Chapter 4

Most importantly, an invisible black hand had already shrouded the entire Mist Village in the shadows.

So no matter from which angle you look at it, biding one's time and hiding one's light is definitely the best strategy.

Stability is the word, and I'll only say it once.

Half a day had passed since the Mist Anbu investigation, and the time was approaching dusk.

During this time, no one came to visit Mizunuki Ryosuke, and he was happy to be left in peace.

It was just as well; he intended to use this time to think about how to arrange his next steps.

"Ahem..."

A clear coughing sound came from outside the hospital room, the sound gradually moving from far to near.

This also made Mizunuki Ryosuke in the room frown.

Who is it? This person is coughing even more severely than him, the "wounded patient."

"Knock, knock!"

Who knew that just as Mizunuki Ryosuke finished complaining in his heart, a clear knock on the door reached his ears.

"Please come in."

A flash of curiosity crossed Mizunuki Ryosuke's heart; who would come to visit him at this time?

Could it be her? Thinking back and forth, a graceful and beautiful figure appeared in Mizunuki Ryosuke's mind.

But soon, Mizunuki Ryosuke shook his head again.

At this time, everyone should be hiding it from her; they would definitely not reveal his situation to her.

But soon, the visitor revealed their true face.

"Swish!"

At that moment, Mizunuki Ryosuke almost sat up straight, his heart filled with surprise.

"How could it be him!"

Even though he was extremely surprised inside, the fact was right before his eyes, and Mizunuki Ryosuke could not help but believe it.

"Lord Mizukage!"

Mizunuki Ryosuke exclaimed. After the initial surprise, he had already thought of the posture to respond.

He first pretended to be terrified, then immediately adopted the shy attitude of a young boy seeing his idol, making a gesture to get up.

But in the end, because of his body's "weakness," Mizunuki Ryosuke could only lie weakly on the hospital bed, looking as if he were too excited to speak.

Life is truly like a play, and it all depends on acting.

A "surprise attack" was clearly something Mizunuki Ryosuke had never expected, and there was no doubt this was a major test of his acting skills.

"Ahem..."

"It's alright, Ryosuke. I'm just here to see you. Stay lying down."

The Third Mizukage, Mizunuki Taki, looked kind and amiable, and his expression as he looked at Mizunuki Ryosuke was as if he were looking at a junior he cared for.

And the fact was indeed so; Mizunuki Ryosuke did have a not-too-distant blood relationship with him.

But who is the person in front of him?

This is the dignified Mizukage, the man who holds the fate of thousands of people in his hands. Why would he come to see a nobody like him for no reason?

For a moment, Mizunuki Ryosuke's mind was filled with thoughts, but he had no clue at all.

There is no love without reason in this world. Even being of the same clan, this Mizukage had never had similar actions in the past.

Furthermore, from a certain definition, his relationship with this Mizukage could definitely not be called "harmonious."

What exactly is the other party's purpose?

"Ryosuke, you did very well this time."

"Ahem..."

"Is your body alright?"

Mizunuki Taki spoke first, commending Ryosuke and showing a warm smile.

Perhaps because of his health, Mizunuki Taki kept coughing as he spoke.

Hearing this, Mizunuki Ryosuke seemed to understand where the crux of the matter lay, and a flash of realization crossed his eyes.

"Lord Mizukage, my body is fine."

"You should also take care of your own health."

Although his mind was filled with thoughts, Mizunuki Ryosuke maintained the excited expression of a hot-blooded youth on the surface.

He took a look at Mizunuki Taki in front of him.

This was a man with long, light blue hair, and there was no sharp aura at all on his body, as if he were just an ordinary middle-aged neighbor.

But for some reason, Mizunuki Taki looked extremely weak at this moment, and his aura was somewhat listless.

His long, light blue hair was interspersed with a few gray strands, and his skin was also somewhat too pale; he looked extremely low in spirit.

There was even a faint feeling of being "terminally ill."

"Ryosuke, you did very well this time. Both the village and the clan will give you rewards."

"Ahem..."

"This isn't outside; you can just call me Clan Head."

The Third Mizukage was still kind and amiable, looking as if he were very easy to talk to.

"Thank you, Clan Head, for the praise!"

"Everything is as it should be! It is my honor to be able to contribute to the village!"

Mizunuki Ryosuke pretended to be excited. He did not refuse the Third's kindness, but instead accepted Mizunuki Taki's goodwill in that direction.

"Haha..."

"Seeing you like this, I am relieved."

Mizunuki Taki said gently.

"Clan Head, how could you..."

Then, Mizunuki Ryosuke looked at Mizunuki Taki with a puzzled expression.

The latter, of course, understood Mizunuki Ryosuke's confusion.

Why would the dignified Third Mizukage come to visit a Chunin?

"Ahem..."

"I have been feeling somewhat unwell lately, and coming to the hospital is also for this sick body."

"Hehe..."

"I've made you laugh, Ryosuke."

The kindness on Mizunuki Taki's face did not diminish, but under such kindness, Mizunuki Ryosuke could not see the depth of this Mizukage at all.

"You are too modest."

"Clan Head, you work hard for the village; I think everyone in the village has only feelings of reverence for you."

Mizunuki Ryosuke calmly flattered the Third.

"Hahaha!"

"Ryosuke, you must work hard."

"Lian was clamoring to come see you, but I stopped her from coming."

"You should know the situation within the clan; in the future, you must also take on more of the clan's burdens."

Having said this, Mizunuki Taki rose and said no more. After giving Mizunuki Ryosuke a few polite words like "rest more" and "take care of your body," he rose and left.

Before leaving, Mizunuki Taki's gaze at Ryosuke seemed to carry a bit of deep meaning.

After this Mizukage left, Mizunuki Ryosuke could clearly perceive that...

Four or five extremely strong auras around the hospital room also left.

How could a dignified Mizukage walk around alone?

Clearly, these four or five strong auras were from Mist Anbu ninjas, and the mission of these ninjas goes without saying: to ensure the Mizukage's safety.