A few days later, Raizen left several Wood Clones behind and departed from Konoha in his true form.
It had taken him a long time to make this decision. Children born from Jōnin-level women were providing rewards that were no longer powerful enough to satisfy his growth needs. He needed more potent rewards—things like the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan or top-tier S-rank techniques like the Wind Style: Rasenshuriken.
To get them, he had to take a risk and venture outside the village.
Of course, before leaving, he secured his family. He placed powerful barriers around both his estate and the Women's Hot Spring Inn. If any enemy broke in, one of his Wood Clones would dispel, instantly alerting his main body. With the Flying Thunder God, he could return in a heartbeat.
After traveling for several days, Raizen arrived at the Hidden Mist Village (Kirigakure).
He didn't sneak in. Instead, he entered openly and legally, leading a merchant caravan. The commercial streets of the Mist were desolate compared to the prosperity of Konoha. Raizen rented a stall and began displaying his wares.
His stall became an instant sensation. Because Kirigakure was currently in its "Bloody Mist" era, very few merchant caravans dared to enter. Raizen's foreign goods became highly sought-after treasures.
Raizen watched every passerby carefully.
Day 1: Business was good, but he didn't see his target.
Day 2: The crowd was even larger. The goods sold out almost instantly.
"Boss, your foresight is incredible!" one of his hired hands said, eyes full of admiration. "In just two days, we've made a killing!"
"Work hard," Raizen patted the man's shoulder. "Complete this trip, and you won't have to worry about money for the rest of your life."
"I will, Boss!" the worker nodded excitedly.
Kirigakure - Mizukage Building
A dark figure stood at the window, silently observing Raizen's stall.
"A merchant from the outside world..." a voice hissed. "Hehe, it's been a long time since anyone was brave enough to enter the Mist. Rin... I will make this village pay a heavy price."
The figure turned away. Soon after, a beautiful woman with long, auburn hair walked into the Mizukage's office.
"Yagura! Come out here!" she demanded.
A small, youthful figure stepped out of the shadows. His movements were stiff, his eyes dull—like a puppet on a string. It was the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi.
"Mei Terumī," he said tonelessly. "Why are you here?"
Mei glared at him. "Yagura, enough blood has been spilled in this village. It's time to stop this 'Bloody Mist' madness."
"Those who oppose me must be eliminated," Yagura droned. "Do you oppose me, Mei?"
Mei stiffened. "I will stop your slaughter. Mark my words, Yagura—your era is coming to an end. I will liberate this village and let it see the light again."
She turned and stormed out. As she left, a figure emerged from behind Yagura. A single three-tomoe Sharingan gazed coldly at her retreating back. "Mei Terumī is becoming a nuisance. If I strike now, Yagura might break my control. Let her play for now... let's see what she can actually do."
Outside, Mei's angry expression faded. He's so patient, she thought, looking back at the building. I said all that, and the person behind him didn't even flinch.
She had long suspected that the Fourth Mizukage was being controlled. It was the only way to explain how their once-kind leader had become a tyrant. Frustrated by the lack of reaction, she walked down the street until she noticed a dense crowd.
"How lively," she murmured. "I haven't seen a crowd like this in ages."
Curiosity piqued, she squeezed through the throng. As she popped her head through the front of the line, she locked eyes with Raizen.
Raizen smiled. There she is. My target.
The Kage-level beauty, Mei Terumī.
Mei was momentarily paralyzed. What a handsome man...
"Welcome, traveler," Raizen greeted her warmly, his voice smooth and welcoming. "Looking for anything in particular? My goods are top quality, I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
Mei's heart began to hammer against her ribs. Up close, his face was even more breathtaking.
"I... I want to buy... a bra. Do you... have those?" she stammered, blurting out the first thing that came to mind. As soon as the words left her mouth, her face turned bright red.
"A bra?" Raizen nodded without skipping a beat. "Certainly. I have various styles, all the latest trends. What size do you need? I can help you pick."
"F-cup..." Mei said instinctively.
"F-cup, I see." Raizen rummaged through a crate and pulled out several elegant designs. "How about these?"
Mei was too embarrassed to look him in the eye. "I'll take this one... and that one."
Raizen packaged them neatly. "That will be 520 Ryo, please."
"Here." She handed over the money.
"Thank you. Please come again!" Raizen gave her a dazzling, sun-drenched smile.
Thump-thump! Thump-thump!
Mei felt like she was melting. To her, he seemed to be bathed in a divine light.
"Man," she said, her gaze turning intense and predatory. "This Queen shall have you. What is your name?"
Raizen paused. He knew Mei liked handsome men, but he hadn't expected her to be this direct. Is this her legendary 'marriage-obsessed' personality kicking in?
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