Kirigakure.
"Interesting."
"Konoha's new Hokage was so overbearing that it was rather captivating."
Mei Terumi sat behind her desk.
Her slender fingers held the invitation as her red lips curved upward.
"Lord Mizukage."
"This was no joke!"
"Konoha's current strength was terrifying."
"What if they made a move during the exams? What would we do?"
Ao stood to the side, his face full of worry.
Kirigakure had only just endured the turmoil of the Bloody Mist Village.
The shadow of the Fourth Mizukage's manipulation had yet to fully fade, while rebels remained active within the country.
The current Kirigakure could not withstand any further upheaval.
"Precisely because we were weak, we had to go."
"Konoha was now a towering tree with luxuriant branches, absurdly powerful."
"If we could use this opportunity to establish ties with Konoha."
"It would be an enormous blessing for Kirigakure."
Mei Terumi rose and walked to the window.
The Mizukage robe outlined her graceful figure.
She saw things very clearly.
If those domestic rebels learned that Kirigakure had latched onto Konoha's thigh.
Even if they were given ten times the courage, they would not dare cause trouble again.
"Prepare a generous gift."
"We must let Konoha see Kirigakure's sincerity."
"If that Hokage was handsome enough, I wouldn't mind personally discussing a marriage alliance."
Ao was covered in black lines.
Yet he had to admit that this might be Kirigakure's only way to break the deadlock.
Land of Wind.
Sunagakure, Kazekage Office.
"Konoha..."
Rasa muttered, his eyes practically glowing green.
He knew all too well how prosperous Konoha had become.
Ever since Chiba took office, Konoha's economy had practically grown wings.
All kinds of new policies had made Konoha rich beyond measure.
In comparison, Sunagakure was like a beggar asking for scraps.
Even the Daimyo of