[Check Out My P4treon For +50 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! And get chapters before publishing them here for free on my p4treon][https://p4treon.com/roooaaa]
===
At dawn, Sasame opened his door to find Mei Terumī waiting.
"Lord Takashi, Elder Chōjūrō has approved your plan."
Her voice carried a faint breathlessness—she had clearly rushed over the moment she received the news.
Yet her expression was relaxed.
She was happy.
"That's a relief. I was worried I'd return empty-handed."
Sasame smiled. "With people like you in Kirigakure, change is inevitable."
"All thanks to you, Lord Takashi."
Mei studied his eyes, suddenly curious about the face behind the mask.
His voice sounded young, but his wisdom and demeanor suggested a seasoned maturity.
The contradiction intrigued her.
[Due to your actions, Mei Terumī's fate has shifted. You have gained 100 Fate Points.]
Why the full amount?
This doesn't make sense.
Is there some future change I'm unaware of?
"Let's proceed with the mission postings."
Sasame kept his tone neutral. "Lead the way."
"Of course."
Mei took a few steps before pausing to adjust a few stray strands of her cascading brown hair.
Sasame, walking behind her, noted the gesture.
Seriously, who designed this hairstyle?
Mission Hall
The scale of Sasame's commissions left Mei stunned.
Not only did he require a vast number of shinobi, but the rewards were exceptionally generous.
This single transaction matched Kirigakure's annual income.
As murmurs of awe spread through the hall, a figure slipped away, heading straight for the Mizukage's office.
In a village where strength dictated loyalty, Yagura's bloody reign had split Kirigakure into factions.
One side staunchly supported the Mizukage; the other, led by Chōjūrō and Mei, prioritized the village's future.
"Lord Mizukage, Mei Terumī has escorted a wealthy merchant named Takashi to the mission hall. They've posted numerous maritime-related assignments."
Jōnin Eigi reported with deference.
"That girl dares defy me?"
Yagura's face darkened. "Chōjūrō has spoiled her."
"Shall we eliminate her?"
Eigi's voice brimmed with venom.
Years of oppression had bred deep-seated hatred for kekkei genkai users in Kirigakure—among both shinobi and civilians.
Mei, possessing both Lava and Boil Releases, would have been killed long ago without Chōjūrō's protection.
Eigi's loyalty to Yagura stemmed from personal tragedy: his brother had died at the hands of an Uchiha.
This "justification" absolved his guilt as he slaughtered kekkei genkai wielders.
Yagura closed his eyes briefly. "Handle it."
Uchiha Obito had just issued new orders.
Mei could die.
Her death would sow further chaos—exactly what Obito desired.
Besides, he was growing bored.
Kirigakure's notable kekkei genkai clans had been exterminated.
Kisame and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were already recruited into Akatsuki.
Only Yagura, Ao, and Mei remained as significant threats.
Once they were gone, Obito could return to Akatsuki and focus on the Uchiha.
Back at the Mission Hall
Sasame's lavish offers had electrified the crowd.
Strip away lofty ideals like the "Will of Fire," and shinobi were, at their core, mercenaries.
Years of deprivation under Kirigakure's regime made them desperate for wealth.
An employer this generous was unprecedented.
Even better? The missions involved no killing.
Safety.
The bloody traditions had always been unsustainable—evident in the mass defections, even among elites like the Seven Swordsmen.
Mei watched the energized shinobi with a spark of hope.
This vitality had been absent in Kirigakure for too long.
And it was all thanks to Sasame.
A pang of regret struck her.
If only he were one of us.
With his acumen, he'd make an excellent Mizukage advisor.
But he was just a civilian.
Mei sighed.
As a future Kage, she knew Kirigakure's two greatest lacks: money and talent.
Sasame had both—but no ties binding him to the village.
How could she convince him to stay and rebuild Kirigakure?
"Mei."
Sasame turned, finding her lost in thought. "What's on your mind?"
"Ah—apologies."
Flushing slightly, she shook her head. "Nothing important."
"Good."
His smile lingered.
At the very least, he'd enjoyed the view.
While Mei couldn't rival Tsunade, she surpassed most women.
Her generous décolletage, accentuated by her dress, reminded him of a certain doujin from his past life.
The only shame was her hair obscuring the smooth expanse of her back.
Ahem.
Sasame schooled his expression. "I'll need your escort for the next few days."
This had been agreed upon earlier—Mei nodded without hesitation.
With Chōjūrō's backing, she'd have guarded him pro bono given his importance.
"Where to first?" she asked.
"Of the five routes, the eastern one concerns me most."
Sasame paused. "Let's start with Uzushiogakure."
Uzushiogakure occupied a strategic nexus—bordered by the Land of Fire, Land of Water, Land of Hot Water, and Land of Bears.
Once, the mighty Uzumaki clan had thrived there, their sealing techniques rivaling the Five Great Nations.
Then, in a single night, Uzushiogakure was annihilated.
The perpetrators were never confirmed—only that "fear of their sealing arts" drove multiple nations to unite against them.
Konoha's role remained ambiguous.
Had they failed to intervene in time?
All they salvaged were Kushina Uzumaki (the next Nine-Tails jinchūriki), a trove of sealing scrolls, and the Hall of Masks housing the Shinigami's visage.
Land of Fire – Outskirts Forest
Under the cover of night, a team pursuing Kazuma set up camp.
"Asuma, shift change."
Tsunade emerged from her tent, groggy from restless dreams.
Sarutobi Asuma stood, hesitating.
"Spit it out," she grunted.
"You… called a name in your sleep. Over a dozen times."
Asuma scratched his head. "This 'Sasame' guy—does he owe you money?"
Having left Konoha in anger years ago, he was unaware of Sasame's identity.
Tsunade froze.
Her lips parted—but no words came.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 140 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 35 power stones I will publish the next chapter.
(Give me all your power stones)