Chapter 73. Transaction

Kirigakure Village.

Miru finished her report under Terumi Mei and presented the scroll to her.

Upon examining it, her expression turned livid. It was an undeniable shock to discover that the shadow of their own village was under the influence of an illusion.

"Invite Natsuki in."

Mei rubbed her eyebrows. It made sense now why the Mizukage had avoided public appearances in recent years, especially around Ao.

Natsuki pushed open the door and entered. His visit to Kirigakure was motivated by his desire to recruit a few talented individuals.

The internal politics of Kirigakure, whether it involved human or animal brains, didn't concern Natsuki.

Directly, he placed Miru and Mei on the line. Terumi Mei would soon ascend to power, making her a significant force in Kirigakure.

"I have admired your name for a long time. With talents like yours in the Uchiha, the restoration of its glory seems inevitable."

Mei was courteous in her speech, acknowledging his role in providing evidence of the Mizukage's collaboration with the enemy.

Furthermore, this evidence had been obtained from Konoha ninjas, adding an interesting twist to the situation.

Natsuki looked at her, a tall and mature woman, feeling a bit puzzled.

Was everyone in Kirigakure blind? She was so beautiful, and yet no one seemed to be pursuing her.

However, Natsuki wasn't here with any romantic intentions. He was focused on discussing the matters at hand.

"You're welcome. You are also outstanding. With this incident confirmed, I believe the next Mizukage position is rightfully yours."

After exchanging polite greetings, they delved into the matter at hand.

"I wonder how you plan to cooperate with us?" Mei inquired.

"If you aim to ascend to the Mizukage's seat legitimately, you must publicly expose the fact that Yagura was manipulated by genjutsu."

"At present, there is no guarantee in the village that Mizukage can be effectively restrained, correct?"

Not only is there a lack of means to restrain him, but the current Kirigakure Village is also deficient in high-end combat power.

Most of the well-known kekkei genkai families have fallen victim to Obito's actions.

Terumi has yet to mature enough to challenge the Mizukage on her own.

Furthermore, Mizukage possesses a unique skill—the Water Release: Water Mirror Technique.

The Water Mirror Technique creates a mirror made of water that reflects an image identical to the opponent.

This mirror image can use the same ninjutsu as the opponent with equivalent power.

As a jinchuriki, Yagura can essentially move freely in Kirigakure.

This is the primary reason why Mei, despite having suspicions, has been unable to take action. Fundamentally, she cannot defeat him.

Kirigakure is weary of turmoil, and it's not cost-effective to sacrifice more lives to fill the leadership vacuum.

Mei looked at him with inquiring eyes, and he smiled confidently.

"Since I managed to obtain this evidence, I am confident that I can subdue the Mizukage."

Mei nodded, acknowledging the power of the Mangekyou Sharingan.

"Mr. Natsuki, did you come all the way here just to help me ascend to the top?" Terumi Mei leaned casually on the chair, showcasing her feminine charm.

Natsuki ignored the attempt at flirtation and gestured dismissively, saying, "Just call me Natsuki. You must also be aware of the relationship between Uchiha and Konoha."

Mei nodded, acknowledging the existing connection between Uchiha and Konoha.

Both parties maintained only a surface-level relationship, with Uchiha primarily engaging in tasks for Konoha without participating in other activities.

Their affiliation seemed similar to that of a foreign ninja. This arrangement had a widely circulated reason within the entire ninja world.

Mei smiled, "Whatever Mr. Natsuki desires, feel free to express it."

He extended two fingers, stating, "Upon completion of the task, I want two individuals, and I need your assistance in locating them."

"Oh? I'm curious which two individuals are deemed worthy of your attention," She remarked.

Natsuki nodded and gestured towards Miru, "This one, and Kisame."

Mei glanced at her, giving Natsuki a meaningful look. She then muttered, "Miruand Kisame are both subordinates of Fuguki Suikazan. He won't let them go easily."

