"Running pretty fast, huh?" Natsume chuckled softly.
Even in Sage Mode, he couldn't sense Obito anymore. This could only mean he was out of range. The Kamui technique was truly unmatched for escaping.
"Damn it!" Ao suddenly shouted. "Everyone, fall back now!"
Natsume immediately turned to look. Not far away, Isobu was filled with unstable chakra, as if about to explode at any moment. A Tailed Beast self-destruction?
Natsume's expression tightened. That Obito was really causing trouble.
After Ao's command, the other Hidden Mist ninja frantically scattered. Only Genji and Mei Terumi remained still, forming hand seals to try minimizing the damage. But with the power of a Tailed Beast's self-destruction, they likely wouldn't survive.
Natsume didn't hesitate any longer. While Ao's Byakugan couldn't instantly release the genjutsu, his Mangekyo Sharingan could. Previously worried about being detected, now no one was paying attention to him.
Natsume immediately formed hand seals. "Release!"
Yagura's body suddenly jolted as he regained consciousness. Various memories flooded his mind, his face showing complex emotions of shock, shame, and anger, like a revolving lantern.
"Mizukage!" Natsume called out loudly, "Control the chakra inside you immediately!"
Yagura came to his senses, realizing the problem, and quickly formed seals.
"The genjutsu is broken!" Ao shouted excitedly, thinking it was his achievement.
Mei Terumi was slightly startled. How did Natsume notice the control was released before Ao? But now wasn't the time to ponder this - she watched Yagura warily.
The chaotic chakra gradually receded. Yagura had prevented the Three-Tails from self-destructing. He was, after all, a perfect jinchuriki. But the fact that he had been controlled was undeniable.
Thinking of how the Hidden Mist had been nearly destroyed because of him over these years, Yagura suddenly aged considerably.
"Lord Mizukage, are you awake?" Genji asked, stepping forward with his cane.
"I'm sorry, Elder Genji," Yagura said with guilt. "I'm no longer worthy to be Mizukage. I've committed too many wrongs."
"Those who do wrong must be punished," Genji exercised his role as an elder. "From today forward, Mei Terumi will serve as Mizukage. You will no longer interfere in Hidden Mist affairs, and wait for a new jinchuriki to appear."
Though somewhat rushed, the upcoming matters indeed weren't suitable for Yagura's involvement. Having Mei in charge would be better, and would help her build authority for a quick transition.
"I have no objections," Yagura nodded.
Though controlled, he hadn't lost consciousness, so he knew Mei was truly a qualified candidate. Originally there had been many talented members among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, but they were all forced into becoming missing-nin because of him.
His sins couldn't be cleansed even if he was executed. But as the Three-Tails jinchuriki, that had to be put aside for now.
Mei was surprised by this. Though she knew she would become Mizukage, she hadn't expected this day to come so soon. At twenty years old, she was undoubtedly now the youngest Kage.
…
Later that night, Mei finally had time to meet with Natsume privately.
"Thank you for your help tonight."
"No need for thanks - I've already received my payment," Natsume said, referring to Mei's agreement to work for him for a year.
"Even so, the Hidden Mist got the better end of that deal," Mei couldn't imagine how devastating it would have been without Natsume's help. Compared to that, working for a year was quite a bargain.
"Your company's plans for new shipping routes will continue once the Mizukage's office is rebuilt," Mei offered, showing her sincerity. Though she suspected there might be issues behind the new routes, as Natsume said, he already had the Water Country's approval. Plus, the Hidden Mist desperately needed money - they couldn't afford to offend this super-wealthy backer. They might need his help again later.
"No problem," Natsume nodded and said, "In that case, I'll head back during this time."
The Mizukage's office and surrounding buildings would take at least a month to rebuild. He naturally had no reason to stay and wait.
"When will you leave?"
Mei wasn't concerned, knowing they'd meet again.
"Tonight," Natsume explained with a smile. "The sooner I leave, the sooner I'll return."
He turned to walk out.
"Wait," Mei suddenly called out to him, stepping forward and unconsciously swallowing.
"Can I see your real face?"
"You really want to see?" Natsume stopped, saying, "It's quite ugly."
"That's fine," Mei had acted on impulse, but somehow hearing him say it was ugly gave her an inexplicable feeling of disappointment.
Natsume reached for his mask, slowly removing it.
"You..." Mei's eyes widened, and after a moment, she said softly, "You lied to me."
In an instant, she went from the imposing Mizukage back to a somewhat coquettish young woman.
"I wanted to see how you'd react," Natsume laughed, saying, "It was quite interesting, and quite cute."
This was the use of psychological expectations - lower them first, then raise them.
Mei's body trembled as she shot him an unsatisfied look. But when she met his teasing gaze, she suddenly felt like electricity coursed through her.
Long after Natsume had left, she came back to her senses, feeling her racing heart.
"What is this feeling?" Mei murmured to herself.
…
Under the same night sky, in a forest outside the Fire Country metropolis:
"It's finally over," Asuma sighed as he pulled out a pack of cigarettes.
"Don't smoke," Tsunade glared at him, saying, "Of all the things to learn from your old man, why smoking?"
"I won't, I won't," Asuma quickly put away the cigarettes, showing a placating smile. He knew well about Tsunade's fierce temper. Especially lately, it had become more extreme. Kazuma had a chance to escape but was beaten to unrecognizable pieces by her. Anyone who saw that scene would use one word: brutal.
"Are you staying to continue as a Guardian Ninja, or coming back to the Konoha with me?" Tsunade asked casually while poking at the campfire.
"Back to the Konoha," Asuma said solemnly. "I left because I argued with the old man. I thought the 'King' meant the Daimyo, but he said I didn't understand what 'King' meant."
The "King" refers to the most crucial piece in shogi that determines victory or defeat.
"Do you understand now?" Tsunade looked up at his prematurely aged face and asked.
"After what happened with Kazuma, I've gained new insight. I believe it refers to the present and future," Asuma showed an enlightened expression, saying, "In the present, protecting loved ones and comrades. In the future, protecting our next generation."
Tsunade unconsciously looked at the necklace on her chest.
What is my "King"?
Being apart from Natsume for so long, she finally understood that emotions could accumulate with time and distance.
She wanted to run away, but couldn't.
Because it's impossible to deceive one's own heart.
"Whether present or future, you are my King."
In this moment, Tsunade was filled with determination.