Chapter 153: After the Battle

Land of Lightning, Kumogakure.

Raikage's Office.

"Lord Fourth Raikage, I hope you can withdraw from the joint investigation on the Akatsuki organization," Mabui, dressed in a sexy business suit, stood sternly in front of the Fourth Raikage's desk. Next to her, Yugito and Samui also nodded seriously in agreement.

This was both Shishou's request and their own hope. After witnessing the immense strength of the Akatsuki leader, they had completely dismissed the idea of provoking the Akatsuki. Shishou had already informed them about his bet with the Akatsuki leader: for the next two years, the Akatsuki would lie low and not cause trouble. If the Akatsuki didn't keep their word, Shishou would personally step in. Thus, they saw no need to involve themselves further in investigating the Akatsuki. They didn't want to risk Kumogakure being hit with a Super Shinra Tensei.

"What is the reason for your request?" The Fourth Raikage, who was investigating Shishou's identity, looked at the three women with some surprise. This was the first time they had spoken to him so firmly.

After the disappearance and reappearance of Turtle Island, only Yugito, Samui, and Mabui knew what had happened. Motoi, who was also on the island, had been sworn to secrecy by Yugito, so the Fourth Raikage was still in the dark.

"The Akatsuki leader's power is overwhelming. If we provoke him, Kumogakure will suffer huge losses. Other villages will take advantage of our weakened state, putting us in a life-and-death situation. We should let other villages take the lead in this investigation. So far, the Akatsuki hasn't threatened Kumogakure directly, so we don't need to get involved," Mabui explained, understanding the Raikage's concerns about other villages rather than focusing solely on the Akatsuki's threat.

"This is indeed a problem," the Fourth Raikage murmured, recalling the reports of Chibaku Tensei and Deep Forest Emergence from Sunagakure. If the Akatsuki used such techniques on Kumogakure, the damage would be severe, and other villages would surely take advantage.

"So, what are your suggestions regarding the Akatsuki?" The Fourth Raikage asked, looking at the three women.

Yugito and Samui stayed silent, waiting for Mabui to speak. She was the best at persuading the Raikage.

"I suggest we follow Kirigakure's example and cooperate with the user of the Flying Thunder God technique. If he can work with Kirigakure, he can work with us too. We're not Konoha, so his use of Flying Thunder God and Wood Release doesn't affect our relationship," Mabui proposed. Besides, if they didn't pull him in soon, Yugito might end up being taken away by him, she thought to herself.

The Fourth Raikage considered her words. They aligned well with his thoughts. After a moment, he nodded and asked Yugito, "Can you contact this person, Shishou?"

The news that the most beautiful woman in Kumogakure, Yugito, was being pursued by someone named Shishou had spread throughout the village. Many were secretly bitter and eager to find trouble with Shishou.

Caught off guard by the Raikage's question, Yugito felt a bit embarrassed. "She can," Samui answered coldly, sparing Yugito.

Yugito: "..."

...

Land of Water, Kirigakure.

In the Mizukage's office.

Shishou sat in the Mizukage's chair, with Mei Terumi lying in his arms, enjoying a moment of peace after the storm.

Mei's Water Release is truly impressive, Shishou thought, savoring the warmth of her presence. He picked up a strange statue on the desk and examined it.

"Don't touch that, it's the office's barrier switch. I don't want anyone barging in," Mei said, her face blushing as she took the statue from Shishou's hand and put it in the drawer. If anyone found out they were messing around in the office, she'd be mortified.

"Do you really want me to withdraw from the joint investigation on the Akatsuki?" Mei asked.

Shishou nodded, explaining the bet with the Akatsuki leader once more. "Are you sure they'll stick to the agreement?" Mei asked, pulling off Shishou's fake beard and staring at his handsome face. She regretted not making him use his younger form.

"I have spies among them. If there's any trouble, I'll know immediately," Shishou assured her.

Mei nodded, understanding. "Are you planning to take over the Akatsuki?"

"Not yet. Maybe when I'm even stronger," Shishou said, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

"Stronger? You're already terrifyingly powerful," Mei exclaimed. "If you get any stronger, what will I do as the Fifth Mizukage? I feel like a vase next to you..."

Shishou kissed her cheek and smiled, "I'll help you get stronger once I'm done with my current tasks."

Tasks? More like juggling women, Mei thought, rolling her eyes in disbelief. She was annoyed that she, the Mizukage, had to compete with other women for Shishou's attention. In her frustration, she bit his shoulder, leaving a mark as if to claim her territory.

Her bite didn't hurt Shishou at all. He had to suppress his chakra to let the mark stay. After venting, Mei laughed at him, "You're going to be drained by them later."

Shishou had displayed such immense power that his women would be all over him. Mei was secretly pleased he came to her first.

"Don't worry about that," Shishou said, chuckling as he squeezed her waist and gazed into her eyes. With his current physique, he had nothing to worry about. Plus, he had the secret weapon, Uzumaki Eri...

Seeing his confidence, Mei had him switch to his younger form and said fiercely, "Let's see how long you can stay smug. I'll make sure you don't go chasing those vixens..."