บท 219: Chapter 219: Mei Terumi: "Little Brother, Let’s Get Closer in the Days to Come!"
The higher-ups of the Mist Village had all gathered, their expressions filled with tension.
Uchiha Akira had come to the Mist Village. This news couldn't be taken lightly.
After all, Uchiha Akira's power was too overwhelming. He had mastered the legendary Wood Release, and rumors said his strength had reached the level of legendary figures like Uchiha Madara and the First Hokage.
If he harbored any ill intent toward the Mist Village, how could they possibly defend against it?
The Mist Village, after all, was currently the weakest of the Five Great Nations due to the past actions of Obito, who controlled the former Mizukage, Yagura, with his Sharingan, leading to the Bloody Mist policy.
And the power of Wood Release—combining Water and Earth—would likely be even more potent in the Land of Water, where Water Release techniques are naturally enhanced.
In this regard, Wood Release would likely grow even stronger.
"You all don't need to worry too much. I think Uchiha Akira probably isn't coming to the Mist Village with malicious intent," Ao, who had a Byakugan implanted in him, spoke up, trying to reassure the other elders.
"Oh? Why do you say that?" The higher-ups of the Mist Village turned to Ao, curious about his reasoning.
"Well, let's look at Uchiha Akira's recent actions. He went to the Sand Village, and what happened? The Akatsuki attacked, and Uchiha Akira helped the Sand Village fend them off.
"Next, he went to the Stone Village. If we're talking about bad blood, the grudge between Uchiha Akira and the Stone Village runs deep.
"But what did he do? He extorted a huge sum from the Stone Village and, rather than escalate tensions, he used Wood Release to improve the environment there, essentially leaving on neutral terms.
"Lastly, before all this, the Leaf Village had sent word to the Four Great Nations, calling for a Five Kage Summit to discuss a united front against the Akatsuki.
"This shows that the Leaf Village doesn't want to completely sever ties with the other villages but hopes for cooperation against the Akatsuki."
Ao's analysis was thorough, and it made sense to the others. The higher-ups of the Mist Village all nodded in agreement, finding Ao's reasoning plausible.
From this perspective, Uchiha Akira probably didn't harbor any ill intentions toward the Mist Village.
"Ao's analysis makes sense, but we can't be too trusting. What if Uchiha Akira does have some hostile intent?" Chōjūrō voiced his concerns. Better safe than sorry, he thought.
"Both of you make valid points, but I think it's best if I go meet him in person," said Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage, standing up with confidence.
"What? You're going to meet him yourself, Mizukage-sama?" The other leaders were shocked by her decision.
"That's right. Uchiha Akira is considered one of the strongest men in the ninja world. If he's come to the Land of Water, as Mizukage, it's only proper for me to personally greet him.
"Secondly, the best way to understand his intentions is for me to meet him directly.
"Thirdly, I heard he's quite handsome—uh, never mind, just those first two reasons." Mei's tone was initially serious, but she faltered when she tried to add a third reason, quickly brushing it off.
Ao and Chōjūrō exchanged glances and rolled their eyes discreetly. The third reason was clearly because she had heard Uchiha Akira was known as the most handsome man in the ninja world.
Of course, as her loyal guards, they wouldn't say that out loud.
Regardless, even if Uchiha Akira likely had no malicious intent, it was still important to clarify things. Since Mei Terumi was willing to meet him herself, the other Mist Village elders had no objections.
So, after some quick preparations, Mei, along with Ao and Chōjūrō, set off to meet Uchiha Akira.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Akira strolled leisurely through the Land of Water, accompanied by a Mist Village ninja, so there was no need to worry about trouble due to his Leaf Village forehead protector.
After half a day's travel, they stopped at a restaurant in one of the local towns to have a meal.
Suddenly, the Mist ninja accompanying him stood up.
"Lord Akira, I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now," the ninja said with respectful politeness.
