Chapter 53: The Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi

Mizukage's Office

"Lord Ao, this gentleman, Shishou, has established a seafood trading company in the Land of Water," the recently awakened government official from the Land of Water began, addressing Mei Terumi and Ao. "He’s here seeking cooperation with the Mist Village. He hopes you can provide personnel to ensure the safety of his enterprise."

The official had been knocked unconscious early on and was unaware of the subsequent events. He dutifully explained Shishou’s purpose, oblivious to the astonished looks on the faces of Mei Terumi and the others.

Hearing that Shishou was here seeking protection, Mei Terumi and the rest exchanged puzzled glances. How absurd, they thought. This man, who wields the Fourth Hokage's signature technique, the Flying Thunder God, needs protection?

They had seen how effortlessly he had dealt with the mysterious figure controlling the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura. Such a powerful individual didn’t need protection; rather, they were the ones who had survived thanks to his intervention.

"Ahem," Shishou cleared his throat. "Just to clarify, it's not my personal safety I’m concerned about. It's the safety of my seafood trading company. The seas have become perilous with an increase in pirate activity. I’ve heard of this pirate named Luffy who dreams of becoming the Pirate King or something..."

Noticing the odd looks, Shishou hurried to explain.

"Mr. Shishou, you must be from Konoha," Ao stated with a knowing smile.

"Heh, well, I do have significant ties to Konoha," Shishou admitted, not taking offense. "However, I’m not affiliated with Konoha. I run my own enterprises in the Land of Fire, specifically in the city of Hiyorigama."

Seeing Ao’s suspicion, Shishou didn’t mind clarifying. His use of the Flying Thunder God was bound to raise eyebrows.

"And what kind of enterprises might those be?" Mei Terumi asked, her curiosity piqued. She admired strong, capable men who were also ambitious.

"I own several companies, all based in Hiyorigama. For instance, I control half of the mining rights in Hiyorigama," Shishou replied with a smile, using the opportunity to promote his mineral business. "If the Mist Village ever needs minerals for ninja tools, feel free to come to me for cooperation."

The official from the Land of Water looked at Shishou in surprise, nodding in acknowledgment. "I’d heard about a company in Hiyorigama acquiring half of the mining rights last month. I didn’t expect it to be your doing."

"You flatter me," Shishou said modestly.

"In that case, Mr. Shishou, we’d appreciate it if you could stay with us for a few days," Ao proposed. "You’ve seen the turmoil we’re dealing with. We have many issues to resolve. Once we’ve handled these matters, we can discuss our cooperation further. How does that sound?"

Understanding the situation, Shishou nodded in agreement.

Subsequently, Shishou was accommodated in the Mist Village's largest hotel under Ao’s arrangements.

After Shishou left, Mei Terumi and Ao pulled aside the official. "Mr. Shishou’s enterprises are quite substantial, aren’t they?" Mei Terumi inquired.

The official sighed, a hint of envy in his voice, "Mr. Shishou has taken control of half the mining rights in Hiyorigama. The taxes he pays to the Land of Fire alone amount to billions of ryo annually. Securing those rights required an initial investment of several billion ryo. If you can secure his investment in the Mist Village, it would significantly boost our finances."

Mei Terumi and Ao were stunned by this revelation.

"Several billion ryo!" Mei Terumi’s eyes sparkled with the thought of such a substantial investment. She quickly regained her composure and turned to Ao. "Ao, I think it would be wise for me to personally discuss the investment and cooperation details with Mr. Shishou."

Ao rolled his eyes, thinking, You're probably more interested in him than the investment.

The Next Morning

Mei Terumi was inaugurated as the Fifth Mizukage with the support of the village. The news of the Fourth Mizukage being controlled by an external force had spread throughout the village, and Mei Terumi was seen as the ideal candidate to restore order and morale.

By late afternoon, Mei Terumi finally had a chance to meet Shishou. She had been swamped with meetings and responsibilities all day and had only just managed to free herself.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting," Mei Terumi said, her cheeks flushed slightly from the few drinks she had during her earlier engagements. "Thank you so much for your help yesterday."

"I don't do things for free. What are you planning to offer me in return?" Shishou asked, a playful glint in his eyes as he admired Mei Terumi's elegant features.

"Heh..." Mei Terumi chuckled softly, leaning closer to Shishou and whispering in his ear, "What do you want as a reward?"

Woman, you’re playing with fire, Shishou thought, feeling the warmth of her breath on his ear. Despite the provocative situation, he knew better than to act recklessly in her territory.

"What about our business cooperation?" Shishou asked, shifting the topic as he moved slightly away, not missing the opportunity to glance at Mei’s enticing figure.

"We’re discussing your reward, aren’t we?" Mei Terumi teased, laughing softly as she saw his attempt to change the subject. She then noticed something unusual on Shishou's face and instinctively reached out to touch it.

"What’s this?" she asked, tugging slightly at his fake beard.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Shishou glared at her, quickly adjusting his disguise. This woman really has no sense of personal space, he thought.

Mei Terumi’s eyes widened in surprise, seeing the handsome face beneath the fake beard. Shishou was not only powerful and wealthy but also incredibly good-looking. Her heart raced, and she blushed deeply.

"About our cooperation… Let’s discuss it tomorrow," Mei Terumi stammered, suddenly flustered as she hurriedly left the room.

If we’re not discussing business, why did you come here? Just to tease me? Shishou wondered, shaking his head in disbelief.

Back in her quarters, Mei Terumi clutched her chest, feeling her heart pound wildly. "Why is my heart beating so fast?" she murmured. "I came to tease him, but why do I feel like I was the one being teased?"

Thinking of Shishou's handsome face, Mei Terumi couldn’t help but roll around on her bed, feeling giddy and excited. "He's so handsome..."

And thus, the story continues, with Shishou and Mei Terumi both navigating their newfound interests and the intricate dance of power and partnership in the world of shinobi.

P.S. (translated): I'm too lazy to come up with a disguised name for him.