the Land of Water, besides Mist being the dominant force, there were also numerous smaller ninja clans of various sizes, each possessing their own clan territories. Any slightly powerful clan would seize one or two habitable small islands, then shut themselves away acting like local tyrants—paying lip service to the Daimyo while secretly ignoring Mist's orders entirely, engaging constantly in private conflicts despite repeated bans, and experiencing continuous rebellions. For a nation's ruling power to be this weak was almost unheard of.
"Will Mist continue descending into chaos forever? Does this 'blood mist country' truly have no hope for the future?"
"No, Kakashi. Konoha might soon face a gradually strengthening Mist."
"Strengthening? Under these conditions? Is that even possible?"
"You know the saying: Like the phoenix rising from ash, true strength emerges only after destruction. Although the policies of Yagura, the Fourth Mizukage, caused widespread resentment across the land, over these years his internal purges have proven effective. The most unruly ninja clans and organizations have been nearly completely eradicated—even mighty Kekkei Genkai clans like Kaguya and Suizangetsu were utterly destroyed. So you see, Kakashi, there are practically no formidable opposition forces left. Take a look at those so-called defiant rogue ninjas down there who seem quite imposing..."
Everyone followed Mizuki's gaze toward the battlefield below. Even with the help of Summoned Beasts, they still couldn't defeat the Mist ninja.
"They're all just pitiful nobodies—dreaming big but lacking any real skill. Their greatest weakness is ambition without ability. Ultimately, they're just minor inconveniences—not worth worrying about. They'll only serve as sharpening stones for the Fifth Mizukage to consolidate control over Mist."
"You really have high hopes for this Fifth Mizukage? I don't recall you giving such a glowing review when Tsunade-sama came back?"
Kakashi said with a chuckle.
"At that time, my Jonin status was decided by her words alone. How could I ask for trouble? Once our Hokage-sama quits drinking and gambling, I'll praise her again. I can't say it now..."
"I'm going to write this down and put it in the report..." Kakashi took out his little notebook as if ready to record.
The nearby Genin turned their heads away, pretending not to hear anything.
...
The battle was fairly intense, but there was still a gap in strength. The rebels were simply no match and were soon defeated. Ao, an experienced Jonin from Mist Village, began cleaning up the battlefield with his subordinates.
Although Mizuki didn't think much of this short fight, its destructive power was considerable.
After the battle ended, Kakashi approached the captain for a debriefing before bringing back some unwelcome news.
"Sections of the ship have been damaged?" Mizuki had a bad feeling. "Can we still continue forward?"
"That's not a problem, although certain areas have been flooded. Safety is still guaranteed, but the ship's speed will be greatly reduced."
"Hmm." Mizuki felt relieved. Truthfully, even if the passenger ship were blown to pieces, ninja could still walk across the surface of the water to reach the Land of Water. However, doing so would consume a massive amount of chakra and stamina. If reaching the destination comfortably was possible, who would want to waste all that energy walking?
The damage to the ship occurred during the initial collision only. By the time they realized what was happening, the rebels hadn't even attempted to escape — too bad for them. Moreover, the damage wasn't serious; large passenger ships usually had watertight compartments. As long as the flooding wasn't widespread, the ship wouldn't sink — only slightly hindered performance-wise.
With their peaceful moment ruined, none of them felt like enjoying themselves anymore. This ambush served as a reminder: out in the wild, you never know what might happen — relying on others and letting your guard down is just asking for trouble.
After almost another full day passed, at about midmorning the next day, the scheduled ship finally arrived at the port of the Land of Water.
"Finally here." Naruto Uzumaki, who had been impatiently stuck on the ship for days, jumped off the deck toward the shore, eager to feel solid ground beneath his feet once more.
"So this is the Land of Water?"
"It wasn't the first time Mizuki had set foot in a foreign land since his arrival in this world. The farthest place Mizuki had ever reached since his arrival was the Land of Waves. Some smaller passenger ships with limited endurance used to make stops at the Land of Waves for supplies, but large passenger ships like this one generally didn't require that—they were fully stocked with food and water, allowing them to sail straight to their destination without stopping.
"It's time for you to put your skills to use. Observe this country carefully."
"There's no need to remind me, Kakashi," Mizuki said with a smile. "I myself am quite interested in this country. I want to see what has become of this land once shrouded in terror and bloodshed."
"You just stay attentive," Kakashi nodded. "Although the alliance seems guaranteed, the way we draft its terms and the manner in which we enforce it will depend heavily on our allies' current circumstances."
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