"As an advisor, I will personally provide her with meticulous guidance~"

"…Surely, Councilor Gonbee, you can't refuse me this condition."

Gojo Kaigetsu spoke with a smile, but no one could discern the true emotions hidden behind those dark shades.

Was it shrewd calculation or lecherous intent?

A chill ran down Mei Terumi's spine.

She instinctively took a step back, wrapping her arms around herself, her gaze wary as she looked at Gojo Kaigetsu and the Konoha officials.

Hokage Minato Namikaze appeared unfazed, while Danzo and Homura Mitokado wore expressions of disgust.

Seeing the reactions of Konoha's leadership… Mei's heart sank. Despite her best efforts to avoid such thoughts… the reactions of the Konoha officials, coupled with Gojo Kaigetsu's words, were unsettling!

'He's after my body!'

Mei arrived at the conclusion that disgusted her the most.

Mei acknowledged that her physique, as an ordinary woman, would be considered attractive. However, as a kunoichi born in Kirigakure, it was undoubtedly a burden!

Because of it, she was likely to encounter situations like this. Being treated as a spoil of war, claimed by high-ranking officials of the enemy village… The thought was repulsive.

However, displaying any resistance at this juncture would be pointless and would only provoke Gojo Kaigetsu, potentially leading to even more outrageous demands.

It was up to Councilor Gonbee to find a way to refuse through diplomatic means.

Mei turned slightly, her gaze fixed on Gonbee, filled with a veiled hope.

Her talent as a ninja was top-tier, even by world standards. Moreover, with the Bloody Mist regime ended, her two Kekkei Genkai were no longer a liability but rather a prized asset of Kirigakure.

Under these circumstances, if the village still chose to offer her as a hostage to Konoha, then Kirigakure truly was hopeless!

Gojo Kaigetsu had presented Gonbee with an incredibly difficult dilemma.

His expression shifted repeatedly.

From "ten" down to "one," it seemed like the price Kirigakure had to pay was significantly reduced. However, anyone with a discerning eye understood Mei's importance to the newly reformed Kirigakure.

Exceptional talent, dual Kekkei Genkai… If nothing unexpected happened, in a few years, Mei would be at the pinnacle of Kirigakure's fighting force, one of their strongest assets.

But if she were handed over to Konoha… Even if it were only for three years, what might she endure during that time?

Gonbee turned his head, meeting Mei's hopeful gaze.

His heart flinched, and he instinctively averted his eyes. He couldn't bear the weight of such hope.

'If this internal conflict hadn't occurred, Kekkei Genkai users would have been purged from the village like impurities.'

'Leaving Mei in Konoha for three years… she might even return pregnant… Her talent as a ninja would undoubtedly be squandered by Konoha.'

'Refusing, given Gojo Kaigetsu's assertive demeanor, would likely lead to even harsher conditions.'

'In that case, might as well go all in and offer Mei to Konoha in exchange for greater benefits!'

'It would be a way to repay the village for sparing her life!'

'Mei Terumi!'

This insane, utterly depraved thought took root in Gonbee's mind. The more he thought about it, the more feasible it seemed.

Mei's future was of no concern to him. Even if she became a prominent figure in Kirigakure, it would be through no merit of his own.

But if… right here, right now, he sold Mei to Konoha, securing tangible benefits in the present, could it perhaps mitigate the damage of signing that humiliating treaty?

Upon returning to the village, he would receive praise from the Mizukage, and his clan would be rewarded.

Moreover, before their departure, the Mizukage hadn't explicitly stated that Mei was absolutely indispensable.

If it's not forbidden, it's permitted!

Thump-Thump-

A dark, villainous smile crept across Gonbee's lips. He looked up again, meeting Mei's disbelieving and despairing gaze, and spoke:

"I agree to these terms!"

"However, I believe certain details can be amended."

"Oh? Go ahead."

"Advisor Gojo, the ninja you've chosen, Mei Terumi, is an exceptionally talented ninja of our younger generation."

