Chapter 36: Babysitting Kids?

"Is this Kirigakure Village? This is my first time here." "Compared to Konoha, this place is seriously underdeveloped." Tsunade followed Zenkichi into Kirigakure, glancing around as she spoke. "Behind, right? It's okay to be behind." "Besides Konoha, the other villages aren't much better than Kirigakure." "So, you should understand now, right?" "Why is it that whenever a war breaks out in the shinobi world, Konoha is always the one that gets dragged into it first?" Zenkichi looked around Kirigakure casually, his tone calm. "I don't understand." Tsunade shot him an annoyed glance. "You don't get it? You're hopeless!" "With awareness that low, it's a wonder you're the granddaughter of the First Hokage!" Zenkichi rolled his eyes lazily. "Why?" Tsunade was curious and asked, "Because the gap between rich and poor is too wide, and economic development is uneven." "Most importantly, your Konoha, the village that got rich first, refuses to guide the rest of us." "Not only that, you actively block our future prosperity. What choice do we have but to resist?" Zenkichi sighed, still in his usual relaxed tone. "To stop you?" "As far as I know, Konoha is always the one starting trouble." "We've always been peace-loving." Tsunade frowned, not quite understanding. "Peace-loving?" "That part's true." "But it's not because of your kind hearts." "It's because peace benefits you the most." "Do you think other villages enjoy war and death?" "We don't have a choice. Peace is a slow poison for us." Zenkichi shook his head. Tsunade was still too naïve. Sure, she was a great doctor and fighter, but her limited perspective held her back from understanding the deeper issue. "What's going on? Explain it to me properly!" Tsunade suddenly grew agitated, rushed up to Zenkichi, grabbed his shoulders, and looked him in the eyes. "You really want to know?" Zenkichi smiled. "Obviously!" Tsunade said bluntly. "Give me your medical ninjutsu and be my maid for a week. Think of it as tuition." Zenkichi smiled casually. "You wish." Tsunade was stunned for a second, then instantly refused. "Then that's it. I can't just go around telling people the truth for free." Zenkichi shook his head regretfully and strolled off toward the Mizukage Building. --- Inside the Mizukage's Office. When Zenkichi saw the Third Mizukage, his expression turned serious. "Zenkichi, long time no see." "When we first met, I knew you were no ordinary kid." "Now it seems my instincts were spot-on." The Third Mizukage smiled and spoke to Zenkichi like a kindly old man. "Master Genji already told me about your situation. Are you really serious about the Land of Fire?" After a short exchange, the Third Mizukage's tone turned grave. "No." "I have bigger plans for the Land of Fire." Zenkichi's confident smile returned as he spoke with certainty. He shared everything he had done in Konoha, outlining his plan to undermine the people's faith in the village. He didn't act like Kizaru this time—no lazy, aloof persona. Instead, he spoke like a true strategist. He knew when to act like Kizaru, and when to drop the act. After all, he was just borrowing the image—he wasn't really Kizaru. He might act lazy sometimes, but he wasn't aimless. He had ambition, and now wasn't the time to slack off. If he pretended to be Kizaru here and slacked off— What if the Third Mizukage offered him a job or support, and he blew it by acting like a bum? Being lazy felt good, sure—but that wasn't his goal. It's fine to rest occasionally, but doing it all the time? No way. So now, Zenkichi laid out his plans, showing the Third Mizukage his serious, capable side. Only if the Third Mizukage acknowledged his abilities would he consider passing down the title. As Zenkichi spoke, the old man's eyes lit up. His gaze toward Zenkichi grew more satisfied by the minute. "Zenkichi, your talent is impressive." "Your original instructor is no longer suitable to guide you." "If you don't mind, come to me for advice in the future." The Third Mizukage stroked his beard and looked Zenkichi over with a smile. "No problem!" "I do have some questions about ninjutsu and would be honored to learn from you." Zenkichi smiled, already planning to learn some high-level jutsu. Even though he had Kizaru's power... it's always good to expand your arsenal. As for having the Mizukage as an instructor— It was symbolic, a way of declaring loyalty. The Third Mizukage chuckled. "Judging from your analysis, Kirigakure doesn't need to make any major moves for now." If the Third Mizukage had turned out to be a fool, Zenkichi would've... well, too bad. All the previous inheritors of the Will of Water were dead. But wait—didn't Terumi Mei become the Fifth Mizukage in the original? She wasn't even directly connected to the Third Mizukage. So what gives? If you didn't get approval from the previous Mizukage, you couldn't be one? If the Third Mizukage hadn't clearly taken his side, Zenkichi would've made backup plans. Still, the old man accepted him into the fold and even made him his student. That was reassuring. Having the Mizukage as your instructor meant you were now part of his faction—heir to the Will of Water! --- "Good. Let the other villages clash for now and drain their strength." "In the meantime, we'll consolidate internally and build up power." "By the way, don't take on any external missions for now. I've got an easy assignment for you." "How about being the principal of the ninja academy? It's a simple job—just manage the kids." Zenkichi blinked. Principal... of a ninja school? Babysitting kids? Me... Arakawa Zenkichi, channeling Kizaru... destined to be a kindergarten principal? --- (^▽^) Support me by sending powerstones