157: Chapter 157 Elder OfflineThe morning sun is always exceptionally generous, warming the ground to a dazzling degree.
Naruto lay on the sofa, his head comfortably resting in Samui's arms, his feet propped up on the armrest at the other end of the sofa.
My toes occasionally followed the faint sounds of ships whistling in the harbor outside the window, one by one.
He was wearing a loose bathrobe with the buttons undone.
One hand was behind his head, and the other arm hung down under the table.
Sam sat up straight.
Her long hair was neatly tied back, and the tips of her ears were burning.
She had a chamber of commerce monthly expenditure report on her lap that needed to be reviewed, and she held a pen in her hand, trying to focus her attention on the numbers.
But Naruto's presence was just too strong.
She pursed her lips and forced herself to look at the report.
"Regarding the final payment for last month's ore from Kumogakure, Minister Shizune noted that the Raikage's office had delayed it for another three days, the reason being."
"Um."
Naruto closed his eyes and snorted through his nose as a response.
Samui's breathing became slightly erratic."The reason is that their accountant ninja has contracted the seasonal flu and is bedridden.Chairman, we used this reason a few months ago."
"Send Kakuzu to urge him."
Naruto said lazily, opening his eyes slightly and glancing at Samui's tense profile, "Tell him that if they delay any longer, we'll start charging them interest, on a daily basis."
"yes."
Samui jotted it down quickly, the pen scratching softly.
Just as she relaxed slightly, Naruto rolled over and found a more comfortable lying position.
"Hmm!"
Samui took a deep breath, and as if electrocuted, the pen in his hand fell onto the report.
Naruto chuckled softly, his warm breath caressing Samui's senses.
He kept his eyes closed, a slight smile playing on his lips."What's the panic?Keep reading."
Samui's face was flushed.She bit her lower lip, bent down to pick up the pen, and her fingertips trembled.
I took two deep breaths before I could steady my voice.
"And.there's more.from Kirigakure, the Mizukage has sent a new message."
Before he could finish speaking, there was a gentle knock on the office door.
Samui felt as if she had been granted a pardon and immediately tried to get up, but Naruto gently hugged her back.
"Enter."
Naruto called out loudly.
The door opened.
Heitu walked in carrying a tray with a teapot and several delicate tea snacks on it.
She wore a standard-fitting dress today, with a slightly short hem.
Her steps were light and graceful, her movements captivating.
"President, your morning tea."
Her gaze swept quickly over the two people on the sofa who were being intimate, her pupils seemed to crack like ice breaking, but then she smiled again in an instant.
Her smile became even more gentle, with her eyes curving upwards.
Sam shifted uncomfortably, trying to move away, but Naruto seemed to be asleep, resting his head on her without moving.
Naruto turned slightly to the side and looked up at Kurotsuchi.
Heitu placed the tray on the low table next to the sofa, knelt down, and began to skillfully pour tea.
Steam rises, and the aroma of tea fills the air.
"President, this is a jade dew harvested this spring.I specially used low-temperature water to slowly awaken it.Please try it."
She picked up the small teacup, leaned forward, and brought it to Naruto's lips.
This position forced her to stand very close; the curves of her kneeling skirt were so full they almost spilled out.
Naruto finally sat up slightly.
He didn't take the teacup, but instead slowly sipped it using his small, dark hands.
Then she pursed her lips and commented softly, "It seems a little bland."
"Then I'll soak longer next time."
Heitu readily agreed, put down his teacup, and turned his gaze to Samui, "Sister Samui, you've worked hard too, shall I pour you a cup as well?"
Their tone was intimate and natural, as if they were truly close sisters.
Samui nodded stiffly: "Thank you."
As Kurotsuchi poured the tea, Naruto's breath was still blowing.
Heitu handed over the tea, and Samui reached out to take it.As if by chance, Heitu's small hand brushed against the back of Samui's hand.
Samui's hand trembled, and he almost dropped the teacup.
Heitu's smile deepened, and his eyes narrowed: "Sister, be careful, it's hot."
She stepped back to the low table, bent down next to Naruto, and began to massage him, her technique improving rapidly.
"So attentive today?" Naruto closed his eyes.
