Chapter 530: ...the source of the ninja world's turmoil

As Mizunuki Ryosuke spoke, he pressed his palms together, a sharp light flashing in his eyes that made it impossible to look directly at him.

Seeing this, a hint of depth flashed in everyone’s eyes.

Although Mizunuki Ryosuke’s words were slightly arrogant—after all, the Ninja World War had now completely come to an end, and those sitting here were basically the losers of the war.

For Mizunuki Ryosuke to say that he would not only reverse the losing situation of those present but also bring about so-called "peace" sounded exceptionally arrogant.

They knew something of Mizunuki Ryosuke’s purpose for attending this ninja summit.

Everyone also understood that if their guesses were correct, Mizunuki Ryosuke’s arrogant words were indeed worthy of his ultimate goal.

Seeing that Ryosuke had set the tone, the youngest, the Third Kazekage, finally could not sit still and spoke first.

"Ryosuke, if you have something to say, just say it."

"We all naturally acknowledge the two things you mentioned."

"But there should be a method to it; how exactly do you intend to do this? Why not be open and honest?"

The Third Kazekage’s inquiry voiced the inner thoughts of most people present. Except for the Third Raikage, who had a deeper understanding of Ryosuke’s plan, everyone else showed expressions of agreement.

Hearing this, Mizunuki Ryosuke nodded slowly, acknowledging the Third Kazekage’s suggestion.

"Mei, open it."

Mizunuki Ryosuke first turned and instructed Terumi Mei behind him.

Hearing Ryosuke’s words, Terumi Mei took a deep breath and nodded seriously. Experiencing such a big scene for the first time made her nervous, but she executed Mizunuki Ryosuke’s order meticulously.

She took a sealing scroll from her bosom and removed the item sealed within: a large map of the ninja world.

Then, Terumi Mei performed hand seals and activated a Wind Release ninjutsu.

In an instant, under the invisible airflow, the map floated in the air, displayed before everyone.

Seeing this, Mizunuki Ryosuke nodded; it seemed Terumi Mei had not neglected her training during this time.

Although at first glance it looked like she was just using Wind Release to make an object float, in reality, doing this required extremely high control over Wind Release.

Terumi Mei was naturally gifted, the only ninja in the original story to possess two different bloodline limits, and she inherited the position of the Fifth Mizukage after the Blood Mist era of the Hidden Mist.

No matter how you looked at it, she was a talented individual.

So, after much thought, Mizunuki Ryosuke finally decided to have Terumi Mei serve as the bodyguard for this ninja summit, which could be considered giving her the important status of a successor.

There were three main reasons why Ryosuke chose Terumi Mei.

First, as the Fifth Mizukage in the original story, she managed the Mist Village in an orderly fashion, showing her capability was not poor.

If one wants to sit firmly in the position of "Kage," unless you possess overwhelming combat power, being able to fight alone is not enough. A "Kage" must also have sufficient perspective and political awareness.

These were undoubtedly things that Kaguya Yuta and Hoshigaki Kisame lacked. While loyal and brave, loyalty and bravery alone were not enough to qualify as a Kage.

Even considering this aspect alone, Terumi Mei was the most suitable candidate.

Even Hozuki Mangetsu, who was recognized as having talent second only to Mizunuki Ryosuke in the Mist, actually lagged behind Terumi Mei in this regard.

It was like having an answer sheet that could score ninety points; why risk choosing other unknown answers?

Second, while Terumi Mei had some reputation in the village, her real influence was far inferior to Kage-level powerhouses like Hozuki Mangetsu. Giving her the status of "Crown Prince" would not cause those with ulterior motives to overthink or cause trouble.

After all, before things were completely settled, Mizunuki Ryosuke had no intention of handing over his power, so he naturally had to prevent internal disharmony in the village caused by his own wrong arrangements.

Third, and finally, Terumi Mei was still young. Although other high-ranking officials in the Mist were in their prime, their abilities were already fully solidified.

Terumi Mei’s abilities were still in the growth stage; youth was equivalent to an infinite future. With Mizunuki Ryosuke’s guidance, her future would naturally be limitless.

In fact, with Mizunuki Ryosuke’s current prestige in the Mist, the person he chose could almost be considered the pre-ordained next Mizukage, and there would never be any twists and turns.

It was just a pity that the most suitable candidate, Hozuki Mangetsu, had once again missed out on the position of Mizukage.

But there was no help for it; it was a matter of time and fate. It could only be said that Hozuki Mangetsu was born at the wrong time.

Overall, the sudden appearance of Terumi Mei was unexpected to Terumi Mei herself, the people of the Mist Village, and the Kazekage and Raikage present.

At every ninja summit, the bodyguards chosen by the Five Kages were almost equivalent to the candidates for the next Kage of their villages.

In fact, when Terumi Mei appeared, the Third Raikage and others were very confused, not understanding why this seemingly weak girl had gained the Mizukage’s favor.

In fact, let alone them, even Terumi Mei herself did not know how she had managed to surpass so many excellent seniors to win the status of "Crown Prince."

Of course, these were just speculations about the future successor of the Mist, which were a bit far-fetched for the current situation.

Returning to the table, after the ninja world map was opened, everyone noticed the anomalies after casting their eyes on it.

Unlike an ordinary ninja world map, this map had clearly been modified.

Except for an area in the middle of the map, other places were marked in blue, while in the very center of the map, there was a striking red!

Everyone knew very well that this red area was the territory of the Leaf in the Land of Fire!

The eyes of those present flickered slightly; they understood that Mizunuki Ryosuke was about to reveal the answer.

"I won't beat around the bush."

"I believe there is only one obstacle to peace in the ninja world."

"Or rather, there is only one source for all the turmoil in the ninja world today."

"That is—the Leaf!"

Mizunuki Ryosuke said, scanning everyone present with a serious expression.

After a moment of silence, the expressions of the Raikage, Kazekage, Mifune, Shibuki, and others all changed to some degree.

The worst was naturally the leader of the Waterfall, Shibuki; cold sweat had already covered his forehead, and his loss of composure was evident.