"It was the Mist Village that branded Zabuza a rogue ninja."
"And yet it's the same Mist Village that now wants him back."
"The Mist shinobi declared Zabuza a rogue ninja."
"But it was still you who pardoned him."
"You were the ones who sent ninja to hunt him down before."
"But in the end, it was I—Naruto Uzumaki—who saved Zabuza!"
Naruto shot off all these words in one go, leaving Mei Terumi completely stunned.
Mei Terumi lightly bit her lip. "So what do you want?"
"Zabuza can remain in the Mist Village… as long as the Mizukage gives Kakashi here a kiss on the lips."
After saying that, Naruto flashed a mischievous grin.
Kakashi was shocked.
Mei was shocked.
"Nonsense! What are you even talking about?" Ao finally snapped, unable to take it anymore.
"Hahaha!" Zabuza Momochi actually laughed out loud—he rarely ever did.
"Lord Fifth, your request is really strange. Why should it be me?" Kakashi rushed over beside Naruto, suspecting whether he was playing some kind of trick.
Naruto shot Kakashi a look of pure disdain. Seriously? What kind of guy gets scared over a kiss from a woman? You're bringing shame upon Konoha.
Mei lowered her head in thought. She knew the Mist Village was still fragile at this time—it was basically just a rundown village now.
And kissing Kakashi would cost her nothing, yet bring back Zabuza to Mist—that was a huge gain.
Since becoming the Mizukage, Mei always placed her village's interests above all else. A small sacrifice like this was nothing she couldn't endure.
For the sake of the village, Mei decided to make the sacrifice.
"Fine." Without hesitation, Mei agreed to Naruto's condition immediately.
"What?" Kakashi was dumbfounded. He originally thought Naruto was just joking, never expecting Mizukage Mei would take it seriously.
A faint smile appeared on Naruto's face—so subtle it was nearly imperceptible.
He mused to himself: My bond with Zabuza runs deeper than ever before. Letting him return to Mist means placing my own man within their leadership.
What a fool you are, Mizukage… Still so young, after all. Just having become leader, you're already obsessed with thinking only about the village.
You haven't realized it yet—while you think you've gained Zabuza for the Mist, I—Naruto—aim to devour the entire Mist Village itself… including you, Mizukage Mei Terumi.
"Hehehe!" Naruto let out a string of laughter.
Successfully planting Zabuza deep within Mist's leadership, making the Mizukage kiss Kakashi—in no time at all, the entire Mist Village will fall into Naruto's hands, and sooner or later, even Mei Terumi will belong to Kakashi.
Kakashi tried to refuse repeatedly.
Seeing how hesitant Kakashi was, Mei rolled her eyes, darted forward in an instant, and gave Kakashi's mask a quick peck with a soft "pop."
Tch, Naruto inwardly scolded Kakashi: Seriously, always covering your handsome face with that mask. Even when kissed by a woman, it's just landing on cloth.
Kakashi blushed instantly and fled like his life depended on it.
Naruto shook his head, thinking Kakashi just wasn't cut out for big responsibilities. If he couldn't even handle this, how would he ever manage Mei Terumi?
Mei lightly brushed her lips and said, "I did it."
Tch…
Naruto chuckled. "Let's get straight to the point, Zabuza Momochi. From now on, return to Kirigakure."
"Yes." Zabuza Momochi responded.
"That's just great," Mei Terumi said happily. Getting Zabuza back with just a kiss? Talk about a steal!
...
Naruto interrupted Mei, who was still caught up in her joy.
"I've come back to Kirigakure this time with some good news."
"Oh?" Mei became curious. "What kind of good news?"
"I've discovered traces of the Six-Tails Jinchuriki."
Mei froze for a moment, her eyes widening as excitement surged through her.
"The Six-Tails' jinchuriki, Nagare? Where did you meet Nagare?"
Mei was desperate for any information about Nagare.
Naruto smirked inwardly. She's hooked.
Mei thought: Today I regained Zabuza and also got news about Nagare—double blessings indeed!
Naruto knew exactly how eager Mei was for talent. After all, both Zabuza and Nagare had once been top-tier shinobi of Kirigakure.
"I'm the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki, so I can sense Nagare from afar, but we've never actually crossed paths."
Naruto continued, "I can only lead you to places he's been before, but how to track him down beyond that is up to you guys."
"No problem," Mei said. "Nagare used to be a Kiri ninja—we have detailed records on his habits, personality—everything. As long as we visit places he's stayed at, we'll be able to trace him through even the smallest clues."
Perfect! Naruto thought excitedly. That's exactly what I want you to do—help me find Nagare.
"No time to waste. Let's head out now." Naruto gave a thumbs-up.
"Ao," Mei decided, "go select several Anbu ninjas familiar with Nagare and others skilled in tracking."
She'd be the one to bring Nagare back to Kiri.
Meanwhile, Naruto went looking for Kakashi. Finally, he found Kakashi crouched in a dark corner muttering,
"Rin… I'm sorry."
Naruto kicked Kakashi and dragged him into the room.
Then Naruto, leading Kakashi and Mei along with five Kirigakure Anbu ninjas, used his [Flying Thunder God Technique] to teleport back to Hinata's side.
As soon as they arrived beside Hinata—
Kakashi's eyes went wide in shock at the sight of the Two-Tails Matatabi under Mei's control.
Mei's face turned pale; the rest of the Kirigakure Anbu were too paralyzed with fear to move.
"Naruto, you're finally back!" Hotaru shouted, riding atop the Five-Tails Kokuo as she caught up from behind.
Without thinking, Kakashi instinctively formed Chidori!
It wasn't intentional—it was just years of battle reflex taking over. The instant he sensed danger, his body reacted instinctively, forming Chidori.
With his other hand, Kakashi lifted his forehead protector, revealing his Sharingan.
Mei looked tense. This was the first time she'd ever found herself caught between two Tailed Beasts like this.
"Naruto! Why did you drag us into this Tailed Beast trap?"
Seeing the expressions on Kakashi's and Mei's faces, Naruto shot them both a glare.
Naruto walked up to Hinata and reached out to pet the Two-Tailed Matatabi, saying, "Good girl, such a good kitty."
Then Naruto approached Five-Tailed Kokuo. Kokuo's massive body shrank down to about the size of a foal.
Naruto started stroking Kokuo's body, and Kokuo trusted Naruto enough to let him pet without resisting.
Kakashi and Mei Terumi's group were completely stunned into silence.
Kakashi: "Are these fake Tailed Beasts?"
Mei: "No, the feeling of this Chakra — they're real Tailed Beasts."
"You two morons," Naruto said gruffly. "Let me introduce you to them... This is Two-Tailed Matatabi, and this is Five-Tailed Kokuo. They're on my side now."
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