With Mei Terumi accompanying him, Shinichi refrained from using Flying Thunder God or Kamui and simply walked down the street.
"It's Lord Shinichi!"
"Lord Shinichi, today's apples are excellent! Take some home and try them!"
"Please give me your autograph, Lord Shinichi!"
As they walked, the Konoha villagers' overwhelming enthusiasm proved a little much for Shinichi.
Still, it was hardly surprising. Although Shinichi had been elusive lately, he was undeniably Konoha's Hero. Everyone also knew perfectly well that he had played a part in the Third Hokage and Danzo stepping down, ushering in a new era for Konoha.
Even Shinichi himself had never imagined his standing in the village would be so high. He was probably second only to Tsunade.
"Who would've thought a scoundrel like you would be so popular?"
Mei Terumi's lips curved into a breathtaking smile.
"Hey, that's enough already."
The sight of this woman gave Shinichi a headache. He lowered his voice. "Whatever else you might say, I did help you become Mizukage. Don't I deserve at least some credit? Do you really have to keep finding ways to torment me?"
"Did you?"
Mei Terumi said coolly, "But I don't recall ever asking you to help me become Mizukage. Besides, becoming Mizukage made me miss my chance to marry. Now I'm Kirigakure's famous old maid. Was that part of your scheme too?"
Shinichi's expression darkened. He had no idea what to say.
Calling herself an old maid was going way too far.
Mei Terumi was, at most, in her early twenties, in the prime of her youth and beauty.
"So by your logic, if you never get married, that's my fault too?"
Shinichi demanded angrily.
Who shifts the blame like that?
He had indeed done a few things in Kirigakure, but all he had done was