Naruto: Echoes of a Distant Home

The wounds of Konoha, Sunagakure, and Kirigakure were all inflicted by Akatsuki.

A near-complete annihilation of an elite squad in the Land of Rain saw Kisame return unharmed, bringing back crucial information.

To him, this intel was invaluable, and the fact that he managed to return with it was significant.

Kisame's focus was entirely on delivering this information, unaware of the distrust brewing against him.

The Kirigakure higher-ups received and reviewed the intel, each growing visibly grim.

Strange abilities, overwhelming power—an enemy had wiped out more than forty elite shinobi in a short time.

Most troubling of all… the enemy was alone and possessed the legendary Rinnegan of the Sage of Six Paths?

With such overwhelming power, everyone had perished, yet Kisame returned without a scratch.

"So, why is it that you're completely unscathed?"

This question was soon directed at Kisame.

"Because I needed to return with the intel," Kisame answered directly.

Yes, at that moment, he had to survive and bring back the intel; it had nothing to do with fleeing.

"You were a main combatant… yet carrying back intel wasn't your job," said an elderly man with a pale face and white hair, his gaze sharp.

A combatant might bring back intel while retreating, but how could he return unharmed? Even if the intel explained it, it was penned by Kisame himself and could be questioned.

"Furthermore, why were you able to return unscathed?" The first doubter echoed the elder's question.

"Did you… hesitate to fight?"

The cold, piercing stares of several people now turned toward Kisame.

Hesitate… to fight?

Kisame's mouth opened slightly, revealing his sharp teeth as a flash of confusion crossed his eyes. He had brought back crucial information, yet he was being doubted… because he was unharmed? Wasn't the reason written in the report?

"Enough. Bringing back intel is a significant achievement," said a muscular man with bar-like facial markings, one of Yagura's closest aides, named Shiton.

A short-haired middle-aged man scoffed, crossing his arms. "Bringing back intel doesn't outweigh the disgrace of cowardice in battle."

Shiton shot a cold glare at the man, who was the direct head of the ANBU, and some of the elite lost in the mission had been promising subordinates he had high hopes for.

The mission's failure and the near-complete annihilation of the squad dealt a serious blow to both Kirigakure and the ANBU. On top of that, Mizukage-sama's situation likely spelled disaster.

In these circumstances, Shiton wouldn't allow unnecessary punishment for Kisame, a subordinate he valued for both his loyalty and strength.

"Previously, he failed as a guard. Even that alone warrants accountability, let alone cowardice in battle?"

Such subjective views led to conclusions without further investigation, and even if they wanted to investigate, they had no way of doing so.

"Let's detain him for now. These are trying times, and we need to quickly select a new Mizukage," someone suggested coldly.

Shiton gritted his teeth, glancing at the others' indifferent expressions. While cowardice was indeed unforgivable in Kirigakure, concluding it based solely on him being unharmed seemed hasty.

He could argue alone, but nearly everyone else shared the same view, so his voice held little sway.

Kisame lowered his head, his emotions a tangled mix of confusion, incomprehension, and anger.

A few ANBU stationed nearby stepped forward, seized Kisame's sword and tool pouch, and led him away.

Watching this, Shiton let out a deep sigh. Kirigakure's situation was bleak, and the matter of selecting the next Mizukage could no longer be delayed.

Kisame's issue would have to be set aside for now. Once the new Mizukage was chosen, Shiton intended to negotiate and release Kisame.

With Kisame detained, the focus shifted back to the village's future. Realizing Amegakure's strength, Kirigakure decided not to provoke them for the time being.

"The village isn't in a position to retaliate against Amegakure right now. We need to focus on getting back on track."

"Then, we confirm that Mizukage-sama has indeed met with misfortune."

"Agreed."

"Agreed."

"Now, who should we choose as the next Mizukage?"

This question brought a short silence to the room.

Deciding the next Mizukage was indeed challenging.

In such haste, who would be suited for the position?

Shiton remained silent, observing the others.

After some time, someone suggested, "Yagura-sama was a Jinchuriki. How about we consider Utakata?"

Like Yagura, Utakata was a Jinchuriki. Unlike Yagura, who could perfectly control his Bijuu, Utakata still struggled with stability.

Jinchuriki often lost control due to negative emotions, and those emotions were largely caused by rejection and disdain from those around them.

Yagura, as a Jinchuriki, could fully control his Bijuu, and with his charisma and devotion to the village, he served as Mizukage, tirelessly working for Kirigakure's development.

For this reason, Yagura was highly respected among the shinobi of Kirigakure.

Thanks to this environment, Utakata faced far less criticism and disdain.

In fact, Utakata admired Yagura and dreamed of one day fully mastering his Bijuu's power to protect the village.

"Utakata, huh?" This suggestion wasn't immediately rejected, as Yagura's precedent had paved the way.

As a Jinchuriki, Yagura excelled in every aspect. Had it not been for his recent misfortune, Kirigakure would likely be thriving under his leadership.

Could Utakata, another Jinchuriki, possibly surpass Yagura?

If utilized properly, Utakata's strength could indeed serve as a powerful safeguard for the village.

"I think it's feasible," someone agreed, emboldened by Yagura's example.

"I have no objections," added another.

Becoming Mizukage required many qualifications, like strength and reputation, but these weren't insurmountable with backing from the higher-ups.

Making Utakata Mizukage might seem unrealistic in other villages, but with Yagura's example, it wasn't an impediment.

With the candidate decided, it was still necessary to approach Utakata before formally appointing him, even if they intended for him to become Mizukage.

First, they would confirm that Utakata was committed to giving everything for the village.

Seeing the others select Utakata as the next Mizukage, Shiton voiced no objections. Compared to the issue with Kisame, it seemed the elders hadn't entirely lost their wits.

He knew Utakata reasonably well. Putting aside the fact that he was a Jinchuriki, he was strong and greatly admired Yagura, often striving to follow in his footsteps.

Therefore, he felt Utakata was suited to the role of Mizukage, both due to Yagura's sudden demise and Utakata's determination to honor his example.

Once this matter was settled, Shiton would quickly work on freeing Kisame, he thought.

Yagura-sama, the village will move forward in a better direction.

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Currently on Chapter 389 - A Clash of Fates