The kunai skimmed directly past Kitahara Kaede's cheek.
The kunai's tip had been less than 0.5 centimeters from Kitahara Kaede's face.
"That was really dangerous—"
Kitahara Kaede said.
"..." Mei Terumi.
She had not deliberately let it pass by. When she had been about to stab Kitahara Kaede, he had tilted his head aside and dodged.
That meant... his Taijutsu proficiency was no lower than hers. She was a Kage-level fighter, after all. There was no watering down in her status as Kage; she might even have been stronger than the previous Mizukage!
So.
No wonder Kitahara Kaede did not join Sasuke and Naruto's Taijutsu training.
Because he simply did not need it.
"Sorry, sorry." Mei Terumi said. "I just thought you'd definitely be able to dodge it."
"After all, you people from the Hidden Leaf Village are all geniuses."
"Hey..."
"Are you really not considering coming to Kirigakure?" Mei Terumi asked. "I can directly appoint you as the next Mizukage."
"An immediate Mizukage candidate."
But Kitahara Kaede's expression did not change in the slightest.
"Do you think I'd go with someone who just pointed a weapon at me?"
"Ah, sorry."
Mei Terumi said, immediately raising the kunai before blowing lightly on it.
Lava Style emerged.
The kunai melted away completely in an instant.
Even the ground had caved in from the lava, forming a pit.
"..." Kitahara Kaede.
Kitahara Kaede looked at her somewhat uneasily.
He could tell that Mei Terumi was trying to curry favor with him, but... well...
This woman was far too dangerous. What a waste of that great figure. If he lost control and let her kiss him, then... he would probably melt on the spot.
So while Mei Terumi might have thought she was apologizing, from Kitahara Kaede's perspective...
Going to Kirigakure was already out of the question.
PS: Brothers who give flowers will grow 3 centimeters tonight!
The Land of Waves Wasn't Just a Wallet? (Asking for Data)
"Can your seafood only be sold to Gato?"
"Uh... yes. The prices are too low. Some people tried secretly shipping their catch out on their own little fishing boats, but the boats were attacked."
"So we have no way to survive..."
"We're barely hanging on—"
Ordinary villagers took enormous risks fishing in the Ocean, yet the seafood they caught was bought at extremely low prices while the cost of living remained high.
That was why the people of the Land of Waves looked so full of resentment.
But this was a country without ninja, and it was generally poor.
And though it was called a country, it was really only about the size of a small island, so there was basically no hope.
The source of it all was the merchant Gato.
Gato had monopolized this place.
Not only did he set the prices for supplies, he also bought all the villagers' seafood.
While Sasuke and Naruto continued their special training along the way, Kitahara Kaede had been making inquiries around the area.
"What are you investigating this information for?"
Mei Terumi asked curiously.
Having finally obtained Kitahara Kaede's permission, she stayed by his side and watched him take notes without disturbing him.
Only after Kitahara Kaede put down his pen did she step forward.
"The Team 7 I'm part of accepted a mission to escort the bridge builder Tazuna back to the Land of Waves."
"Now, he has already returned home."
"That mission has been completed."
Kitahara Kaede said.
The Fifth Mizukage nodded lightly. She knew about this, because she had followed them the entire way.
"But if the mission is complete, why do you think I haven't left?"
Kitahara Kaede asked in return.
Kitahara Kaede was taking the initiative to speak with her.
Mei Terumi lightly clenched her hand and quickly thought of how to respond.
Kitahara Kaede did not want to go to Kirigakure, and he had no interest in becoming either a Mizukage candidate or the next Mizukage. But building a good relationship with him could not be wrong.
And now, this was her test.
"..." Mei Terumi.
So why was it?
Was it because he still wanted to improve Sasuke and Naruto's Taijutsu?
Or was there something in this little fishing village that attracted him? Probably not... there were few people, and though it was called the Land of Waves, it was just an island.
And Tazuna, as a bridge builder, was clearly planning to build a bridge directly connecting it to the outside world.
So what could there possibly be here that attracted him?
"..." Mei Terumi.
Ugh.
She was clearly the Fifth Mizukage, yet she felt more nervous now than when she had assassinated Fourth Mizukage Yashura.
Her eyes lifted slightly as she secretly stole a glance at Kitahara Kaede's expression.
Unfortunately.
She could not read any change in his expression.
Novel group 605837297
So...
"Could it be..." Mei Terumi ventured, "you want this Land of Waves?"
"More or less." Kitahara Kaede said. "I'm staying for two reasons."
"First, to stop Master Bridge Builder Tazuna from building the bridge."
"Second, to get rid of Gato."
"Don't ninja run about and fight for missions just for that little bit of money?"
"Though I'm only a rookie Genin, having more money is never a bad thing." Kitahara Kaede said.
The Mizukage nodded lightly.
So that was it.
Then her answer had barely passed.
Kitahara Kaede intended to get rid of Gato and take his place.
Wasn't that how Gato made his money?
"I thought you were a dragon-slaying youth, but it turns out you're the dragon." Mei Terumi remarked.
She was referring to the story of a dragon-slaying youth eventually becoming a dragon.
"You can't call me an evil dragon."
Kitahara Kaede said. "If I manage it well, they'll only see me as a hero."
"A hero?"
Mei Terumi blinked.
Gato was hated by everyone in the village, yet he intended to replace Gato and... still believed they would see him as a hero?
"I'll raise the price of fish somewhat."
Kitahara Kaede said.
"Those who acknowledge me first can have their fish bought at a price fifty percent higher than what Gato offered."
"And I won't stop outside goods from coming in."
"I'll only prohibit them from taking seafood out."
"This..." Mei Terumi thought it over carefully and realized that if it were implemented this way, he really might be worshipped as a savior.
After all, their basic living conditions would be guaranteed... and then their income would increase, stimulating their enthusiasm.
Then... the villagers naturally would not hate him the way they hated Gato.
"But." Mei Terumi was very curious. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I lack a partner." Kitahara Kaede said. "I can't stay here forever, can I?"
"The Hidden Leaf Village won't allow it either."
"After all, I'm a Wood Release user."
Kitahara Kaede said.
"But you're the Mizukage, and you have plenty of people under you."
"You can arrange everything that comes afterward as well."
"..." Mei Terumi.
Fine.
So it was not that her answer or companionship had earned her points. It was because she was useful to him.
"..." Mei Terumi.
So what had all her clinginess along the way been for? Was she just making a fool of herself?
Lady Mizukage felt a hint of depression.
"But there is still something you need to do now." Kitahara Kaede continued. "I'll leave Gato to you."
"..."
Leave Gato to her?
Leave Gato to her!?
"You're actually making a Mizukage go kill someone." Mei Terumi complained.
"Because Lady Mizukage is very strong." Kitahara Kaede soothed her. "Besides, you've always wanted to earn my goodwill, so... having a shared partnership will put you at ease, won't it?"
Of course!
Mei Terumi immediately thought.
Everyone in the small group was from the Hidden Leaf Village, and the Hidden Leaf Village had produced such a genius. If her Kirigakure did nothing, it might really decline under her leadership.
Before you continue