"Lord Takashi, you really did come prepared."
Terumi Mei slowly let out a breath.
Although she was only twenty years old, she had been trained as a Mizukage candidate since childhood; her abilities and vision far surpassed her peers.
She just hadn't expected that today's conversation would be led by Natsume.
Not only had she failed to gain the upper hand, but she also found herself quite accepting of the terms—or rather, the temptations—he'd offered.
If things were as Natsume said, these five shipping routes, even if he didn't take care of them, Kirigakure would have to.
Because they held enormous strategic significance.
And this could be a chance to change Kirigakure's traditions.
Once the sea routes opened, not only elite ninja would be needed, but also regular ninja.
In such a situation, a bloody rule seemed highly inappropriate.
Natsume looked at her sparkling eyes and couldn't help but chuckle.
Actually, the sea routes only seemed important right now.
Later on, their role wouldn't be as great.
Even if warships used chakra as shields, they couldn't withstand a Susanoo.
As for the future of Kirigakure, Natsume didn't really care.
He was just tying them to his ship for his own business convenience.
And, incidentally, to gradually take control.
Shipping was just the beginning.
Though only a beginning, it was enough to broaden Terumi Mei's horizons.
She never expected that combining maritime shipping with a shinobi village could have such an effect.
"This isn't something I can decide alone."
Terumi Mei calmed herself and said, "I need to report to Lord Mizukage."
Natsume frowned slightly at her words.
If Yagura wasn't controlled, he would definitely agree.
But Uchiha Obito wouldn't.
He was there to ruin Kirigakure, not develop it.
But Natsume had no reason to stop her.
After thinking it through, he realized that this wasn't a bad thing.
After being rebuffed, Terumi Mei would surely start to doubt Yagura.
If before it was tradition, what about now?
As Mizukage, not working for Kirigakure's good was suspicious.
When the time came, Natsume could guide her a bit more, and she'd find out the truth.
"Lord Takashi, I've learned a lot today; thank you."
Terumi Mei stood up and bowed slightly. "Once Lord Mizukage agrees, I'll come back to discuss the details."
"Alright."
Natsume watched her leave.
To be honest, Terumi Mei was very beautiful, but he didn't really like her hairstyle—it looked like a pine tree.
If he got the chance, he'd want her to switch to long straight hair.
…
That night.
Terumi Mei came again.
She didn't hide her emotions; her expression was grim.
The result was predictable.
"Sorry, Lord Takashi."
Terumi Mei forced a smile. "Lord Mizukage did not agree to your plan."
"Come in and let's talk."
Natsume pointed at the food on the table. "I was just having dinner. If you haven't eaten, join me."
Terumi Mei wasn't in the mood to eat, but she didn't refuse either and sat down.
"What was the reason?"
Natsume handed her a pair of chopsticks and asked.
"There was no reason."
A look of confusion appeared on Terumi Mei's delicate face. "That's what I can't understand."
After reporting the plan to Yagura, she'd been harshly rejected.
No explanation—she was simply thrown out.
Actually, she'd suspected Yagura before.
At first, he'd been fairly normal, but later, for some unknown reason, he'd become increasingly severe—or rather, bloodthirsty.
He even masterminded the destruction of the Kaguya clan, Kirigakure's strongest Kekkei Genkai ninja clan.
In short, since he took office, the village had been in decline, never prospering.
Now, even this great opportunity was rejected.
Terumi Mei was at a complete loss.
"I actually expected this."
Natsume gazed at the beautiful face of the young woman beside him and said, "So you don't need to worry."
"How could I not worry?"
Terumi Mei instinctively gripped her chopsticks. "Lord Mizukage should be the one who cares most about Kirigakure, but instead, he ignores everything."
After all, she was young and passionate.
Combined with today's setback, she lost her composure a bit.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have said this kind of thing to an outsider.
Also, she rather respected Natsume.
"What I mean is, you don't need to worry about Lord Mizukage. Kirigakure can still develop."
Natsume scooted back a bit and took out a permit. "The Daimyo of the Land of Water has already approved me to open new shipping routes."
Terumi Mei glanced at it, her brows slowly knitting together.
She understood Natsume's meaning.
Yagura's rejection could only affect the waters near Kirigakure.
But the farther seas were under the Land of Water's jurisdiction.
Natsume could set up shipping routes all around Kirigakure.
With the support of the Land of Water, he had nothing to fear.
But as for herself, if she helped him, it would mean defying Yagura's orders.
Terumi Mei bit her lip in frustration.
Natsume watched her, suddenly feeling the urge to smooth her lips with his finger.
He picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of fish, and slowly chewed.
"I issue commissions, and you take the missions. That's perfectly reasonable—even Lord Mizukage can't stop it."
Terumi Mei stared at him for a moment, then said, "I'll try to get Elder's support."
The most respected ninja in Kirigakure was Elder Genji.
In the original story, after Yagura's death, Genji temporarily took over as Mizukage, then passed the position to Terumi Mei.
But he wasn't power-hungry; he just wanted to train a successor.
During his tenure, he delegated all authority to Terumi Mei.
When the time was right, it was only natural for her to become Mizukage.
Genji was old.
Terumi Mei normally wouldn't bother him except for important matters.
With Genji's support, she would have the confidence to defy Yagura.
"Let's hope for good news."
Natsume nodded. "Don't look so gloomy—have some food."
"Thank you."
Terumi Mei gradually relaxed, suddenly smiled, and her usually cool face instantly looked more girlish.
"May I ask, Lord Takashi, why do you wear a mask?"
"Oh, that? When I was a child, I was playful and got injured, leaving a scar. I wear the mask so as not to scare others."
Natsume had already thought of an excuse.
"Sorry."
Terumi Mei felt a little embarrassed. "I didn't mean to pry."
"It's fine. It's not a taboo topic."
Natsume changed the subject. "I plan to issue the commissions first, then make a field inspection of the nearby shipping routes. Are you interested in coming along? You could protect me, and I promise the compensation will satisfy you."
"If Elder Genji agrees, I'll naturally ensure your safety."
Terumi Mei curled her lips in a faint smile.
After dinner.
Natsume saw her out, turned back to his room, and felt a bit unsatisfied.
After all, there had been someone else competing for food.
He thought for a moment and used Reverse Summoning to appear in Konoha, then snuck into Uzumaki Hinae's room.
"Don't wake Karin."
Natsume pressed his finger to her lips and whispered.
Uzumaki Hinae nodded.
"You seem nervous?"
Natsume noticed her body was tense and asked knowingly.
Uzumaki Hinae rolled her eyes helplessly—he was teasing her again.
Didn't he know the reason for her nervousness?
"Be good."
Natsume gently stroked her soft waist and asked softly, "I'm hungry. Is there a midnight snack?"
Uzumaki Hinae's cheeks flushed slightly. Her hands trembled as she slowly pulled aside the fabric of her top, exposing her full, soft breast.
Natsume's eyes darkened with desire. He leaned in, his breath hot against her skin. "Mmm, perfect," he murmured, before taking her nipple into his mouth.
Hinae gasped at the sensation. Natsume's tongue swirled around the sensitive bud, teasing it to hardness before he began to suckle in earnest. The gentle pull of his mouth sent shivers down her spine.
"Natsume..." she breathed, her fingers threading through his hair, holding him close.
He responded by sucking more firmly, drawing the sweet milk from her breast. Hinae moaned softly, her body melting into his embrace as he drank deeply of her essence.
The quiet night was now filled with the soft sounds of his suckling and her contented sighs. Natsume's hand caressed her other breast, kneading it gently as he continued to nurse.
PS: Bonus chapter at 100 PS