From beginning to end, he had not even launched a single proper attack. He had essentially just let her attack him.
Even so, whether she used Ninjutsu, Kekkei Genkai, or Taijutsu, she had not harmed so much as a hair on Uchiha Minamoto's head.
The gap was too great.
So great that it inspired despair.
Mei Terumi closed her eyes, a bitter smile appearing on her lips.
"I... lost. Losing to the Light of Konoha isn't anything to be ashamed of."
"Can you still stand?"
Uchiha Minamoto spoke calmly.
Mei Terumi gritted her teeth and struggled to get up from the ground.
But the residual electric current was still running wild inside her, leaving her limbs completely unresponsive.
Just then.
A hand reached out in front of her.
Mei Terumi froze.
She raised her head, following the hand with her gaze.
Uchiha Minamoto stood before her, bending slightly at the waist, his right hand extended toward her.
Sunlight spilled down from behind him, gilding the edges of his silhouette with a pale golden halo.
His scarlet [Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan] had already returned to normal, his eyes as black as ink, clearly reflecting Mei Terumi's disheveled appearance.
"I've seen your mettle."
A gentle smile appeared on Uchiha Minamoto's face.
"Mei Terumi, you've earned my recognition. Become my companion.
"You're qualified to become the Fifth Mizukage."
"What was that..."
Mei Terumi muttered under her breath.
She hesitated, but finally reached out and took Uchiha Minamoto's right hand.
The Light of Konoha's hand was so big, so warm...
Mei Terumi stumbled and nearly fell again.
Uchiha Minamoto reached out and steadied her by the shoulder, helping her regain her footing.
"Thank you..."
Mei Terumi spoke softly, her voice carrying a barely perceptible tremor.
"You're welcome."
Hearing Uchiha Minamoto's reply, she was just about