Chapter 61: This Woman Can't Be Kept Here

Returning to Fire Source City

After a brief reunion with Mikoto and Pakura, Shishou set off for the Land of Water. The Third Hokage's request sparked a thought in him: if the Third Hokage was so concerned about the reappearance of Wood Release, then Tsunade, upon learning of this, might also head to the Hidden Mist Village to investigate. This could be his chance to find Tsunade.

One Day Later

In the Land of Water, Hidden Mist Village, Shishou, led by Mei Terumi, toured the newly established Fisherman's Company. The company was still in its early stages, having recruited only half its staff and purchased a few transport ships. It would take another month or two to be fully operational. In contrast, the natural harbor near the village was being constructed rapidly and would be ready for use in about a month.

"How do you find it?" Mei Terumi asked, slightly raising her chin.

"Heh, quite fast indeed," Shishou responded, amused by her need for praise. "You've hired so many people in just a few days. Mei Terumi, you're really capable!"

"Why do I feel there's something off with your last sentence?" Mei queried, although she was pleased with the compliment.

"Well, aren't you capable, Mei Terumi?"

"Of course I am..."

"Hehe, that's what I thought."

"Humph, I feel like you're being a bit lecherous."

"Standing next to the beautiful Mei Terumi, anyone would appear lecherous."

"True."

"..."

They laughed and chatted as they returned to the vicinity of the Hidden Mist Village. Noticing the crater left by the Tailed Beast Bomb and the vines left by Obito, Shishou asked, "You don't have anyone guarding this place?"

"Why should we?" Mei responded.

"As far as I know, Konoha has sent many people to gather information."

"Given the importance of Wood Release and Flying Thunder God, Konoha's actions are understandable. Are you also sent by Konoha, Shishou?"

"You're right."

"Well, it seems the Third Hokage was thoroughly deceived by you," Mei laughed.

Shishou and Mei burst into laughter, enjoying their shared secret. Mei's genuine joy was evident as she wiped tears of laughter from her eyes and grasped Shishou's shoulder.

"To be honest, I was stunned when he first approached me," Shishou confessed.

"And yet you agreed."

"Well, it's hard to refuse when the messenger is a beautiful woman."

"A beauty? More beautiful than me?"

"Not quite up to your standard."

"Humph, smooth talker."

"You haven't tasted it, how do you know?"

"Get lost..."

"..."

Back at the Mizukage's office, Mei explained why they hadn't stationed guards. She believed that while the Hidden Mist was eager to uncover the masked man's identity, engaging him would undoubtedly cause casualties. Moreover, intercepting Konoha's investigations could lead to conflict, something the weakened village couldn't afford.

By selling limited information to Konoha, they could allow the village most concerned with Wood Release to handle the investigation. If Konoha discovered something, great. If not, it might divert the masked man's attention from the Hidden Mist.

"So you've already sent people to negotiate with Konoha?" Shishou asked, smiling.

"Of course, they left this morning," Mei replied, raising her chin proudly. Despite her youth, her position as Mizukage filled her with confidence and pride.

"You're quite cunning."

"Hehe, thank you for the compliment. Anything to protect my village."

Shishou chuckled at her proud demeanor. "Alright, let's leave it at that for today. I need to investigate that Flying Thunder God user."

Mei laughed again, even choking on her own spit, prompting Shishou to pat her back gently.

"Today has been the happiest I've been in years," Mei said, her laughter finally subsiding.

Sharing secrets had brought Shishou and Mei closer, increasing their mutual affection. Leaving the Mizukage's office, Shishou headed to the outskirts of the Hidden Mist Village and used the Flying Thunder God technique to teleport to the explosion site. He planned to wait there, hoping Tsunade would come to investigate the Wood Release.

Two Days Later

Instead of Tsunade, Shishou saw Mei rushing out of the village with a group of shinobi. Concerned, he used the Body Flicker Technique to catch up.

"What happened? Need any help?" Shishou asked, stopping Mei.

"What are you doing here? Weren't you investigating that Flying Thunder God user?" Mei dismissed her subordinates, smiling at Shishou.

With Shishou's help, she felt reassured, her anxiety easing.

"I've been staking out that spot for two days," Shishou said, pointing to his hiding place with a wry smile.

"Haha, no wonder you spotted me right away," Mei laughed, amused.

She dismissed the Mist shinobi, leaving them bewildered and staring after her and Shishou.

"This woman can't be kept here. We'll have to find another Mizukage," Ao thought, watching them leave.

"So, what's the situation?" Shishou asked, slightly uncomfortable with Mei holding his arm.

Unaccustomed to being in such a passive position, he couldn't help but wonder who was really in control.