Chapter 61 Bonus Chapter

Kaito's demeanor shifted as he regarded Terumi Mei with calm seriousness. His gaze was steady, unwavering, the weight of his intentions clear in every word.

"My purpose is simple," he began, his voice low but firm. "Once you become the Fifth Mizukage, I want you to guide the remaining Mist Ninjas and work with me."

Terumi Mei frowned, her eyes narrowing as she tried to make sense of his words. "Your faction? What does that mean?" she asked, her voice edged with suspicion.

Kaito didn't flinch. He met her gaze evenly, refusing to break eye contact. "I want to guide Mist Village," he explained, his tone patient but resolute. "Not control it. Lead it with purpose under my direction. Together, we can rebuild its strength, but it will require unity, not coercion."

The realization dawned on her, and with a burst of disbelief, she stood up abruptly. "So you want to rule Mist Village through me?" Her voice rose, frustration flickering in her eyes as she stared him down.

Kaito, however, remained unbothered by her reaction. With a slight wave of his hand, he motioned for her to sit back down, his demeanor relaxed. "No one is controlling anyone. Think of it as an alliance—an investment. This isn't about power for power's sake. It's about survival. The Mist Village is fractured, weakened, and its people need a leader with vision."

He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in before continuing. "But I will need you and your forces in my corner for what comes next."

Terumi Mei slowly sat back down, though her posture remained tense. Confusion and doubt clouded her expression as she studied Kaito. "And what exactly do you plan on achieving with our help?"

Kaito leaned forward slightly, locking eyes with her. His voice, though calm, held an unmistakable edge of determination. "There's something I need to accomplish," he began, his words deliberate. "Something that will reshape the future of this village—and beyond. With Mist Village's support, we can accelerate that change. This is a partnership for mutual gain, not subjugation. When I succeed, you and your people will share in the rewards."

Her skepticism was evident, but Kaito wasn't finished. He allowed the silence to linger before adding, "And let's be clear—if you refuse, I will still achieve my goals. It will take longer, yes, but I'll find others. There are always those who are willing to work toward a greater purpose... or those who simply fear the alternative."

Terumi Mei clenched her fists, anger flickering beneath the surface. "Are you threatening my village?" she demanded, her voice cold, almost daring him to say yes.

"Not at all," Kaito replied evenly, his gaze never wavering. "I'm offering you a choice. You can either lead your village toward a stronger future with me by your side, or you can stand in my way and watch as Mist Village fades into irrelevance while the world moves forward. The choice is yours, Terumi."

Her breath quickened as the full weight of Kaito's proposal settled on her. After years of bloodshed and strife, Mist Village had been left in shambles. The Blood Mist era had not only weakened them physically but had fractured their spirit. They were vulnerable—Kaito's offer wasn't just about power. It was about survival. She realized, with a sinking feeling, that rejecting him would leave Mist Village defenseless, vulnerable to forces far more dangerous than him.

She stared at him for a long moment, her mind racing as she considered the options laid before her. Was this the only way to save her village? Could Kaito really deliver on his promises, or would this alliance only serve his ambitions? But more than that, she knew rejecting him outright would risk plunging Mist Village further into chaos, with or without his interference. The choice she faced wasn't as simple as she wanted it to be.

Sighing inwardly, Terumi Mei's shoulders slumped ever so slightly as she met his eyes once more. "You make it sound like you're saving us," she muttered, her voice a mix of resignation and reluctant acknowledgment.

Kaito's expression softened, just slightly. "I am offering you a path forward," he replied. "The world's changing, Terumi. And we can either adapt, evolve, and rise above the conflicts of the past... or be left behind, trapped in the cycle of war that has plagued the ninja world for generations."

His voice held no malice, only a quiet certainty that his vision was the only viable future. Terumi Mei could sense the sincerity in his words, but also the danger—Kaito was not one to make empty threats or promises. He believed in his path, and she had no doubt that if Mist Village stood in his way, he would not hesitate to push them aside.

The room fell into silence, the weight of their conversation settling like a heavy fog. Terumi Mei knew that no matter what decision she made, the Mist Village was on the cusp of a new era—an era that would be shaped by Kaito's ambition, whether they liked it or not.