Konoha Year 21.
The war in the Ninja World raged on, relentless and merciless. Among the conflicts, the battles between Konoha and Sunagakure intensified day by day. On the Sunagakure side, Ebizo and his elder sister Chiyo earned renown through their military prowess, leaving a trail of victories and the blood of countless adversaries.
On the side of Konoha, the younger generation of Ninjas was beginning to rise, demonstrating talent and skill beyond what anyone had expected. Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Utatane Koharu, Homura Mitokado—names that would eventually become legends—were gradually carving their reputations, proving themselves on the battlefield with courage and cunning. These second-generation Ninjas were growing fast, their abilities surpassing those of their elders in subtle yet undeniable ways.
Meanwhile, the war between the Hidden Cloud Village and Iwagakure had decreased in intensity, though skirmishes continued sporadically. Rumors spread across the Ninja World that Kumogakure and Iwagakure's high-ranking officials were engaged in secretive negotiations, trying to find common ground amidst the chaos.
By contrast, the Hidden Mist Village remained calm, its people working, trading, and developing as if untouched by the outside conflict. Peace reigned, and Uchiha Su oversaw the steady progress of his lands.
But the tranquility was not without challenges. In the Land of Water, three prominent noble families, frustrated by the strict and unyielding decrees of Seii Taishōgun Uchiha Su, conspired in secret. Their dissatisfaction culminated in open rebellion, and they sought to challenge the seii taishōgun's authority.
In response, Uchiha Su appointed Uchiha En as the Pacification Commissioner, entrusting him with the responsibility of suppressing the insurgent nobles. Within three days, Uchiha En led the Hidden Mist army against the rebels. The campaign was decisive and swift. By the fourth day, the rebellion was crushed, and the heads of the leaders were displayed publicly as a grim warning.
Seeing the disloyalty of the noble families, Uchiha Su increased their tax rate to sixty percent—fifteen points higher than before. The message was clear: rebellion would not be tolerated, and power rested firmly in the hands of the seii taishōgun.
Amidst the political maneuvering, the Land of Waves and the Land of Water collaborated to construct the Great Sea-Crossing Bridge, an unprecedented engineering feat that physically connected the two lands for the first time. Commerce flourished; trade routes thrived, and populations in the connected regions began to swell. Under Uchiha Su's guidance, the Land of Waves had been shaped into a territory entirely reflective of his vision, its resources and politics firmly under his control.
Araki Taro, the Daimyō of the Land of Waves, delighted in this arrangement. Every day, he oversaw the bustling markets, thriving ports, and bustling communities, savoring the vitality that now defined his land. Trade with the Land of Fire grew steadily. Exports of pearls, fishery catches, televisions, air conditioners, and broadcasts flowed into the Land of Fire, while imports of machinery, raw materials, and cultural artifacts returned to the Land of Water, facilitating further development.
Despite these advances, some tasks required longer-term attention. The Medical Ninja system, for instance, progressed slowly. Its implementation was complex, and the training of competent healers demanded time, careful planning, and patience.
By this point, the Hidden Mist Village had grown to its full extent. Among the Five Great Ninja Villages, no other village could rival its scale or influence. Yet, Uchiha Su remained vigilant. He harbored one hope: that other villages would follow his precedent and maintain their Daimyō as controllable figures. But despite his efforts, the other four Great Villages did not emulate his example.
Konoha Year 27.
Uchiha Su, now fourteen, faced a Ninja World still ravaged by war. Countries waged battles relentlessly, and every day, children who had only just graduated from the Ninja Academy were sent to the front lines. Two years had passed since Uchiha Su had last seen Tsunade and her companions. Their previous meeting in Konoha Year 23, when they had visited the Land of Water, felt like a distant memory.
According to Konoha spies, the war had placed the village in dire straits. Perhaps this explained why Tsunade and the others had not found the time to visit him. Meanwhile, the Hidden Cloud Village halted hostilities against Iwagakure, a truce apparently secured through negotiation and some undisclosed concessions. Yet, with Kumogakure turning its attention to Konoha, the Hidden Village found itself in a precarious position.
At this critical juncture, Iwagakure declared war on the Hidden Mist. Hōzuki Gengetsu, stationed in the Land of Hot Springs, led a daring long-range raid, ambushing the Iwagakure forces and annihilating many of their elite warriors. Uchiha Su hurried to the battlefield, but even his speed could not prevent tragedy. Both the Second Mizukage Hōzuki Gengetsu and the Second Tsuchikage Mu perished, reportedly still arguing over who had truly won even as death claimed them.
With both Kage gone, a ceasefire became inevitable. Peace negotiations commenced, yet the bitterness of war lingered. Uchiha Su reflected silently: while victory had been possible, at what cost? The hidden cost of war was immense. Iwagakure had the largest number of Ninjas among the Five Great Villages, yet they remained impoverished. Sunagakure, too, had grown weaker from continuous conflict. Continued fighting would disrupt the Hidden Mist's development, risking regression.
Konoha Year 28.
On New Year's Day, Uchiha Su formally assumed the role of Mizukage, becoming the Third Mizukage. He addressed his people via broadcast, sending greetings and blessings to the Land of Water, the Land of Waves, and the Land of Whirlpools.
That same day, a child approached him carrying a small, unassuming package. Inside was the flame fan, a symbol of the Uchiha Clan's highest authority. Though a formidable weapon, it was also a spiritual totem, representing leadership and legacy. The child had received it from a man with a somewhat fearsome appearance, rewarded with two lollipops for delivering it safely to Uchiha Su.
