Not long after Asuka returned to the village, visitors began arriving at his residence one after another.
One day, just after Asuka had seen off a guest, a ninja arrived at his home.
"Lord Asuka, Elder Sora invites you to his estate for dinner."
Asuka nodded calmly, already expecting this.
As expected.
He had anticipated that Terumi Sora would contact him eventually, though he hadn't expected the old fox to be patient enough to wait this long.
After changing into formal clothing, Asuka followed the ninja to the Terumi Estate.
When he arrived at the same room where he had previously met Terumi Sora, he pushed the door open and found the elder already seated inside.
Beside him sat another figure—Mei Terumī, dressed elegantly in a kimono.
When she saw Asuka, she gave him a playful wink.
Sitting in the seat of honor, Terumi Sora didn't notice Mei's small gesture. Seeing Asuka still standing at the doorway, he smiled.
"Asuka-kun, you're here. Please, have a seat."
Asuka walked in and sat cross-legged across from them.
"Elder Sora, I hope you've been well. May I ask what guidance you have for me today?"
"Hahaha, Asuka-kun truly speaks directly," Terumi Sora laughed. "But there's no need to rush. Let's eat first."
After speaking, he clapped his hands.
The side door slid open, and several maids entered carrying exquisite dishes. One after another, they placed the meals on the table until it was filled with delicacies.
"I wasn't sure what you preferred to eat, Asuka-kun," Terumi Sora said politely. "So I had a wide variety prepared. I hope you don't mind."
Looking at the lavish spread, Asuka couldn't help but complain inwardly.
No wonder the Third Mizukage wants to suppress the ninja clans. These families are unbelievably wealthy.
Of course, he didn't say it out loud.
"Not at all," Asuka replied politely. "The meal is already very generous. I like everything here. Thank you, Elder Sora."
"As long as you're satisfied."
Then Terumi Sora glanced at the girl beside him.
"Mei, what are you staring at? Hurry and pour some wine for Asuka-kun."
Startled by the reminder, Mei Terumī quickly stood and filled Asuka's cup.
After thanking her, Asuka raised his cup and toasted Terumi Sora.
The atmosphere remained friendly as the three chatted casually while eating. After several rounds of drinks, the real conversation finally began.
Terumi Sora drained his cup, placed it on the table, and looked directly at Asuka.
"Asuka-kun, I've heard some rumors recently. Are they true?"
"Did you really fight Kumogakure's Eight-Tails Jinchūriki to a draw?"
Sensing the subtle doubt in the elder's voice, Asuka smiled faintly and raised his cup.
"It was just luck. Surely Elder Sora didn't invite me here simply to confirm that?"
Seeing that Asuka didn't deny it, Terumi Sora nodded in satisfaction.
He had already witnessed Asuka's strength before. While hearing that Asuka had fought Killer Bee to a standstill had surprised him, it wasn't completely unbelievable.
"It seems your strength has reached another level, Asuka-kun. Congratulations."
"However, the reason I invited you today is actually to discuss the war."
Hearing this, Asuka glanced at Mei Terumī.
Noticing that Terumi Sora had no intention of asking her to leave, he immediately understood.
The elder was grooming Mei, allowing her to participate in high-level family discussions.
"The war?" Asuka asked calmly. "What exactly did Elder Sora want to discuss?"
Terumi Sora leaned slightly forward.
"I'll be straightforward. The strength you've demonstrated has already far exceeded the expectations of us old men."
"By now, your power is likely comparable to the Third Mizukage."
"We know your ambitions, Asuka-kun. Therefore, we plan to give you a helping hand."
Asuka immediately understood.
This was about interests.
"And how exactly does Elder Sora plan to help me?"
"I have already discussed this with several elders from other clans," Terumi Sora replied.
"We will recommend you to Genryū, and we plan to jointly propose to the Third Mizukage that you participate in the upcoming war."
Asuka smiled slightly.
"That sounds like quite a good deal for me."
"But Elder Sora… what do you want in return?"
Terumi Sora laughed.
"Asuka-kun truly is direct. Very well, I won't waste words."
"You're aware that the Third Mizukage has been suppressing the ninja clans more and more severely."
"His so-called Bloody Mist policy claims to streamline the ninja forces and pursue elite training."
"But we know the truth."
"Eventually, he will strike directly at the ninja clans."
"We old men are simply acting in self-preservation."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Your appearance has given the clans a breakthrough."
"Your strength has far exceeded our expectations."
"All we can do is help you gain more prestige and lay the foundation for you to become the next Mizukage."
"In return, we want your promise."
"Once you become Mizukage, the village's resources must lean more toward the ninja clans."
Asuka wasn't surprised at all.
The world revolved around利益—interests.
For ninja clans that had existed for centuries, this was especially true.
Under the pressure of the Third Mizukage, the clans had no choice but to seek an external force to break the stalemate.
The strength Asuka had displayed naturally drew their attention.
His young age also made him the perfect candidate.
Because he lacked prestige, the clans could help elevate him—while ensuring their own benefits in return.
After a moment of thought, Asuka looked at Terumi Sora.
"Elder Sora's proposal sounds beneficial for both sides."
"I have no objections."
"I wonder when you can arrange for me to meet Genryū?"
Terumi Sora smiled with satisfaction.
"Asuka-kun truly doesn't disappoint me. I admire your ambition."
"As for meeting Genryū, it will be arranged within the next few days."
Genryū was one of the Hidden Mist Village's elders—an advisor comparable to figures like Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado in Konoha.
However, unlike Konoha, the authority of the elders in the Hidden Mist Village was extremely high.
Traditionally, the elders handled administrative matters, while the strongest ninja became the Mizukage.
Because of this structure, Genryū's authority was nearly equal to the Mizukage's.
Any major decision in the village required consultation with him.
If Asuka gained this elder's support, his chances of becoming Mizukage would rise dramatically.
After dinner ended, Terumi Sora instructed Mei Terumī to escort Asuka out of the estate.
Walking beside him in her kimono, Mei Terumī seemed quite different from usual.
She appeared calmer and more elegant than her usual playful self.
"I never expected you'd be able to talk to someone like my grandfather as an equal," she said.
"If I hadn't grown up with you, I probably wouldn't believe it."
Asuka chuckled.
"Well, I'm just that outstanding. Are you jealous?"
"Hmph! Show-off!" Mei Terumī snorted, turning her head away.
But she secretly glanced at the tall figure beside her, her cheeks slightly red.
…
Time passed quickly.
Before he realized it, Asuka had already been back in the village for quite some time.
On this day, he received a Jōnin summons.
When Asuka arrived at the Mizukage's office, many jōnin were already present.
Looking at the familiar scene, Asuka had a clear idea of what was about to happen.
Sure enough, after the Third Mizukage entered the room, he immediately announced the news.
"Kumogakure has officially declared war on Iwagakure…"
---------------Author---------------
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