Chapter 171: Heartbroken Youths of Kirigakure
Ao quickly confirmed, "I can indeed sense Natsuhane's chakra! He should be on that giant woman's back!"
"Wait! Mizukage-sama! Let's not focus on Natsuhane right now. Shouldn't we be more concerned about that giant winged woman? If she falls, our already fragile village will be in even worse condition!"
"It's too late! She's about to land!" Chojuro shouted, drawing his twin swords to shield Mei Terumi.
But to everyone's surprise, just as they thought the giant woman would crash down, she gracefully folded her wings, extended her smooth, flawless legs, and made a perfect landing.
"Boom!"
The impact shook the entire ground of Kirigakure.
"Hi, long time no see."
Natsuhane jumped down from Inyo's back, casually greeting the stunned onlookers. Without waiting for a response, he walked straight to Mei Terumi and gently asked, "I heard something happened in the village. Are you alright?"
Seeing Natsuhane, Mei Terumi was momentarily frozen. After a moment, tears welled up in her eyes. "Did you rush here because you were worried about me? Natsuhane, I... I'm so touched."
Ignoring the shocked stares around her, Mei Terumi threw herself into Natsuhane's arms.
Feeling her warmth and softness, Natsuhane instinctively held her tight, whispering comfortingly, "With our relationship, isn't it natural for me to be worried? How's the situation now?"
"Don't worry, my husband. I'm fine. The rebellion of the Taketori clan has been quelled. Tonight, I can finally sleep peacefully. And you're here too," Mei Terumi replied with a shy smile, blushing from the intimate contact.
The male villagers around them felt their hearts breaking.
They had been jolted awake by the ground shaking, thinking it was an earthquake, only to run outside and witness this scene.
"Who is that daring person holding Mizukage-sama so closely? Look at where he's touching! I want to kill him!"
"Wait, calm down! Look at Mizukage-sama's expression. She clearly enjoys it!"
"555... There have been rumors ever since the ninjas returned from the Land of Waves that Mizukage-sama is married. Could it be true? Is that man...?"
"Watch your mouth! I was in the Land of Waves war. This man is Mizukage-sama's husband. He's not only the daimyo of the Land of Waves but also the adopted brother of the daimyo of the Land of Water. If you badmouth him, you'll regret it!"
"This... this young man is the daimyo of the Land of Waves?"
Realizing Natsuhane's identity, the villagers were stunned.
It was their first time seeing such a young daimyo.
Their initial dissatisfaction and jealousy were quickly replaced by fear and resignation.
"Sigh, it's true. Those in high positions only associate with others in high positions. Ordinary folks like us should just wash up and sleep..."