"Three years is too short, especially considering she'll be undertaking the studies of ten individuals. I believe three years is insufficient for her to learn anything substantial. It would be better for her to stay in Konoha longer, acquire more knowledge, so she can contribute more effectively upon returning to Kirigakure."

"Ten years! I believe ten years of study in Konoha would be an excellent timeframe for Mei."

Hiss-

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Gojo Kaigetsu couldn't help but gasp, glancing back and forth between Gonbee and Mei.

What strange turn of events was this? It seemed to align with the bizarre cultural tropes he often wrote about…

For Mei, her lover was the village, wasn't it? Yet, when faced with a crucial decision, she was readily offered to a stronger village by her "lover" for greater personal gain.

Good! Good! Good! Things were getting interesting.

Initially, Gojo Kaigetsu hadn't harbored any particular intentions, but Gonbee's actions had sparked his imagination.

However, this wasn't enough~ If this was to be a true "selling one's wife for glory" scenario, there needed to be an irreparable rift between Mei and her village.

Feigning concern, Gojo Kaigetsu said:

"Ahem-Is that so? I hadn't considered that. However, we in Konoha are an open, inclusive, and respectful village. We should consult the individual in question."

"Miss Mei, are you willing to study in Konoha for ten years?"

Mei's face instantly paled, her body swaying slightly. Her resolute ninja way began to crumble under the weight of Gonbee's words.

"I… I want to stay in Kirigakure, I don't…"

"..."

Gonbee's voice boomed, his hands gripping her shoulders. "You, of all people, should understand! This is for the village, and for yourself! Think of the Terumi clan behind you! Please, be reasonable!"

"I… understand."

A tragic smile graced Mei's lips. She had dedicated herself to the village, dreaming of becoming the Mizukage and leading Kirigakure to prosperity.

Yet, in the end, the village repaid her with a heartless threat against her clan… cruelly shattering her dreams, forcing her into the arms of the enemy.

Ten years from now, would anyone in Kirigakure remember her, Mei Terumi? And by then, where would her loyalties lie, with Kirigakure or Konoha?

Even she didn't know.

This truly was… a cruel shinobi world, one that couldn't even tolerate the most humble of dreams.

Mei sighed, as if her soul had been extinguished, and said coldly, "I understand."

If not for the presence of so many people, she might have even… considered throwing herself at Gojo Kaigetsu, offering a kiss of utter depravity. Having been abandoned by her village, she might as well embrace her downfall completely.

"Haha-Good! It seems Miss Mei truly adores Konoha. Rest assured, during these ten years, I, as your advisor, will personally dedicate myself to your guidance! You will come to love our Konoha culture!"

Gojo Kaigetsu declared, thumping his chest.

Without hesitation, he wrapped his arm around Mei's shoulder, pulling her into the Konoha camp.

The action was seamless, encountering no resistance from Mei. She even leaned into his embrace willingly.

Gojo Kaigetsu knew that this… was practically a done deal.

A fawning smile appeared on Gonbee's face. His plan had succeeded. If Gojo Kaigetsu had such a penchant for this sort of thing, what harm was there in offering him Mei?

Catering to his preferences… One hand washes the other, and now it was Kirigakure's turn!

Gonbee rubbed his hands together. "Well… to be honest, we have one more condition."

"What is it? Speak! Konoha and Kirigakure are now close allies. As long as it's not too unreasonable, I'll agree on behalf of the Hokage!"

"Hmm… well… it's about our Fourth Mizukage, Yagura. He was severely injured during the internal conflict and has fallen into a deep coma."

"He's barely clinging to life right now."

"I see. That is a grave matter. As allies, we offer our deepest condolences."

That damned Gojo Kaigetsu, was he pretending not to understand?!

Gonbee cursed inwardly, maintaining a pleasant smile on his face. "Konoha has always been powerful, and the Sannin are renowned throughout the shinobi world."

"One of them, Lady Tsunade, specializes in medical ninjutsu."

"We were wondering, as allies, if Konoha could officially request Tsunade's assistance in treating our Fourth Mizukage. This way, as allies, Kirigakure can offer Konoha even greater support."

"Oh~ so you want Tsunade to come out of retirement~" Gojo Kaigetsu exclaimed, as if suddenly realizing their request.

