Naruto glanced at Shisui's puzzled face and sighed.
"Look around us, Shisui. Don't you see how many women buy lipstick, eyeshadow, powders, and the like?"
Shisui blinked. "...Do they?"
Naruto's face darkened instantly. A complete blockhead.
Of course, Shisui spent most of his time either training or on his way to train. How could someone like him notice such things?
Naruto clapped him on the shoulder. "Shisui, it's about time you found yourself a wife."
Shisui: "..."
What does this have to do with me finding a wife?!
Naruto continued, "Anyway, just remember this: cosmetics that can slow aging would be absolutely unique in the shinobi world. No one's ever thought to apply chakra research in this direction!"
Of course, Tsunade was the one exception. But her Mitotic Regeneration Jutsu and Transformation techniques were in a league of their own—far beyond what they intended to create.
What Naruto envisioned wasn't some miracle ninjutsu, but products based on medicinal herbs and chakra principles—cosmetics that would sell for high prices even if they didn't directly benefit shinobi in combat.
In this world, developing something superior to Earth's cosmetics wasn't difficult at all. Never underestimate the possibilities of chakra.
After all, with Tsunade as proof of concept, Naruto knew that creating a "weakened" version of her techniques—stripped down to be non-combat, purely cosmetic—would be child's play.
He himself could already use chakra to stimulate cells and restore youth temporarily, but that came with the risk of consuming lifespan. With the right medicinal blend, however, that effect could be safely diluted into a sustainable product.
A little more research and development, and the result was guaranteed.
"Alright," Shisui finally said, though still looking doubtful. "I'll look into it later."
He didn't really understand, but he trusted Naruto completely. As far as Shisui was concerned, if Naruto believed it was possible, then it was. After all, Naruto wasn't just his leader—he was the savior of the shinobi world.
Shisui straightened. "So then—who's going to contact the Mizukage?"
The conversation shifted back to politics.
Naruto thought for a moment, then shook his head. "It can't be me. Mei Terumī has Ao at her side—he wields a Byakugan from the Hyūga Clan. If he catches even the slightest hint of the Nine-Tails, my identity as a Jinchūriki will be exposed."
"And you're not a good choice either, Shisui. The Hidden Mist still remembers the terror you unleashed during the Third Shinobi War. Your chakra signature is probably burned into their minds. If you show up, they'll see through you immediately. As for Zabuza…" Naruto smirked.
"He's a former Mist-nin himself. Sending him is even riskier."
Naruto's eyes narrowed in thought. "No, it has to be Yu. He's capable enough to negotiate and doesn't carry the same baggage. It's time he handled things on his own."
Shisui considered carefully before nodding. "Yu is reliable. He's grown into someone mature and level-headed. His strength may not rival a Kage yet, but unless he runs into one of the Five directly, he should be fine."
"It's just a pity Izumi isn't fully ready," Shisui added. "Otherwise, she could've taken on this responsibility herself."
Izumi's talent was undeniable, but her foundation had been too weak early on. Otherwise, she might already have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Five Kage.
Once she mastered Susanoo, she would be nearly unstoppable—especially with the terrifying powers of her Mangekyō Sharingan.
Meanwhile, Sasuke and Neji had returned to the Academy. Their training period was complete, and the difference was staggering.
There was an unmistakable gulf between shinobi who had killed and those who hadn't. Now, just standing still, both Sasuke and Neji radiated a pressure that had never been there before.
...
Time passed quickly…
Mei Terumī eventually initiated official contact with the Seven Colors Trading Company. But when she arrived at the designated meeting place, her expression immediately darkened.
"This is how you treat a guest?!" the Mizukage snapped furiously.
For standing before her was not their leader, but Uchiha Yu. To Mei, it felt like an insult.
Yu only smiled faintly. "Mizukage-sama, please don't be angry. We came with nothing but sincerity."
