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After Midorima introduced himself, Karui's face fell with obvious disappointment. She had genuinely believed for a moment that this man who dropped from the sky might be her destined true love.
"Don't worry," Midorima consoled her. "I'm sure you'll find yourself a nice, plump gentleman one day."
"Really?" Karui's eyes lit up with surprise.
"Of course it's true. Look, we've only just met. What possible benefit would I get from lying to you?" Midorima declared with an air of solemn righteousness.
After all, Karui's future husband was Choji, and that boy certainly fit the description of "plump." Moreover, Choji was still young, so he perfectly matched the criteria. Then again, Karui herself was only just over ten years old—was she already this concerned about matters of romance? Wait a minute, come to think of it, Naruto had already shown interest in Sakura back in the Academy days, and Hinata had as well. Looking at it that way, these young ninjas did indeed mature early.
Midorima glanced at Karui again. She was now beaming with delight.
"Kirigakure has been isolated for years now," Omoi remarked. "I thought it might be years before any of you showed up again."
"That's precisely why I'm here," Midorima explained. "To clarify what's been happening."
"But Kirigakure and Kumogakure don't really have much to do with each other," Karui interjected, her expression shifting to one of mild surprise now that they were discussing serious matters. "You don't owe us any explanations."
As one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, Kirigakure's internal affairs were its own business; other villages had neither the right nor the standing to interfere or demand explanations.
"This situation is different. It might involve more than just Kirigakure." Midorima chose not to elaborate further. Though Karui and Omoi seemed like decent enough people, they weren't exactly known for their discretion. There was no telling when they might let something slip.
Omoi pursed his lips but didn't press the matter. Together with Karui, he led Midorima back to Kumogakure.
Upon learning that an envoy from Kirigakure had arrived, the Raikage didn't rush to grant an audience. Instead, he first conducted a detailed debriefing on Iruka and Omoi's mission completion. Only afterward did he send someone to fetch Midorima to his office.
The Raikage was the most physically imposing of all the Five Kage. Seated on his sofa, he occupied it so completely that scarcely any space remained. Yet none of his bulk was excess fat—it was all densely packed muscle. Standing before him, one couldn't help but feel an instinctive pressure. And the Raikage seemed intent on making that pressure felt, deliberately radiating his killing intent the moment Midorima stepped through the door.
Sensing the Raikage's intention, Midorima heightened his own alertness. He had faced opponents far more formidable than this man—Pain, Obito—and had crossed swords with Obito twice already. The Raikage's little power play wasn't about to rattle him.
The standoff lasted perhaps half a minute before Midorima spoke first. "Raikage-sama, are you experiencing some digestive discomfort? I'm happy to wait, but if you were to have an... accident... that would be most unfortunate."
"..." The Raikage found the whole exercise pointless now and waved his hand dismissively. "I was hoping for something more interesting."
"But surely, sir, as the leader of an entire village, trying to intimidate a diplomatic envoy is hardly appropriate conduct. And if this is how you treat messengers, aren't you concerned other villages might reciprocate with your own?" Midorima countered.
"Sharp tongue you've got there." The Raikage chuckled despite himself.
"No, I'm merely stating facts." Midorima produced two letters from within his robes and handed them to Samui, who stood nearby.
Samui's figure was notable not just within Kumogakure but throughout the entire Naruto world. Perhaps the only one who could compare was Tsunade herself. Expressionless, she accepted the letters, verified they contained nothing dangerous, and passed them to the Raikage.
"Oh?"
The Raikage first tore open Mei Terumi's letter. After reading its contents, he shot Midorima another curious glance. Then he opened the Elder Genji's personal letter, scanned through it, and his gaze fell upon the photographs tucked inside. His brow furrowed deeply as he reread the Elder's missive more carefully.
"You're Asachi Midorima." The Raikage returned the letters and photos to their envelopes, placing them on the low table before him.
"Yes," Midorima confirmed.
"I am deeply sorry to hear what Kirigakure has endured." The Raikage's tone carried genuine gravity.
"Thank you."
"The Elder mentions you want our help controlling the Six-Tails?"
"Correct."
"Then here's the question: why should I help you? Kirigakure's suffering is unfortunate, and I do sympathize. But helping you control a tailed beast ultimately strengthens a potential adversary. Do you truly believe I'd agree to that?"
Midorima sighed, regarding the Raikage with an expression of pity. "Farewell, then."
With that, he turned and walked out.
The Raikage's eye twitched. He had intended to put this envoy in his place, to see how he would respond. He never expected Midorima to simply leave without another word. And that look he gave before departing—it made the Raikage deeply uncomfortable, as if he were being pitied.
'There's no way he'll actually leave.'
But Midorima did indeed leave the room. After two or three minutes, the Raikage stepped out onto the balcony and spotted Midorima already exiting the building, heading toward the village gate.
"Go. Stop him and bring him back." The Raikage gestured to Samui.
Samui nodded and leaped down from the building. The Raikage rubbed his forehead, thoroughly irritated. Outmaneuvered by some junior—how infuriating.
When Samui returned with Midorima, the Raikage demanded, "What's your hurry?"
"If we can't reach an agreement, why would I stay and make myself uncomfortable?" Midorima retorted.
"Brat, don't you have anything to say? Won't you even try to persuade me?"
"You already said you wouldn't help. What's left to discuss?"
The Raikage found himself momentarily speechless. The boy had boxed him in completely.
In truth, Midorima hadn't gambled on the Raikage calling him back. He couldn't afford to rely on speculation. The reason he made such a hasty exit was simple: he knew better than to put all his eggs in one basket. Rather than remain locked in stalemate with the Raikage, he could simply find Killer B directly and negotiate with him. Perhaps even convince the jinchuriki to leave the village and see the world for a while. Compared to his brother, Killer B was far more approachable.
So yes, Midorima had genuinely intended to leave—and then go find Killer B. It wasn't as if anyone in Kumogakure could stop him anyway.
"Then what was that look you gave me before leaving?" the Raikage pressed.
"That was me thinking you lack vision, that you're shortsighted, and that cooperating with you would be pointless," Midorima replied bluntly.
"I lack vision? Hah!" The Raikage scoffed. "Refusing to cooperate with you means I lack vision?"
"Yes."
"So Kirigakure is the center of the universe now, is that it?" the Raikage sneered.
"Not at all. What I mean is that what Kirigakure has suffered these past years could happen to any of the great villages. The ridiculous part is that you're all completely unaware of the danger." Midorima met the Raikage's gaze steadily. "Kirigakure may not compare to Kumogakure right now. But are you truly so certain your village won't be the next to face such devastation?"