Mei Terumī harbored feelings for him—perhaps even felt a deep affection for Natsume.
But before that, she was the Mizukage, carrying the future of Kirigakure on her shoulders.
She couldn't afford to be as free-spirited as Kaguya Otsutsuki.
Therefore, when she said she wasn't ready, it came from an indescribable trace of quiet fear.
Of course, it also had something to do with Natsume's identity.
If he were a ninja from Kirigakure, Mei wouldn't have so many concerns.
Natsume understood what she was thinking, so he held himself back afterward.
It genuinely touched Mei, and out of a sense of guilt, she almost started believing she truly was his maid.
The weekend arrived.
Natsume once again arrived in Kirigakure.
However, his main purpose wasn't for Mei, but rather for Konan.
It had already reached the time they agreed to meet.
Ena Uzumaki had specifically traveled to Kirigakure as well.
Besides this, there was another matter—the replacement of the jinchūriki.
Konan and the others had previously come to Kirigakure to retrieve Yagura Karatachi.
Because of Natsume's intervention, they had no choice but to give up.
For Akatsuki, however, the Three-Tails wasn't currently essential—it could wait for several more years.
That was precisely why Konan gave it up without hesitation.
Yagura Karatachi's life was already hanging by a thread.
To avoid a repeat of the previous situation, he voluntarily asked for the extraction of the Three-Tails.
Although Natsume held the title of Hokage, relying on the Sealing Team remained logistically inconvenient.
Without a doubt, Ena Uzumaki was the best candidate.
"You all go down first."
Mei's eyes slightly narrowed as she spoke. "Zabuza, you should get prepared."
"Yes."
Momochi Zabuza replied coolly.
Being chosen as the Three-Tails' new host didn't seem unusual to him.
Rather, he felt some admiration for Mei's magnanimity.
After all, with the power of the Three-Tails, Momochi Zabuza's strength would rise yet another level—he might even set his sights on the position of Mizukage.
The group turned and left.
Mei turned to Natsume, who was leaning against the windowsill, and asked, "Aren't you afraid they'll find out?"
"Why should I be afraid?"
Natsume landed both feet on the ground and said, "I haven't done anything wrong."
"…"
Mei had no reply.
What he said made too much sense.
Now it seemed like she was the one behaving improperly.
She had to admit, she was indeed worried about someone from Kirigakure discovering her relationship with Natsume.
While having a romantic relationship was normal, it would harm her dignity as the Mizukage.
"Should I change into a maid outfit?"
Mei asked normally, her expression calm.
After spending these days together, she had already somewhat gotten used to it.
Which also had to do with her personality.
If it were Hinata Hyuga instead, she probably wouldn't have adjusted even after years.
"So fast into character as a maid? Well done."
Natsume gave her an approving smile.
"…"
Mei immediately lost her cool. She glared at him and said, "I don't need that kind of praise!"
"Alright then."
Natsume shrugged slightly, teasingly saying, "You don't need to change into a maid outfit. Besides, being a maid is more than just wearing a uniform anyway."
"…"
Mei fell silent for a few seconds before resignedly lifting her skirt hem and calling out, "Master."
Her heart gave a slight tremble, sensing a different feeling from how she felt wearing the maid outfit.
It even made her face slightly blush.
"So obedient."
Natsume leaned in and gently ruffled her hair.
"Master, please feel free to give your orders."
Mei Terumī kept her gaze downcast, her voice cool and composed.
Failing to act properly would only bring shame and humiliation.
Plus, they were in the Mizukage's office—anyone could walk in at any moment.
It was thrilling yet terrifying at the same time.
Natsume glanced left and right before lifting her chin and saying, "There's not much to do today."
Mei Terumī paused briefly upon hearing that.
Just as she began to relax, her lips were captured.
She instinctively widened her eyes, then softened with emotion and hugged him.
Finally, they broke apart.
"Mizukage-sama, you're becoming quite skilled."
Natsume brushed his finger across Mei Terumī's glistening lips.
Only to meet a sharp glare in response.
As if that hadn't been intense enough, she directly bit down on his finger.
"Are you a dog?"
Natsume couldn't help but laugh at her actions.
Mei Terumī immediately realized the issue.
This no longer felt like punishment—it was turning into a reward.
"Tch!"
Mei Terumī spit out the finger and quickly took a step back. "You really are a pervert!"
"You started it."
Natsume winked. "Now you're blaming me? Mizukage-sama, isn't that a bit unreasonable?"
"There's no need for reason with you."
Mei Terumī lightly huffed, somewhat defensively.
"Fine. Since I'm your master, I'll show some mercy."
Natsume snapped his fingers. "Alright, I have real work to do—I'll see you later."
As he left, Mei Terumī shivered all over, finally recalling what she'd just done.
She covered her face.
Instead of refusing, she hadn't only responded enthusiastically—
she'd grown remarkably skilled.
Leaning back against the Mizukage's chair, Mei Terumī felt both shy and elated.
At the Thousand Sunny Chamber of Commerce's residence in Kiri,
the estate featured a sprawling courtyard.
Ena Uzumaki met Konan and immediately saw what had drawn Natsume to her.
She truly was beautiful,
exuding a uniquely calm and composed presence.
"You're the chief representative?"
Konan's eyes instinctively drifted to Ena's crimson hair.
