The shinobi of the Hidden Mist are notoriously resilient, and though this strike was fierce, it only caused Mei Terumi's body to quiver slightly. What truly shocked her was how effortlessly Hiruko disregarded her Kekkei Genkai ninjutsu.
As the white mist in the room gradually dissipated and the chakra density thinned, Hiruko opened his eyes. He looked calmly at the young woman he held by the throat, a playful smirk curling on his lips. "Do you have any other tricks?"
Mei, pinned though she was, refused to yield. She rapidly wove hand signs and spat out a stream of viscous, butter-like chakra. Hiruko merely glanced at it, not even bothering to dodge. In the next heartbeat, the substance passed harmlessly through his silhouette.
"It's not very ladylike to spit things out; it looks a bit messy," Hiruko remarked, his tone teasing.
Mei stared at him in horror. She could clearly feel the physical weight pressing down on her and the hand squeezing her neck, yet the figure before her eyes was undeniably a phantom.
This was the power Hiruko derived from the Kurama clan's bloodline—a technique similar to a Susano'o phantom. It was a genjutsu that converted illusion into reality and warped actual existence. The phantom he constructed was identical to his true body and possessed physical force capable of absolute suppression, yet it could dissolve back into nothingness in an instant.
"I lose..." Mei finally accepted reality, her head drooping in defeat.
With a flick of Hiruko's will, the room's door slammed shut. Hearing the sound, Mei understood his intent immediately, but a flash of cunning crossed her eyes. She had one final trump card—her unique constitution and the highly corrosive acid within her body.
However, Hiruko's technological prowess was not to be underestimated. Earlier that afternoon, he had already obtained her blood sample and synthesized a serum to temporarily grant himself immunity to strong acids.
He quickly injected the serum into his arm. A moment later, he made his move. With a sharp rip, Mei's hidden "weapons" sprang forth, exposed to Hiruko's gaze.
Fear flashed in Mei's eyes, but she quickly forced a radiant smile to mask her panic. Hiruko gazed deeply into her eyes, seeing the terror lurking beneath her composure. She was only eighteen, and despite her extraordinary courage and dangerous physique, she was naturally afraid in this situation.
Her body was exceptionally volatile; even a drop of her acidic fluids could kill an ordinary person instantly. To most, Mei Terumi was a walking, poisonous flower. She skillfully hid her edge, maintaining a gentle demeanor that kept people at a distance. It was a pragmatic choice; even with careful control, she couldn't guarantee she wouldn't harm those around her 24 hours a day.
This was likely why she remained single in the original story—her dangerous and beautiful body was simply too much for the weak to handle.
Mei maintained her forced smile, but Hiruko didn't follow the "rules." He leaned in and kissed her directly. Her eyes went wide in disbelief.
As steam rose between them, Hiruko's body shivered slightly, but the serum held. For a short duration, he was completely immune to the heat and acidity generated by her constitution. Furthermore, his near-perfect inheritance of Hashirama's Wood Style meant his vitality could rapidly heal any minor cellular damage.
Unaware of his preparations, Mei—undergoing such intimate contact for the first time—completely lost her cool. What terrified her most was that he was utterly unfazed by her toxicity.
A few seconds later, Hiruko released her. He didn't push further, just watched her quietly. Mei's legs shook, and she slid down the wall until she was sitting on the floor, gasping for air.
The night was long; it was destined to be a sleepless one.
"Let's have a long talk," Hiruko said, his voice deep and magnetic. The rustling of fabric filled the room as he once again picked up his "Golden Cudgel"—seemingly ordinary, yet brimming with power.
Mei's eyes followed his movements, her charming face gradually turning pale. Then, Hiruko stepped forward to begin his "communication." To those outside Konoha, he always spoke through strength and never hesitated to display his raw power.
In the dead of night, the "beast" wailed. Moonlight spilled over the windowsill, adding a touch of mystery to the scene.