"I learned some massage techniques from Sakura," she whispered in Naruto's ear, her breath carrying a pleasant fragrance.
Naruto looked pleased."Sakura really put her heart into it."
"She has always been very dedicated."
Heitu's fingers slid down."Unlike me, I'm clumsy and only know how to make the chairman angry."
She spoke with such a pitiful tone, and with her slightly pouting lips, anyone who saw her would feel soft-hearted.
Naruto didn't reply, and the office fell silent.
Only the sound of Samui diligently working and turning the pages of his paper remained.
About ten minutes later, the black soil began to break through.
Her fingertips traced a line.as if testing the waters.
Then she leaned over him, resting her chin on Naruto's shoulder.
"President."
She whispered in his ear, "Have I been behaving much better lately?"
Naruto held her small hand.
"It's much better."
"So.is there a reward?"
Hei Tu acted coquettishly.
Naruto suddenly turned around and grabbed Kurotsuchi's hand, who was trying to take it a step further, catching Kurotsuchi off guard.
He pulled her into his arms and she fell onto Naruto.
Kurotsuchi's heart pounded, but she still had a smile on her face and took the initiative to wrap her arms around Naruto's neck.
"President."
What reward do you want?
Naruto looked at her with a smile on his lips.
Heitu bit her lip; she had practiced this expression many times recently and knew how to make people feel most sorry for her.
"I'd like to.go to the president's place tonight to continue learning massage."
As she said this, she looked directly at Naruto, her face flushed with shyness.
"OK."
Naruto readily agreed, gently stroking her cheek, "Then tonight."
Hei Tu stiffened for a moment, but quickly relaxed and tilted his head to bring his cheek closer to his palm.
"The president is the best."
After saying that, she leaned forward and gently kissed Naruto on the corner of his mouth.
Instantly separate.
Then she stood up and straightened her skirt.He said, "Then I'll go check the patrol route first, Chairman, you're busy."
After saying that, he turned and left.
Stepping out of the office and into the shadows of the corridor, Heitu leaned against the wall and took a deep breath.
Her hands were trembling.
That kiss, that hug, those sweet words—every second they were torturing her nerves.
Heitu clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms; the pain brought her to her senses.
Samui let out a long sigh of relief, his tense back slumping slightly.
She looked down at Naruto in her arms.
"President!" Samui was a little annoyed, her face flushed."You.you just now."
"What's wrong with me?" Naruto blinked.
Samyi muttered a complaint, "Miss Black Soil is still here."
What's wrong with her?
"She was behaving quite well, wasn't she?"
Samyi fell silent.
Naruto chuckled and didn't continue the topic.
He mumbled, "Keep reading the document.Where were we?"
Samui arranged a small pile of scrolls on the table, with several letters in pink envelopes on top.The envelopes were sealed and imprinted with the water ripple emblem of Misty Hidden.
"President, the daily report from Kirigakure, and."
Sam paused, trying to remain calm as he spoke, "It's a private letter from the Mizukage."
She placed the pink envelopes aside separately, as if she were dealing with some flammable or explosive materials.
Naruto glanced at it and asked, "Which one is it?"
"This is the fifth one this week."
Samui whispered, "Do you need me.to help you open it?"
Her expression was subtle.
As Naruto's personal bodyguard and the head of the newly trained documents, Samui has recently been forced to take on a special task: organizing and reading the love letters sent by Mei Terumi.
After the situation in Kirigakure stabilized somewhat, the Fifth Mizukage, who had successfully regained his throne, seemed to spend all his free time writing letters to Naruto.
And each one was bolder than the last.
The first letter was merely a subtle expression of longing and gratitude for the Chamber of Commerce's support.
The second letter begins by reminiscing about the wonderful times the two spent alone together at the Chamber of Commerce, using ambiguous language.
The third letter was the one Samie opened in the morning.Terumi Mei was already describing her fantasies without any attempt to hide them, and her words were filled with burning emotions.Samie blushed and almost dropped the letter into her breakfast soup.
"Read it," Naruto said, lying down.
Samui took a deep breath, picked up the top letter, and tore open the seal.
