Naruto: A New Life with Tsunade

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After finalizing the transaction with Natsume, Terumi Mei leaned back in her Mizukage chair with a deep sigh of relief. Crossing her legs gracefully, she allowed herself a brief moment of respite.

"Finally, a break," she thought. Weeks of financial strain had taken their toll, but the recent deal brought a glimmer of hope. The 700 million ryō loan wasn't a solution—it had to be repaid—but it gave Kirigakure much-needed breathing room. She wasn't overly concerned about Natsume defaulting, either. The power he wielded, along with the organization backing him, made it unlikely he'd falter.

If circumstances hadn't been so dire, she would never have agreed to such terms.

Natsume leaned casually against the window, an amused expression on his face as he watched her. His gaze lingered on her blue dress—her signature attire, unchanged since their last meeting.

"I have a question," Terumi Mei said, breaking the silence. Her green eyes betrayed a mix of curiosity and wariness. "You asked for my cooperation for two and a half years. What exactly do you expect me to do?"

Though the conditions of their agreement had been set, she still didn't know what he truly wanted.

Natsume shrugged, his tone light. "I haven't decided yet. I'll let you know when the time comes."

Her frown deepened at his dismissiveness, but she nodded reluctantly. "Very well. The commission you placed has been collected. What's the next step?"

"Soon, members of my organization will arrive," Natsume replied. "Follow their instructions. They'll handle the details."

He paused, his tone shifting slightly. "Oh, and there's something else."

Terumi Mei raised an eyebrow, waiting.

"I plan to bring Uzushiogakure under my control. Do you foresee any issues?"

The question took her by surprise, though it quickly made sense. Controlling the ruins of Uzushiogakure would give him a strategic foothold, particularly in terms of shipping and trade routes.

"The Land of Whirlpools is largely abandoned," she replied thoughtfully. "With Kirigakure's support, there shouldn't be much resistance. The only potential issue might come from Konohagakure. They could interpret it as a provocation."

Natsume smiled faintly, his confidence unwavering. "Konoha won't be a problem. I've… made arrangements."

Terumi Mei's heart skipped a beat. His cryptic response only deepened her curiosity. "You really do have powerful connections."

"Well," he said with a chuckle, "when you travel as much as I do, you tend to meet interesting people." He kept his tone casual, though he knew his influence extended far beyond mere acquaintances. Konoha was preoccupied, and by the time they reacted, Tsunade would already be Hokage.

"Mizukage-sama," Natsume continued, his voice turning more serious, "will you join me on another trip to the Land of Whirlpools?"

Terumi Mei hesitated, recalling their last visit to the ruins of Uzushiogakure. The memory of being carried by him briefly came to mind, making her cheeks flush before she quickly composed herself. She glanced at the mountain of paperwork on her desk. By all logic, she shouldn't leave the village now.

"Of course," she heard herself say, surprising even herself. Quickly, she added in a more business-like tone, "But there must be appropriate compensation."

Natsume raised an eyebrow, feigning disappointment. "I was hoping for a free favor, considering the deal we just made."

Her pulse quickened. "I meant," she corrected, "if I leave the village, it has to be for an official mission." A blatant lie, as the Mizukage didn't need such pretexts.

Natsume didn't challenge her. "Then I'll stop by next time."

She blinked. "Next time? I thought we were leaving today."

Ignoring her, Natsume tilted his head with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "By the way, can you sing?"

"...Sing?" Terumi Mei was caught off guard.

"Yes," Natsume said, his grin widening. "Can you sing?"

"I've never sung before," she admitted, unsure if he was serious.

"Well, next time I visit, you'll sing for me," Natsume declared, as if it were already decided.

Terumi Mei's composure faltered, her usual confidence replaced by incredulity. Before she could respond, he vanished in a flash, leaving only the faint echo of his voice.

"That's settled then!"

She stared at the empty space where he had been, her face slowly turning red. "Wait... I didn't agree!"

And yet, she found herself wondering. Should she prepare to sing?

---

Meanwhile, Natsume reappeared in the Daimyō's mansion in the Land of Waves, thanks to the Flying Thunder God Technique. Uzumaki Ena, the president of the Wanli Sunshine Chamber of Commerce, greeted him with a warm smile. Though her organization was still modest, she had performed admirably, avoiding any major mistakes.

Ena, unfazed by his sudden arrival, asked, "Would you like something to drink?"

"Do you have any black tea?" Natsume asked, half-joking.

"Of course," she said, returning moments later with a steaming cup. But when she offered it, he didn't take it.

Her smile faltered slightly. "Did I do something wrong?"

Natsume's expression turned mock-serious. "The tea is fine. But you're missing something... a maid outfit."

Ena blinked, then smiled knowingly. She had grown used to his eccentricities. "One moment, Master."

A few minutes later, she returned in a classic black-and-white maid outfit, complete with gloves, stockings, and a small bell that chimed softly as she moved. Bowing gracefully, she said, "Master."

Natsume nodded approvingly and sat on the sofa. "Now, feed me the tea."

Ena's eyes sparkled with amusement. "As you command." Taking a sip from the cup, she offered it to him, continuing the charade with an air of playful elegance.

Later, as she massaged his temples, Ena asked softly, "Will you be staying the night, Master?"

Natsume raised an eyebrow, sensing an undercurrent of unease. "Why? Is something wrong?"

Her cheeks flushed as she replied shyly, "I've completed the Yin Seal. I'd like you to test my progress."

Natsume's expression softened. "Let's see how much you've improved."

Ena took a deep breath, releasing her Yin Seal and unleashing a surge of chakra. Her control was impressive, her ability to heal injuries instantly a testament to her mastery.

"Your progress is remarkable," Natsume commented, observing her flawless recovery. But he pushed her further, testing the limits of her endurance.

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