The Question of Evil Mizukage: A Comprehensive Analysis

The Hidden Mist Village, or Kirigakure, is often characterized as a place where brutality reigns supreme. Unlike the Hidden Leaf Village of Konoha, the Hidden Mist Village is known for its harsh and strict rules, which often overshadow the ethical and moral compass one might expect.

Understanding the Context of the Hidden Mist Village

The culture in the Hidden Mist Village is indeed violent and brutal. This is a far cry from the more lenient and reformative policies often associated with the Hidden Leaf Village. Hidden Stone and Hidden Cloud Villages also share similar strict and uncompromising standards, reinforcing the idea that the Hidden Mist Village is not unique in its brutal nature but rather a part of a broader pattern within ninja villages.

The Myth of Evil Mizukage

When it comes to the question of whether nearly every Mizukage was evil, this claim is oversimplified and lacks substantial evidence. According to historical records, the most notorious Mizukage known to the public is Yagura. However, even Yagura's case is complicated by the fact that he was manipulated by Obito Uchiha to act in a certain way under a genjutsu. Obito's influence was ultimately revealed, and Yagura paid the ultimate price for being manipulated, an event that has since been common knowledge within the village.

Yagura's personality before the genjutsu manipulation was described as one of pride and distinction. He seemed to believe in his accomplishments as a Mizukage, which suggests a complex character rather than a complete ruthless tyrant. This is further supported by his claim to have been distinguished in his life. The sudden change in his personality under the genjutsu in later episodes, such as in Boruto, is a fabricated narrative and does not represent the true character of Yagura.

Even Kagura, who is reported to have a similar bloodthirsty personality, is likely a victim of Obito's genjutsu, as he is Yagura's grandson. Given the close relationship between Kagura and the current Mizukage, it is reasonable to assume that Mei and Chōjūrō withheld information, further complicating the narrative. It is possible that the later storyline in Boruto that explores Kagura's true nature could provide more insight into this.

The Case of the Third Mizukage

One could also argue that the Third Mizukage might have been 'evil' as well. This is evident from an event in Boruto, where the Third Mizukage is shown to have participated in the brutal academy graduation ritual where students would be forced to kill each other. This event, however, took place before his reign as the Fourth Mizukage. The possibility of manipulation by Madara, who seemed to have secretly influenced events in Kiri, including the Rin no Jonojōi situation, cannot be dismissed. Alternatively, it is possible that the Anbu of Kiri were manipulated by Madara. The jury is still out on this point, but it is clear that the Third Mizukage's actions are not definitive proof of his absolute evil.

Conclusion

After examining the evidence, it is evident that the claim of nearly every Mizukage being evil is an oversimplification. There are only two known cases of a Mizukage who were definitively evil: Yagura and the Third Mizukage. However, these cases are complicated by manipulation and the potential for hidden agendas. The culture of the Hidden Mist Village is that of brutality, but it is the actions of just a few individuals that may be seen as evil. This raises important questions about the ethics of leadership and the influence of external forces on critical decisions.