CHAPTER 7

After entering the Mizukage's meeting hall, Mizuki Ryosuke first greeted the Jōnin he was familiar with. Then, with careful discretion, he positioned himself near a shadowy corner at the back of the room.

Mizuki Ryosuke was not surprised by the outcome before him. After all, long before this, Mizuki Taki had hinted that he would "place some burdens" on him. However, he hadn't expected Mizuki Taki to push for his promotion to Jōnin so hastily.

To be fair, he felt there was still a significant gap between his current strength and the level of a true Jōnin. Defeating an Iwagakure Jōnin by sheer luck alone felt insufficient.

Meanwhile, Naruto Uzumaki was still a Genin, staring up at the sky in shock. Promotions in the shinobi world were never that simple.

This was especially true for someone like Mizuki Ryosuke, who had always kept a "low profile."

Before long, aside from the Mizukage at the center, nearly half of the seats in the conference hall were filled. Seated to the left and right of the Mizukage were the Head of the Anbu, Yagura, and the Jōnin Commander, Maeda Motoji.

The second and third highest-ranking officials in Kirigakure remained silent, exuding an air of authority.

Unlike Yagura's deceptively youthful appearance, Maeda Motoji had the dignified presence of a middle-aged leader, his expression composed.

Mizuki Ryosuke carefully observed the key figures of Kirigakure, especially Yagura, the future Fourth Mizukage.

He also noticed that nearly all the Jōnin from the Mizuki clan were in attendance.

Their presence was, of course, part of the Mizukage's arrangements—to "gather votes" in Mizuki Ryosuke's favor.

At that moment, two masked Anbu operatives appeared at the entrance of the hall, signaling the imminent start of the Jōnin meeting.

"Cough, cough…"

A series of clear coughs echoed through the room, drawing everyone's attention.

There was no need for speculation—the man entering was the Third Mizukage, Mizuki Taki.

Moments later, Mizuki Taki made his way to the central seat and sat down slowly.

He began with a customary briefing on the village's recent affairs, offering the usual words of encouragement. Then, he got to the main topic.

"Cough, cough…"

"Since everyone understands the situation, I won't waste time on unnecessary words."

"This Jōnin meeting will confirm the promotion of five candidates."

"As always—three of my nominations, one from Yagura, and one from Maeda."

"Now, let's proceed with the voting. Feel free to voice any concerns."

Mizuki Taki smiled as he glanced around at the assembled Jōnin, his demeanor as composed as ever.

To be officially promoted to Jōnin, a candidate not only needed recognized achievements and strength but also required the approval of at least one-third of the Jōnin present.

"Cough, cough…"

"Maeda, read the names."

After another cough, Mizuki Taki addressed the Jōnin Commander, Maeda Motoji.

While the position of Jōnin Commander often wavered in influence, no one would openly challenge the Mizukage's authority on a minor procedural matter.

"Toshi Miyake, Ichiro Kato, Hideno Hara, Naoki Jiang, and… Mizuki Ryosuke."

"We will now begin voting. If anyone has objections, please raise them."

Maeda Motoji spoke in a firm, authoritative tone.

When Mizuki Ryosuke's name was read, a flicker of recognition passed through the eyes of several Jōnin present.

It wasn't because Mizuki Ryosuke was particularly famous within Kirigakure. Rather, it was his connection to the Third Mizukage that caught their attention.

"Heh…"

"Let's get this over with. I have other matters waiting in the Anbu."

Yagura, the Anbu Commander, showed little interest in the proceedings and urged Maeda to continue impatiently.

Maeda Motoji, unfazed by Yagura's attitude, proceeded with the voting.

Since Mizuki Ryosuke was the last on the list, he remained patient, silently "preparing" himself while analyzing the situation in the hall.

Before arriving, he had thoroughly researched the Jōnin promotion process.

Being nominated was only the first step. The second step was the voting process, in which all present Jōnin would cast their votes.

The third and most critical step was the strength assessment.

A Jōnin present at the meeting would be randomly selected to spar against a candidate up for promotion.

The match would be closely observed by the Mizukage, the Anbu Commander, and the Jōnin Commander.

This served two purposes: to ensure that the selected Jōnin did not deliberately go easy on the candidate and to confirm whether the promoted shinobi met the necessary strength standards.

As long as a candidate remained undefeated in battle, their promotion would be confirmed.

But if they lost…

They would have to wait until next year for another chance.

And this upcoming battle was exactly what Mizuki Ryosuke was anticipating.

Jōnin?

Who would truly qualify for such a title?

Could they challenge Ōtsutsuki Kaguya? Had they fought against Uchiha Madara? Had they ever stood against Senju Hashirama?

At the very least, did they have the raw talent of Hatake Kakashi when he unlocked his full potential?

Did they really believe this was enough to be called a Jōnin?

Far from it.

"Naoki Jiang—final vote count: thirty-seven!"

"Approved."

The votes for the first four candidates were swiftly tallied.

Among them, only Taishi Miyake—a civilian-born shinobi—failed to pass.

The remaining three had strong family backgrounds and, unsurprisingly, secured their Jōnin status with ease.

At this time, the major shinobi villages were still in their early years. The ninja academies open to civilians had only recently been established.

The shinobi world was still dominated by clan-based ninja.

The world of shinobi was not merely about battle and bloodshed—it was a world of power, connections, and influence.

Finally, it was Mizuki Ryosuke's turn.