Naruto Kirigakure System - Chapter 21
“Naoki, give up the idea of gaining fame through this war and join me in stepping back from the forefront.”
“There are many benefits to this.”
Mei Terumi poured out her thoughts in one breath, then looked anxiously at Kaguya Naoki, waiting for his decision.
“What’s your reason?”
Although Naoki knew he was unlikely to be persuaded, he waited to reject her decision.
Since childhood, they had lived and died together, supporting each other. If Mei Terumi had made such a decision, it must have been a carefully considered conclusion based on the current situation, aiming for the best outcome for him.
Who was Mei Terumi?
The future Fifth Mizukage possesses both exceptional strength and wisdom.
Her analysis and decision should be taken into account.
Mei paused, feeling a bit guilty. She was ready to use the persuasive words she had prepared to convince Naoki.
“Don’t do this, Mei Terumi,” Naoki showed a bit of helplessness.
“We’ve been friends for over ten years, your expression already tells me you’re going to lie.”
“Instead of using carefully crafted lies and clichés to convince me, just tell me all your thoughts.”
Mei sighed.
“As expected, I can’t hide anything from you.”
She hesitated, her expression conflicted, and her face turned serious after a moment.
“Naoki, if I tell you the truth, I’m afraid it will upset you.”
Naoki shook his head, “You lying to me is what would truly upset me.”
“Go ahead, Mei. Maybe you’ll convince me.”
Mei exhaled deeply.
“Naoki, do you think our village will win this war?”
Naoki looked at Mei with some surprise.
As expected of the Fifth Mizukage, she maintained her judgment even when everyone believed Konoha was weak and Kirigakure was destined to win.
“No, we won’t.”
Naoki said directly, “Konoha is too large, too strong.”
“We won’t achieve victory.”
Mei smiled at Naoki but then quickly became sad.
“Yes, Naoki, the village won’t win.”
“But I’m even more pessimistic than you.”
Mei’s face showed evident sadness.
“Our war will not only fail, but we’ll also struggle to gain any spoils.”
“The final outcome will probably be us being driven out of the Land of Fire by Konoha, dragging a pile of corpses back to the village.”
Mei sighed deeply.
“Military funding will be cut, people will suffer, the land will become more barren, and the country will decline further.”
“A village that is increasingly deteriorating will have even bloodier talent cultivation policies.”
“Our future is really bleak.”
As Naoki listened, his mood became heavier.
Mei’s judgment was entirely accurate.
In the history of the ninja world, Kirigakure indeed met such a fate.
Having lived here for over ten years, Kirigakure had already become his second home, a fate he didn’t want to see.
However, this time, with me here, although it may still be difficult, it will be less disastrous.
But Konoha has Minato Namikaze, Orochimaru, the Third Hokage, Jiraiya, and other Kage-level strong ninjas. Even achieving a dignified defeat seems challenging.
Naoki shook off his heavy thoughts and continued questioning.
“And? What other reasons do you have for wanting me to make this choice?”
“It can’t just be because of the potential for failure and death.”
Naoki shook his head, not believing it.
“There are more reasons.”
Mei secretly observed Naoki’s expression.
She would immediately change the topic if there were any signs of disagreement.
“You are a member of the Kaguya clan.”
“When the war breaks out, you will likely be sent to the front lines as the sharpest spear by the commander.”
“Yes.”
Naoki responded calmly, anticipating the village’s unfair treatment and discrimination.
This would have been his and the Kaguya clan’s fate if it hadn’t been for Uchiha Madara’s sudden intervention, which allowed him to become Kirigakure’s commander.
But things were different now.
He would control everything on the battlefield if he could convince everyone at the meeting in three days.
Naoki could decide whether to fight, negotiate, retreat, advance, or kill.
This was power.
Knowing he could control his fate on the battlefield, Naoki showed a calm expression.
“Are you really that indifferent?” Mei felt some injustice for Naoki.
Then she felt a bit heartbroken.
Could Naoki have gotten used to it?
With sympathy, Mei became more serious.
“After a disastrous defeat, what will happen to you, being sent out as the sharpest spear by those parasites?”
Mei said sadly.
“You will likely be the ones most likely to die on the battlefield.”
Mei continued, revealing why she wanted to persuade Naoki to step back.
“If you die, you won’t be able to become Mizukage and change this village.”
“So, Naoki, step back with me.”
Mei, afraid that Naoki would be stubborn, quickly added.
“Also, Naoki.”
“Most commanders won’t treat you, the Kaguya clan’s sharp blade, fairly.”
“When you gain fame, it’s very likely you will be placed in some kind of trap set by Konoha.”
Mei sighed, having no confidence in the morals of certain people in the village, and then looked at Naoki anxiously.
“So, Naoki, for your life and the future of the village, give up the idea of going to the battlefield for now.”
“Mei Terumi.”
Naoki almost revealed that the Third Mizukage intended to nominate him as the commander of Kirigakure, but he swallowed the words.
If Mei knew,
She might go to the Terumi clan, pleading with the elders, throwing away her dignity.
So, better wait to tell her.
“Yes.”
Mei’s eyes filled with hope.
“I can’t give up this opportunity.”
“Oh.”
Mei’s eyes filled with disappointment.
The word “impossible” left his mouth, which meant there was no room for negotiation with someone as stubborn as Naoki.
“The reason, you’ll know later.”
Naoki shook his head, not intending to waste words explaining.
In three days, everything would be clear.
“I understand.”
Mei sighed.
“Then I’ll go to the battlefield too.”
“In your squad.”
Mei emphasized, quickly turning around, not giving Naoki a chance to object.
Naoki reached out his hand, but Mei’s red hair quickly disappeared at the end of the street, not giving him any chance to speak.
This…
Naoki felt a warmth in his heart.
Mei was his only warm harbor in this cold, ruthless, and discriminating village.
Things may change in the future.
Once I change this village.
Naoki thought silently, immediately thinking of Konoha’s heroes, feeling the pressure.
Opening his umbrella, he walked towards the clan’s land, soon returning to his room.
Ignoring his fatigue, Naoki immediately activated the system.
The war was imminent, and if he faced Minato Namikaze, using only the Shikotsumyaku wouldn’t be enough.
He needed other techniques.
Ice Release was one of Naoki’s trump cards against Minato Namikaze.
It was also the beginning of his Bloodline Collection.
The first step,
was about to begin!
Naoki took a deep breath, looking at his nine exchange points and choosing to exchange without hesitation.
Exchange, Ice Release Bloodline!
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