Utakata paused, then added:
"Also, regarding Kekkei Genkai research, I suggest focusing on developing Lava Release and Boil Release. Kirigakure has a natural advantage with these two Kekkei Genkai. If we can cultivate them on a large scale, it will greatly improve Kirigakure's overall fighting strength."
When he finished, the meeting room fell briefly silent.
Everyone looked at Utakata in surprise.
His remarks were clear and well organized, getting straight to the heart of the matter. They sounded nothing like something a Jinchūriki who had spent years indifferent to government affairs would say.
Mei Terumi gave Utakata a long look, then nodded.
"Utakata is right. I didn't think this through."
She turned to everyone. "Then we'll proceed according to Utakata's suggestions and mine. Does anyone object?"
"No."
"Agreed."
Everyone voiced their agreement, and the way they looked at Utakata changed somewhat.
In the past, they had only treated Utakata as a dangerous Jinchūriki they needed to be wary of, but now...
This Six-Tails Jinchuriki seemed to be more than he appeared.
After the meeting ended, everyone left one after another.
Mei Terumi sat alone in the Mizukage's Office, tapping her fingers lightly against the desk, a thoughtful look flashing through her eyes.
The change in Utakata...
It was too great, so great that it made her somewhat uneasy.
"I hope I'm just overthinking it."
Mei Terumi murmured to herself and returned her attention to the documents.
What she did not know was that in the shadows just outside the meeting room, a spiral-shaped spatial ripple slowly appeared, then slowly vanished.
All it left behind was an almost inaudible sneer.
Amegakure.
Atop the Tower, Pain's Deva Path stood silently, looking down at the village shrouded in drizzle.
Konan approached from behind and handed him a scroll.
"The terms of the