A week later, a grand inauguration ceremony was held in the Hidden Mist Village.
The entire village was decorated with flowers and banners. Villagers gathered below the Mizukage Office Building, waving their hands and looking up at the rooftop with eager anticipation.
On the roof, Asuka, dressed in the Mizukage cloak, received the bamboo hat symbolizing his status from Genji. Under the watchful eyes of the village's high-ranking officials, he turned and walked to the edge of the roof.
The moment his figure appeared—
The crowd erupted.
"Lord Asuka!"
"Lord Mizukage!"
The cheers surged like waves, echoing through the sky. Many villagers had tears in their eyes as they shouted with all their strength, trying to express their admiration.
Standing above them, Asuka raised his hand and waved calmly, acknowledging the crowd.
---
The ceremony lasted a long time.
After delivering his inauguration speech, the Hidden Mist Village once again descended into celebration.
---
…
---
After officially taking office, Asuka immediately began reforming the systems of the Hidden Mist Village.
With knowledge far beyond his era, he had long recognized the flaws within the village's structure.
However, he had no intention of personally overseeing every detail.
After setting the overall direction, he created a shadow clone to handle administrative matters, while he himself used teleportation to leave.
Before departing, he issued one final order—
A large amount of resources was to be secretly allocated to Hiruko to support his ongoing research.
---
Putting on the black robe adorned with red clouds and a mask, Asuka once again became the mysterious "Mr. Wu."
But instead of heading straight to the Akatsuki base, he first visited Hiruko.
After informing him about the incoming resources, Hiruko's fear deepened even further.
To casually mobilize such vast resources…
This man truly seemed like an ancient monster who had lived for ages.
---
After giving his instructions, Asuka disappeared once more.
This time, he arrived directly at the Akatsuki base.
---
Inside, Nagato was training.
He controlled the Deva Path—crafted from Yahiko's body—repeatedly using Shinra Tensei and Banshō Ten'in, adjusting their power with precise chakra control.
Seeing Asuka's arrival, Nagato stopped and turned his Rinnegan toward him, silently questioning his absence.
Asuka understood immediately.
"I went to take a look at the Hidden Mist," he said casually. "That Kaguya Asuka is quite impressive. It's been a long time since I've seen such a talented young man."
A faint smile tugged at his lips—openly praising himself without shame.
---
Nagato didn't pursue the matter.
He simply turned back and continued training.
He wasn't interested in Mr. Wu's movements, as long as they didn't interfere with Akatsuki.
---
At that moment, footsteps echoed.
Obito entered the base.
He gave Asuka a brief nod, saying nothing. He was already used to this man's unpredictable appearances.
---
Over the next few days, Asuka stayed at the base, guiding Nagato's training.
Though he didn't possess the Rinnegan himself, his combat experience allowed him to push Nagato to his limits.
As a result…
Nagato was often seen leaving training sessions bruised and battered.
---
One day, just as Asuka was about to begin another "training session," he suddenly paused.
A faint vibration spread through his senses.
It came from a feather.
A token he had once given away—
To Miroku.
---
He frowned slightly.
"…So it's finally happening."
---
"I have something to take care of," he said to Nagato and Obito.
Before either could respond, space distorted around him—
And he vanished.
---
Neither of them reacted much.
They simply glanced at the spot where he disappeared and continued their own tasks.
---
…
---
When Asuka reappeared, he stood inside a palace.
Before him sat a woman dressed in shrine maiden robes.
---
Miroku.
---
She spoke calmly:
"Long time no see, Mr. Wu."
---
Asuka sat down across from her.
"Long time no see. Since you summoned me, I assume Mōryō is starting to stir."
---
Miroku nodded.
"The seal is weakening. I can feel its soul becoming restless… its power is recovering rapidly."
"At this rate, it will fully awaken within a few years."
"When that happens… it will summon its Ghost Army and bring disaster to the world."
Her voice trembled slightly.
Even she feared that power.
---
Asuka looked at her calmly.
"So—you've made your decision?"
---
Silence.
Then—
"Yes."
Her voice steadied.
"For generations, priestesses have sacrificed themselves to seal Mōryō. I don't want to pass this fate to the next generation."
---
This wasn't a sudden choice.
It was the result of countless nights of hesitation.
The Miko lineage had been bound to Mōryō for centuries.
Every generation—
The same tragedy.
---
But Miroku refused to accept it.
And Asuka—
Was the only variable her prophecy could not see.
---
Her only hope.
---
After hearing her answer, Asuka nodded.
"Then I'll help you."
"Mōryō isn't weak. Completely dealing with it won't be easy."
"But as long as you cooperate, I can end this cycle."
---
His tone was calm.
But absolute.
---
Hope lit up Miroku's eyes.
She stood and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Mr. Wu. I'll do anything—anything necessary."
---
Asuka shook his head slightly.
"No need."
"I'm not doing this just for you. Mōryō's existence interferes with my plans."
"This is mutual benefit."
---
Then he stood up.
"Prepare yourself."
"In three days, I'll come for you."
---
And just like that—
He disappeared once more.