"Some reports, mainly about the profits from the ninja game and a summary of the clan's needs. I also wanted to visit you and see how you are doing. You've been through a lot, Yōichi-kun."
Mikoto briefly stated her purpose before presenting her gifts.
"This isn't urgent. I've just had my bandages changed and can't hold anything right now. I'll look at it after you leave."
Yōichi spoke slowly, then slightly smirked and continued, "I might believe you came to visit, but Fugaku certainly wouldn't bother. He'd probably prefer if I were dead."
"That's not true, Yōichi-kun. You're misunderstanding Fugaku. He doesn't think that way."
"Let's not, Mikoto. No need to explain."
Yōichi didn't believe Mikoto's explanation. After nearly killing Fugaku and now vying for his position as clan head, their ideologies too divergent, coexistence seemed impossible.
"Is there anything else?"
"Yes, there is one more thing. Fugaku asked me to speak with you on behalf of the Third Hokage. He wishes to exchange the Amber Purification Pot with you."
Mikoto was somewhat embarrassed, having just mentioned Fugaku's visit and now bringing up this request. She wished she had approached it differently.
"As expected, Mikoto-san, please tell Fugaku to inform the Third Hokage that this matter is not up for negotiation. The item is mine, and I won't exchange it."
Yōichi scoffed. It was just like Fugaku.
Mikoto didn't know what to do next. Fugaku had only asked her to pass on the message, but Yōichi-kun seemed somewhat upset upon hearing it.
"Thank you for your efforts today, Mikoto-san, and for bringing gifts. It must have been hard."
"Sorry, Yōichi-kun. Fugaku just wanted me to pass on the message without insisting."
"Well, my answer is no, and it doesn't matter who asks."
After speaking, Yōichi slowly got up, preparing to get out of bed.
Seeing this, Mikoto asked, "What are you planning to do, Yōichi-kun? Let me help."
"I need to use the restroom. I can manage on my own."
Mikoto blushed at his words, then sat back down, embarrassed. However, she noticed Yōichi's bandaged arms and offered, "Yōichi-kun, you must be inconvenienced right now. Let me find someone for you."
But before she could finish, Yōichi interrupted, "There's no one to take care of me here."
"In that case..."
Suddenly, remembering Yōichi-kun's earlier misunderstanding, Mikoto blurted out, "I'll help you, Yōichi-kun."
After saying it, she froze, realizing what she had just offered, too late to take it back.
"Okay, then I'll count on you, Mikoto-san."
"Ah?"
Lady Mikoto was stunned, not expecting to have said that or for Yōichi-kun to accept.
But now, retracting her offer might lead Yōichi-kun to think she was playing games with him, especially after the misunderstanding regarding the Third Hokage.
"Yōichi-kun, I...ah, Yōichi-kun?"
Before she could explain, Yōichi-kun had already headed to the restroom, leaving Mikoto breathing rapidly, caught between embarrassment and duty.
After hesitating, she decided to help, reassuring herself, "Mikoto, this is helping a patient. Don't overthink it. Yōichi-kun is a hero of the Leaf; forget the past, it doesn't matter."
Then, after a deep breath, she knocked on the restroom door and entered.
Inside, Mikoto stuttered, "Yōichi-kun, let me assist you."
"Thank you, Mikoto-san."
"It's okay. You're a hero of the Leaf, injured for the village. This is the least I can do.
...
...
It took a while to remove the black pure cotton and pantyhose, but deciding what to do with them afterward caused her a headache.
Carrying them out would seem odd, and keeping them on might leave a scent. After pondering, she bit her lip and decided to throw them in the trash can, then hid it in a corner to avoid being seen.
She planned to buy a bag later, return, and dispose of the items properly.
After leaving the restroom,
Mikoto saw Yōichi on the bed and quickly bowed in apology, "Yōichi-kun, I'm sorry for the mishap."
The 'grip' was too tight; it was highly inappropriate - no, not just inappropriate, but utterly wrong.
"Ah, Mikoto-san, it hurt so much I thought about seeing a doctor. What if there's a problem?"