"Heh… sincerity?" Mei's voice dripped with scorn. "If your leader is sincere, why doesn't he come here himself to negotiate with me?"
Yu chuckled softly.
"Mizukage-sama, this is business. And as the saying goes—harmony brings wealth. I trust you won't let pride stand in the way of profit."
"Hmph. Then show me whether you have the strength to back up that arrogance!" Mei retorted coldly, her chakra flaring violently.
Yu sighed helplessly. "As expected, we'll have to fight first. Izumi!"
In one motion, Yu drew the blade strapped across his back. At his side appeared Uchiha Izumi, masked and silent. This arrangement had been pre-decided with Naruto and Shisui—sometimes, strength was the only language that could secure a seat at the table.
Izumi's mask was crafted with mirrored lenses, concealing the crimson glow of her Sharingan. Her identity would remain hidden, but her power would not.
"Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique!"
Mei Terumī inhaled deeply, then unleashed a thick cloud of corrosive vapor, its deadly hiss filling the battlefield.
"You two, leave! This is no longer a fight you can take part in!"
The two shinobi quickly grabbed their comrades and retreated.
"Yes, sir!"
Without hesitation, they withdrew. They knew full well that this battle had long surpassed their level—and deep inside, they felt grateful to Uchiha Izumi and Uchiha Yu for stepping in.
Once the field cleared, Izumi's three-tomoe Sharingan spun before shifting into its Mangekyō form. To outside eyes, nothing seemed to have changed.
Together, she and Yu unleashed Water Release techniques to disperse the acidic mist lingering in the air. This was the Land of Water—chakra-rich with natural water—so Water Release wasn't difficult to perform.
Yet, to their surprise, their combined Water Release couldn't neutralize Mei Terumī's Boil Release. They were forced to cast another jutsu immediately.
"Heh… you've got some skill. Then try this!" Mei declared.
"Lava Release: Melting Apparition Technique!"
From her lips spewed a stream of molten, corrosive fluid—far beyond anything Water Release could easily counter. Yu instantly felt the weight of pressure.
"As expected of someone who carries the title of Kage!"
He bit his thumb, flashing through hand seals.
"Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique!"
A blazing dragon of fire surged forth, aiming to evaporate the acid—but the flames fizzled against it, producing only a weak effect.
"Leave it to me!" Izumi called.
Her Mangekyō spun, activating a hidden technique—Void Illusion.
In an instant, Mei Terumī's Lava Release vanished without a trace.
"What?!" Mei froze. "What kind of ability is that?"
Her technique had been erased—silently, without clash or counter. Dread washed over her as her eyes locked onto Izumi's.
"Water Release: Water Vortex!"
Izumi pressed forward, her ocular jutsu shifting again—not Void Illusion this time, but All-Attribute Amplification, multiplying her techniques' power threefold.
Under her Mangekyō's influence, the swirling torrent of water roared forward with near S-rank might.
"Lava Release: Scorching Stream Technique!"
Mei quickly retaliated, vomiting forth a blazing surge of magma.
"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"
Izumi's jutsu, empowered by her ocular ability, surged in strength and speed, crashing forward with overwhelming force.
Just as the two attacks were about to collide, Mei's Lava Release vanished again—erased by Izumi's ocular power. The massive fire bullet tore through the field, racing straight for the Mizukage.
In desperation, Mei formed hand signs.
"Water Release: Water Wall!"
A curtain of water rose, but against Izumi's amplified flames, a mere C-rank defense shattered instantly. Mei's body blurred backward, narrowly avoiding the searing blaze.
The exchange had lasted only moments, but already she had been forced into retreat—caught off guard and suppressed.
Mei Terumī's eyes narrowed on Izumi, wariness etched deep into her expression. What is that ability…?
On the sidelines, Uchiha Yu stared at Izumi with barely concealed envy. This was the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan—unpredictable, overwhelming. Even the Mizukage had been forced into a disadvantage.
When will I awaken my own Mangekyō…?
...
TN:
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