Chapter 7: ...the Third Mizukage

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, which he was happy to be idle about.

It just so happened that he intended to use this time to think about how to arrange the next step.

"Cough, cough."

A clear coughing sound came from outside the hospital room, and this sound gradually moved 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."

"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? After thinking about it, 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.

"Whoosh!"

At that moment, Mizunuki Ryosuke almost sat up directly, 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 couldn't help but believe it.

"Lord Mizukage!"

Mizunuki Ryosuke exclaimed. After the initial surprise, he had already thought of a response.

He first pretended to be terrified, then immediately adopted the shy attitude of a young boy seeing his idol, and made a move 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, all relying on acting.

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

"Cough, cough."

"It's okay, Ryosuke. I'm here to see you. Just stay lying down."

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

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

But who is this person in front of him?

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

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

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

Moreover, 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 a great job this time."

"Cough, cough."

"Is your body okay?"

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

Seemingly because of his health, Mizunuki Taki coughed incessantly while speaking.

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 must also take care of your health."

Although his heart was filled with thoughts, Mizunuki Ryosuke still 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 on his body at all, as if he were just an ordinary uncle next door.

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

There were some gray hairs mixed in his long light blue hair, and his skin color was also a bit too pale, and he looked extremely listless.

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

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

"Cough, cough."

"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!"

"This is all 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 Mizukage's kindness but accepted Mizunuki Taki's goodwill in this direction.

"Haha."

"Seeing you like this, I am relieved."

Mizunuki Taki still said gently.

"Clan Head, how could you..."

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

The latter naturally understood Mizunuki Ryosuke's confusion.

How could the dignified Third Mizukage come to visit a Chunin specifically?

"Cough, cough."

"I have been feeling a bit unwell recently, and coming to the hospital is also for this sick body."

"Hehe."

"Let you see me in this state, 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 overstate it."

"Clan Head, you worry about the village; I think everyone in the village has only reverence for you."

Mizunuki Ryosuke gave this Third Kage a compliment without changing his expression.

"Hahaha!"

"Ryosuke, you must work hard."

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

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

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

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

After this Mizukage left, Mizunuki Ryosuke could clearly perceive.

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; there was no need to say what their mission was—naturally, it was to ensure the Mizukage's safety.