He shrugged, "No worries. Fuguki Suikazan is already on his last legs. Do I need to concern myself with his sentiments?"

Mei frowned, "What do you mean?"

He chuckled, "This time, Fuguki has disrupted his own plans. Do you think he will escape unscathed?"

"Are you certain?" Terumi Mei narrowed her eyes.

Fuguki Suikazan was considered a veteran in Kirigakure and controlled both the Cypher Division and another assassination unit.

Since Yagura fell under the illusion, he had secluded himself, rarely appearing in public. He was one of the few remaining stalwarts in Kirigakure.

However, he does not support Terumi Mei's rise to power. For her, his existence in the village is an obstacle.

Anyway, Kirigakure is already in a state of ruin.

Terumi Mei is ready to break and then stand.

That old antique like him is a hindrance that must be eliminated.

"Of course, I'm confident. As long as you keep an eye on Kisame, he will definitely die."

"That's when you'll have the best chance to attack Yagura."

"Okay! I agree!"

...

"Kisame, you bastard..."

Cough... Fuguki spat out a mouthful of blood again.

Unexpectedly, his most trusted subordinate unexpectedly attacked him.

Another knife stabbed him, and he felt that all his strength had been drained away.

Then he fell down heavily.

Kisame squatted down and untied the same shark muscle behind Fuguki.

This is his trophy.

Kisame pushed the body with his foot and turned to leave.

A voice came.

"Thank you for your hard work, Kisame."

Kisame clenched his muscles while turning around.

"I concluded that he would definitely relax his vigilance towards your subordinates, as expected."

"This guy colludes with the enemy. From now on, you are the master of Samehada. And you will be my subordinate from now on."

Kisame saw that the Mizukage appeared and put down the hand holding Samehada, but he didn't look happy.

A fake smile appeared on his face: "I will eventually be eradicated by you, Mizukage-sama."

His mission has always been to kill his companions or his boss.

So even if the opponent is the Fourth Mizukage, he still has no sense of belonging.

"Precisely because you've completed countless challenging and often morally ambiguous tasks in service to the land and the village, people like you become more trustworthy," the Mizukage remarked with a stoic expression.

"You understand the world is full of hypocrisy,"

Kisame's expression remained unchanged. "I learned this truth when I first had to betray my comrades."

"I'm a Kirigakure ninja, yet I find myself fighting against fellow ninjas of Kirigakure. Who am I?" Kisame posed the question to the Mizukage and to himself.

"Am I an enemy or a friend? What is my purpose? Where do I stand?" Kisame pondered, gazing at his hands. "Where can I find peace? I can't escape the feeling that I'm just a hypocritical existence."

From behind the Mizukage emerged a shadowy figure, catching him off guard.

A deep voice resonated, "Let me free you from the pain of hypocrisy. Shall I assist you in creating a shelter?"

"Who are you?" Kisame tensed, his hand gripping the handle of the massive sword Samehada.

"Let's start with this country. Until now, you've acted against your comrades. From now on, act as my companion," the mysterious voice declared, conveying a profound trust in Kisame, leaving him bewildered.

"You seem to trust me a lot, but I don't know who you are yet," Kisame admitted, still cautious.

In the darkness, a blood-red Sharingan blinked open.

Kisame Kisaki was taken aback – this was it!

The eye radiating in the shadows...he suddenly realized.

"I see, the one I thought was the Mizukage is actually you..."

"You used those Sharingan eyes to manipulate the Mizukage. Ha, as expected, this world is full of lies."

"But you actually possess the ability to control the power of the Mizukage, the three-tailed Jinchuuriki."

"Who are you?"

Obito spoke in a low voice: "Uchiha Madara."

"What!" He was stunned.

"That person should no longer be alive..."

Obito was about to execute the final strategy.

"Hehe, yes, so he deceived you..."

A teasing burst of laughter echoed from behind Kisame.