Chapter 12 – The Fall of the Yondaime Mizukage: Mei Terumi's Awakening Curiosity
Chiba's assessment was flawless. Not merely because he had a precise understanding of Kirigakure's current political balance, but because he already knew how history was meant to unfold. In the original timeline, Mei Terumi would rise to become the Godaime Mizukage-just not yet.
But Chiba's interference had altered the rhythm of fate itself. Yagura Karatachi's downfall had been accelerated.
Mangetsu and Ringo exchanged a brief glance, memories surfacing unbidden: Mei's composed authority during the most recent high-level council meeting, her decisiveness cutting through hesitation like a blade through mist.
"She is indeed powerful," Mangetsu admitted quietly. "An exceptional shinobi."
Chiba's lips curved into a faint, confident smile.
"True." He paused for a heartbeat. "But she still falls short of me."
There was no arrogance in his voice-only certainty.
Mangetsu studied him, curiosity and caution warring in his eyes. "Then… what is your next move?"
"For now," Chiba replied evenly, "we wait." His gaze drifted toward the distant horizon, where Kirigakure lay shrouded behind layers of mist. "News will arrive soon. Until then, you will both remain with the Yuki Clan."
Neither Hōzuki Mangetsu nor Ringo Ameyuri objected. They understood. The wheels of power were already in motion.
Just as Chiba had foreseen, intelligence reached them far sooner than expected-and when it did, shockwaves tore through Kirigakure. The truth could no longer be contained.
The Yondaime Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, had been under genjutsu control. The Blood Mist era-the ruthless purges, the reign of terror that had soaked the village in blood-none of it had been the will of a sane leader. All of it had been manipulation.
Under Genji's authority, an emergency operation was launched. Mei Terumi and Ao moved with precision. Ao's Byakugan proved instrumental in identifying the lingering illusion that bound Yagura's mind, but it was Mei's resolve that carried the operation through. Where others hesitated, she acted. Where others doubted, she decided. The genjutsu was exposed, and the truth laid bare.
Not long after, Genji convened an emergency council. Kirigakure stood at a crossroads. The old order was collapsing. A new era awaited its birth. And amid the gathering storm, within the halls of power and the whispers of the mist, Mei Terumi found herself focusing on a single name-a name that had surfaced too often, tied to the unraveling of the Blood Mist: Chiba.
At this moment, Yagura Karatachi had been freed from the genjutsu. Yet the damage was irreversible. Years of prolonged mental manipulation had shattered his mind. His thoughts were fragmented, his awareness unstable. There was no possibility of him continuing as Mizukage.
Mei Terumi was the first to break the silence.
"Lord Genji," she asked firmly, "what should we do now?"
Genji let out a long, weary sigh.
"Who would have thought," he said slowly, "that Kirigakure had been deceived for so many years? All this time, we were nothing more than puppets, manipulated from the shadows. And it is precisely because of that manipulation that our village now stands on the brink of chaos."
His gaze darkened.
"As an elder, this failure weighs heavily upon me." He paused, then straightened. "But Mei Terumi is right. Now is not the time for regret. The Yondaime Mizukage can no longer govern. The most urgent matter is deciding Kirigakure's future leadership."
Kisame's former commander, Xiguashan Heiguiguai, spoke cautiously.
"But should we truly reveal the truth about the Mizukage? If this becomes public knowledge, it may plunge the village into even greater unrest. Multiple rebel factions are already stirring."
Genji nodded.
"You make a valid point. If the truth is revealed, the Mizukage's reputation will be utterly destroyed. After all… he too was a victim."
Another sigh escaped him.
Ao stepped forward. "There may be another option. We could keep the truth hidden for now. Publicly announce that the Mizukage has fallen gravely ill and is unable to manage affairs. During this period, Lord Genji would issue orders in his stead. Once the situation stabilizes, a new Mizukage can be formally selected."
Genji considered the proposal, then nodded. "Yes… that is indeed the most prudent course of action."
The others exchanged glances, silently agreeing. The decision was made. Officially, the Yondaime Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, was declared critically ill. He withdrew from public view, never to appear before the people again. In his place, Genji assumed control of village affairs, supported by the elite: Mei Terumi, Ao, and other high-ranking shinobi, managing military, political, and internal matters.
Kirigakure quietly entered a new phase of transformation. Yet most shinobi remained cautious, observant, wary. The truth was unclear, and rumors spread like wildfire. What had truly happened to Yagura Karatachi? Speculation ran rampant, filling the streets and training grounds alike.
Still, one thing was undeniable: Kirigakure had stepped into a new era.
Genji's first decree was clear. The brutal policies of the Blood Mist were to be rolled back. The standing order to exterminate all Bloodline Limit clans was officially rescinded. By now, very few such clans remained, the Yuki Clan among the last.
Genji remembered something else: Hōzuki Mangetsu and Ringo Ameyuri had once been dispatched against the Yuki Clan, just like Raiga Kurosuki and Jinpachi Munashi before them. They never returned. Only the ANBU units had come back to report. Now, aware of Yagura's true condition, Mangetsu and Ringo had pledged loyalty to Genji-and they brought astonishing news. They reported everything: Mangetsu, Ringo, the Yuki Clan.
The room erupted in shock.
Mei Terumi frowned.
"The Yuki Clan… their new leader, Yuki Chiba? He killed Jinpachi Munashi and Raiga Kurosuki? And not only that-he subjugated Mangetsu and Ringo?"
Her eyes narrowed. "Who is this man? How could someone so powerful emerge out of nowhere?"
Genji exhaled slowly, gravely.
"No matter what," he said, "we cannot condemn him. After all, the order to annihilate the Yuki Clan came from Kirigakure's own leadership. And if anyone bears responsibility for what followed…" His gaze hardened with quiet resolve. "It is us."