"Alright, go ahead. But don't forget to cover the bill. I'm a guest here, after all," Uchiha Akira quipped with a smile.
"Of course!" The Mist ninja hesitated for a moment, surprised that Uchiha Akira cared about something as small as paying for the meal, but he quickly nodded and left.
"I really am a frugal and responsible man, aren't I?" Akira muttered to himself, feeling quite pleased.
"You're just stingy. You sold ten thousand explosive tags to the Sand Village, extorted a fortune from the Stone Village, and yet you still make others pay for your meals," Konan teased, not letting him off the hook.
"Well, if that's the case, I'll make sure he doesn't pay for your meal. You can cover your own," Akira replied with a sidelong glance at Konan.
"Why would I do that!?" Konan quickly protected her food. Free food was free food, after all, and who in their right mind would turn that down?
Suddenly, Konan found herself understanding Akira's behavior. Free food really was hard to pass up, after all.
As Akira and Konan bantered back and forth, three figures entered the restaurant. Leading them was a tall, voluptuous woman.
"And you are?" Akira asked, looking at the woman and then at the two behind her. One of them wore an eyepatch, and the other carried a large double sword, part of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist.
"Well, that makes your identity pretty clear. You're the Mizukage, aren't you?" Akira asked.
"That's right. You've got a good eye, or maybe… you've been paying attention to me for a while?" Mei Terumi replied with a playful smile as she sat across from Akira.
"There aren't many famous kunoichi in the ninja world, and you, Mizukage, are certainly one of them," Akira responded with a smile, offering a bit of flattery.
"My, my, such a sweet talker, and so handsome too. You must have fooled quite a few women, haven't you?" Mei said with an even wider smile.
"That's slander! I'm known for being very loyal. Ask anyone in Konoha, they'll all vouch for me!" Akira protested, acting as though he had been wronged.
With his looks, status, and power, it wouldn't be hard for him to have multiple women, but so far, Hinata was his only girlfriend.
Now Mei was implying he had deceived many women? How unfair!
Mei, acting very casually, picked up some utensils and began eating from the food on the table, showing no signs of tension.
"You know, I personally welcome handsome men like you to the Land of Water. In fact, I wouldn't mind if you stayed here for good.
"But as the Mizukage, I have to think about more than just personal interests.
"So, I came here to personally greet you and find out what exactly brings you to the Land of Water."
Mei was direct and didn't waste time with formalities, getting straight to the point.
"Don't worry, I've already said I have no ill intent," Akira replied, appreciating her straightforward approach. He continued, "I'm here because the Akatsuki will be coming. I'm after them, not the Mist Village."
"That's supposed to make me feel better?" Mei gave Akira a flirtatious look, clearly not convinced.
Yes, Uchiha Akira might not have any ill will, but if the Akatsuki were involved, how could anyone relax?
By now, everyone in the ninja world knew how terrifyingly powerful the Akatsuki was. They had the audacity to attack even the strongest hidden villages. Knowing that the Akatsuki might target the Mist Village was anything but reassuring.
"What is the Akatsuki after?" Mei asked seriously, her playful demeanor fading as she focused on the real issue.
"They're after the Three-Tails," Akira answered directly.
The Three-Tails, Isobu, had originally been sealed within the previous Mizukage, Yagura. After his death, the Three-Tails had returned to the wild, becoming a free-roaming tailed beast.
"I see…" Mei's expression grew even more serious.
Though the Three-Tails was no longer sealed within the Mist Village, they still considered it part of their assets.
Knowing that the Akatsuki was coming to claim the Three-Tails was akin to an assault on the village's wealth.
"If that's the case, as the Mizukage of the Mist Village, I can't just stand by and do nothing. Little brother, it looks like we'll be spending a lot more time together in the days to come," Mei said with a sly smile.
"It's 'spending time together,' not 'getting close,'" Akira corrected, his face darkening at her suggestive choice of words.
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Next bonus chapter if we reach 200 Powerstone
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