So the two of them set out to find White Zetsu.
White Zetsu was once a human transformed into a weapon through the Infinite Tsukuyomi — a creation of Kaguya meant to combat the Ōtsutsuki clan. Uchiha Madara, however, had been deceived by Black Zetsu into believing they were simply grown from Hashirama's cells. Everyone thought so.
Kiyosuke knew the truth, but he never bothered to say it out loud.
There was no need. In some ways, White Zetsu's body was still extremely useful. When infused with Hashirama's cells, it could even enhance one's power, becoming something rather special.
In fact, it was the best possible prosthetic — one that caused no rejection at all. Take Obito for example: half of his body was made of White Zetsu's substance, modified by Madara with Hashirama's cells to increase vitality. It even allowed him to use Wood Release.
Without question, it was the perfect prosthetic.
When the two arrived at one of Madara's old bases, they found several White Zetsus cleaning up the place. The base still had value — it couldn't just be destroyed.
However, the moment the White Zetsus saw Kiyosuke and Obito, they all froze in shock.
"Catch them!"
Kiyosuke rushed forward at once, with Obito close behind.
Their strength far surpassed that of the White Zetsus, and they quickly subdued them, bringing the captives back to Konoha.
One of the White Zetsus was handed over to Konoha's researchers, while Kiyosuke kept the remaining four as hidden trump cards.
Upon obtaining White Zetsu, Konoha immediately began studying it. The secrets hidden within were immense — once unraveled, their biotechnology could take a monumental leap forward.
"Alright, last thing on the list — let's release Deidara."
"Yeah."
Obito nodded and released Deidara from the Kamui dimension.
"Oww! Damn it, that hurt!"
Deidara hit the ground hard, grumbling,
"You bastard! You'd better die a miserable death someday!"
"Now, now," Obito chuckled, squatting down to pat his cheek. "Don't say that. I'm absolutely going to live to the end."
He turned to Kiyosuke. "So, what do we do with this guy?"
"Hand him over to Konoha's intelligence division. Then we'll try to trade him for the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki."
"That old man's a stubborn one. You really think he'd agree to that?"
Obito frowned — knowing Ōnoki's personality, that seemed impossible.
"Who knows? If he agrees, great. If not, we'll just keep him. He's strong, even if he's a bit unhinged," Kiyosuke said with a laugh.
"Who are you calling unhinged?! You looking for a fight, huh?! Don't give me the chance, or I'll blow you all to hell!"
Bound tightly, Deidara wriggled on the ground like a caterpillar, which only made the scene more ridiculous.
Kiyosuke burst out laughing, grabbed him by the collar, and together with Obito, hauled him off to Ibiki. They made sure to restrain him properly — Deidara was dangerous. One wrong move, and he'd self-destruct, taking half the village with him.
So they used electric wires to bind him, shocking him occasionally to disrupt his chakra flow and nullify his explosive clay.
After parting ways with Obito, Kiyosuke stretched, returned home, took a long shower, changed into fresh clothes, and finally got a good night's sleep.
When he woke up, the sky was already dim. Humming cheerfully, he went to find Obito.
"Hey, can you send me to Kirigakure?"
"You—what do you take me for?! I had plans to meet Rin tonight!"
Of course, Kiyosuke meant for him to open a portal.
But Kiyosuke, being a man of some dignity, didn't say that aloud. He only grinned and replied,
"You're the only one who can do it. I can't count on Kakashi to use Kamui twice without trapping himself in the void. Come on, hurry up, I'm going to see my wife!"
"You're unbelievable," Obito sighed, shaking his head.
Still, he activated Kamui and brought Kiyosuke to Kirigakure.
"Alright, come find me in two days at noon."
"…"
Watching Kiyosuke trot off, Obito sighed again.
"Why hasn't that guy gotten married yet?"
...
Meanwhile, Kiyosuke arrived at the Terumi compound. Moving silently, he stopped before Mei Terumī's room and gently knocked on the door.
A drowsy, soft voice came from inside.
"What is it?"
"Here to steal someone's heart."
That teasing tone made Mei's sleepiness vanish instantly. She jumped up, opened the door with a radiant smile, and threw her arms around him.
"You came! I thought you were busy."
"Of course I missed you."
"You're such a tease!"
Holding his beloved in his arms, the two stumbled into the room. The next moment, thunder met fire — passion ignited beyond control.
When the storm had passed, Mei lay softly against Kiyosuke's chest, breathing lightly, her flushed face glowing in the dim light.
"You really scared me," she murmured. "You should've said something before showing up like that."
"Hahaha. Things are finally wrapping up for me," Kiyosuke said, smiling. "Mei, let's get married."
Married.
For Mei Terumī, that word had been both a hope and a heartbreak for years. As she grew older, she couldn't help feeling anxious — yearning for a husband she truly loved, yet never finding one. Every suitor who appeared was not the man she wanted.
She had been waiting — waiting for this man, Asakawa Kiyosuke.
Even though he was often away, even though every time she mentioned marriage, he'd say,
"Not yet. Just a bit longer — I still have work to do."
She had waited, and waited, until she'd nearly given up — believing she might never marry in this lifetime.
Her eyes widened now, filled with disbelief.
"Are you really Kiyosuke? You actually said the word 'marriage'?"
Kiyosuke gave a helpless smile.
"What kind of man do you take me for? I mean it. Let's get married. But… would you be willing to leave Kirigakure and live with me in Konoha?"
It was no small thing — a marriage between the two would be a major event. One of them would have to leave their village and move to the other's.
Yet neither could easily do so. Kiyosuke's status in Konoha was second only to the Hokage, while Mei was the Fifth Mizukage of Kirigakure.
If the two married, the entire ninja world would erupt — Ōnoki and the Fourth Raikage might even think it was a political alliance between the two great villages.
A troubled look crossed Mei's face. The village was still developing; her sudden departure would be disastrous.
Seeing her hesitation, Kiyosuke smiled gently.
"Then how about this? We'll hold the wedding first. I'll bring you to Konoha, you stay there a few days, and then return here to work. Just think of it as a short vacation. Later, when Kirigakure stabilizes, you can come live with me permanently."
"Alright."