Mei Terumi spoke with difficulty.
"Kirigakure is willing to provide every necessary convenience for Lord Minamoto's Great Love Group."
"Very good. It seems our cooperation has already gotten off to a very harmonious, friendly start."
Uchiha Minamoto's gaze shifted from Mei Terumi to Karatachi Yagura, who remained unconscious.
"Next, it's time to deal with business."
Mei Terumi followed his gaze toward Karatachi Yagura, her expression growing complicated.
Mei Terumi quickly pushed aside all her earlier emotions, along with that business about the "Great Love Group."
She simply stared fixedly at Karatachi Yagura, the village's Fourth Mizukage.
"...Lord Minamoto."
Mei Terumi spoke slowly.
The Kirigakure ninja present were all her trusted followers, so there was no need to hide anything.
After a moment's hesitation, Mei Terumi finally asked a question that had lingered in her mind for a long time.
"You said earlier that Karatachi Yagura must die. Then... when do you intend to do it?"
Uchiha Minamoto's answer was crisp and decisive.
"Now."
Mei Terumi froze for a moment, then her expression changed, and she waved her hands repeatedly.
"Now?! Wait, wait, wait!"
Mei Terumi took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down as her mind raced faster than ever before.
"Lord Minamoto! You can't kill him yet!
"Karatachi Yagura is still the Fourth Mizukage!
"There are still quite a few people in the village loyal to him-or rather, loyal to the position of 'Mizukage.'
"If you kill Karatachi Yagura now, the village will definitely fall into internal strife!"
Mei Terumi had previously considered a plan to "assassinate" Karatachi Yagura on the battlefield.
But that was a final plan to be used only when all other plans had failed and no other choice remained.
Now, Uchiha Minamoto had defeated Karatachi Yagura with ease.
What Mei Terumi needed to consider