Chapter 61: This Woman Can't Be Kept Here

Returning to Fire Source City.

After meeting with Mikoto and Pakura, Shishou set out for the Land of Water.

The Third Hokage's request made him consider a possibility.

Since the Third Hokage was very concerned about the appearance of Wood Release,

Tsunade, upon hearing the news about Wood Release,

would likely go to the Hidden Mist Village to investigate.

This might be his chance to find Tsunade!

A day later.

Land of Water, Hidden Mist Village.

With Mei Terumi leading the way, Shishou toured the newly established Seafood Trading Company.

At this point, the Seafood Trading Company had only hired half its staff, and only a few transport ships had been purchased.

It might take another month or two to fully set up.

However, the natural harbor next to the Hidden Mist Village was being built very quickly.

It was expected to be ready for use in about a month.

"So, what do you think?"

After showing Shishou around the Seafood Trading Company and the harbor, Mei Terumi slightly raised her chin.

"Heh, you're moving fast."

"In just a few days, you've hired so many people."

"Miss Mei Terumi, you are very capable!"

Seeing Mei Terumi's expression, needing praise like a young girl, Shishou couldn't help but compliment her.

"Why do I feel like your last sentence is off?"

Hearing Shishou's praise, Mei Terumi was happy but felt something was amiss.

"So, Miss Mei Terumi isn't capable?"

"Of course, I am..."

"Hehe, there you have it."

"Tch, I still feel you're being a bit sleazy."

"Standing next to the beautiful Mei Terumi, anyone would seem sleazy."

"That's true."

"..."

The two chatted and laughed as they quickly returned to the vicinity of the Hidden Mist Village from the harbor.

Looking at the crater left by the Tailed Beast Bomb and the vines left by Obito, Shishou was puzzled.

"Don't you have people guarding this place?"

"Why would we?"

"As far as I know, Konoha has sent many people to gather information."

"Considering it involves Wood Release and the Flying Thunder God, it's understandable. Are you also sent by Konoha, Shishou?"

"You guessed it right."

"If that's the case, it seems the Third Hokage was quite fooled by you."

At this point, Shishou and Mei Terumi exchanged a glance and burst into laughter.

"Hahahaha."

"Investigating oneself, how funny."

Mei Terumi wiped tears of laughter from her eyes, still holding Shishou's shoulder, unable to stop laughing.

"To be honest, I was stunned when he approached me."

"And you still accepted?"

"The Third Hokage sent a beautiful woman to deliver the message."

"A beautiful woman? More beautiful than me?"

"Not as beautiful as you, of course."

"Tch, smooth talker."

"How would you know if you haven't tried?"

"Get lost..."

"..."

After arriving outside the Mizukage's office, Mei Terumi led Shishou inside and explained why there was no guard.

In Mei Terumi's view, although the Hidden Mist Village wanted to find out who the masked man was,

Considering his strength, the village would suffer losses.

Moreover, if the Hidden Mist Village hindered Konoha's investigation, it might lead to conflict.

This was something the currently weakened Hidden Mist Village could not afford.

Therefore, it was better to lift restrictions and sell the limited information they had to Konoha.

Let Konoha, who cared more about Wood Release, investigate.

If Konoha discovered anything,

that would be great.

If not, it might also shift the mysterious man's attention from the Hidden Mist Village to Konoha.

Avoiding another attack on the Hidden Mist Village.

"So, you've already sent people to Konoha for negotiations?"

Hearing Mei Terumi's explanation, Shishou asked with a smile.

"Of course, they left this morning."

Mei Terumi raised her chin proudly.

At this young age, she had already become the Mizukage, exuding confidence and pride.

"You are quite cunning."

"Hehe, thank you for the compliment. As long as it avoids losses to the village, being cunning is worth it."

Seeing Mei Terumi like a proud peacock, raising her chin high, Shishou found it amusing.

"Alright, let's end our chat here for today. I need to investigate that Flying Thunder God user, see you."

Shishou purposely emphasized the words "Flying Thunder God user," making Mei Terumi burst into laughter again, even choking on her own saliva.

This made Shishou a bit speechless, but he still approached Mei Terumi, gently patting her back to help her recover.

"Cough, cough..."

After a minute, Mei Terumi finally stopped coughing.

Today was the day she had laughed the most in years.

Sharing secrets brought Shishou and Mei Terumi closer.

This made the already interested pair even more intimate.

After leaving the Mizukage's office,

Shishou headed straight to the outskirts of the Hidden Mist Village, then used the Flying Thunder God to reach the site of the Tailed Beast Bomb explosion, where he hid.

If Tsunade planned to investigate Wood Release, the vines left by Obito would surely be her focus.

So, Shishou decided to lie in wait.

After two days of waiting,

Not only did Tsunade not show up, but Mei Terumi suddenly appeared at the village gate, leading people in a certain direction.

What's happening?

Seeing Mei Terumi's anxious expression, Shishou quickly used the Body Flicker Technique to catch up.

"What's going on?"

"Need help?"

Blocking Mei Terumi's path, Shishou asked.

"What are you doing here?"

"Weren't you investigating the Flying Thunder God user?"

Mei Terumi waved off her subordinates and smiled at Shishou.

With Shishou's help, this situation should be under control.

Her previously anxious heart suddenly calmed down.

"I've been hiding there for two days."

Shishou pointed to his previous hiding spot, smiling wryly.

"Haha, no wonder you noticed me as soon as I came out."

Seeing Shishou's expression, Mei Terumi couldn't help but laugh at his misfortune.

Then, she looked at Ao and the other Mist ninjas, saying,

"You all go back; Shishou will handle this."

She then took Shishou's hand and continued walking.

The Mist ninjas left behind looked at each other in astonishment.

"This woman might not stay."

"Looks like we might need to have the village elders select another Mizukage..."

Watching Mei Terumi and Shishou walk away, Ao thought gloomily.

"What exactly happened?"

Shishou asked, feeling a bit uncomfortable as Mei Terumi held his arm.

It made him unsure whether he was wooing her or being wooed.

This unfamiliar feeling was unsettling for the usually assertive Shishou.