The Mizukage Is Strong But Overly Cautious

Tasks are not just the work of shinobi but the very foundation of their survival.

The Hidden Villages were built upon the fundamental business of "Ninja Mission Entrustment"—a system established during the Warring States Period and formalized with the advent of one country, one village, a structure pioneered by Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara.

Shinobi undertake missions commissioned by daimyō, merchants, and even commoners, earning rewards that sustain their villages. Without this mission system, the hidden villages themselves would collapse, and the era of centralized shinobi rule would cease to exist.

Even the First Article of the Ninja Code clearly states:

"A shinobi's duty is to complete their mission."

Failure is not tolerated. A shinobi who cannot fulfill their task is considered trash—a harsh truth reinforced by the tragedy of Sakumo Hatake, the famed White Fang of Konoha, who took his own life after being condemned for prioritizing his comrades over his mission.

Through centuries of refinement, the Ninja Squad System was developed—a formation that pairs lower-ranked shinobi with an experienced leader. This model not only increases mission success rates but also fosters growth through mentorship.

The bond between a squad captain and their subordinates is not just that of superior and subordinate—it is also that of master and friend.

Unless exceptional circumstances arise, such as in the case of Mizuki Ryosuke, team members are rarely replaced, ensuring stability in teamwork and combat synergy.

Outside Kirigakure

A slender kunoichi sprinted through the mist-covered landscape, her form barely a blur against the thick fog.

Her long chestnut-brown hair was unmistakable. The peculiar way it fell over her right eye made her easily recognizable, while the sharp gleam of determination in her exposed jade-green left eye reflected her unyielding resolve.

She was Terumi Mei.

Her orders had come directly from the Mizukage's office—she had been reassigned to a new squad, one led by Special Jōnin Mizuki Ryosuke.

Almost simultaneously, she had received instructions from her new captain, detailing their rendezvous point.

Terumi Mei accepted the orders without complaint.

Not that she had any real choice.

As a civilian-born kunoichi, despite her remarkable talent, she lacked the political backing of a noble bloodline. She had neither the status nor the privilege to question orders from the upper echelons of Kirigakure's hierarchy.

And she already knew what kind of person her new captain was—a member of the Mizuki Clan, one of the noble shinobi families entrenched in the power structure of the Hidden Mist.

To be honest, she despised these people.

Arrogant. Privileged. Detached.

Every civilian-born shinobi knew what it was like to be looked down upon by those from esteemed clans—those who were handed superior jutsu, elite training, and positions of influence simply because of their lineage.

She had no illusions about it.

Still, she silently hoped her new captain wouldn't be insufferable.

After a long sprint through the mist, Terumi Mei arrived at the designated meeting spot—a secluded lake surrounded by towering trees, its still waters reflecting the gray skies above.

Her sharp gaze immediately locked onto a lone figure standing at the water's edge.

A boy.

Thin. Sharp-featured. Dressed in pristine white despite being in the wilderness.

Even from a distance, his stance radiated arrogance.

Terumi Mei exhaled slowly, resisting the urge to roll her eyes.

She didn't approach him.

Instead, she stood at a distance, waiting.

"Hey."

A voice cut through the quiet air.

"You were ordered here as well?"

The speaker was Mizuki Mitsuhiko, his tone indifferent as he cast a sidelong glance at Terumi Mei.

She didn't answer immediately. She didn't need to.

Instead, she simply nodded curtly.

A smirk played on Mitsuhiko's lips as he observed her.

"So… you're my teammate?"

His gaze flickered with the kind of superiority only a clan shinobi could possess, as though sizing up her worth.

Terumi Mei's expression turned cold.

She remained silent, her emerald eye piercing into him.

"Just don't slow me down."

Mitsuhiko scoffed, straightening his back before turning on his heel and walking away.

Terumi Mei's fingers curled into fists.

These damn noble brats…

Moments later, the last member of their squad finally arrived.

Takeda Yoichi.

Unlike the previous two, Yoichi was older, quieter, and more composed.

Like Terumi Mei, he was also a civilian-born shinobi.

But unlike her, his talent was far from remarkable. His chakra nature was Fire Release, a rarity in Mist Village, where Water Release was dominant.

It wasn't unheard of, but it made him an outlier.

The only reason he had been assigned to this squad?

His proficiency in sensory ninjutsu.

Mizuki Ryosuke had selected him for his perception abilities, a crucial role in the squad's formation.

Yoichi scratched the back of his head sheepishly as he jogged to a stop.

"Sorry, I'm late."

His tone was apologetic.

Terumi Mei, still irritated by Mitsuhiko, softened slightly. At least this guy didn't act like a smug noble.

"It's fine. We just got here ourselves."

Yoichi sighed in relief.

"That's good… that's good." He smiled awkwardly before glancing around. "Captain Ryosuke isn't here yet?"

Terumi Mei shook her head slightly.

Mitsuhiko, still standing off to the side, merely scoffed—his posture unbothered and uninterested.

Hidden Observations

Unbeknownst to them, Mizuki Ryosuke was already there.

He had arrived well before the others, concealing his presence using Mist Concealment Technique—a skill honed to perfection under the oppressive training of Kirigakure's elite forces.

But this wasn't just about punctuality.

This was a test.

Ryosuke had deliberately withheld the precise location of their meeting point, instead providing a series of cryptic clues to gauge their ability to analyze and navigate independently.

The results were telling.

Mitsuhiko had arrived first—demonstrating superior analytical skills and a natural grasp of strategic interpretation.

Terumi Mei had come next—proving her competence and adaptability, albeit slightly behind.

And last was Takeda Yoichi—who, despite his sensory ability, had struggled the most in deciphering the clues.

It was hardly surprising.

Terumi Mei would one day become the Fifth Mizukage, a kunoichi whose prowess in combat and diplomacy would reshape the village.

Mitsuhiko, as a clan-trained shinobi, had been raised for this kind of work.

But Yoichi…

Yoichi was the weakest link.

And that was fine.

Ryosuke wasn't looking for perfection. He was looking for a functional team—one where strengths and weaknesses balanced each other.

Yoichi's role wasn't to be the strongest—it was to be the glue that held them together.

But now, it was time for the real test.

A slow smirk formed on Ryosuke's lips as he prepared to reveal himself.

The evaluation was over.

Now, it was time to measure their strength.