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"Still the same, huh?"
Sasame observed the entire process of Uchiha Sasuke awakening his Sharingan.
Though Itachi's Tsukuyomi hadn't been part of the trigger this time, the outcome remained unchanged.
Well, he is the reincarnation of Indra's chakra. His talent isn't bad.
But awakening a one-tomoe Sharingan at this stage felt… off, to say the least.
After the ANBU ninja knocked Sasuke unconscious, they took him to the hospital. His earlier outburst had unsettled her, and the Third Hokage had explicitly ordered his safety.
Sasame withdrew his gaze, not bothering to follow. Instead, he returned home.
There, he found Ayame asleep on the couch—she'd been waiting too long.
Tsunade and Shizune were nowhere to be seen.
Sasame rubbed his chin.
As one of Konoha's top brass, Tsunade's probably at the Hokage Building right now.
He had no interest—nor the authority—to participate in the discussions.
But the outcome was already set in stone.
The Uchiha clan had been wiped out.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had little room to maneuver now.
Declare Itachi a rogue ninja. Punish the disobedient Danzo.
And then… hold the funerals.
But Danzo, humiliated, would only grow more determined to seize the Hokage title.
Before long, a storm of rumors would engulf Konoha.
Land of Water. Kirigakure.
Mei Terumi was practicing her vocal exercises.
Sasame had mentioned wanting to hear her sing, but as a complete novice, she'd enlisted the help of a famous Water Country songstress.
The woman had taught her a training method:
Sing while walking.
Keep the body relaxed—but not truly slack. Externally loose, internally firm.
Steady breath control, precise vocal resonance.
The power shouldn't come from the throat alone—it had to flow through the entire body.
After two or three hours, if her voice remained clear, she'd succeeded.
Mei had been practicing diligently for some time now, all to repay Sasame's favor.
The results were decent.
From initially being tone-deaf, she could now carry a tune.
But fearing rumors, she only practiced at night—inside the Mizukage's office.
Suddenly, applause broke the silence.
Mei's heart nearly stopped.
Damn it! If anyone found out the dignified Mizukage was secretly doing this…
Her reputation would plummet.
Just as she contemplated whether silencing the witness was necessary, she realized it was Sasame.
"…You did that on purpose, didn't you?"
Mei exhaled in relief.
"On purpose? What do you mean?"
Sasame lounged on the sofa, thoroughly amused by her flustered expression. "You're that scared of being seen?"
"I'm the Mizukage."
Mei pouted. Definitely intentional.
"And? Even the Mizukage deserves a normal life."
Sasame smirked. "Singing, dancing, sports, romance…"
"W-What nonsense! The Mizukage can't just—!"
Mei's heart lurched. Nervously, she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear—an unconsciously girlish gesture.
"But you were just singing."
Sasame pointed out.
"That's because of our deal!"
Mei hastily clarified. "Not because I wanted to!"
"Then what do you want?"
Sasame pressed.
Mei froze.
She'd never considered that question.
Since childhood, her entire existence had revolved around becoming Mizukage.
Beyond that? Nothing.
Even singing had only entered her life because of Sasame.
Biting her lip, Mei swiftly changed the subject.
"Why are you here so late?"
"To hear you sing."
Sasame answered without hesitation.
"Not tonight."
Mei's pupils dilated slightly. "I'm not ready yet."
She refused to perform imperfectly—especially in front of him.
Ahem.
Mainly because of the 700 million ryo loan. Couldn't afford mistakes.
"Your merchant group has already arrived."
Mei pivoted again. "The shipping route is under construction. It'll be operational within three months."
"Good work."
Sasame didn't call out her terrible acting. "Once it's open, we'll need Kirigakure's long-term protection."
"That won't be a problem."
Mei needed this economic lifeline. "What about Uzushiogakure? When are you going?"
"Next time."
Sasame stretched lazily. "Since there's no singing tonight, I won't disturb your practice."
Mei opened her mouth—then closed it, unsure what to say.
As Sasame reached the window, he suddenly paused and beckoned her over.
"What is it?"
Mei approached, puzzled.
"Don't move."
His tone turned serious.
Mei instinctively nodded.
Then—he stepped closer.
The distance between them shrank rapidly, as if about to become negative.
Her heart hammered wildly. Her body trembled, torn between fleeing and staying.
His unfairly handsome face filled her vision, stopping just one centimeter away.
"Tch."
Sasame clicked his tongue in frustration.
His warm breath brushed her neck, sending a shiver down her spine.
"I really am shorter than you!"
He muttered, deeply wounded.
"..."
Mei's eyelashes fluttered.
…That's it?
I thought you were going to—
For some reason, she felt a twinge of disappointment.
But his words reminded her—this wasn't a grown man. Just a teenager.
Probably not even fifteen.
Ridiculously young.
Standing together, they'd look like siblings, not lovers.
"Up close, you're even more beautiful."
Sasame seized the chance to study her.
From this angle, his view was nothing but flawless skin.
And that faint, intoxicating scent—
Mei stiffened.
The silent office echoed with her suddenly uneven breathing.
Blushing, she retreated, averting her gaze.
"…Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Sasame waved, mildly aggrieved.
Men are sensitive about length.
Especially height.
Mei towered over him.
But it made sense—he was still growing.
According to records, Mei stood at 174 cm—taller than most men.
Tsunade, by comparison, was a petite 163 cm.
Though height has its advantages…
Different experiences.
"Alright, I'm off."
Sasame perched on the windowsill. "Since you're learning to sing, why not pick up dancing too?"
Before she could respond, he vanished.
"...?"
Mei stood frozen, speechless at his audacity.
…Should I really learn to dance?
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 180 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 30 power stones I will publish the next chapter.
(Give me all your power stones)