After Sora took over as Mizukage, the situation in Kirigakure stabilized.
Not only did the civilians have more smiles on their faces, but even the Ninjas who had experienced the Bloody Mist policy visibly became more cheerful.
This was the tremendous change a strong leader could bring. Unlike the Third Mizukage, who repeatedly failed, Sora's battle record was simply too glorious.
Konoha's aces had basically been suppressed by him, and even the [Darkness of the Ninja World], Danzo, died by his hand. This made Sora's prestige in Kirigakure unmatched for a time.
Sora's ascension also intimidated the Kage of other great Ninja Villages.
Not only did Konoha react very intensely, but even Kumogakure, which had been locked in battle with Kirigakure on the Karra Island, chose to withdraw immediately, no longer engaging Kirigakure's clan forces on the island.
The Fourth Raikage, A, might seem like a muscle-headed brute, but he was actually quite adept at judging the situation.
He saw that after the coup, Sora now had the spare capacity to deal with external threats, so he chose to withdraw promptly, avoiding a direct confrontation with Sora.
Now,
Everyone knew how terrifying Sora's combat power was. To engage Kirigakure in a full-scale battle, one had to be prepared to lose two thousand Ninjas first!
Two thousand Ninjas?
That was too painful!
The Fourth Raikage didn't have such firm strategic resolve yet and could only retreat for now, waiting quietly for an opportunity.
Kumogakure's withdrawal further boosted Sora's prestige in Kirigakure to its peak.
To subdue the enemy without fighting… this was the strategic deterrence of the current Fourth Mizukage!
Strong!
Incomparably strong!
Even a strength that surpassed that of Tailed Beasts!
In short,
Kirigakure's influence in the Ninja World increased greatly, and the village's civilians and Ninjas gained a great sense of happiness as a result.
Another thing worth mentioning is that on the second day after Sora officially assumed the office of Mizukage, Genji very sensibly handed over all the power in his hands to Sora.
This included, but was not limited to, the list of Ninjas in the Elder Faction, their respective weaknesses and leverage, as well as related administrative authority, voting rights, and command authority over Ninja Forces within Kirigakure.
This time, Genji completely changed his previous confrontational stance against the Third Mizukage, appearing very amiable and obedient before Sora, acting as if everything was open for discussion.
Of course, Sora wasn't very interested in such worldly power.
After accepting Genji's pledge of allegiance, he distributed the relevant responsibilities to his trusted, staunch supporters.
Just like when Sora took over as Anbu Commander before, Yagura, Mei, Meigetsu, Yuzuki, and the others all received actual promotions.
These Kirigakure's elites who had consistently followed Sora almost monopolized the power of Kirigakure's upper echelons.
In the newly constructed Mizukage Building, Sora sat in his office, flipping through the classified materials left by the Third Mizukage.
To be honest,
The so-called secrets recorded within were uninteresting, mere trivialities in Sora's view.
"Strength determines one's perspective!"
Sora flipped through the records detailing which spy personnel were embedded in which forces, as well as the various weaknesses, flaws, and leverage points of Kirigakure's Ninjas, but he couldn't muster much interest.
Because Sora was different from the Third Mizukage and Genji. He was a rising sun.
He didn't need these underhanded methods. His own power alone was enough to suppress Kirigakure and win the loyalty of his subordinates.
Of course,
Appropriate intimidation was also necessary.
Ringo Ameyuri.
Hozuki Mangetsu.
Suikazan Fuguki.
Sora's gaze swept over these three names.
"Kurumi…"
"I want to see these three."
Sora said lightly.
"Yes, Mizukage-sama!"
From the shadows of the room, a black-haired girl wearing a blue fox mask suddenly emerged.
This was Sora's bodyguard, and also his staunch confidante, Ringo Kurumi.
Kurumi quickly left using the Body Flicker Technique. More than ten minutes later, three Kirigakure's Ninjas with imposing auras entered one after another.
"Mizukage-sama!"
"Mizukage-sama!"
"Mizukage-sama!"
All three knelt on one knee, paying their respects respectfully. Even Fuguki, the leader of Intelligence Division, was no exception.
The ferocious and terrifying-looking Fuguki even visibly paled upon entering the Mizukage's office, complex and fearful flashes occasionally appearing in his pupils.
Sora looked up, examining the three before him.
Ringo Ameyuri, Kurumi's older sister, a Jonin of Kirigakure. Following the original work's pace, she would likely be the second wielder of the Lightning Blades, Kiba.
Red hair, flamboyant, features with a strong aggressive edge yet very pleasing to the eye, considered a rare beauty in Kirigakure.
Beside Ameyuri, standing in the middle, was Hozuki Mangetsu, a young man with white short hair and a handsome face.
He was the older brother of the original work's Team Taka's member, Hozuki Suigetsu, possessing very remarkable Ninja Talent.
The only slightly unlucky thing was that Mangetsu was the second wielder of the Hiramekarei Swords, the same series as Chojiro.
These two were very young, the hope of Kirigakure. If nothing unexpected happened, they would likely become the pillars of Mei's generation, similar to Konoha's Kakashi and Guy in level.
However,
At this moment, these two hopes of Kirigakure were both kneeling on one knee, looking at Sora with fervent and worshipful gazes, their bodies even trembling slightly with excitement.
Both understood that if not for their connection to Kurumi and Meigetsu), they probably wouldn't have received the Mizukage-sama's summons so quickly.
As for Fuguki beside them, he was also trembling slightly, but his was from fear, not excitement.
"Ameyuri, Mangetsu, no need to be so nervous."
Sora chuckled lightly, not beating around the bush, and said directly, "I called you two here today to get you acquainted. After completing the handover, come work for me, responsible for bodyguard duties. Any problems?"
"N-No!"
"Absolutely not, Mizukage-sama!"
Ameyuri and Mangetsu exchanged a glance, both seeing the wild joy and elation in each other's eyes.
Neither of them could have imagined that Sora's summons today was actually to make them Mizukage's bodyguards!!!
This was a supreme honor!
In today's Kirigakure, too many Ninjas were fanatical believers of Sora. The position they desperately wanted to secure had actually fallen into their laps by sheer luck!?
This was simply insane!
Being Mizukage's bodyguards wasn't just a promotion and raise… this was directly stepping onto the peak of life!
"From now on, you two will work under Kurumi. Draft the work plan as soon as possible and then hand it over to Kurumi for processing."
Sora straightforwardly assigned the tasks. He valued efficiency and didn't want to waste too much time on such minor matters.
"Alright, Fuguki will stay. The others may leave for now."
Sora waved his hand.
"Yes, Mizukage-sama!"
Ameyuri and Mangetsu bowed and withdrew, the excitement and thrill still unconcealed in their eyes.
Soon, in the office,
Only Fuguki remained.