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"Lord Takashi, you truly came prepared."
Mei Terumī exhaled slowly.
Though only twenty, she had been groomed for the role of Mizukage since childhood. Her insight and vision far surpassed her peers.
Yet today's discussion had been steered entirely by Sasame.
Not only had she failed to gain the upper hand, but she found herself swayed by his proposals—or rather, his temptations.
If his plans for the five sea routes materialized, even if he abandoned them, Kirigakure would have no choice but to take over.
The strategic implications were too significant.
And this could very well be the turning point for Kirigakure's oppressive traditions.
With the routes operational, the village would need not just elite shinobi but also ordinary ones.
Under such circumstances, maintaining a bloody regime would be utterly nonsensical.
Seeing the starlight flicker in her eyes, Sasame chuckled.
Truthfully, the sea routes only seemed impressive now.
By the late game, they'd be irrelevant.
No warship, even with chakra shields, could withstand a full-scale bijū assault.
What happened to Kirigakure wasn't his concern.
For now, he just needed to tie the village to his merchant fleet, making his business smoother.
And, step by step, bring it under his control.
Shipping was merely the beginning.
But even this "beginning" had already broadened Mei's horizons.
Who would've thought merging maritime trade with a shinobi village could yield such results?
"This isn't something I can decide alone."
Mei steadied her breathing. "I must report to the Mizukage."
Sasame frowned slightly.
If Yagura weren't under control, he'd undoubtedly agree.
But Uchiha Obito? Never.
His goal was Kirigakure's ruin, not its prosperity.
Still, Sasame had no grounds to object.
In fact, this might work in his favor.
When Mei faced rejection, she'd inevitably grow suspicious of Yagura.
If his actions could once be dismissed as "tradition," what excuse was there now?
A Mizukage who refused to act in the village's best interests was clearly problematic.
With a little guidance from Sasame, the truth would surface.
"Lord Takashi, today's discussion has been enlightening. Thank you."
Mei rose and bowed slightly. "Once the Mizukage approves, we'll finalize the details."
"Of course."
Sasame watched her leave.
Truth be told, Mei was beautiful—but her hairstyle? Not his taste. It resembled a pine tree.
If given the chance, he'd convince her to switch to straight, long black hair.
Nightfall.
Mei returned, her displeasure unconcealed.
The outcome was predictable.
"My apologies, Lord Takashi."
She forced a smile. "The Mizukage rejected your proposal."
"Come in."
Sasame gestured to the spread of food on the table. "I was having dinner. Join me if you haven't eaten."
Though in no mood for a meal, Mei sat down without refusal.
"What was the reason?"
He handed her a pair of chopsticks.
"There wasn't one."
Confusion flickered across her delicate features. "That's what I don't understand."
Upon presenting the plan to Yagura, she'd been met with a sharp, unexplained refusal.
In truth, she'd long harbored doubts about him.
Initially, he'd ruled normally—until something changed. His policies grew increasingly brutal.
He'd orchestrated the annihilation of the Hōzuki clan, Kirigakure's most formidable kekkei genkai lineage.
Under his leadership, the village had only declined.
And now, with this golden opportunity, he'd shut it down without hesitation.
Mei was at a loss.
"I expected as much."
Sasame studied her face, so close now. "Don't dwell on it."
"How can I not?"
Her grip tightened around the chopsticks. "The Mizukage should prioritize Kirigakure's welfare. Yet he repeatedly neglects it."
Youthful impatience, compounded by today's setback, had loosened her restraint.
Under normal circumstances, she'd never voice such thoughts to an outsider.
But Sasame had earned her trust.
"What I mean is, you don't need the Mizukage's approval to develop Kirigakure."
Leaning back, Sasame produced a permit. "The Land of Water's daimyo has already authorized the new sea routes."
Mei's brows knitted as she scanned the document.
His implication was clear.
Even if Yagura forbade operations near Kirigakure, the surrounding waters fell under the Land of Water's jurisdiction.
Sasame could simply bypass the village, encircling it with his routes.
Backed by the daimyo, he faced no obstacles.
But what of her? Assisting him would defy Yagura's direct orders.
Lost in conflict, Mei bit her lip absently.
Sasame fought the urge to smooth it with his thumb.
Instead, he picked up his chopsticks, savoring a piece of fish.
"I issue the mission. You accept it. That's the natural order. Even the Mizukage can't interfere."
Mei met his gaze, silent for a long moment. Then—
"I'll seek Elder Chōjūrō's support."
The most revered figure in Kirigakure was Chōjūrō.
In the original timeline, after Yagura's death, he'd served as interim Mizukage before passing the title to Mei.
Not out of ambition—but to groom his successor.
During his tenure, he'd delegated all authority to her.
When the time came, her ascension was inevitable.
Now aged, Chōjūrō was seldom disturbed. Mei consulted him only on matters of grave importance.
With his backing, she'd have the leverage to defy Yagura.
"Hope for good news."
Sasame nodded. "Now, stop frowning. Eat."
"Thank you."
The tension in Mei's shoulders eased. A smile broke through her usual cool demeanor, lending her a youthful glow.
"May I ask… why the mask, Lord Takashi?"
"Ah, this?"
He'd prepared his answer long ago. "A childhood mishap left scars. I wear it to avoid unsettling others."
"My apologies."
Mei flushed slightly. "I didn't mean to pry."
"No offense taken."
He shifted topics. "I plan to issue the missions first, then survey the routes. Care to join? Consider it a protection detail—with generous pay."
"If Elder Chōjūrō agrees, I'd be honored to ensure your safety."
The corner of her lips curled.
After dinner,
Sasame saw her out, then returned to his room—still peckish.
Sharing a meal had left him wanting.
With a thought, he performed the Reverse Summoning Technique, reappearing in Konoha.
He slipped into Uzumaki Ena's quarters.
"Don't wake Karin."
He pressed a finger to her lips, whispering.
Ena nodded.
When he nestled into her embrace, a flustered stiffness overtook her.
"You seem tense?"
He feigned ignorance, tracing the curve of her waist.
Ena shot him a look.
As if he didn't know why.
"Be good."
His fingers lingered. "I'm still hungry. Any late-night snacks?"
Blushing, Ena peeled a grape and fed it to him.
The night settled into quiet contentment.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 135 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 25 power stones I will publish the next chapter.
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