Want to read ahead? Join my Patreon for just $7 to get early access to all upcoming chapters!
> Patreon.com/NegativeTranslations
─────
Chapter 267: Chojuro's Sorrow
The sunset's glow bathed the newly formed clearing in the Land of Rain.
Alex and Konan stood side by side in the center. The black robe with red clouds and the white origami complemented each other perfectly. The aura of power radiating from them made the Mist villagers, who had just arrived via the teleportation paper, instinctively hold their breath.
Honoka put away the teleportation paper, her face full of seriousness. "Lord Alex!"
She stepped aside to reveal Mei Terumi behind her, her voice crisp and loud. "This is the former Fifth Mizukage of the Mist, Mei Terumi. She hopes for a chance to follow by your side. She will do anything!"
Mei Terumi stood beside Honoka, her auburn hair groomed meticulously. Her tight outfit outlined her curvaceous figure.
Facing the two supreme beings before her who were capable of overturning the ninja world, this Mizukage who once commanded the wind and clouds felt her palms sweat for the first time. A thin layer of perspiration had already formed on her back.
But she still stood straight, even instinctively thrusting her chest out slightly to accentuate her assets.
She knew very well that in the face of absolute power, past status was worthless. Only by showing enough "value" could she increase her chances of being accepted.
She knew a little about the Akatsuki leader, Konan, and was aware of the terror of her paper jutsu and power. But she knew nothing about the Lord Alex beside Konan—whose face was almost identical to hers but with a colder, aloof temperament.
She had spent too much time on that special practice in the afternoon and hadn't had time to ask Honoka about Lord Alex's habits and preferences. Now, she could only use the most direct method to display her charm.
Nearby, hearing Honoka's words, Ino instinctively exchanged a glance with Hinata beside her. Both saw surprise in the other's eyes.
Ino had just summoned the courage to make her request and be accepted as a maid by Lord Alex. She didn't expect someone else to come fighting for the opportunity so soon.
Ino narrowed her eyes, carefully sizing up Mei Terumi, secretly spitting out the word "vixen" in her heart.
The former Fifth Mizukage indeed possessed capital enough to stun people. She was a fully ripened fruit, exuding mature charm from every angle.
Ino instinctively straightened her upper body. As a fresh young girl, she was indeed slightly inferior in terms of mature allure. But she had infinite room for growth. Given time, she would definitely not lose to this woman!
Beside Alex, Konan watched this scene with a smile the entire time. White origami gently wound around her fingertips. She had no intention of interrupting, clearly leaving the decision entirely to Alex.
But the smile in her eyes carried a hint of amusement; she had already made her judgment internally.
Alex would accept Mei Terumi. After all, Mei's appearance and figure perfectly fit Alex's aesthetics and preferences. Such a toy was indeed not bad.
Konan's gaze swept meaningfully over Mei Terumi's lips. That circle of faint redness was quite familiar.
This "toy" had high initiative; she even knew to practice beforehand.
She looked at Hinata, Honoka, and the others again. Alex had only truly taken human form last night, so they hadn't gone that far yet.
Alex looked at Mei Terumi—from her tightly pursed lips to her straight posture, and finally to the nervousness and anticipation she couldn't hide in her eyes.
He pretended to ponder for a moment, then nodded slightly. "Alright. Start as a maid."
He had just accepted Ino. Taking one is taking; taking two is also taking. Having more eye-candy maids around would make him feel good.
"Thank you, Lord Alex!" Mei Terumi's nervous heart instantly settled, the stone hanging in her throat finally lowered.
Although the status of a maid was worlds apart from being the Fifth Mizukage, as long as she could stay by this man's side, she could monitor the situation of the Mist villagers at any time and fight for more stability for them.
This was her original intention. As for the drop in status, it wasn't worth mentioning compared to the safety of the villagers.
She bowed respectfully, her auburn hair falling over her shoulder, adding a touch of softness.
Not far behind her in the Mist crowd, Chojuro stood blankly, his face pale as paper.
Watching Lord Mizukage, whom he had admired since childhood and regarded as his faith... bowing and acting so submissively before another man... his heart shattered into pieces on the ground.
No! No! No!
A scene suddenly flashed through his mind—Lady Mizukage asking him for "study materials" earlier. Back then, he was full of doubts, but now he suddenly understood. Those materials were probably used for reference to please the Akatsuki leader.
Chojuro felt his throat tighten as if something was blocking it. Even breathing was painful. He clenched his fists tightly, nails digging deep into his palms, his eyes full of despair and unwillingness.
The sunlight was still warm.
Mei Terumi straightened up, a relieved smile on her face, and walked over to stand beside Ino.
From this moment on, she was also one of the maids by Lord Alex's side.
Watching his respectable Mizukage humble herself like this, Chojuro's mind uncontrollably conjured up heartbreaking scenes...
No—!
My Lady Mizukage, how could you... how could you go to such lengths to please someone else...
Chojuro's sorrowful wail was destined to echo only within his own heart.
.....
─────
Support this fanfict by leaving Positive Review, Comments, and Power Stones.
For Advance Chapters:
> Patreon.com/NegativeTranslations