"That's right. What are your thoughts, Advisor Gojo…?"

"Easy!" Gojo Kaigetsu waved his hand dismissively. "Not to brag, but Tsunade and I are quite close. I can get her to treat the Fourth Mizukage without any official pressure from the village."

"However, based on your description, the Fourth Mizukage's injuries seem severe. Even Tsunade might not be able to heal him instantly."

Gonbee's face was etched with worry. "Then what can we do?"

That damned Gojo Kaigetsu, he wouldn't take the benefits and then refuse with such an excuse, would he?!

Don't push it too far!

"There is a solution~"

From Minato's perspective as an outsider, a familiar smile played on Kaigetsu's lips. Minato recognized the meaning behind that smile… His dear friend Kaigetsu was about to pull another one of his schemes.

"Our Konoha Hospital has different ward classes. The highest class is called the Top Ward, a special ward built under Tsunade's supervision. It's filled with top-tier medical techniques and utilizes the finest medicinal herbs in the world."

"The Top Ward is said to be able to snatch people from the clutches of death. As long as they're not completely dead, prolonged treatment within its walls guarantees survival. It's Konoha's last resort for saving dignitaries, wealthy merchants, and the like."

"It is the Wall of Sighs, the Wall of Despair, standing before the Grim Reaper! A despair so profound that even twelve Kage-level shinobi combined couldn't breach it!"

After this extravagant praise,

Gojo Kaigetsu's expression turned slightly troubled. "The thing is~ it's not cheap. Once the medical techniques are activated, the daily cost of consumables is at least one million ryō."

"Even as allies, while we won't profit from Kirigakure, the medical costs will have to be borne by your village."

"Huh? Is that how it works?"

Gonbee was bewildered. In his understanding, medical ninjutsu involved clapping one's hands, calling upon its power, placing a hand on the patient, channeling chakra, and voila, the person was healed!

How could it be… so complicated?

And to transfer the Fourth Mizukage to Konoha? Well, that wasn't a major issue. After all, the Fourth Mizukage was a Jinchuriki. If Konoha tried anything funny, they would have to consider the destructive consequences of a Jinchuriki going berserk.

"So… roughly how much would it cost?" Gonbee inquired tentatively.

"After applying Konoha's medical insurance coverage… a prepayment of thirty million ryō would be required as an initial fee. Once you bring the Fourth Mizukage here, our specialists will conduct a thorough examination to assess the treatment difficulty and calculate the final cost."

"However, I estimate the total cost won't be less than three hundred million ryō." Gojo Kaigetsu casually fabricated a figure. "Wealthy merchants and dignitaries treated in the Top Ward typically incur costs exceeding one billion ryō. It's a significant source of income for Konoha."

"But as allies, we won't profit from you. You'll only pay the cost price."

"And if you're worried, Mei can stay outside the ward and receive regular updates on the Fourth Mizukage's condition."

Gojo Kaigetsu's seemingly impartial and considerate demeanor dispelled any doubts Gonbee might have had.

Once the Fourth Mizukage was admitted to the Top Ward, he certainly wouldn't die, but he wouldn't truly live either.

And~ Kirigakure's finances might not belong to Kirigakure anymore.

Konoha Hospital's priority was saving lives, with profit being secondary… for their own villagers. However, when it came to esteemed foreign guests, the hospital's priorities were reversed.

'Gojo Kaigetsu… seems like a decent guy. But he's still too young, unaware of the dangers of the shinobi world. When the Fourth Mizukage recovers…'

Gonbee drifted into a fantasy, then said solemnly, "Thank you! Kirigakure will forever remember this act of friendship."

"Please, Advisor Gojo, do your best to persuade Tsunade to treat our Mizukage. As for the cost, Kirigakure possesses ample funds. We will do everything in our power to save our Mizukage!"

"Of course!"

Gojo Kaigetsu smiled, extending his hand for a handshake. "I swear on my ninja way! I will do everything in my power to treat the Fourth Mizukage! Let this be the first political achievement of the Konoha-Kirigakure alliance!"