"Zenkichi, Lord Mizukage has accepted your appointment."
"Master Mizukage promoted you to elite jōnin and ordered you to go to Konoha Village to discuss the alliance."
Terumi Mei rushed into Zenkichi's tent, her voice filled with excitement.
Zenkichi set down the teacup in his hand, blinked, and said to Mei casually, "Promoting me to elite jōnin makes sense."
"But sending me to Konoha to discuss an alliance… what's going on with that?"
Elder Genji entered from outside, speaking in a calm tone. "Lord Mizukage believes now is not the time to start a war with Konoha."
"Moreover, Konoha has requested an alliance. Lord Mizukage intends to send someone to negotiate."
Zenkichi shook his head. "This job doesn't sound very safe. You're not going to get me killed halfway through, are you?"
He thought of Pakura of the Scorch Release from Sunagakure. She was killed when she went to Kirigakure to discuss an alliance.
Poor woman. As far as he knew, she was the only shadow-level kunoichi to die from mere shuriken.
Elder Genji said calmly, "There is a risk, but not because of fear. I suspect Konoha's request for an alliance is because of you."
"Lord Mizukage wants you to come along and intimidate the Leaf. War is just another means of diplomacy. If we can avoid bloodshed, all the better."
Zenkichi thought for a moment, then shrugged indifferently. "When do we leave? Who else is going?"
Elder Genji smiled. "We depart tomorrow. It will be you, me, Terumi Mei, and Yagura."
As one of the Third Mizukage's closest advisors, Elder Genji understood his intentions clearly. This trip to Konoha was a political opportunity—for both Zenkichi and Yagura.
No village leader wants a ninja clan growing too powerful—like a nation within a nation.
Ninjas from powerful clans often prioritize their family over the village. They're strong, but their loyalty is divided.
Because of this, most Kage suppress clan power and support talented civilians.
Kirigakure's clans had grown too powerful. The Third Mizukage would never hand the village to someone from a clan.
That left only two civilian-born candidates: Zenkichi and Yagura.
The Mizukage believed the trip to Konoha was safe enough to allow both to go and earn political merit.
Konoha was already deeply embroiled in its war with Sunagakure and Iwagakure. There was no way they'd declare war on Kirigakure now.
Elder Genji left.
Terumi Mei looked at Zenkichi sipping his tea, her expression mixed with annoyance and admiration. "Do you realize how big this opportunity is?"
Zenkichi glanced at her, then shook his head.
She continued, "Yagura is already a strong candidate for Fourth Mizukage. But your recent performance may have caught the Mizukage's eye."
"I wouldn't be surprised if you're now considered a serious contender. You're on the same level as Yagura!"
Zenkichi sighed. "Fourth Mizukage, huh? Sounds like a hassle."
Terumi Mei's eye twitched. "A hassle? Do you have any idea how many people in the village would kill for this opportunity?"
"They'd do anything for a shot at this, and here you are calling it 'trouble'? You really piss me off!"
Zenkichi leaned back in his chair and said lazily, "Aw, is Mei-chan mad? How scary."
Terumi Mei: ??(◣д◢)??
Zenkichi dug around in his robes and pulled out a pair of nail scissors, trimming his nails casually. "Being Mizukage is tempting, sure. I've thought about it."
"But… life's meant to be enjoyed. If you live just chasing status, you'll wear yourself out. I like this slow, peaceful life better."
He sighed.
At first, the system told him to emulate Kizaru. He refused—it was too tiring. But now, the life of a slacker had grown on him.
"If it comes to that, I'd rather quit being a ninja."
Terumi Mei snapped, "That's sloth talking! A ninja who seeks a life of ease is in the wrong profession!"
Zenkichi just smirked.
"There are a lot of pirates in the Land of Water. Maybe I'll become one. With my power, I could be the Pirate King."
"Or maybe I'll convince the daimyō to establish a navy. I could be the admiral—or better yet, the fleet marshal."
"If all else fails, I'll just be the personal bodyguard of the daimyō's daughter. How about that?"
He leaned back in his chair, grinning.
Terumi Mei →_→
Zenkichi shrugged. "It's not like I planned this. When I wanted to fight back, I didn't have the power. Now that I do…"
He sighed again, quieter this time. "I've started to enjoy this."
Terumi Mei: "..."
Seeing her speechless expression, Zenkichi chuckled. "Relax."
"I may hate trouble, but I won't slack on my responsibilities."
"I'll do what needs to be done. If that includes competing for the Mizukage's seat, I'll do it. Don't worry—it's not a big deal."
Terumi Mei raised an eyebrow and huffed. "With that attitude, how are you supposed to beat Yagura?"
Zenkichi replied lazily, "Who says I can't?."
"I don't try too hard. I just happen to be that good."
He glanced at his system template.
Defeating two of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen… startling the entire base… drawing the Mizukage's attention… making the Third Hokage wary…
This chain of accomplishments had significantly boosted his template's progress.
Unlock Progress: 18%
"A trip to Konoha should help speed up the unlock even more," Zenkichi thought.
___________________________________
The readers on my other Fanfics said I have bad naming sense, Like "Iggy" and "Chiga".
I do agree, It's not that great.
But what's your take on this Mc name?