Mei Terumī studied the young girl before her. She looked no older than fifteen or sixteen.
Beneath her black combat uniform, her slender yet youthful figure was evident. A mask covered her face, and her long, dark hair concealed her features, leaving only an air of mystery.
What unsettled Mei the most was the girl's strange ability—her attacks vanished as though they had slipped into another dimension.
A new Kekkei Genkai?
Until she fully understood Izumi's power, Mei dared not strike recklessly. The previous exchange had already taught her that lesson.
Not only was the girl's ninjutsu formidable, but her chakra reserves were abnormally strong for someone her age.
Izumi, on the other hand, carefully observed the woman before her. Compared to this woman, she was still a green apple, while Mei Terumī was a ripe peach—radiant, confident, and undeniably dangerous.
Every move Mei made radiated the elegance and authority of a woman in her prime. Even her curves carried a bold, sensual allure.
More importantly, this woman was Mizukage—a village's supreme leader—and she possessed not one, but three Kekkei Genkai. Truly an extraordinary figure.
The two women locked eyes. Mei no longer had any intention of continuing the fight; Izumi's strength had earned her acknowledgment. At the same time, the mysterious organization capable of producing such a young powerhouse made Mei cautious.
"She really isn't simple," Mei murmured, licking her lips with a faint smile.
"Can we sit down and have a proper talk now?" Izumi's cold voice came from beneath her mask. Ever since learning the truth about Itachi and Konoha's role in the Uchiha massacre, her once gentle personality had grown colder and more distant.
"Oh ho ho… with such strength, you certainly qualify to discuss cooperation." Mei chuckled softly.
Uchiha Yu, who had been silent, finally stepped forward. He gave Izumi a small nod before saying lightly, "Mizukage-sama, your welcoming ceremony was certainly impressive."
Though his tone carried a trace of mockery, Mei's expression didn't waver. She acted as though she hadn't been the one to attack first.
"Mizukage-sama, we both know why we've come. Let's not waste time. Here's our proposal—please take a look."
Uchiha Yu handed over the prepared document. Izumi, ever vigilant, kept her gaze fixed on Mei, ready to react at the slightest hostile move.
Mei accepted the scroll and read it carefully. Her sharp eyes occasionally narrowed, revealing dissatisfaction with certain details.
When she finished, she spoke plainly:
"So, you want Kirigakure shinobi to act as escorts for your Trading Company, to provide safe passage, to invest resources into promoting your company… and on top of that, you're offering jobs for our villagers, even for retired shinobi."
This was Naruto's plan. On the surface, it seemed like a win-win deal for Kirigakure—minimal resource concessions, escort duty that kept shinobi active, and new employment opportunities for the village's civilians.
The other details covered broader benefits and cooperative ventures.
But one thing made Mei's brow twitch.
"A three–seven split?" Her voice was sharp. "Overall, I'm satisfied, but isn't seven parts for yourselves a little excessive?"
Her aura subtly thickened, the pressure filling the room.
"You even want priority mining rights? Tax exemption is one thing, but mineral veins are a village's lifeline. That needs further negotiation."
"Mizukage, don't misunderstand," Yu replied with an easy smile. "This is business. Naturally, everything can be discussed."
Naruto had already told him before coming that the proposal tilted heavily in their favor. But negotiation always left room to maneuver.
"Very well," Mei said smoothly, her tone calm but edged with steel. "Then let's negotiate. Kirigakure is a large village with many mouths to feed. I believe taking seven parts is only reasonable."
Yu's jaw clenched—what a bold counter. He almost snapped back, but Naruto's words echoed in his mind, cooling his temper.
"Hahaha, Mizukage is truly amusing. But our organization also has many to support. After all, it's our network that ensures the sales. You're merely providing escorts."
"How about this: four for you, six for us?" Yu countered sharply.
Mei narrowed her eyes. "Look carefully. The contract itself states that our shinobi will sometimes act as escorts, that we'll provide logistical support, and even extend village resources. Kirigakure is no small settlement—we shoulder heavy responsibilities. Six is the minimum."
At this point, Mei was like a fox, sly and unyielding.
Yu slammed his hand against the table. "Enough! Five parts. We both step back—five and five, no more. Remember, you're the ones being offered cooperation. Refuse us, and we'll simply approach another Great Nation."
"Your Hidden Mist has spent the past two years recovering. With our help, you won't just catch up—you may even surpass the other Great Nations."
Uchiha Yu's voice was firm, carrying an unyielding edge.
"You… Very well. I agree."
Mei Terumī's brows furrowed in irritation, yet she couldn't deny the truth of his words. Without Kirigakure, they still had Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and others to turn to.
In truth, Naruto himself favored cooperation with Mei. Konoha had Danzō—who would undoubtedly sabotage them.
The Raikage was hot-tempered and domineering; he would surely attempt to seize the Seven Colors Trading Company by force. Iwagakure was already on solid footing and had little reliance on such ventures.
And Sunagakure? Too poor. Cooperation with the Land of Wind was hardly worth the cost.
Kirigakure, however, was different. Mei had only just stabilized her rule and needed allies to develop the village.
As a woman leading in a patriarchal power structure, she faced constant pressure from rival clans. The Land of Water itself was isolated yet rich in aquatic resources, making it an ideal foothold.
For Naruto's Umbrella Organization, Kirigakure was perfect—it could serve as both a development hub and a shield against outside threats, while gradually winning over the loyalty of Mist shinobi. Recruiting them into the company's fold would be killing several birds with one stone.
"Excellent. Then, Mizukage-sama—happy cooperation."
Uchiha Yu's lips curved into a sly smile.
In terms of business, no one in the shinobi world could match Naruto's cunning. Mei appeared displeased outwardly, but inwardly she was elated.
To her, the deal was pure profit. The Seven Colors Trading Company would employ her villagers, easing the burden of supporting retired shinobi.
The village itself wouldn't need to worry about sales or distribution—they simply had to provide escorts, a role ninja were naturally suited for.
In the end, the company's success would also become Kirigakure's success. Protecting it would be protecting their own interests.
What's more, contracted shinobi would earn commissions—further boosting morale.
Mei was certain she had won. Yu, however, felt exactly the same.
Naruto's business philosophy had rubbed off on him; Yu had grown into a capable negotiator, every bit as sly as his teacher.
The two foxes exchanged a knowing look, their voices overlapping in perfect harmony:
"Happy cooperation."
...
TN:
Hope you Enjoy~😊
⚒️ Support me on P-com/LordMerlin (30+ Chaps)