"Elder, this is the one who single-handedly saved Konohagakure and tamed the Eight-Tails in Kirigakure—Sanada Kazama!"
"What?! You're the legendary Sanada Kazama, young brother? My apologies for not recognizing you!"
After Terumi Mei's introduction, Genshi hurriedly stood up, bowing repeatedly to Kazama with respect.
Despite Genshi's advanced age, he acted as if he were the junior in Kazama's presence—a testament to Kazama's strength.
"You're too kind. Those are just old stories, not worth mentioning!"
When Kazama brushed off his glorious deeds as trivial, Genshi and the Kirigakure crowd couldn't help but think, Man, this guy sure knows how to play it cool.
But they also quietly acknowledged that Kazama had every right to flex like that.
"Elder, Kazama's two subordinates here are former Kirigakure renegades, Zabuza and Haku," Terumi Mei continued. "Kazama hopes we can lift their wanted status. What do you think?"
Even though Terumi Mei was currently Kirigakure's strongest shinobi, Genshi was the one who truly held the village's authority.
The decision to lift the bounty rested with him.
"Of course, we'll lift it!"
Before Terumi Mei could finish, Genshi immediately agreed.
"Zabuza and Haku became renegades during the Yondaime Mizukage's reign. They rebelled because of his brutal rule, so their bounties should've been lifted long ago. Kazama, rest assured—Kirigakure will never send anyone after Zabuza or Haku again!"
Kazama smiled and nodded at Genshi's words.
Zabuza and Haku, who had been fugitives for years, were overjoyed to finally regain their freedom. Their gratitude toward Kazama deepened even more.
"And there's more good news!" Terumi Mei said excitedly to Genshi.
"Kazama said that even though Kirigakure lost the arena battle, we can still stay in the Land of Water!"
"Really? That's fantastic!"
Genshi was so thrilled he nearly cried.
After all, they'd lived in the Land of Water for years, and the thought of leaving was unbearable.
"Kazama, I can't thank you enough! Not only did you help us defeat the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, but you've also secured a home for Kirigakure. We'll never forget your kindness. Tell me, how can I repay you? Name it, and I'll make it happen!"
Kazama burst out laughing—Genshi's words were almost identical to Terumi Mei's earlier offer.
"Alright, if you really want to help me, make Terumi Mei the Godaime Mizukage!"
"What?!"
Both Genshi and Terumi Mei were stunned by Kazama's request.
"Done!"
Before Terumi Mei could process it, Genshi nodded in agreement.
"Elder, I…"
Terumi Mei was floored that Genshi so readily agreed to let her take the Godaime Mizukage title. Her heart raced with a mix of nerves and excitement.
Becoming Mizukage had always been her dream, but she never expected Genshi to actually agree to Kazama's suggestion.
Truth be told, Genshi had long considered Terumi Mei for the role. Since Kazama brought it up, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to do a favor and seal the deal.
Genshi was a sly old fox. Everything he did was to build a strong relationship with Kazama. He knew that if Kirigakure could stay on Kazama's good side, the village's future would soar.
Plus, Genshi figured that since Kazama suggested Terumi Mei as Mizukage, he probably had a thing for her.
So, striking while the iron was hot, Genshi warmly invited Kazama to stay in Kirigakure for a while.
He even slipped Kazama Terumi Mei's address and, with a wink, handed him a small blue pill.
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