"I'm so sorry!"
"Would you take responsibility if there were a problem, Mikoto-san?"
"Eh? I'm terribly sorry, Yōichi-kun!"
Mikoto was at a loss and kept bowing in apology.
Yōichi knew this was Mikoto's limit for the day.
Further discussion would only lead to repeated apologies.
Yet, seeing Mikoto-san's continuous bowing and apologies, especially without her pantyhose, revealing her bare long legs, was somewhat amusing.
Given his current succubus body, engaging in any further physical interaction with women could lead to dehydration and death within three minutes.
"Let it be, Mikoto-san. You should go."
"Yes, yes, I'm very sorry, Yōichi-kun."
Mikoto bowed again in a flurry, then took the documents and left.
After she departed, Yōichi thought to himself, "What an easy person to deceive."
Not long after, Mikoto knocked and re-entered, her face flushed as she said, "Sorry, Yōichi-kun, may I use the restroom again?"
Without waiting for Yōichi-kun's response, she went straight in and came out within a couple of minutes, carrying a bag that clearly contained something.
Seeing this, Yōichi clicked his tongue, realizing she hadn't taken it with her initially.
————————————————
In the Cloud Village.
Suddenly, a figure appeared on the platform for the Heavenly Transfer Technique.
The Cloud ninjas guarding the area were shocked to find that the person transported back was the Third Raikage, who had lost an arm.
"Someone, quickly go inform and call for medical ninja."
The notion of the Raikage being injured was unimaginable to many Cloud ninjas, who believed only a rampaging Eight-Tails could harm their leader. Yet, they had to accept the reality before them.
Soon, Doroi and medical ninja arrived to treat and bandage the Raikage's wounds, which took some time due to the carbonized nature of the injury.
"Everyone, leave."
After clearing the room, Doroi asked, "Raikage-sama, what happened?"
The Third Raikage, his eyes filled with murderous intent, gritted his teeth, "Doroi, I want to attack the Fire Country, kill those Leaf ninja."
"Alright, I'll send a message immediately for Ai and Killer Bee to return. Raikage-sama, please recover from your wounds."
Doroi didn't question the timing or inquire about the others' conditions, choosing instead to accommodate the Raikage's wishes.
The revelation that Leaf possessed ninja capable of injuring the Raikage and annihilating his accompanying forces, necessitating his return via the Heavenly Transfer Technique, was a sobering realization.
Planning for war against Leaf meant ensuring stability with the Rock Village to avoid a two-front conflict. However, with Ai and Killer Bee away on a mission in the Earth Country, this posed a challenge.
As Doroi left to convey the message, he convened the Cloud Village's leadership to discuss the situation, committed to fully supporting the Raikage's decision.
After expelling the Third Raikage from the scenario, the Fire Country's northern border saw a significant gathering of ninja, a precaution by Hiruzen.
Shikaku served as the temporary commander, a strategic choice made in anticipation of conflict with Cloud Village.
Should war break out, Sarutobi would likely appoint someone else to take over; Shikaku's command skills were acknowledged, though his combat ability against formidable ninja was a concern.
Kikyō Castle witnessed significant battles, with Jiraiya and Minato repelling Sand's advances.
Minato avoided direct confrontations with Rōshi, leaving him to Jiraiya, who managed to fend off the Sand's attacks with additional support from Sarutobi and medical teams.
Aside from Kikyō Castle, no large-scale wars broke out elsewhere.
After six days in the hospital, Yōichi was discharged, his wounds healed thanks to medical ninjutsu and medication.
This mission elevated his reputation within the village and cemented his status, nearly adding "nearly killed the Third Raikage" to his list of accolades.
Even jōnin within the village now treated him with a newfound respect, acknowledging his strength.
His possession of the Six Paths Tools and Mabumu's flesh, if he mastered the Reanimation Jutsu, promised a significant advantage.
Beyond the monetary rewards, his status and fame within the village saw a considerable boost, aligning his reputation with his proven strength.
(End of Chapter)