"Thank you, Orochimaru," Itachi said softly in response to Orochimaru's words.
He had discerned Orochimaru's progress in researching the Reanimation Jutsu.
"Have you made any headway with the Shikotsumyaku? Is it ready for transplantation?"
As Orochimaru fell silent, Itachi asked the question quietly.
Shikotsumyaku... it was something he longed for.
After all, relying on the Susano'o Flying Thunder God Slash wasn't viable. But if he could fully acquire the Shikotsumyaku, activate Sage Mode, and teleport next to his opponents with the Flying Thunder God to dance circles around them—it would be unparalleled.
As for the Dead Bone Pulse... that was a distant dream.
That ability belonged to the Bloodline Selection that required both the Rinnegan and Sharingan.
...
Without even having the Rinnegan yet, dwelling on such possibilities seemed rather meaningless.
After resting for a day, Itachi left Orochimaru's base once more.
He couldn't sit still and wandered off into the ninja world.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru, reminded by Itachi, turned his attention back to researching the Shikotsumyaku.
Time was running short for Orochimaru, as his body-switching deadline loomed closer.
If not for Itachi's reminder, he might have completely forgotten about it.
...
Land of Water
"Lord Mizukage, someone is here to see you."
A few days later, Itachi wandered into the Land of Water.
He planned to copy some Shikotsumyaku techniques and check on how Jūzō was doing.
"Oh, I understand," replied a tired male voice from beneath a bamboo hat.
It was clear that being the acting Mizukage wasn't particularly enjoyable.
Reviving the Hidden Mist Village was no easy task—or perhaps, he simply wasn't skilled enough yet.
"Jūzō, you're doing pretty well, huh?"
Guided by a Mist ninja, Itachi slowly entered the Mizukage's office.
...
"Itachi?"
As Itachi stepped inside, Jūzō put down the document he was holding. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Itachi's voice and froze momentarily.
The voice was familiar, and after examining Itachi's now-mature face, Jūzō spoke with some hesitation.
"That's a sharp eye you've got there—recognizing me like that."
Itachi smiled faintly at Jūzō's words, surprised that even with his drastically changed appearance and voice, Jūzō still recognized him.
"Hahaha, kid! You finally decided to come visit me, huh? This calls for a proper drink to celebrate!"
After confirming it was indeed Itachi, Jūzō stood up, removed his Mizukage hat, and placed it on the desk, revealing his familiar face.
"Seriously, you might want to put that hat back on. Your face is way too recognizable—I'm not even sure I'd dare grab dinner with you otherwise," Itachi said, rolling his eyes. As Jūzō moved in for a bear hug, Itachi swatted his hands away with an annoyed expression.
...
"Go fetch Genma for me. I'm taking a day off today. Tell him to come in and handle these urgent documents."
Standing at the door, Jūzō gave the command to the empty space beside him, as if talking to himself.
But after he spoke, a shadow darted away.
"Wow, you've really grown into your role. Three days away, and you're practically a new person," Itachi remarked, impressed by Jūzō's commanding aura.
"Heh, being thrown into the deep end does that to you. I used to think the Mizukage role was annoying, but now I realize how much pressure it comes with. Managing these political affairs is incredibly complicated," Jūzō admitted.
As they strolled through the Hidden Mist Village, Itachi smiled at the sight of the passing villagers.
Quietly, he reflected that Jūzō had done a decent job.
He'd even managed to improve the villagers' happiness.
...
"Sir, why hasn't the acting Mizukage officially reported to the daimyo to claim the position?"
Inside a tavern, a man and a woman sat across from each other.
The man, a one-eyed individual wearing an eyepatch, asked the stunning woman sitting before him.
The woman took a leisurely sip of fine wine, exuding an air of maturity and grace that was almost tangible. Even her annoyed side glance carried a gentle charm.
"Why concern yourself with so much? As long as he's acting for the benefit of the Hidden Mist Village and the Land of Water, we should support him wholeheartedly. The Hidden Mist Village cannot afford any more internal strife," Terumi Mei said sharply, shooting Ao a pointed look.
Her voice carried a hint of laziness, and her posture was undeniably alluring.
"My point is, this person doesn't seem to have any interest in becoming the Mizukage. Shouldn't you step up and show off your skills? You never know..."
They, with their extensive connections, were well aware that this acting Mizukage had inherited the will of the Fourth Mizukage.
Moreover, nothing he did contradicted the Fourth's intentions. He simply remained as the acting Mizukage, offering opportunities for others to showcase their abilities.
Originally brimming with ambition to overthrow tyranny, Terumi Mei now appeared to have adopted a laid-back attitude, with no interest in seizing the spotlight.
Ao couldn't help but feel anxious seeing her like this.
"What's so great about being Mizukage? As long as the Hidden Mist Village can be revived, it doesn't matter who holds the title. His approach is actually pretty good. Things will improve," Mei said, her eyes slightly glazed, as though lost in thought.
"Itachi, let me tell you, the wine here is fantastic. How's your drinking tolerance these days?"
Jūzō led Itachi into a tavern, which, by sheer coincidence, happened to be the same one where Terumi Mei and Ao were.
Hearing Jūzō's voice, the two immediately sat up straight, falling silent.
The two exchanged glances, their eyes speaking volumes, darting around as if something had gotten into them.
"Not bad. I don't have many worries, so I don't really need to drink," Itachi replied.
Jūzō, reminded of their past drunken antics, chuckled nostalgically.
"Looks like you've really grown, kid. Back then, you were always frowning, like I owed you money."
Jūzō sounded a bit disappointed at Itachi's composed demeanor, feeling like he'd lost a chance to tease him.
Itachi, on the other hand, was slightly exasperated by Jūzō's remarks.
Was this guy trying to see him embarrassed? Could this be a setup?
But as the two stepped into the tavern, Itachi froze momentarily, his expression turning a bit odd.
"Terumi Mei, Ao, slacking off again, are we?"
Jūzō, noticing Itachi's gaze, followed it and spotted the two slacking subordinates.
His roar echoed through the tavern.
Here he was, as acting Mizukage, working himself to the bone, while these two were leisurely enjoying themselves...
And they weren't just any subordinates but two of the village's key personnel, which only fueled his irritation.
"Mizukage-sama, how could you be so harsh to your lovely subordinates?"
Knowing Jūzō's personality inside out, Terumi Mei leaned forward slightly, her impressive assets jiggling as she pouted coquettishly.
"Hiss..."
The men nearby couldn't help but stare in a daze.
"This handsome young man... Mizukage-sama, aren't you going to introduce him to me?"
Mei's eyes lit up as she noticed Itachi. She fluttered her lashes and gave him a playful wink, practically radiating flirtation.
The deep cleavage she revealed, accentuated by the black net-like edge, seemed like a mesmerizing abyss, drawing everyone's attention.
"Ahem!"
Noticing Jūzō getting distracted and Ao's face rapidly turning red, Itachi coughed lightly.