In the adjacent room, Tsunade's sharp instincts snapped her awake. She quickly identified the source of the noise—the room where Mei and Hiruko were. She listened to the vibration of the walls, the shameless sounds, and the rhythmic impacts that made sleep impossible.
"That bastard! He told me he had 'business' tonight!" Tsunade fumed. No wonder Hiruko had been so relentless with her yesterday, leaving her barely able to walk. She had kicked him out today to get some rest, only for him to find a new target.
The thump-thump-thump echoed in her ears and brain, forcing her to recall her own experiences with him. She tossed and turned, trying to block it out, but was forced to be a passive listener to the neighbor's marathon.
Before dawn, there was movement in the mist. A stumbling figure emerged from the courtyard provided by the Mist diplomats. Mei leaned against the wall, her legs trembling and shaking as she vanished into the thick fog.
In the bathroom, the sound of a shower began. Tsunade, who had been awake all night, stood up in a huff and stormed into Hiruko's room. She "dragged" him out of the shower, and a fierce verbal sparring match ensued.
Shortly after, the shower stopped. Hiruko emerged dripping wet and promptly tossed Tsunade back onto the bed like a small animal.
The "little sprout" was no match for him! He was terrifyingly powerful now, thanks to the Raikage's secret techniques.
Hiruko later sat calmly in the living room, brewing a cup of morning tea as if nothing had happened.
As the sun rose over the mist, a visitor arrived with breakfast. It was Ao, the man who had claimed a Byakugan from the Hyuga.
"Where is Miss Terumi?" Hiruko asked casually as he took the tray.
"Lady Mei is feeling unwell today and is resting," Ao replied, observing Hiruko's expression. The Mist's social structure was rigid, almost like a caste system. Status wasn't based solely on talent; those of "low" birth remained at the bottom. Mei, though a local, hadn't fully escaped these shackles. In this light, she was a pawn being utilized by the village elders.
Hiruko showed no interest in Ao's Byakugan, which made Ao suspicious. Does he not even care about a bloodline as powerful as the Byakugan?
Ao soon departed, unaware of the night's events. When the sun was high, Hiruko and Tsunade returned to the conference room to meet the Mist high command, led by Yagura. They finalized the details for a fish canning factory in the Mist to boost export trade.
With his mission accomplished, Hiruko took his leave. Mei showed up to see him off, looking perfectly composed—until, when others weren't looking, she gave Hiruko's waist a vicious pinch.
Hiruko merely smiled and whispered, "I'll support you." Mei glared at him but said nothing more.
On the way back to Konoha, Hiruko reviewed his progress. He had two Kekkei Genkai locked in, with three more decided:
Wood Style: Derived from Hashirama's cells, providing infinite vitality and absolute control over nature.Kurama Style: For sensory manipulation and "Realizing the Unreal."Tenseigan: His target for gravitational mastery, requiring help from the Hyuga.Sharingan: Specifically the Mangekyo, for the "Eye of the Heart's Reflection."Dust Release: A Kekkei Tota to decompose matter at the molecular level—vital for his future plans in the multiverse.
Back in the village, Hiruko settled back into his routine of research and gourmet food. He often enjoyed breakfast with Tsunade, Nono, Pakura, Maki, and a transformed Rin.
Konoha was booming. Construction on the commercial districts had restarted. Hiruko launched a "Budget Restaurant" project, providing affordable, clean meals for the poor. These restaurants were staffed by the families of disabled veterans, giving them a dignified source of income.
It was all part of his brand-building for the Leaf. He wanted the world to see Konoha as clean, prosperous, and full of opportunity. By ensuring workers could make good money, he ensured a steady flow of talent. Sustainable exploitation, after all, was the key to long-term prosperity.
As the economy recovered, Hiruko's various companies—tech, medical, apparel, real estate, and food—began massive expansions. By focusing on high quality and low prices, he was creating monopolies similar to "Lao Gan Ma," ensuring that the Hidden Leaf would dominate the markets of the shinobi world.
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