Chapter 29: Project Fog Blade!
Chapter 29: Project Fog Blade!
Hearing Makoto's words, Mei Terumi's smile couldn't help but fade a bit.
Wherever there are people, there is a world of intrigue, and Wuyin is a place where the strong reign supreme.
But genius is not the same as strength.
Before a genius can fully develop, there is always the possibility of it being nipped in the bud.
Just like her, she has encountered countless accidents since she was a child.
"The Mizukage summoned you back, presumably because of your bloodline limit and this mission. So, Makoto, are you confident?"
"When soldiers come, generals will block them; when water comes, earth will dam it."
Gouju Makoto waved his hand, seemingly unconcerned: "The clan leader has already taken on some of the pressure for me. As for the Mizukage..."
A glint flashed in his eyes, but he didn't continue speaking; instead, he changed the subject.
"Tell me about the front lines. How's the situation? I heard the fighting is fierce?"
"Yes, Konoha's resistance is stronger than expected."
Mentioning the front lines, Mei Terumi's expression became more serious: "You've been to the front lines too, so you know that we're fighting against those Uchiha clans and those bloodline limit ninja clans."
"The Uchiha's Sharingan has a significant advantage on the battlefield; their combination of Fire Release and Genjutsu has caused us considerable trouble. The Hyuga clan's Byakugan is also problematic in reconnaissance and taijutsu. And then there's the Ino-Shika-Cho trio's coordination, and the Aburame clan's Insect Secret Techniques..."
"The longer the war drags on, the more disadvantageous it will be for us. The Land of Water's supply lines are too long, the ninjas on the front lines have suffered heavy casualties, and their morale needs to be boosted. But then we encountered the Seven Ninja Swordsmen's defeat."
"To be honest, our situation is actually quite bad."
In the early stages of the war, while Konoha was locked in fierce battles with Iwagakure and Sunagakure, Kirigakure did achieve some victories and established a bridgehead on the northeastern coast of the Land of Fire.
But Konoha's reaction speed and resilience exceeded expectations.
Especially those bloodline clans, whose profound foundations allowed them to completely withstand the Kirigakure's attack. Clans like the Uchiha even took the initiative to attack, catching the Kirigakure off guard.
In addition, the village is not a monolithic entity.
The pro-war and conservative factions argued endlessly, while the various families also made their own calculations regarding resource allocation, task assignment, and casualty compensation...
Contradictions are everywhere.
The timing of Kirigakure's entry into the war seemed perfect, but in reality, it got bogged down in a quagmire. Konoha was a tough nut to crack than anyone had imagined!
"So, the village desperately needs a victory, a victory that can boost morale and break the deadlock?"
"Um."
Mei Terumi nodded: "The Mizukage and the elders must be trying to find a solution. Your return, and the abilities you displayed on Blue Island, might be seen as a breakthrough in dealing with Konoha."
As the two spoke, they passed through the somewhat deserted but heavily guarded streets of Kirigakure and arrived in front of the Mizukage Building.
The Mizukage's office was located on the top floor of the building. It was spacious and empty. The Third Mizukage sat behind a large desk, his face covered with wrinkles and his eyes closed, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking.
On either side of the desk were several elders of the Hidden Mist Village, as well as Teruhime Karuji, the patriarch of the Karuji clan, and Ryunosuke Kaguya, the patriarch of the Kaguya clan, whose expression was not good.
The commander of the Dark Guard was also there, standing like a statue in the shadows of a corner.
The atmosphere was quite oppressive; one might have thought it was going to be some kind of trial.
"Lord Mizukage, elders."
Mei Terumi was the first to bow, her posture neither humble nor arrogant.
She made many contributions on the front lines, and her strength and potential are obvious to all. She also carries considerable weight in the eyes of the higher-ups.
Gojiro Makoto also performed the same bow, winking at Gojiro Hikaru with a broad smile.
"Lord Mizukage, Makoto Kariju has been ordered to return to the village to report on his duties."
"Hmm." The Third Mizukage slowly opened his eyes, his slightly cloudy eyes sweeping over Makoto Karatachi and Mei Terumi before finally settling on Makoto Karatachi. His tone was flat and emotionless: "Makoto Karatachi, you did well."
The evaluation was simple, revealing neither joy nor anger.
But everyone present understood that for the usually stern Mizukage to say "not bad" was already a very high compliment.
"You flatter me, Lord Mizukage. It is my duty."
Gou Jucheng lowered his head, speaking respectfully, but his back remained ramrod straight.
"No need to be overly modest."
The Third Mizukage waved his hand: "The Anbu have already given a detailed report on the Blue Island incident. It is commendable that you were able to remain calm under pressure, repel a powerful enemy, protect an important target, and keep the losses within an acceptable range."
"Clan Chief Hui has already explained your bloodline ability. As long as it's confirmed that the ability is harmless to the village and can be used to protect Kirigakure, the village won't investigate its origin further. However..."
He changed the subject, his voice slightly lower.
"The war is now critical, and the village is in dire need of manpower. Now that you have this ability, you can no longer live an idle life as before."
coming.
Gouju Cheng felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that the main topic was about to be discussed.
"Makoto Karatachi, you were given a critical mission this time, and you repelled a powerful enemy. Your achievements are outstanding. You are hereby promoted to Jonin. What do you say?"
"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Mizukage. I will certainly do my utmost for the village."
"very good!"
The Third Mizukage nodded: "You have now been promoted to Jonin, and according to custom, you should assume more important responsibilities. Let me ask you, are you willing to serve the village and go to the front lines?"
"As a Hidden Mist ninja, it is my duty to fight for the village. If the Mizukage commands, I, Karatachi, will gladly die for him!"
Gouju Cheng raised his head, his face serious and solemn.
Makoto Karatachi's quick wit and understanding of the situation made the Third Mizukage somewhat uncomfortable, and also surprised the elders around him.
This kid has always been hopeless, how come he's like this now...?
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Gou Juhui was all smiles, his mouth almost twisted to the back of his head, and he immediately understood.
So it was you, you old codger, who taught me this!
"The battle at the front is currently at a stalemate. Konoha is putting up a stubborn resistance thanks to its advantageous terrain and the bloodline clans. Our army urgently needs to find a breakthrough."
The Third Mizukage's gaze swept over Mei Terumi beside him before returning to Makoto Karatachi: "Mei Terumi has just been rotated down from the front lines. She is familiar with the situation there and is exceptionally capable. After discussion by the General Staff, it has been decided to transfer her to Suigetsu Hozuki's command to be responsible for intelligence analysis and special operations support."
Pufferfish Demon?
Mei Terumi was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.
"Yes, Lord Mizukage."
Suigetsu Hobuki, one of the former Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, and a user of Samehada.
After the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were defeated, Fuguki retreated to the background and became the head of the intelligence department.
This guy is greedy and cruel, but his abilities are undeniable. Transferring Terumi Mei to his subordinates is both an important task and a test and training.
"As for you, Makoto Gojibana."
The Third Mizukage continued, tapping his fingers lightly on the table.
"Your abilities are unique, making you well-suited for high-risk, high-reward raids and decapitation missions."
"After deliberation, it has been decided that you will form and lead a special operations team as a spearhead inserted into the heart of the Land of Fire, to sabotage Konoha's supply lines, assassinate key targets, create chaos, and support the main battlefield."
"You can select the members of this squad yourself. You can nominate from the existing Jonin and Chunin. After review, they can be transferred in."
"Mission code name..."
"Mist Blade!"
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