Mizuki Ryosuke was slightly surprised by what the Cat Boss had said.
He had always assumed that the so-called "Mizukage Scroll" was merely a pretext created by Kirigakure's higher-ups to guide the selection process for the Mizukage. But could it actually be real?
Upon further questioning, the Cat Boss ultimately denied its existence.
Ryosuke could tell that the Cat Boss wasn't trying to deceive him—he genuinely didn't know.
According to the Cat Boss, only Elvis possessed knowledge of the final stage of the assessment.
Even so, Ryosuke was satisfied with the information he had gathered.
At the same time, the Cat Boss made another unexpected statement:
Ryosuke was no longer required to complete the first and second stages of the assessment. Instead, he would be taken directly to the Land of Cats.
If the entire Mizukage selection process was viewed as a game, then Ryosuke had just triggered a hidden quest in the "novice village" and skipped ahead.
Ryosuke did not refuse this offer.
Although his team had not performed significantly in the earlier stages, the benefit of skipping levels far outweighed any disadvantages.
Since Terumi Mei was still recovering from her serious injuries, the team continued to rest and heal.
Mizuki Ryosuke remained with the Cat Boss, who shared details about the customs and traditions of the Land of Cats.
Before long, the Cat Boss led them along a steep shortcut up the mountain. It was clear that only members of the feline clan could navigate such a treacherous path.
At last, they reached the Land of Cats.
Once they arrived, everyone dismounted from the Cat Boss's back. The massive feline shrank down to the size of a calf and guided them deeper into the territory.
As they passed through the village, cats of all colors curiously observed Ryosuke and his group. In the secluded Land of Cats, humans were a rarity.
However, upon seeing the Cat Boss at Ryosuke's side, the onlookers quickly suppressed their curiosity and respectfully stepped aside.
Particularly, when they noticed a "cat strip" clutched in the Cat Boss's paw, the gathered cats all cast pitying glances at it.
It was evident that, as an elder of the Land of Cats, the Cat Boss held considerable authority.
Before long, the Cat Boss led Ryosuke's team to a residence.
"Honored guests, please stay here for now," he said.
"I must report to my king regarding the situation in the misty region."
The Cat Boss treated Mizuki Ryosuke with noticeable politeness and respect.
Ryosuke had no objections.
After settling the group in, the Cat Boss departed with the "cat strip" still in his grasp.
The experiences of the past few days had left Ryosuke and his team exhausted. Under his direction, they all took the opportunity to rest.
By dinnertime, several ninja cats arrived, carrying the finest delicacies of the Land of Cats—fresh, live fish.
Fortunately, as seasoned shinobi, the team was accustomed to preparing food in the wild.
Before long, the fresh fish were grilled over a fire, their aroma spreading through the air.
The scent quickly attracted the attention of nearby cats.
A bizarre scene unfolded.
As Ryosuke and his team sat around the fire, enjoying their grilled fish, dozens of ninja cats gathered on the rooftops, drooling as they watched.
Yet, every time they glanced at the burning flames, a flicker of fear crossed their eyes.
For creatures covered in fur, fire was a natural enemy.
Though their thick coats provided warmth and protection, they also made them vulnerable to flames.
This instinctual fear of fire was a critical weakness of the ninja cats.
Ryosuke, ever observant, made note of this.
Meanwhile—
The Hozuki Mangetsu Squad and Mizuki Eiro Squad, still trapped in the labyrinth, remained unaware that Ryosuke's team, whom they believed to be lagging behind, had already bypassed them.
Though Mangetsu's formidable abilities made the labyrinth's dangers negligible, its complex terrain had still managed to disorient his squad. It was clear they would need more time to find an exit.
On the other hand, Mizuki Hidero's team had already reached the edge of the labyrinth and was on the verge of clearing the first level.
At that moment, Mizuki Hidero retrieved an ancient parchment from within his robes.
The labyrinth's entire layout was visible on it—
A map!
The reason Mizuki Hidero had been able to surpass Mangetsu's team so easily was now clear—he had used underhanded means to gain an advantage.
Kirigakure, Mizukage Building.
The assembled Jōnin frowned as they observed Mizuki Hidero's effortless exit from the labyrinth.
One of the Jōnin spoke up.
"Squad Leader Maeda, how does Mizuki Hidero have a map of the labyrinth?"
"Did he acquire it through improper means?"
His accusation found immediate support among the other Jōnin.
"How can using a map be considered cheating?" another Mizuki Jōnin retorted, though there was a trace of unease in his voice.
Indeed, possessing a map was a valid method of navigation. Though no one knew where Mizuki Hidero had obtained it, his actions bordered on unethical.
Maeda Yuanshi's expression darkened.
The Mizukage assessment plan had not been devised by him alone. Given the village's current instability, the process had been jointly developed by Maeda Yuanshi and the "Senior Council."
The Senior Council consisted of elderly shinobi who had retired from active duty. Many had fought alongside the First Mizukage and still commanded immense respect.
As they no longer held political power, they were generally regarded as impartial figures.
Among them was Elder Mizuki, who had long since descended into madness.
Maeda Yuanshi quickly pieced everything together.
To prevent bias, Elder Mizuki had been excluded from the assessment's planning.
However, it was clear that someone from the Senior Council had leaked information to the Mizuki Clan, granting them an unfair advantage.
Fortunately, the key details of the assessment had been withheld from them.
What Mizuki Hidero had not expected was that the entire selection process was being broadcasted live to the Jōnin Council.
As a result, his actions had backfired—his use of the map was now being scrutinized as a potential violation.
Ultimately, it was Maeda Yuanshi who restored order.
Fairness, after all, was something that needed no explanation—it was simply understood.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 100+ CHAPTERS
Patreon.com/Kora_1