"Lord Kishi, you're truly well-prepared," Mei Terumī slowly exhaled.
Even though she's only twenty, she's been groomed to be the Mizukage since childhood. Her abilities and vision far exceed those of her peers.
She never thought Natsume would take the lead in today's conversation.
Not only did she fail to gain the upper hand, but she also quite approved of the conditions, or rather, the temptations, put forward by the other party.
If what Natsume said was true, even if he didn't take care of these five shipping lanes, Kiri Village would have to.
Because they held great strategic significance.
And this might be an opportunity to change the traditions of Kiri Village.
Once the shipping lanes were opened, not only elite ninjas but also ordinary ones would be needed.
In this situation, the bloody rule seemed extremely inappropriate.
Seeing her eyes twinkling like stars, Natsume couldn't help but let out a laugh.
Actually, the shipping lanes only seem important for now.
In the later stages, they won't play a significant role.
Even if warships used Chakra as shields, they couldn't withstand those piloting Gundams.
Natsume didn't care about the situation of Kiri Village.
He's just hitching it to his 'ship' to make his business easier.
By the way, he would gradually take control of it.
Shipping was just the beginning.
Although it was just a start, it still broadened Mei Terumī's horizons.
She never imagined that combining shipping with a ninja village could have such an effect.
"I can't decide this matter alone," Mei Terumī calmed her emotions and said. "I need to report it to Lord Mizukage."
Hearing this, Natsume frowned a bit.
Yagura Karatachi, who wasn't under control, would surely agree.
But Obito Uchiha wouldn't.
He's here to destroy Kiri Village, so there's no reason for him to develop it.
However, Natsume had no reason to stop it.
After some thought, he figured this wasn't such a bad thing.
After Mei Terumī suffered a setback, she would definitely start to suspect Yagura Karatachi.
If it was about tradition before, what about now?
As the Mizukage, he didn't do anything for Kiri Village. Clearly, there was something wrong.
Then, with a little nudge from Natsume, the truth will come out.
"Lord Kishi, I've learned a lot today. Thank you very much," Mei Terumī stood up, bowed slightly, and said. "After Lord Mizukage gives his approval, I'll come back to discuss the details."
"Okay," Natsume watched her leave.
To be honest, Mei Terumī is really pretty, but he doesn't really like her hairstyle. It looks like a pine tree.
He had to get her to change it to long, straight black hair when he had the chance.
At night, Mei Terumī came again.
She didn't bother to hide it. Her face looks awful.
The result was predictable.
"Sorry, Lord Kishi," Mei Terumī forced a smile and said. "Lord Mizukage didn't approve of your plan."
"Come in and sit down," Natsume pointed at the delicious food on the table and said. "I was just having dinner. If you haven't eaten, you can join me."
Mei Terumī wasn't in the mood to eat, but she didn't refuse either and sat down.
"What was the reason?" Natsume handed her a pair of chopsticks and asked.
"There's no reason," A look of confusion appeared on Mei Terumī's delicate face. "This is what I can't understand."
After she reported the plan to Yagura Karatachi, he flat - out rejected it.
She was kicked out without any explanation.
Actually, she had suspected Yagura Karatachi.
At the beginning, he was relatively normal. But later, for some unknown reason, he became more and more strict, or rather, bloodthirsty.
He single - handedly led to the destruction of the Kaguya Clan, the most powerful Kekkei Genkai ninja clan in Kiri.
In short, since he took office, the village had been in decline and had never prospered.
Now, even with such a good opportunity, he still refused.
Mei Terumī instantly fell into a state of bewilderment.
"I kind of expected it," Natsume said, looking at the girl's beautiful face so close to his, "so you don't have to care about it."
"How could I not care?" Mei Terumī unconsciously tightened her chopsticks and said, "Lord Mizukage is supposed to be the ninja who thinks most about Kiri, but he keeps turning a blind eye to everything."
After all, she was young and hot - blooded. In addition, with the blow she suffered today, she lost her composure a little.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have said such things to an outsider.
Another reason was that she quite approved of Natsume.
"What I mean is that you don't have to worry about Lord Mizukage. Kiri can still develop," Natsume said, moving back a little and taking out a permit. "The Water Daimyo has already allowed me to open up new shipping lanes."
Mei Terumī glanced at the permit and slowly frowned.
She already understood what Natsume meant.
Even if Lord Yagura Karatachi refused, he could only control the waters near Kiri.
But the outer waters were under the jurisdiction of the Land of Water.
Natsume could simply open up shipping lanes around Kiri.
He has the support of the Land of Water, so it doesn't matter to him. But what about herself? If she helps him, she will undoubtedly go against Lord Yagura Karatachi's orders.
Mei Terumī unconsciously bit her lip due to the dilemma.
Looking at her, Natsume suddenly had an urge to smooth it out with his fingers.
He picked up his chopsticks, picked up a piece of fish, and chewed it slowly.
"I issue commissions, and you take on the tasks. It's only natural, and even Lord Mizukage can't stop it."
Mei Terumī stared at him with wide eyes. After a moment of silence, she said, "I'll try to get the support of Elder Yuanshi."
The most respected ninja in Kiri was Yuanshi.
In the original story, after the death of Yagura Karatachi, it was Yuanshi who took over the position of Mizukage temporarily, and later passed it on to Mei Terumī.
But he didn't covet power. Instead, he did it to train a successor.
Oh!
During his tenure as acting Mizukage, he delegated all powers to Mei Terumī.
When the time was right, it was only natural for her to become the Mizukage.
Yuanshi was old.
Mei Terumī generally didn't trouble him and would only consult him on important matters.
Once Yuanshi supported her, it meant she had enough confidence to reject Lord Yagura Karatachi.
"I'm hoping for good news," Natsume nodded and said, "Don't frown anymore. Have some delicious food."
"Thank you."
Mei Terumī's expression gradually relaxed, and she suddenly smiled. Her cold face instantly became more girlish.
"May I be so bold as to ask why Lord Kishi wears a mask?"
"Ah, this? When I was a kid, I was naughty and hurt my face. I got a scar, so I wear a mask so as not to scare people."
Natsume had already come up with a story.
"Sorry," Mei Terumī said a bit sheepishly. "I didn't mean to ask."
"It's okay. It's not really a taboo."
Natsume changed the subject. "I'm going to post a commission first and then conduct a field investigation in the nearby shipping lanes. Are you interested in coming along then? Just think of it as protecting me on the way, and the reward will definitely satisfy you."
"If Elder Yuanshi approves, I'll naturally protect your safety," Mei Terumī curled her lips slightly and said.
After the dinner was over.
Natsume saw her off and then turned back to his room. He felt like he hadn't had enough to eat.
After all, there was one more person competing with him for food.
He thought for a moment, then performed the Reverse Summoning Jutsu. He appeared in Konoha Village and then sneaked into Ena Uzumaki's room.
"Don't wake Karin up," Natsume put his hand on her lips and whispered.
Ena Uzumaki nodded.
When he snuggled into her arms, she suddenly panicked.
"You seem really nervous?" Natsume asked knowingly, noticing that her body was a bit stiff.
Ena Uzumaki rolled her eyes at him helplessly, thinking he always loved to tease her.
Don't you know why I'm nervous?
"Be good," Natsume said, gently stroking her soft waist and abdomen. He asked softly, "I'm hungry. Do you have any late - night snacks?"
Ena Uzumaki blushed slightly and peeled a grape, putting it into his mouth.
For a moment, the night was quiet.
<><><><><><><><>
~ 80+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
p-atreon.com/Tansnovel
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)
~ Every 50 Powerstones = 4 Bonus Chapters on the weekend!