"What are you doing?"
"That look in your eyes... you haven't fallen for me, have you!?"
"I... I don't swing that way!!!"
Raizen looked at Yagura Karatachi's intense, heated gaze and was momentarily stunned, quickly offering a wary reminder.
Yagura was struck with instant embarrassment. He coughed awkwardly and said, "It's not like that! I just suddenly felt that you and Mei are a perfect match. Congratulations to you both."
"Is that really it?" Raizen squinted. "Because that look felt like it meant something else."
"It's exactly that, absolutely nothing else! Anyway, Mei, start preparing your inauguration speech. Tomorrow I'll convene the high-ranking officials, report to the Daimyō, and officially announce your succession as the Fifth Mizukage."
"I haven't been home in a long time, so I'll head back first. You two enjoy yourselves!" Without waiting for a response, Yagura used a Body Flicker and vanished instantly.
"Miss Mei, congratulations. You're about to become the Fifth Mizukage-sama," Raizen said, taking her hand and smiling.
Mei looked a bit worried. "I'm a little concerned... can I really do a good job? Do I have the strength to make the village prosperous again?"
Raizen squeezed her hand firmly. "I believe in you. Work hard, My Lady Mizukage."
"Mhm! I will definitely give it my all."
The following day, under Yagura's recommendation, Mei Terumī officially became the Fifth Mizukage. With the new title came a mountain of work; she began spending most of her nights at the Mizukage building.
Raizen, meanwhile, enjoyed a rare moment of peace. The merchant caravan he brought had settled in, purchased storefronts, and opened branches. Everything was on the right track. It was time for him to leave.
He had already placed a Flying Thunder God formula on Mei's arm and another inside her home. With a single thought, he could return at any time.
He found Mei and told her his decision to leave, using the excuse that he needed to continue hunting Obito Uchiha. He promised to return and reunite with her once the debt of blood was paid. Though reluctant, Mei told him to go with a clear mind—she would wait faithfully for his safe return. After leaving her a crate of 24 bottles of Papaya Nutritional Juice and strict instructions to rest, Raizen returned to their new home and teleported back to Konoha.
Back in Konoha
Returning to the Uchiha district, Raizen immediately dispelled his Wood Clones. As the memories flooded back, his expression turned odd.
During his absence, Kurenai Yūhi had repeatedly tried to get "intimate" with him, but the Wood Clone had consistently rejected her. This had left Kurenai looking at "him" with a face full of resentment.
Sure enough, the moment Raizen stepped through the front door, he met Kurenai's pouting, aggrieved gaze.
"I'm back!" Raizen opened his arms wide for a warm hug.
Kurenai was stunned. Over the past few weeks, he had been oddly cold and full of excuses. Was the sun rising from the west today? She didn't realize that the previous "Raizen" was a clone—and a clone being too enthusiastic risks a chakra malfunction that would blow his cover.
"Raizen-kun, I personally brewed some soup. You must try it!"
After her initial surprise, Kurenai brought a bowl to him. Raizen peered in; the liquid was pitch black.
"What kind of soup is this?"
"I bought deer antler and bear kidneys from the Nara clan to make this 'Great Tonic Soup.' Drink it up, Raizen-kun! Once you drink it, everything will be 'better' again." She looked at him with high expectations.
Raizen: "..."
Unable to refuse her hopeful eyes, he forced it down. Surprisingly, it tasted quite good.
"How do you feel?" Kurenai asked, eyes wide.
"I feel... a bit hot," Raizen said truthfully. The hot soup combined with the potent medicinal herbs had him breaking a sweat immediately.
Kurenai leaned in tentatively. "Raizen-kun, you haven't spent time with me in so long!"
"Sweetheart, today I am all yours," Raizen said gently, patting her head.
"Great! I knew the soup would work. I'll brew more for you in the future!" Kurenai beamed, feeling her hard work had paid off.
Raizen: "..." I'm really not 'deficient'! I don't need the soup!
It took half a month of "overtime" at home before Raizen was finally allowed to leave the house. Thanks to the system, he didn't feel weak at all; in fact, he felt refreshed.
The Women's Hot Spring Inn
He headed to the inn, where Uzumaki Keiko greeted him warmly.
"Raizen-sama, let me pour you a drink." Keiko, her cheeks flushed, diligently served him food and wine.
Raizen knew what was on Keiko's mind. Truthfully, he had his eye on Karin. Karin was exceptionally talented, inheriting the best traits of the Uzumaki clan. With training, she could easily become a Kage-level powerhouse. She'd grow up to be a beauty and a loyal wife. Because of this long-term plan, Raizen had been playing dumb regarding Keiko's advances.
"Miss Keiko, let me toast you as well."
He had given Keiko the Papaya Nutritional Juice as well. Now, she didn't look at all like a woman who had already had a child. Every movement she made was full of youthful charm.
"It's so hot this summer, isn't it?" Keiko fanned herself, pulling her collar slightly to "disperse the heat." She winked at him. "Raizen-sama, another drink!"
With the juice's effects, Keiko looked like an eighteen-year-old girl, radiant and full of life.
"Miss Keiko, you really are beautiful," Raizen said, draining his cup.
"Really? Do you truly think so?" Her eyes lit up with joy. She kept the drinks coming, and Raizen, not one to refuse, kept pace with her.
The night ended in a blur of wine and laughter.
The next morning, Raizen looked at the sleeping Uzumaki Keiko beside him with a complicated expression. Keiko woke up, saw him, and blushed deeply.
Raizen let out a small sigh. Well... I guess the plan for Karin just got a lot more complicated. Now she's going to be my daughter instead of a daughter-in-law?
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