Chapter 305: Mei Terumi
Uchiha Obito and Black Zetsu managed to escape, much to Tonari's frustration.
It couldn't be helped—Obito had clearly prepared for the worst from the moment he sensed Tonari's presence. He had hidden his ultimate genjutsu, Izanagi, within his only Mangekyō Sharingan, just like Uchiha Madara did long ago.
Back when Madara "died" at the hands of Hashirama Senju, everyone—including Hashirama and Tobirama—believed him to be truly dead, but he managed to resurrect himself because he had sealed Izanagi within his Mangekyō Sharingan.
Similarly, in the original timeline, Uchiha Shisui entrusted his remaining Mangekyō Sharingan to Uchiha Itachi, embedding the most powerful genjutsu in the ninja world, Kotoamatsukami, within it. This allowed Itachi to later activate it even when the eye was embedded in a summoning crow rather than his own eye socket.
Obito had clearly learned Izanagi from Madara, but Tonari hadn't expected him to be this cunning and cautious.
"Let's go back. Now that he knows I'm here, he won't dare come to Kirigakure again. The seed of doubt is already planted in his mind. Next time we meet, he won't be so lucky."
Tonari shook his head, leading Kisame and Yagura back to the village.
In truth, Tonari had considered the possibility of Izanagi, but he hadn't expected it to be executed in this way.
He glanced over his shoulder with a hint of mischief in his eyes.
"I wonder if Black Zetsu can still manipulate him after this. Things might get interesting."
As they made their way back to Kirigakure, Tonari once again assumed his disguise as Sasaki and walked alongside Kisame, both of them following behind Yagura.
As they entered the village, Yagura resumed his gentlemanly demeanor, greeting everyone with a sincere smile, which earned him the unwavering loyalty of the villagers.
Tonari's presence as Sasaki, despite being a relatively unremarkable Chunin before, had elevated him to a highly respected position as one of the Mizukage's personal guards.
Compared to the intimidating Kisame, the seemingly ordinary Sasaki had become a popular figure, especially among smaller clans eager to secure connections by offering their daughters' hands in marriage.
Of course, most of these were minor clans, and Tonari had little interest in them.
However, his mind wandered to the renowned Mei Terumi—wielder of both Lava Release and Boil Release. She was undeniably beautiful and powerful, yet had remained single well into her thirties due to Kirigakure's deeply rooted traditions and her unwillingness to marry someone weaker than herself.
As they entered the Mizukage's office, they found Mei already there, holding a scroll.
"Mizukage-sama, you're back! Just now, there was a disturbance outside the village. A massive, blue giant appeared—reports say a battle took place."
Yagura took the scroll from her with a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, Mei. That was just us dealing with some uninvited guests. The threat has been eliminated."
Mei nodded, though her gaze lingered on Sasaki and Kisame with a subtle hint of suspicion.
"Are you sure it's safe for you to personally attend the Chūnin Exams in Konoha, Mizukage-sama? If the Leaf harbors any ill intentions, we could be walking into a trap. Our village is only just beginning to recover."
Yagura smiled softly.
"That's precisely why I must go, Mei. We need to show our sincerity and resolve past hostilities. If we keep closing ourselves off, we'll never move forward."
"But even so, couldn't you delegate this to someone else—like Ao, myself, or Elder Genji? You don't have to take the risk personally." Mei's concern was evident.
Tonari, quietly listening, could sense Mei's wariness towards him and Kisame.
Her concern was not unfounded. Yagura's position as a reformist figure had earned him immense respect, but his gentle nature also made him vulnerable.
Mei thought for a moment and offered an idea.
"If Mizukage-sama insists on going, then we should make it publicly known across the shinobi world. That way, even if Konoha wanted to plot something, they wouldn't dare move against you openly. In fact, they might even assign guards to ensure your safety."
Yagura's eyes lit up at the suggestion.
"Good idea, Mei. Make the necessary arrangements. Publicizing the visit will ensure we're seen as making an honest gesture of goodwill."
"Yes, Mizukage-sama." Mei nodded, though her eyes briefly narrowed as she glanced at Sasaki, clearly still skeptical of him.
After getting the order, she turned and left the office, gesturing for Sasaki to follow.
Tonari sighed inwardly and trailed after her, knowing she wanted to test him.
As they walked through the village, Mei occasionally glanced back to check if he was following. Finally, she led him to a secluded training ground by a lake.
"Is there something you need, Terumi-san?" Tonari asked, leaning lazily against a rock.
Mei turned around, her gaze sharp.
"I just want to see if you have the strength to be Mizukage-sama's guard. You've been promoted too quickly for my liking."
Before Tonari could respond, a thick mist enveloped the area.
"Hiding in the Mist Technique..." Tonari muttered with a smirk.
The air suddenly grew scorching hot, and he realized the mist wasn't just regular water vapor—it was infused with boiling steam.
"Lava Release: Acid Fog Technique!" Mei's voice called from the mist.
The acidic steam crept toward Tonari, threatening to sear his skin.
Tonari didn't panic. Instead, he calmly made a series of hand signs.
"Water Release: Exploding Water Colliding Wave!"
A massive torrent of water erupted from his mouth, flooding the entire area and diluting Mei's acidic mist. The powerful wave surged toward her, catching Mei off guard.
Her eyes widened as she saw the sheer volume of water rushing her way.
"Not bad," she muttered, weaving more hand signs.
"Lava Release: Melting Apparition Technique!"
A stream of molten lava shot from her mouth, colliding with the water and sending up a cloud of steam.
Tonari didn't stop there, manipulating the water to form a massive dragon that roared and lunged at Mei.
Mei smirked.
"Not bad at all... but don't think I'll go easy on you!"
She gathered her chakra, forming another dense layer of acidic mist.
Tonari flashed behind her in an instant, grabbing her wrist before she could complete the technique.
Mei tensed up, feeling his breath close to her ear.
"Your Lava Release is impressive, but you're too direct in your attacks," Tonari whispered teasingly.
Mei spun around, attempting to land a kick, but he effortlessly caught her leg and pulled her closer, his face mere inches from hers.
"Careful. You might lose something important if you keep underestimating me."
Realizing the precarious position she was in, Mei's cheeks flushed bright red. She pulled away and straightened her posture.
"Hmph! Don't get cocky just because you caught me off guard once."
Tonari chuckled, clearly amused.
"Consider it a lesson on being vigilant, Terumi-san. Next time, try not to let your emotions show so easily."
As Mei stormed off with a huff, Tonari's grin widened.
She's got a fiery spirit... I like that.
Watching her retreating figure, he mused to himself.
"Maybe staying in Kirigakure won't be so boring after all."
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