Though Uchiha Su wished to thank Uchiha Madara, the elder had deliberately avoided him, keeping his distance.
Coincidentally, on that day, two fathers arrived with infants in their arms, seeking the young Mizukage's guidance. Namikaze Yuto held his one-year-old son, and Uzumaki Kotaro carried his daughter, also a year old. Both wished for Uchiha Su to bestow names upon their children. This honor had been promised years ago, a reflection of Su's far-reaching influence across the Ninja World.
The fame of Uchiha Su, unlike many others, was not derived from conquest. It was born from Uzumaki Ashina's deathbed words. Before passing, Ashina had grasped the hand of Uzumaki Mito and pronounced:
"Among the heroes of the entire world, none can compete with him."
These words, repeated by Mito, resonated throughout the Ninja World, establishing Su as a contemporary figure of unparalleled repute.
Namikaze Yuto approached cautiously. "Great General, could you help name my son?"
Uchiha Su smiled, recalling his mischievous thoughts. Perhaps the boy could be named Minato Namikaze—or, in a more playful fantasy, Namikaze Rasengan Flash Super Round Dance Howl Stage Three. Of course, these were mere whims. "Minato Namikaze will be his name," he decided.
Yuto beamed, cradling the infant. The honor of having Uchiha Su name his child was immense. Moreover, the Mizukage's oversight implied that the boy's future would be safeguarded.
Turning to Uzumaki Kotaro, Su remarked warmly, "Kotaro, you seem more mature than before." He patted Kotaro's shoulder and offered a cup of tea. Kotaro bowed respectfully.
"Su-kun," Kotaro said, dropping formalities, "I would also like you to name my daughter."
Uchiha Su regarded the small girl, delicate and radiant. "Uzumaki Kushina," he said simply. The name resonated with beauty and strength, a fitting choice for the child of such a noble lineage. Fate, Su thought, could indeed be wondrous. On this day, two children had received names from one Mizukage—a testament to destiny and influence.
Konoha Year 29.
As the shadow of war receded, ambition and greed wailed quietly in the distance. The Great Ninja Villages, exhausted from years of conflict, temporarily halted hostilities. Senju Tobirama secured a truce with the Hidden Cloud Village through careful diplomacy.
"This time," Tobirama said to his students, "you will accompany me to the Land of Lightning to gain experience."
Among the group were Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Utatane Koharu, Homura Mitokado, Akimichi Torifu, and Uchiha Kagami. The first four were Tobirama's disciples; Torifu and Kagami were his subordinates. All six belonged to the Hokage's direct Anbu squad, tasked with the village's security.
Tobirama paid particular attention to Uchiha Kagami, a young man whose loyalty to the village surpassed all others—a sharp contrast to defectors like Madara and Su. Tobirama planned to groom Kagami for the role of Uchiha Clan Head after their return, finally freeing himself from the nuisance of the old Uchiha Shū.
"Upon returning," Tobirama reflected, "the world must recognize the Hidden Mist's strength. Other villages will need to be cautious, perhaps even wary."
The students prepared to depart. Uchiha Kagami, moving quickly, was soon pursued by Hiruzen Sarutobi. "Kagami, wait for me!" Hiruzen called.
Kagami stopped, curious. "Senior Hiruzen?"
"Let's visit the training ground," Hiruzen suggested gently, radiating the calm leadership the others lacked.
At the training ground, Hiruzen asked, "Kagami, you understand the current situation of the Uchiha Clan, correct?"
"I do," Kagami replied solemnly. "I intend to change the clan's perception. I will prevent further rifts with the village."
"Excellent," Hiruzen smiled. "When we return from the Land of Lightning, consider your path to becoming the Uchiha Clan Head."
Kagami's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
"You'll understand in time," Hiruzen replied. "Be ready, Kagami. The village depends on the younger generation to shape its future."
With a pat on Kagami's shoulder, Hiruzen departed, leaving the young Uchiha deep in thought.
Later, Uchiha Su received a letter from Tsunade, filled with anecdotes, complaints, and questions. Nawaki, her three-year-old brother, cried incessantly and wet the bed at night. Uzumaki Mito's health was good, and she subtly inquired about Su's marriage plans. Tsunade even reproached him gently:
"Why are you always so heroic in stories but so reluctant to visit? And that Medical Ninja system of yours—how is it progressing?"
Su responded to every point, recounting events from the Land of Water. For instance, a great noble had attempted to raise a private army against him but was swiftly subdued. Consequently, Uchiha Su raised noble taxes to ninety-four percent, leaving no room for rebellion.
The nobles protested poetically:
"With prestige on all sides and killing intent drifting, all personal income is turned over.
Give me ninety-five out of a hundred; you know my methods.
Do not spend the remaining five recklessly; transfer four point eight to me tomorrow night.
Do not touch the remaining two cents; one cent will be useful the day after tomorrow.
Remember the last cent; five mills are for the child's future.
The other five mills, I'll count as saved with you; hand them over later with interest.
If unsatisfied, raise an army to rebel; the Hidden Mist army will arrive immediately.
I accuse the seii taishōgun, Third Mizukage, Uchiha Clan Head, Hidden Mist Ninja Academy Principal, and the actual ruler of the Three Countries of his atrocities."
Su read the poem with a faint smile. Even in their protest, the nobles acknowledged his absolute authority. The balance of power in the Land of Water, as in the rest of the Ninja World, was clear: Uchiha Su's influence was unmatched.
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