[Kirigakure] Local News VII [Timeskip]

With the Abyss in hiding, along with the Cult having mostly all but being defeated, Kirigakure is beginning to gain ground in the Shinobi World or at least it's in a better position to do so than previously; however one thing cannot be ignored, the amount of Kiri-nin leaving the village, why? Maybe they're not satisfied with it, or maybe they were never loyal, to begin with! But reasons be damned; they have left the village and are now no longer contributing to its future, that within itself is a crime, surely? Either way, down below is the news that Shinobi should take note of.

Following Zenji's retirement, the elders of Kirigakure have chosen the clan leader Hozuki Ziogetsu to be the new Mizukage. Though they accept, word soon spreads that Ziogetsu has sequestered himself, only holding the position in name until a member of the newest generation is strong enough to hold the mantle.

The Jounin Commander is soon announced, Kinuta Gaku, and given an unprecedented level of control over the village affairs. Though they do not yet hold full dominion over the village, it's known throughout that they are expected to handle the day to day affairs, and that the Mizukage cannot ordinarily be reached."

With, Kinuta Gaku, being given the position! Things are beginning to change; there's more emphasis on stricter and consistent training schedules along with more anti-piracy measures as to stop the newfound pirate bay that is Drizzletown; the current home of the Black Market for now... On top of this, a numerous amount of mock war and battle exercises are planned to be carried out, throughout the year; this is a clear indicator that Kirigakure is preparing for something, and whatever it is they are preparing for, is big. After all, this can easily be confirmed with the fact Kirigakure is trying to form more independent trade-routes with other villages such as Takigakure, Otogakure and Nadeshiko to get their foot in the door for future arrangements.

But what about Sunagakure? Those in Kirigakure are full-well aware of their efforts to try and combat the insidious 'Sand Fever' that plagues the Land of Wind! Well it'd seem that year spent over there was not in vain nor a waste, there has been a number of advancements; stronger antibiotics made, but no cure just yet. This has been enough to get Sunagakure to extend an invitation of an alliance to Kirigakure in the upcoming future, for when they will want to take revenge against Kumogakure. However as for Sunagakure's position, along with the Land of Wind? Despite the efforts made, the disease still continues to run rampant; they fear if a cure isn't found within the next two years, things will look rather dire.

However, with the away team's return to Kirigakure; Mumei Scouts would make note of those displaying symptoms of the horrid disease, which was only one named 'Jinsei', this prompted a screening protocol of all those that returned. Those that are currently infected with the plague to some degree are as followed; 'Jinsei Itami' and 'Kimari'. Both individuals are to be kept within confinement until a cure is developed or worse, death comes to them; since as it stands, the disease is now present and alive within Kirigakure and if it escapes from either of the two? Both Kirigakure and The Land of Water could suffer the same fate as Sunagakure and The Land of Wind.

It ultimately falls upon the Jounin Commander on how they wish to deal with the two; after all, the disease doesn't seem entirely contagious on its own, but they still don't have a full understanding of it.