After the "inspection," Natsuhane, accompanied by Kaijin and Kaisei, returned to the Daimyo residence. Following them were five young women, no longer mere maidens, who had recently experienced the "shared bed service" with Natsuhane. To ensure their safety and well-being, Natsuhane decided to bring them into his residence.
Upon returning to the office, despite it being the end of the workday, Kaijin and Kaisei lingered, indicating they had something important to discuss.
"Daimyo-sama," Kaijin began, producing a sealed letter and placing it on the desk before Natsuhane. "This arrived from Kirigakure while you were inspecting the lodging area. The letter is from Takeshi and was originally addressed to Kaijin and me. He doesn't know that you are now the Daimyo. I thought it necessary for you to see this."
Natsuhane opened the letter and read its contents:
"Kaijin, Kaisei, if you are still alive, congratulations, there is hope for the Land of the Sea! The Daimyo and I have safely arrived in the Land of Water, and we have joined forces with the shinobi of Kirigakure to annihilate the base of the Johuto clan.
Inform the citizens of the Land of the Sea that they must trust in the Daimyo. He did not flee; he went to seek help. The shinobi from Kirigakure will arrive in the Land of the Sea tomorrow and will annihilate all the Johuto pirates who have slaughtered our people!
Additionally, after resolving the external threat, prepare for the Daimyo's wedding. The Daimyo will marry the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi, and in exchange, we will cede Gokai Island and Mother Island to the Land of Water…"
The content left Natsuhane stunned. What was going on? While the destruction of the Johuto clan's base was understandable, the proposed marriage between Mei Terumi and the former Daimyo was absurd. How could that repulsive man be worthy of her? Besides, Mei Terumi wouldn't agree to such a marriage for merely two islands!
Seeing Natsuhane's expression darken, Kaijin hesitated before speaking, his voice trembling. "Daimyo-sama, what should we do? The former Daimyo will undoubtedly oppose your position once he returns with the Kirigakure forces!"
Kaijin and Kaisei both wore expressions of fear and concern. They knew that if a conflict arose between Natsuhane and Kirigakure, their own fates would be equally grim.
"This is unexpected. Who could have thought the former Daimyo would marry the Fifth Mizukage? With this relationship, Kirigakure will certainly support him! Sacrificing our territory for survival—what a coward!" Kaijin exclaimed.
"The Fifth Mizukage? Wasn't the Fourth Mizukage in power before?" Kaisei asked.
"Hmph, for someone to become Mizukage, they must be experienced. I bet it's an old hag who married our former Daimyo. Otherwise, why would she agree to it unless she's blind!" Kaijin scoffed.
"No," Natsuhane interrupted. "Mei Terumi isn't like that. I've met her a few times. She's exceptional in every way, strong and beautiful."
"Then why would she agree to this marriage? Could it really be just for those two islands?" Kaijin pondered aloud.
"This situation is more complicated than it appears. The former Daimyo might have been tricked by Kirigakure," Natsuhane speculated.
Kaijin noticed the dangerous glint in Natsuhane's eyes and asked, "Daimyo-sama, do you have a plan?"
"Yes," Natsuhane replied with a nod. "This might be a plot by the higher-ups in Kirigakure. They claim to save the Land of the Sea, but it's likely a ruse to seize our land. Since they want a marriage alliance, we'll go through with it. The marriage will happen, but it will be with me as the new Daimyo!"
Back in Kirigakure
In the Kirigakure meeting room, the high council stared at Mei Terumi. She was livid.
"Marry the Daimyo of the Land of the Sea? Have you all lost your minds? I refuse!" Mei Terumi declared angrily.
An elderly advisor responded coldly, "Mei, you're of the age to marry. It's normal to talk about marriage. If you miss the window, you might never marry."
"It's none of your business!" Mei retorted.
"We're doing this for the village's prosperity. If you marry the Daimyo, Gokai Island and Mother Island will become part of our territory. Our strength will increase!" another advisor urged.
"This marriage is just a formality. Once the land is ours, you can find a way to annul it," a different advisor added.
"For the sake of the village, can't you make a small sacrifice, Mizukage-sama?"