Chapter 233: The Decline of Society

The night was as dark as ink.

In the Village Hidden in the Mist of the Land of Water, however, it was anything but quiet.

The streets were ablaze with lights, colorful flags, and lanterns swaying gently in the wind. Crowds filled the roads, arms draped over shoulders in camaraderie. Some held sake bottles, taking long swigs before bursting into hearty laughter.

This scene of festivity was one the village hadn't witnessed in years.

Since Yagura Karatachi rose to power as the Fourth Mizukage, his policies had plunged the Hidden Mist into the infamous "Bloody Mist Village." Over the years, his reign of terror had only escalated, leaving the villagers in a state of perpetual fear, devoid of trust or camaraderie.

Bonds, friendships, and trust—all had become laughable lies.

Kill or be killed.

A shadow loomed over everyone's lives. People turned selfish, doing whatever it took just to survive this wretched era.

But starting today, such days were over.

Yagura Karatachi was dead.

The tyrant who had enforced the bloodshed within the Hidden Mist had been overthrown.

Mei Terumi had stepped up as the new Fifth Mizukage.

During her inauguration, Mei declared publicly that there would no longer be senseless killings among comrades in the Hidden Mist.

In that moment, the entire village erupted into celebration.

Watching the jubilant crowds revel in their newfound freedom, Mei allowed a small, contented smile to cross her face.

She never imagined that ascending to the position of Mizukage would garner her this much support. Apparently, Yagura had been even more despised than she'd anticipated.

A pair of strong arms wrapped around Mei's waist from behind, and a low, deep voice whispered by her ear,

"Surprised?"

Mei nodded. "Mirai, overthrowing Yagura's rule and becoming Mizukage has always been my dream. Thank you for helping me achieve it."

Even now, it all felt surreal to her. Two goals she was willing to give her life for had been accomplished so effortlessly.

Not even the legendary Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha could have rivaled Mirai's strength, could they?

Mirai tightened his grip slightly and chuckled.

"No need for thanks. You've already thanked me enough."

A faint blush crept across Mei's face, though she made no effort to resist.

To be the woman of a man like him—what more could she ask for?

A knock at the door broke the moment.

Mirai released Mei and seated himself in the Mizukage's chair, while Mei stood respectfully by his side.

"Come in," Mirai said.

An elderly man entered the Mizukage's office, his expression complicated as his gaze shifted between Mirai and Mei.

"Mirai-sama, Mizukage-sama…"

The man, Genji, had seen much in his life. Yet he never imagined the Hidden Mist would one day bow to a shinobi from Konoha. Still, given the state the village had been in under Yagura's rule, this outcome didn't seem so bad.

Under Mirai's leadership, the village had been pulled back from the brink of collapse. Supplies from other villages had even been secured to stabilize the lives of the villagers.

"Genji, how did the investigation go?" Mirai asked, breaking the silence.

Genji bowed his head slightly before reporting, "Mirai-sama, most clans and shinobi have pledged their allegiance to you. Only a small group fled the village, heading toward the Daimyō's court in the Land of Water."

After a brief pause, he added in a somber tone, "Mirai-sama, earning everyone's loyalty will not be an easy task. While the Hidden Mist may now follow you, the Land of Water is vast, and many ambitious individuals may seize this opportunity to incite rebellion. If things aren't handled carefully, the Land of Water could be plunged into prolonged chaos."

Mirai waved dismissively, unbothered by the concern in Genji's voice.

"No need to worry."

"I am the strongest. I will crush them all."

"As long as we kill every last insurgent, wouldn't that solve the problem?"

Genji stared at him, momentarily at a loss for words.

Mirai's straightforward and ruthless approach, combined with his overwhelming strength, made it seem as though no problem was insurmountable.

Mei, on the other hand, looked at Mirai with stars in her eyes. Her admiration was practically palpable.

I am the strongest. I will crush them all…

As expected of the man she'd chosen. He was just too perfect!

Clearing her throat, Mei turned to Genji.

"Ahem… Genji, if there's nothing else, you may leave."

Genji, well aware of Mei's thoughts, could only shake his head in resignation.

Society's moral decline, indeed…

...

The Land of Water.

Delicate snowflakes drifted down from the sky, blanketing the earth in a pristine layer of white.

Uchiha Mirai walked across the snow, each step crunching audibly beneath his feet.

He was dressed in a finely crafted black robe embroidered with golden patterns, exuding an air of refined elegance.

"System," he commanded.

[Name: Uchiha Mirai]

[Physique: 9346]

[Mental Strength: 9557]

[Chakra: 9438]

[Bloodline Limits: Mangekyou Sharingan, Magnet Release - Gold Dust, Scorch Release, Shikotsumyaku, Boil Release, Illusion - Five Senses Manipulation, Byakugan, Wood Release, Rinnegan]

[Ninjutsu: Water Release – Water Mirror Technique!]

[Other: Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, Lightning Chakra Mode!]

[Dōjutsu: Amaterasu, Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto, Takamagahara, Susanoo, Tsukiyomi-no-Mikoto, Kotoamatsukami, , Kamui, Limbo: Border Jail, Chibaku Tensei, Planetary Devastation, Tengai Shinsei , Daikokuten, Sukunahikona, Amenotejikara]

A satisfied smile appeared on Mirai's face as he reviewed his stats.

Over the past weeks, he'd traveled across the Land of Water, ruthlessly eliminating those who dared oppose him. From the Hidden Mist to the Daimyō's palace, and then to the farthest coastal islands, his path was one of bloodshed.

The results were undeniable.

Most of the Land of Water now submitted to him. Only a few remote areas remained, which he planned to leave to his clan members to handle later.

"Next up is Iwagakure," Mirai muttered.

"Once I've unified the Five Great Shinobi Villages, the foundation for an empire will be in place."

His breath condensed into mist in the cold air as he continued walking.

The Land of Water's landscapes were breathtaking, second only to Konoha in his mind.

Lost in thought, Mirai eventually spotted a village ahead.

Scattered wooden houses dotted the area, and a crowd of villagers with torches had gathered in front of one, shouting angrily about something.

Unperturbed, Mirai continued toward the commotion.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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