Shihōin Naraku approached, step by step!
As the Mist Ninja watched the Shinobi World's Number One approach—the man who had killed the Fourth Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura, and Isobu—they knew they should present a united front against their enemy, yet their resolve crumbled with his footsteps.
Such was the imposing presence of the Shinobi World's Number One!
Ao was drenched in sweat. To ensure nothing unexpected happened, he had kept his Byakugan activated, yet he had not detected Shihōin Naraku's arrival at all. This was an utter failure of his duties.
Now, as Shihōin Naraku approached with seemingly no ill intent, he truly felt a terrifying pressure, as though a mountain rested on his shoulders.
It was enough to drive someone mad!
"Lord Naraku, this isn't our first meeting!"
At this critical moment, Mei Terumi could not bear to watch her subordinates lose their composure under Shihōin Naraku's imposing presence and stepped forward.
"Lady Mei Terumi is a very capable Mizukage!"
Strictly speaking, someone in Shihōin Naraku's position had no right to say such a thing.
After all, no matter how much power and influence an adviser wielded, that hardly entitled him to casually judge another nation's Kage!
But Naraku was different. As the strongest in the Shinobi World, he had that right.
"Your praise truly makes me happy, Lord Naraku."
Mei Terumi took no offense at all. She covered her red lips and laughed, easing the tense atmosphere.
Naraku smiled and extended his hand. "I'll say it again. Lady Mei Terumi is a very capable Mizukage."
"I believe you're right, Lord Naraku."
Mei Terumi also extended her hand and shook Naraku's.
One slightly hot palm clasped another that was cool as water, symbolizing the impending thaw in relations between Konoha and Kirigakure.
Everyone present seemed to breathe a sigh of