The letter paper is specially made, with a faint cherry blossom scent and delicate gold foil patterns along the edges.
She took a deep breath and began to read in as steady a tone as possible, "To my beloved Naruto-kun, whom I think of day and night."
Samui's beautiful voice started to slip from the very first sentence.
Naruto chuckled as he rested his head on his pillow.
Samui glared at him and continued reading.
The more he read, the softer his voice became, the hotter his face got, and the faster he spoke, eager to finish reciting this scalding content.
"Seeing this letter is like seeing you in person.Last night, it rained again in Wuyin.I sat alone in the Shuiying office, listening to the rain pattering on the eaves, and suddenly I thought of you by my side."
The contents of the letter were far too blunt.
Mei Terumi described in detail a dream she had last night: she and Naruto were bathing together in a hot spring, surrounded by misty steam and rippling water, and then…
Naruto listened quietly for a long while before letting out a long sigh.
"With her writing skills, she's not good at writing official documents; she might as well write an enhanced version of 'Icha Icha Paradise'."
Sam remained silent.
Naruto turned his head to look at Samui, who looked perfectly ripe.
"Samyi".
"Um?"
What were you thinking about when you read it?
Samui's icy blue eyes widened, her gaze filled with disbelief."How could you ask such a question?"
"I.I wasn't thinking anything!" she immediately denied.
Naruto reached out and hugged her, burying his face in her chest, his muffled laughter making Samui ticklish.
After he finished laughing, he looked up and said, "Please write back to her for me and tell her that the hot springs sound wonderful, but I have a backache lately.Tell her to focus on her work and that I'll go when I have time."
Samui was writing furiously when Naruto suddenly asked a question.
"Samui, have you gained weight recently?"
Samui froze, the blush quickly faded, and her face turned pale.
"I.I've gained weight?" Her voice trembled."Where have I gained weight?"
————
On the same afternoon, in Konoha Village.
The conference room in the Hokage Building was already full of people sitting on both sides of the long table.
On the left are the five members of the elders' council, led by Koharu Uta, each with a serious expression.
On the right are the heads of the various clans of Konoha, as well as Kakashi and several Jonin class leaders standing behind Jiraiya.
Jiraiya sat in the main seat and cleared his throat."Let's begin.What's so urgent that we have to hold a meeting today?"
Xiaochun, who was turning over to her room, sneered.
"Lord Hokage," she said, enunciating each word clearly.
"We are holding this emergency meeting of elders today to initiate an impeachment vote."
A gasp of surprise rippled through the conference room.
"Impeach me?" Jiraiya rubbed his hands together."What's the reason?"
"There are three reasons!"
Xiaochun, who had just switched dorm rooms, stood up, her voice firm and resolute:
"First, you have condoned and even tacitly allowed the Apocalypse Merchant Guild to expand its influence around Konoha, causing many young ninjas in our village to harbor disloyal thoughts and causing unrest among the people!"
"Secondly, you failed to protect civilians in a timely manner during the Tanabata Street attack, which constitutes serious dereliction of duty!"
"Third, and most importantly."
She surveyed the entire room, her voice rising:
"As the Hokage, you maintain an ambiguous relationship with Naruto Uzumaki, that ambitious rogue ninja who attempts to disrupt the entire ninja world's order, and have even spoken up for him publicly on multiple occasions!This has seriously damaged Konoha's prestige!"
The people in the meeting room remained silent.
Everyone looked at Jiraiya, waiting for his reaction.
Jiraiya remained silent for a while.
"Are you done talking?"
"That's all!"
Koharu Utatane raised her head and said, "Now, I ask all clan leaders to vote on whether to support impeaching the Hokage and whether to immediately take military action against the Apocalypse Merchant Guild."We must intervene forcefully and eliminate this hidden danger!
She first looked at the family representatives on her right.
According to Konoha tradition, such important decisions require a joint vote by the council of elders and the family council, and must be approved by more than two-thirds of the votes.
Xiaochun, who is switching dorms, is confident.
Although these families may have their own agendas, they should stand by her side when it comes to upholding Konoha's traditions and fighting against external threats.
"I object."
The first to speak was Nara Shikaku.
