Chapter 219: Misconceptions
"Should I say it's as expected of them?" Mei Terumi murmured, feeling the pressure of leading Kirigakure weigh even heavier on her shoulders.
After a moment of contemplation, she added, "Having a strong ally is beneficial, but too strong is another issue. We assumed that Konoha would be in a slump after being devastated—between Orochimaru's invasion and Sunagakure's betrayal, they should have been crippled. But it turns out their foundation remains solid. We'll need to lower our expectations accordingly."
"I've failed you, Mizukage-sama," Ao said apologetically. In these muscle-flexing exchanges, it was clear Kirigakure was at a disadvantage.
"It's fine. You did well enough. I didn't expect Konoha to send such a powerful team. The Copy Ninja Kakashi alone is formidable—even I must be cautious around him."
Mei, aware of their lack of elite forces, tried to reassure one of her few capable subordinates.
"For now, I'll need you to push even harder. We must eliminate the scattered rogue ninja as quickly as possible. Particularly the sea routes—protect those fleets. We must not let the outside world continue seeing us as the 'Bloody Mist.' Keep up visible patrols for a while."
Ao frowned. "The ANBU can handle covert operations, but we truly lack the manpower for public enforcement. Mizukage-sama, could we increase personnel for this?"
"No. You'll have to manage with what you have. Even genin are burdened with heavy assignments. Maintaining public order in the Land of Water is our top priority."
"…Understood," Ao reluctantly agreed. In difficult times like these, they couldn't afford to waver. If needed, he'd fight on the front lines himself.
Just as he was about to leave, Mei seemed to remember something. "What about that boy—Chōjūrō? What's his current assignment?"
Chōjūrō had caught Mei's attention early on—clean background, promising talent, and most importantly, he looked up to her with sincere admiration. He was someone she could groom and rely on.
"That timid, spineless boy?" Ao sneered. "Last I heard, he's been assigned as a liaison to the Konoha shinobi. That's about all he's suited for."
A relic from the era of Yagura's brutal regime, Ao had little patience for new-generation shinobi like Chōjūrō. His overly modest demeanor clashed with the aggressive, survivalist culture Ao was used to. The fact that the Mizukage favored such a boy only deepened Ao's discontent.
"Working with the Konoha shinobi, is he? That's fine," Mei mused aloud. "Let's see how much he grows alongside them."
She either didn't catch—or chose to ignore—the disdain in Ao's tone.
Used to Mei's wandering focus during their conversations, Ao bowed and took his leave, leaving her alone to resume her paperwork.
…
In the exotic, mist-shrouded village, Mizuki stood at the window of his high-floor apartment, gazing out over Kirigakure.
Compared to Konoha, the village was clearly smaller and less vibrant. At this hour, Konoha would be bustling—but here, even in the shinobi quarters, there were more ninja than civilians. Though this wasn't the village's commercial district, Mizuki still found the atmosphere unexpectedly somber. Still, beneath the weariness on the locals' faces, there was a flicker of hope—hope for the future.
Their lodging was perhaps the finest in the village. Mizuki's suite sat at the top of the building, offering a panoramic view of the misty rainforest. The moisture-rich air and the light fog lent the scene a tranquil charm. He breathed deeply, feeling momentarily at peace.
A crisp knock interrupted his quiet reflection.
"Come in."
The door creaked open, and in walked Shino Aburame, his figure cloaked tightly as always.
"Mizuki-sensei, do you have a moment?"
Mizuki nodded. "Of course. What's on your mind?"
Shino took a seat opposite him at the low tea table by the window. Mizuki poured two cups of tea and handed one over.
"I've been puzzled by something ever since we arrived in the Land of Water," Shino began after a sip.
"The environment here is very surprising. It seems like it should be ideal for life—abundant rain, lush forests—but…"
He paused, struggling to phrase his observation.
Mizuki smiled knowingly and picked up the thread. "It feels unnatural, doesn't it? Like something is missing? For example—there are far fewer insects than expected. And the rainforest, while lush, isn't teeming with life the way one might assume."
"Exactly." Shino nodded. "Compared to the Land of Fire, it's strange. Even my kikaichū insects are less active here."
"It's a sharp observation," Mizuki said. "You're an Aburame—your bond with the environment is deeper than most. But this isn't due to any human interference. It's a consequence of natural forces. You don't need to worry; your insects will adapt in time."
"It's not manmade?"
"No. People often say the Land of Water is barren, but when you look at the greenery, it seems misleading. Compared to the desert of the Wind Country, this place looks full of life. So why is it still considered barren?"
"That's been bothering me too."
"The reason is the same as why your insects are reacting oddly—the environment has undergone significant changes."
Mizuki explained patiently, "Heavy rainfall doesn't mean the land is fertile. In fact, too much water leaches nutrients from the soil. The excess rain washes away minerals, making it less productive than the Land of Fire."
Shino's eyes widened slightly behind his glasses. "So… the very thing that makes this land appear lush is also what weakens it?"
"Exactly," Mizuki said. "It's a paradox. The mist, the moisture—it creates a haunting beauty. But beneath that is a harsher reality. And that's something both plants and insects have to learn to endure."
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