She thought of Nagato.
Oh… Right.
Still, red hair wasn't all that rare.
Sasori of the Red Sand also had red hair.
Ena used a sealing jutsu to mask her chakra.
From Konan's perspective, she seemed like an ordinary civilian.
What surprised her most was that such a wealthy figure could be a woman.
The ninja world was unlike anything from her past life.
It was ancient times here, and women's status was generally low.
Within ninja villages, things were somewhat better—if a woman was strong, she earned respect.
Beyond them, though, inequality ran far deeper.
"Just calling me Ena will do."
Ena smiled warmly. "Kishi will be arriving shortly."
Seeing Ena's gentle demeanor, Konan's expression softened slightly.
For someone of such wealth, showing such humility as a woman was truly remarkable.
"Hmm."
Konan sat opposite her.
Moments later, a knock echoed at the door.
"Sorry, I arrived a little late."
Natsume pushed open the door and walked in.
"It's fine. You're right on time."
Ena Uzumaki replied composedly.
She was already doing her best to keep her emotions in check, so Konan wouldn't catch on.
"Let's begin then."
Ena averted her gaze and asked, "How much does the Akatsuki organization wish to borrow?"
"Two billion."
Konan answered without hesitation.
She had already decided beforehand, so there wasn't any delay.
Moreover, it was double the one billion Natsume had mentioned.
"Two billion isn't a small amount."
Ena didn't seem overly taken aback by the enormous sum.
Years of experience had made her more than capable as a CEO.
Natsume gazed at her, touched by her composure.
Before him, Ena Uzumaki was normally a gentle and lovely beautiful woman.
She rarely showed such an air.
Frankly, it was rather impressive.
"What guarantee can the Akatsuki offer that would justify our chamber of commerce lending out two billion?"
Ena noticed Natsume's gaze.
Although she wanted to respond, this clearly wasn't a good time, so she could only endure briefly.
"The Akatsuki possesses the power to destroy Kiri."
Konan thought for a moment before replying, "We can provide sufficient protection for the Thousand Sunny Merchant Guild."
Destroy Kiri?
That caught Ena off guard.
Kiri was one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, ranking among the top five in overall strength within the ninja world.
But Konan mentioned it so casually, as if it were merely an insignificant minor village.
"Natsume didn't tell her much about this."
Mainly because she wasn't involved with the Akatsuki.
"That alone isn't enough."
Shaking her head, Ena asked, "Since your Akatsuki has such terrifying power, what happens if you refuse to repay the debt?"
"..."
Konan frowned.
That was something they couldn't prove.
It would have to rely on the Akatsuki's reputation.
But clearly, Ena didn't trust them.
"How do you suggest we proceed?"
After thinking briefly without coming up with a good idea, Konan threw the question right back.
"The Thousand Sunny is just a merchant guild, not a nation or ninja village. Normally, we wouldn't have any reason to wield such terrifying power."
Ena carefully observed her before asking, "What position do you hold within the Akatsuki organization?"
"Huh?"
Confused, Konan still answered, "Technically speaking, we were all leaders when the Akatsuki organization was first formed by Yahiko, Nagato, and myself."
"But now, only Deva Path Pain is recognized as the sole leader, so referring to herself as a deputy leader was accurate enough."
"If that's the case, then how about becoming my personal bodyguard?"
Ena smiled as she suggested.
"Bodyguard?"
Konan raised her eyebrows, replying, "Must it be me specifically? There are other members in the Akatsuki organization who aren't inferior to me."
"I want to stay by Nagato's side and protect him."
Even if he didn't really need protection, it was necessary to watch out for members like Madara Uchiha.
After all, she knew Nagato was currently too confident.
There was always a chance he'd end up crashing and burning.
"I am a woman."
Ena Uzumaki said, "If the Akatsuki has female members, it should be fine."
"..."
Konan remained silent.
The truth was, the Akatsuki didn't actually have any female members.
She really should have recruited two back then.
Still, she could understand Ena's point.
There was a difference between men and women.
Plus, all the other Akatsuki members were completely clueless around women.
That would definitely be inconvenient.
But she couldn't refuse either.
Ena was clearly placing a lot of trust in her.
Without this bodyguard condition, it'd be like borrowing twenty billion with nothing in return.
Honestly speaking, if that were the case, Konan would've questioned her intentions.
Thinking about it, she nodded.
"It's fine for you to be my bodyguard, but I need permission to return to the Akatsuki whenever necessary."
"That goes without saying."
Seeing Konan agree, Ena smiled, "Being my bodyguard isn't hard work—you don't need to feel uneasy."
Konan didn't feel uneasy at all.
She quite liked Ena Uzumaki.
Serving as her guard wouldn't be bad at all.
The only downside was being away from Amegakure for extended periods.
But thinking carefully, it wasn't a big issue.
At a ninja's speed, a quick trip back wouldn't take much time at all.
"Then let's sign a contract."
Ena took out two copies of the agreement.
Given the Akatsuki's strength, this paper meant nothing.
But with Natsume involved, that trash became official proof.
They both signed.
With that, the loan was finalized.
Natsume officially became Akatsuki's creditor.
[Your actions have changed Konan's destiny. You've earned 100 destiny points.]
A hundred points?
Natsume was somewhat taken aback.
Three thousand words.
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