Yagura couldn't help but feel a sense of discomfort with the way things had ended. He had been prepared to make his move against Mizukage, but the complete incompetence of the Yoruichi Clan had thrown off his plans. Frustrated, he had no choice but to change tactics.
Mizuki Taki, however, had taken full advantage of the situation. Even if it left a bitter taste in his mouth, he would not hesitate to exploit the circumstances to his favor.
As Yagura's words settled over the room, the surrounding shinobi exchanged uncertain glances.
Give in? What kind of compromise was this?
The very idea that Kaguya would yield to Mizuki Taki was laughable—perhaps the greatest joke ever told within the Hidden Mist. And yet, as absurd as it sounded, Yagura's words weren't entirely without merit.
Could even someone as unyielding as Kaguya Yuta be swayed?
Though the logic was twisted, it was difficult to deny that there was some truth to it.
"I don't think so."
A calm yet authoritative voice cut through the murmurs.
"Since there are objections, and what Wolf Orange said holds some truth…"
"Then why not compromise? Let's grant Mizuki Ryosuke the title of 'Special Jōnin.'"
The speaker, Maeda Yuanshi, was an elder within the Mist and a key figure within the ranks of the Jōnin. A mediator between the Mizukage's office and the ANBU, he had always maintained a neutral stance.
Both Yagura and Mizuki Taki remained silent, considering his words.
After a brief pause, Mizuki Taki closed his eyes, contemplating the proposal. When he opened them again, his voice was steady and composed.
"Fine."
Yagura, seeing Mizukage's concession, chose to accept the outcome without further protest. What had started as a spur-of-the-moment maneuver had unexpectedly served its purpose—if nothing else, it irritated Mizuki Taki, which was a victory in itself.
And so, the promotion ceremony concluded with two shinobi attaining full Jōnin status and one receiving the rank of Special Jōnin.
Special Jōnin— a rank that served as a bridge between Chūnin and Jōnin. Typically assigned to shinobi who had attained significant prowess in a specific area but lacked the overall qualifications to be full-fledged Jōnin, those bearing the title were still considered part of the elite. They had the right to participate in Jōnin meetings, though their authority remained limited.
As the meeting adjourned, the Jōnin dispersed, spreading word of the day's events throughout the village.
For the Kaguya Clan, this was yet another humiliation.
The long-standing tension between the Mizukage and the ANBU seemed to have settled—for now.
But everyone in the room knew the truth.
This was only the calm before the storm.
The Mizuki Compound
The unconscious Mizuki Ryosuke was carried home, hailed as a hero.
Inside his residence, Mizuki Lian had been waiting anxiously. The moment she saw his limp form being brought in, her heart clenched with worry.
Rushing forward, she desperately sought answers.
A Jōnin from the Mizuki Clan reassured her with a chuckle.
"Don't worry, Lady Lian. Ryosuke just overexerted himself. He'll be fine after some rest."
Hearing this, Lian let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
Yet, as she looked at Ryosuke's motionless form, concern lingered in her gaze. He had been injured too many times lately—each battle left her fearing that one day, he wouldn't return.
Carefully, she guided his body onto her lap, adjusting him to ensure he was comfortable.
Then, with gentle movements, she picked up a nearby fan and began fanning him, her eyes never leaving his face.
The surrounding Jōnin watched in silence, envy flickering in their eyes.
"Tch, some people have all the luck."
They could only sigh, knowing such devotion was something most shinobi would never experience.
Then—
"Patriarch!"
A low whisper of alarm ran through the group.
A thin, middle-aged man with silver-streaked hair had appeared without a sound.
The Third Mizukage, Mizuki Taki.
Lian's entire body tensed. She immediately lowered her head, panic setting in.
She knew all too well Mizuki Taki's stance regarding her relationship with Ryosuke.
He did not approve.
Avoiding him was impossible now.
"…Father."
With no other choice, she bowed respectfully.
Mizuki Taki's cold gaze flickered to Ryosuke, who remained still on her lap. A strange glint passed through his sharp eyes, unreadable.
Then, to everyone's shock, he spoke.
"Lian, take care of Ryosuke."
His voice was firm, yet unexpectedly calm.
"When he's recovered, bring him to the main house for dinner."
Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away.
The assembled Mizuki shinobi immediately followed, leaving Lian frozen in disbelief.
Had she misheard?
Mizuki Taki, who had been so adamantly opposed to their relationship, had just—invited Ryosuke to their home?
Her heart pounded, struggling to make sense of the abrupt shift.
For a long time, she remained still, staring after her father's retreating form.
Only when the realization fully set in did she notice the warmth gathering in her eyes.
Her vision blurred.
A single tear escaped, falling onto Ryosuke's cheek.
The moment the cold droplet touched his skin, Ryosuke's eyes fluttered open.
His gaze met Lian's tear-streaked face—her delicate features even more enchanting under the soft glow of the lantern light.
He had been awake for some time, hearing everything. He understood the depth of Lian's emotions, the pressure she had endured.
For too long, she had carried the weight of their uncertain future alone.
But not anymore.
"…Sister Lian."
His quiet voice reached her ears.
Lian quickly wiped her tears, forcing a radiant smile.
"Ryosuke… you're awake."
Her voice was soft, tinged with relief.
The sight of her gentle smile sent warmth through Ryosuke's chest.
"Next time…" His voice was barely above a whisper. "I won't let you worry like this again."
He reached up, brushing his fingers against her cheek.
"…I promise."
Lian leaned into his touch, her eyes brimming with emotion.
"…Father wants us to have dinner together. Will you come?"
Her tone was hesitant, her gaze full of hope.
Ryosuke's lips curved into a soft smile.
"Of course."
At his answer, her face brightened, a joy unlike any she had felt before radiating from her.
For the first time, they could share a moment of peace—just the two of them.
Even if the future remained uncertain, at least for tonight, they could hold onto this warmth.