The Mizukage Is Strong But Overly Cautious

As Mizuki Rokka's gentle hands continued their rhythmic massage, Mizuki Ryosuke allowed himself to relax completely, feeling the tension that had coiled around his heart begin to unravel. The grief that had overwhelmed Rokka upon hearing the news of Mizuki Taki's death seemed to have transformed into a deep, steady resolve overnight.

The stark contrast in her demeanor left Ryosuke unsettled. Had her sorrow merely been a momentary lapse? Or was she forcing herself to appear stronger than she felt? He hesitated to voice his doubts, yet before he could even attempt to phrase them, Rokka spoke, as if reading his thoughts.

While her fingers brushed against Ryosuke's forehead in a soothing motion, her voice was calm and unwavering.

"Since the day I married Taki, I knew this day might come."

Her words were steady, devoid of resentment, yet tinged with an acceptance that carried years of unspoken burdens.

"My husband was a ninja, not just any ninja, but a Kage, the protector of our village."

She paused, her fingers momentarily halting before continuing their slow, deliberate strokes.

"I understood from the beginning what that meant. I knew he belonged not just to me, but to Kirigakure. That his life was never his alone to keep."

Ryosuke remained silent. He had witnessed countless warriors suppress their emotions in the face of death, but this was something different. This was not suppression—it was preparedness.

Rokka let out a quiet chuckle, though there was little amusement in it.

"It sounds absurd, doesn't it? A wife preparing herself for widowhood while her husband is still alive?"

Her voice softened.

"But that is the fate of those who marry shinobi. We are bound to them not only in life but in the inevitability of their deaths."

For the first time since he had known her, Mizuki Rokka looked fragile. But that moment passed as quickly as it came.

"How could I allow myself to wallow in grief when Lian is still here? When the Mizuki Clan still stands?"

She sighed, shaking her head.

"Taki was selfish. He left us behind, just like that. I won't make the same mistake."

"You foolish boy," she said, lightly brushing her fingers against his temple. "Adults are much stronger than you think."

Ryosuke's breath hitched. She knew. She had known all along that he had stayed by her bedside, worrying for her well-being.

"Aunt Liuhua…"

His voice came out quieter than he intended.

Her lips curled into a small smile.

"Silly boy," she murmured. "From this moment on, you are the head of this household. The only man left in this family."

Her words struck him deeper than any blade ever could. She had given him an unshakable role—a new duty beyond mere survival.

Ryosuke clenched his fists.

Running away had always been an option. He had always carried that thought at the back of his mind. If things went south, he would slip away like mist in the night.

But now…

Now, there was no turning back.

If Mizuki Ryosuke was to remain in Kirigakure, then he would have to reign over it.

Outside the room, Mizuki Lian pressed her forehead against the doorframe, silent tears slipping down her cheeks. She had been listening, absorbing every word her mother spoke.

Her mother's unwavering strength, her acceptance of the shinobi way—Lian finally understood what it meant to be the wife of a warrior.

At that moment, Mizuki Lian made her decision.

She would stand by Ryosuke's side, no matter the cost.

The following morning, Kirigakure was still reeling from the loss of its Mizukage. Though the administrative structure had been thrown into chaos, the village had begun to restore order. The remaining forces of Anbu were still in disarray, but by midday, a meeting of the Jōnin had been scheduled.

All active Jōnin in the village, save for those on critical missions, were summoned.

The primary purpose of the meeting was clear:

The election of the Fourth Mizukage.

A nation cannot go a day without a ruler, nor can a village go a day without a shadow.

The Mizukage's office, usually a place of strict decorum, was now buzzing with tension.

Mizuki Ryosuke entered the chamber, his gaze sweeping across the gathered figures. The seats were occupied by the most powerful warriors in the village. Among them was Hōzuki Mangetsu, the young but talented scion of the Hōzuki Clan.

Mangetsu, his expression unreadable, was seated in the place that once belonged to Yagura, the former Anbu leader. His presence alone made it clear that the Hōzuki were preparing to make a move in this power struggle.

When their eyes met, Mangetsu gave a small nod of acknowledgment. It was a subtle gesture, but it spoke volumes. The two had fought side by side during the coup, and though their relationship was not one of camaraderie, there was an unspoken understanding between them.

Ryosuke returned the nod, maintaining his composed exterior.

"Ryosuke! You're here!"

A familiar voice cut through the murmur of conversation. Turning his head, Ryosuke spotted Kuroshima Morita, a veteran Jōnin who had once served directly under Mizuki Taki.

Kuroshima waved him over, grinning broadly.

"Come, sit next to me."

Seeing no other familiar faces, Ryosuke complied.

But before he could settle in, Kuroshima leaned in, his voice a conspiratorial whisper.

"Ryosuke, don't worry. I'll vote for you."

Ryosuke stiffened.

"…What?"

"You're the rightful successor to the Third Mizukage," Kuroshima continued as if it were obvious. "You've got the backing of the Mizukage Guard and most of the veteran Jōnin who served under your uncle. I've already spoken with them. At least half of the room supports you."

He clapped Ryosuke on the shoulder with an air of confidence.

Ryosuke's mind was spinning.

Successor? Him?

Before he could voice his confusion, the doors to the chamber swung open. A group of warriors clad in pristine white robes strode in with an air of superiority.

The Mizuki Clan's elite Jōnin.

At their head was Mizuki Hidero, the eldest son of the Mizuki Clan's chief elder. His reputation had only grown after he personally cut down the leader of the Hoshigaki Clan during the civil war.

Hidero's gaze immediately locked onto Ryosuke. His expression darkened.

Ryosuke could feel the hostility radiating from him and the ten Jōnin at his side.

Unlike the other factions present, the Mizuki Clan bore the greatest losses from the previous battle. Several seats that once belonged to their warriors now sat empty.

Without a doubt, those warriors had either perished in combat or were too gravely injured to attend.

Hidero walked past Ryosuke without so much as a greeting, taking a seat near the head of the long conference table. The seat he claimed had once belonged to Maeda Yuanshi, the former leader of the Jōnin division.

A clear statement.

This was no longer a battle of strength alone.

It was a battle for control over Kirigakure.

And Mizuki Ryosuke had just been dragged into the heart of it.

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