Mizukage Office.
"Mr. Shishou here has established a seafood trading company in the Land of Water," explained one of the staff members who had just woken up. "He has come to Kirigakure seeking cooperation and hopes that you can provide personnel to ensure his safety."
He continued diligently, unaware of the events that had occurred after he was knocked unconscious by Shishou.
Upon hearing that Shishou was in Kirigakure to seek protection, Terumi Mei and the others wore strange expressions.
"Are you kidding me? None of us combined could even touch him."
"He knows the Fourth Hokage's signature jutsu, the Flying Thunder God."
"Didn't you see how he used it to thoroughly humiliate that mysterious figure controlling the Fourth Mizukage?"
"A guy like him doesn't need protection. If anything, we're the ones who survived thanks to his protection."
"Ahem," Shishou interjected. "It's not my safety that needs protection, but the safety of my seafood trading company. The seas are getting dangerous with so many pirates around."
"I heard there's even someone named Monkey D. Luffy aiming to become the Pirate King or something..."
Seeing the puzzled looks from Terumi Mei and the others, Shishou quickly clarified.
"Mr. Shishou, you must be from Konoha," Ao remarked with a smile.
"Heh, to be precise, I have a significant connection with Konoha," Shishou replied. "But I don't belong to Konoha. I have my own business in Hiyori City in the Land of Fire."
Understanding Ao's suspicion, Shishou didn't mind. Given that he could use Konoha's Flying Thunder God technique, it was natural for them to be cautious.
"What kind of business?" Terumi Mei asked curiously, her interest piqued.
"Heh, I own several companies, all in Hiyori City," Shishou explained. "Half of the mining rights in Hiyori City are under my control."
"If Kirigakure ever needs ninja tools or minerals, perhaps we can cooperate."
Seeing Terumi Mei's curiosity, Shishou took the opportunity to promote his mining resources.
"I heard that a company suddenly acquired half of Hiyori City's mining rights last month," the staff member from the Land of Water said, surprised. "I didn't expect it to be your doing."
"You're too kind," Shishou replied modestly.
"Given the circumstances, Mr. Shishou, please stay with us for a few days," Ao suggested. "As you can see, we've had some significant events today, and there are many matters we need to handle."
"Once we've settled things, we can further discuss cooperation."
Understanding the situation, Shishou nodded in agreement.
Later, Shishou was arranged to stay at the largest hotel in Kirigakure.
As Shishou left, Terumi Mei and Ao pulled the staff member aside and asked,
"Just how big is Mr. Shishou's business?"
Growing up in Kirigakure, Terumi Mei and Ao couldn't grasp the scale of Shishou's operations.
The staff member sighed enviously, "Mr. Shishou controls half of Hiyori City's mining rights. The annual taxes he pays to the Land of Fire exceed a billion ryo. With his initial investment, it took several billion ryo to secure that."
"So, you should find a way to attract his investment in Kirigakure. It would greatly improve our financial situation."
With that, the staff member left the office, leaving Terumi Mei and the others stunned.
Several billion ryo!
Seeing the monetary symbols flash in their eyes, Terumi Mei quickly composed herself and addressed Ao,
"Lord Ao, I think it's necessary for me to personally discuss investment cooperation with Mr. Shishou."
Hearing Terumi Mei's words, Ao rolled his eyes, thinking, "You probably just want to go on a date."
...
Early the next morning.
Supported by Ao, Terumi Mei was installed as the Fifth Mizukage.
The news that the Fourth Mizukage had been controlled had spread throughout the village, and Kirigakure needed a new Mizukage to stabilize the situation.
Terumi Mei was the perfect candidate.
It was nearly evening when Shishou finally met the hurried Terumi Mei.
Having just been appointed Mizukage, she had to meet many people and resolve numerous issues.
It wasn't until now that she could make time.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Terumi Mei apologized, her face slightly flushed from drinking during the reception. "Thank you so much for yesterday."
Shishou, being a significant client of Kirigakure, could not be neglected.
So, she rushed to meet him as soon as she finished her other duties.
Terumi Mei thought to herself.
"I didn't help for free. How do you plan to repay me?" Shishou teased, eyeing her delicate features.
"Hehe..."
Hearing Shishou address her directly rather than collectively, Terumi Mei giggled and leaned close to his ear, whispering, "How would you like me to repay you?"
Woman, you're playing with fire!
Feeling her warm breath on his ear, Shishou's mouth twitched, surprised by her boldness.
However, being in Kirigakure, he couldn't do anything rash.
"What about our cooperation?" Shishou asked, diverting the topic and glancing at the alluring view created by her leaning posture.
"Hehe, aren't we discussing your reward now?" Terumi Mei laughed, playfully standing beside him.
Suddenly, she noticed something odd on his face and curiously reached out to pull.
With one tug, she peeled off half of Shishou's fake beard.
"What are you doing?" Shishou glared at Terumi Mei, hastily fixing his beard.
This girl lost all sense of boundaries after a few drinks.
"..."
Ignoring Shishou's reprimand, Terumi Mei stared at his face in shock.
She hadn't expected Shishou to be so young and handsome.
Strong, young, wealthy, and good-looking.
Her heart skipped a beat, and her face flushed red.
"As for the cooperation, I'm not sure yet. We... we'll talk tomorrow."
With that, Terumi Mei quickly left the room.
"If we're not discussing cooperation, why did you come to see me?"
"Just to seduce me?"
Watching Terumi Mei leave, Shishou was left speechless.
Back in her room, Terumi Mei clutched her chest, feeling her heart race.
"Why is it beating so fast..."
"I was supposed to seduce him, but it feels like I got seduced instead."
She muttered in frustration.
Then, thinking of Shishou's handsome face, she excitedly rolled around on her bed.
He's just so handsome...
...