The Nara clan chief, known for his wisdom, leaned back in his chair and said calmly, "Resolve the merchant guild by force?Elder Koharu, do you know what that means?"
"This means Konoha will have to face the merchant guild, Kirigakure, and possibly even the Cloud Village's enemies at the same time.Do you think Konoha can afford to fight on three fronts right now?"
"You!" Xiaochun's expression changed drastically.
"I also object."
Akimichi Choza continued, "The merchant guild has provided Konoha with a large amount of affordable medicinal herbs and high-quality ninja tools, which has improved the lives of ordinary people.If a war breaks out, all these supplies will be cut off, and we will be the first to suffer."
"be opposed to."
Yamanaka Inoichi expressed his opinion.
The three families of pig, deer, and butterfly have always advanced and retreated together.
Koharu's face had turned somewhat pale.
She looked in the direction of the Hyuga clan.
Hiashi Hyuga remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking: "The Hyuga clan does not approve of initiating a war, but supports a thorough investigation into the true culprit of the Tanabata Street incident."
Koharu gritted her teeth and was determined to find the real culprit.She knew all too well that this was the dignity that Jiraiya had given her.
Aburame Shiki pushed up his sunglasses: "The Aburame clan opposes impeaching the Hokage and also opposes military action.I think we lack the chance of winning."
"The Inuzuka clan objects!"
"The Sarutobi clan supports the Hokage!"
"The Kurama clan has forfeited."
One statement after another plunged Xiaochun's mood to its lowest point.
She looked at the clan leaders in disbelief.
Have all these people gone mad?
Don't they see the threat posed by the Chamber of Commerce?
Can't you see Naruto's ambition?
"You." Her voice trembled, "You've all been bought off by the Chamber of Commerce?"
"Elder Xiaochun, please watch your words."
It wasn't the clan leader who spoke, but a figure standing in the corner.
The root commander-in-chief, the oil woman takes the roots.
"The Root has carefully assessed the situation and concluded that Konoha's chances of winning a war with the Chamber of Commerce are extremely low.Once war breaks out, Konoha will be bogged down in a long-term war, giving other forces an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.The Root opposes the impeachment and opposes war."
Even the roots.
Xiaochun staggered backward as she turned around and fell onto a chair.
She finally realized where the problem lay.
These families and these forces, their decisions may seem to be based on their own interests, but there is an invisible thread pulling them together.
Some things are like slowly boiling a frog in water; they have unknowingly changed the minds of too many people.
Jiraiya watched this scene with mixed feelings.
Should he be happy?Konoha avoided civil war and conflict with the merchant guild.
These families and these forces do not support him as the Hokage, but rather the influence of the "Regent" far away in the Land of Waves.
As the Hokage, he was like a puppet sitting on the stage; when it came to matters concerning the Chamber of Commerce, he felt powerless to control his own destiny.
Jiraiya stood up wearily."It seems the outcome is quite clear.Does anyone have anything else to say?"
The other elders on the council looked at each other, and finally all lowered their heads.
The tide has turned.
"Since you have no other opinions, I will announce something."
Jiraiya surveyed the entire scene."From today onwards, Konoha will implement a new decision-making system, and the council of elders will be disbanded."
The meeting room erupted in an uproar.
"What gives you the right?" Xiaochun, who was turning over in the dormitory, looked up in astonishment.
"Because I am the Hokage."
Jiraiya interrupted her, his eyes sharper than ever before, "Based on your performance today, you are already unworthy of your positions."
"Konoha doesn't need a group of elders who hide behind the scenes and create chaos at will for their own selfish interests."
His tone softened a bit.
"Of course, you have all dedicated your lives to Konoha and your contributions are invaluable."
"A new advisory group will also be established, but it will only have the right to make suggestions, not the right to make decisions.As for the elders, you can retire in peace.Konoha will ensure that you can enjoy your later years without worry."
Xiaochun, who was turning over a new room, opened her mouth, but ultimately did not argue further.
The meeting ended in an eerie silence.
Representatives from various clans in Konoha and former elders have all departed.
Jiraiya sat alone in the empty room until night fell and his vision dimmed before slowly leaving.
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