"I'm coming in."
After knocking on the door, and without waiting for permission, Juzo walked into the office from outside on his own.
Sitting at the desk and working, Yagura hadn't yet spoken, but Jonin Ao was already glaring at Juzo with dissatisfaction.
"Hey, this is the sacred place of the Mizukage's office. It's not a marketplace where you can come as you please. Such behavior is unacceptable."
As an elder Jonin of the Hidden Mist Village and a trusted aide of the current Mizukage, Ao unreservedly reprimanded Juzo for his rude behavior.
"But I came here because I received an order."
Juzo chuckled, completely disregarding Ao's admonishment.
Ao was about to speak again, but Yagura interrupted him, shook his head, and put aside his work.
"Let it be, Ao. That's just how this guy is; it's not a big deal."
As long as he can contribute to the Hidden Mist Village, a bit of personality can be considered a trademark of the strong.
After all, Juzo is one of the Seven-swords Ninja of the Hidden Mist Village and counts as one of the village elders.
"I'm really grateful for the Mizukage's magnanimity. So, is there anything you need from me? I was just about to lead my squad in executing the next mission."
Juzo asked with a smile.
Currently, he is serving as the instructor Jonin in a Genin Squad.
The difference is, the members of this Genin Squad are not ordinary folks.
There's the Dead Bone Pulse, the Ice Style, and a little girl with abilities even more unfathomable, possibly much stronger than himself.
It's really unclear where such monsters come from.
Because in the Hidden Mist Village's Genin database, there weren't any detailed records.
After listening to Juzo's question, Yagura picked up a pen and tapped it twice on the desk before speaking slowly: "There's no rush to execute the mission. Regarding the member of your squad, Mahiru Ichihime, I want to separate her out. In other words, I will find another Genin to put into your squad instead."
Upon hearing Yagura's words, Juzo was slightly taken aback.
Mahiru Ichihime is the biggest 'monster' in his Genin squad.
Even though she's not a Kekkeigenkai Ninja, she possesses Taijutsu as strong as the Kaguya Clan and is well-versed in both Fire Style and Water Style, capable of using rare auditory Illusion Techniques.
Her Chakra is so abundant that Juzo starts to doubt reality.
Compared to Hoshigaki Kisame, who has already left the Hidden Mist, she might have even more.
Juzo doesn't know where Yagura got such a Genin from.
He only knows that she was suddenly placed by Yagura in the Ninja School, starting from the fourth year, then graduated normally like other students.
According to expectations, she might be promoted to Chunin directly this year.
Yet now, Yagura is asking for her to be separated from his squad?
This point leaves Juzo quite puzzled.
"Um, may I ask why, Mizukage Lord?"
Juzo asked curiously.
Yagura thought for a moment before saying: "There's no harm in telling you. Mahiru Ichihime is a pseudonym. Her real name is Chiba Ichihime, the daughter of Chiba Hakushi, the military leader of the Land of Demons, and Uchiha Ruri. According to the agreement, she can leave the Hidden Mist now."
Juzo suddenly realized.
He had some involvement in the matter of the Hidden Mist secretly allying with the Land of Demons as an elder.
But he never expected that the other party had such a deep background.
So, the other person has inherited the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan Kekkeigenkai.
If that's the case, the strength she's currently displaying must be far from her true limit.
"Regarding the identity of Chiba Ichihime, please keep it confidential. Currently, including you, there are no more than ten people aware of this in the Hidden Mist Village. Her records in the Ninja School will also be completely deleted."
"I see, I understand."
"Good, it's great that you understand. As for the Genin replacing Chiba Ichihime in your squad, his name is Hozuki Suigetsu. He's the younger brother of Mangetsu, a member of the Hozuki Clan, and an excellent graduate of the school."
Yagura said.
"Ah, that brat. I have some impression."
Juzo clicked his tongue.
Hozuki Suigetsu is a boastful brat who covets his Decapitating Carving Knife.
Having him under his command this time, he should 'train' him properly.
A Genin being so arrogant is not good.
"Besides this matter, there's another issue."
Yagura took out a document from the drawer.
Juzo walked over and took the document from Yagura.
It was an application form.
Upon reading its content, Juzo widened his eyes.
Yagura chuckled: "As you see, this is a challenge application. Momochi Zabuza, a Jonin in the village, wants to challenge you for a fair duel to determine the ownership of the Decapitating Carving Knife. Juzo, what do you think of it? Will you agree or refuse?"
The ownership of the seven Ninja Blades in the Hidden Mist Village is not fixed.
In the past, due to institutional reasons, the seven Ninja Blades were often switched among different ninjas.
But since Yagura took office, control over the seven Ninja Blades has become stricter.
Although the challenge system hasn't changed—where the winner holds the blade—Yagura officially organizes the battles to ensure fairness and justice.
"Of course, I have no objections. I'll take the opportunity to teach this arrogant junior a lesson and show them the fear of their seniors."
Juzo smiled with ill intention, showing his sharp teeth and eyes without fear.