After a brief pause, the elderly steward of Kirigakure changed the topic.
"However, this department doesn't have many members."
Of course not—it's basically a retirement post with little to no actual work.
"Things have been busy these past few months. I don't remember exactly, but I believe their personnel were temporarily reassigned for something."
Busy—because Yagura had ascended to power and was implementing major reforms.
As for who and why, Ao and Yuki Murasaki, Yagura's two aides, immediately began investigating.
It didn't take long to find out. The Central Cultural Department of the Mizukage Building had only three members.
And they had been temporarily assigned to handle Yagura's public relations and propaganda efforts.
Yagura understood immediately. "Ah, culture and propaganda."
Well, propaganda could loosely be linked to culture, so it made sense that their department had been pulled in.
Having pinpointed the personnel needed, Yagura immediately ordered the Anbu to bring them in for a meeting.
When the three members of the Cultural Department arrived, they found themselves under the scrutinizing gazes of everyone present.
They were usually so inconspicuous that they might as well be invisible within the bureaucracy. This was their first time experiencing such an imposing scene—
Not only were the heads of over a dozen departments present, but even the Elder Genshi and the Mizukage himself!
The three young staffers straightened their backs—while their hearts nearly stopped in shock.
Once they were seated, the situation was explained to them.
A finished sky lantern was placed on the table before them.
Elder Genshi poured tea and offered it to them. "Here, have some tea."
The three minor bureaucrats never imagined they would one day be personally served tea by this esteemed elder.
However, at the moment, their attention was entirely captured by Yagura and Elder Genshi's description of the festival.
Was the Cultural Department finally going to have actual work to do?
"Am I dreaming?"
"Well, I could hit you to check if it hurts."
That was Yagura speaking.
The three immediately turned pale!
They were fragile desk workers—how could they possibly withstand a hit from the Mizukage?
It would be fatal!
"I'm joking," Yagura said with a playful wink before turning serious. "You've taken note of the cultural background of the Sea Lantern Festival and the tradition of releasing sky lanterns, correct?"
This was their first time interacting directly with their ultimate superior, and the three weren't entirely sure how to respond.
The leader of the trio stammered, "Y-Yes, we have."
Understanding their nervousness, Yagura softened his tone as much as possible.
"Don't worry about the lantern materials—just focus on how to implement this festival. What challenges might arise? How do we ensure the best results? If you have any thoughts, feel free to share them. No need to be nervous."
Elder Genshi smiled reassuringly. "There's no rush. Take your time—we have plenty."
"Understood." The three huddled together, pulling out paper and pens to begin their discussion.
The atmosphere gradually warmed up.
Elder Genshi allowed them time to draft a proposal and then turned to the rest of the attendees.
"In the meantime, if anyone has suggestions, please speak up."
As with all things, money was the unavoidable issue. The finance department spoke up first.
"Mizukage-sama, if we are the ones funding the lantern materials, there's the issue of the budget..."
And it wasn't just materials. Procurement, production, launching, and cleanup all required funds.
The treasury was already under strain.
Since taking office, Yagura had been making a lot of money—but spending even more.
Investments in various industries were manageable, although not yet profitable, some returns were already trickling in.
But infrastructure—especially the construction of land-based waterways—was a massive drain on funds.
At the mention of finances, Yagura visibly hesitated and turned to his closest advisors for input.
The Foreign Affairs Department representative thought for a moment and suggested,
"Mizukage-sama, I believe we should seek approval from the Daimyo's Office."
"The Daimyo?" Yagura looked puzzled.
How was this related to the Daimyo?
"The Daimyo enjoys lively events, so he would likely appreciate this festival. We can request financial support from him under the pretext of promoting the New Year's Lantern Festival in Kirigakure."
The diplomat elaborated, "Additionally, on the night of the festival, we can invite the Daimyo to attend and enjoy the lanterns."
When shinobi interacted with the Daimyo, nine times out of ten, it was to ask for funding.
Yagura caught on quickly. "So that's an option."
"Yes. The Daimyo would likely be enthusiastic about the event."
In truth, since his tenure began, Yagura had yet to formally meet the Daimyo of the Land of Water.
Elder Genshi had advised waiting until five years later, when Yagura would officially assume the title of Fourth Mizukage, before making an official visit. For now, he remained a provisional leader.
Foreign Affairs took responsibility for contacting the Daimyo's Office.
Yagura wasn't too familiar with their Daimyo's personality, but thinking back to the original timeline—where Daimyo from various nations were leisurely playing cards even while being attacked during the Fourth Shinobi War—this plan seemed plausible.
After consulting Elder Genshi, Yagura nodded in agreement.
"Good idea. If the Daimyo agrees to visit the village, I'll personally welcome him."
A benefactor willing to provide funding was as good as gold!
With this, the financial issue was resolved.
The finance department breathed a sigh of relief and, upon Yagura's questioning look, declared,
"We will accompany the Foreign Affairs Department to negotiate with the Daimyo's Office and secure the highest possible funding."
"Mizukage-sama."
The finance team raised another concern.
Elder Genshi deemed it necessary to warn Yagura, "The financial strain is heavy, and the administrative system is also operating at full capacity. Non-essential matters should be put on hold."
Some issues, if left unspoken, might build up over time, eventually leading to discontent.
Elder Genshi, always looking ahead, pointed out a hidden problem beneath their current sense of unity.
Upon hearing this, the attendees finally realized—
Yes, they had been under quite a lot of pressure lately.
Seeing their reactions, Yagura leaned back in his seat with a touch of guilt.
Had he, unknowingly, become the kind of overworking leader he once despised?
Looking back, had he assigned too much work since taking office?
"Alright, I was too hasty," he admitted with a long exhale. "I'll be more mindful moving forward."
"It's good that you're passionate. Your decisions have been right so far—you've done better than us old folks." Elder Genshi genuinely praised him. "The year is almost over. With this Sea Lantern Festival you've proposed, let's allow everyone to have a proper New Year's celebration and conclude the year on a high note."
Yagura nodded. "Understood."
"The festival doesn't need to be too large-scale. Since it's the first year, Kirigakure's people will need time to accept and integrate it into their traditions."
Elder Genshi looked toward the three Cultural Department members.
"Pushing too hard could backfire."
Culture isn't something you can force-feed—it needs time to take root.
The Cultural Department members had already entered work mode. During their discussion, they had drafted a rough plan.
The bespectacled young woman leading the group nervously acknowledged the advice and quickly revised the relevant sections.
Elder Genshi, having given his input, left the stage to them.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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