Chapter 136: Mei Terumi's Decision - Part 2

"Lord Daimyo, you've arrived..."

As the Daimyo entered, all the elders stood up to greet him.

"Yes."

The Daimyo nodded, motioning for everyone to sit before looking meaningfully at Mei Terumi.

"Fifth Mizukage, you should understand how difficult the situation in Kirigakure is right now."

"The Fourth Mizukage, under the influence of a mysterious genjutsu, left our village in shambles, draining our resources and costing us valuable talent! Though we have made some recovery, we are nowhere near the level of the other great ninja villages!"

"If we continue at this slow pace, we may eventually be expelled from the ranks of the Five Great Nations!"

"This would have little impact on ordinary people, but for you and me, it is unacceptable!"

"As the leader of a nation, and you as the leader of a village, we cannot afford to be selfish. The honor of our country and village is paramount."

"Fifth Mizukage, or rather, Mei Terumi, I implore you as the Daimyo, agree to this marriage alliance with the Daimyo of the Land of the Sea."

"For the sake of Kirigakure, and for the sake of the Land of Water..."

"I promise you, once the Daimyo of the Land of the Sea signs the territorial cession treaty at the wedding, and it is publicly announced, you will have full control over what happens next. Whether you stay married or separate is entirely up to you. We will not interfere."

"Please, I'm begging you..."

With that, the Daimyo of the Land of Water bowed deeply to Mei Terumi.

A Daimyo bowing to a Kage was unprecedented.

"..."

With things reaching this point, Mei Terumi couldn't find it in herself to argue further.

She could sense that the Daimyo genuinely wanted to develop the country.

After a long period of contemplation, Mei Terumi slowly picked up the Kage hat from the table and put it back on.

"Alright, Lord Daimyo, I will agree to your request."

"Thank you, Fifth Mizukage." The Daimyo's eyes glistened with tears.

"Once this is done, Gokai Island and Mother Island will be handed over to Kirigakure for management. Additionally, starting this year, I will triple the military budget to support the development of our forces!"

"I hope that within a few years, the strength of the Land of Water will be fully restored, and if possible, become the strongest among the Five Great Nations!"

"Lord Daimyo, I swear as the Fifth Mizukage, I will not let you down..."

The meeting ended.

It concluded with Mei Terumi agreeing to the marriage alliance...

The next morning.

The Land of Water gathered a significant portion of its military and ninja forces, setting off on several warships heading north towards Dairou Island in the Land of the Sea.

Aboard the lead ship were the Daimyo of the Land of Water, the Daimyo of the Land of the Sea, the Fifth Mizukage Mei Terumi, and several high-ranking elders and advisors from Kirigakure.

Seeing so many dignitaries, Takeshi could hardly contain his excitement.

"With Kirigakure deploying such a powerful force, those arrogant Johuto pirates in the Land of the Sea are done for! I will make them pay for invading my homeland!"

The Daimyo of the Land of the Sea, sitting next to Mei Terumi, couldn't take his eyes off her, occasionally giving her lecherous glances.

For the sake of the Daimyo of the Land of Water, Mei Terumi forced a smile to reciprocate her future "husband's" glances.

This journey was destined to be a torment for Mei Terumi...

Although she was the Fifth Mizukage of Kirigakure, she was also a woman who had gone through her youth.

Mei Terumi had often fantasized about her future husband being a handsome, outstanding man, just like any other girl.

But reality had slapped her hard.

Although the marriage was a facade, it had to be publicly acknowledged.

Once it was known to everyone, her reputation would be tarnished.

"It seems I am destined to live a lonely life..."

Mei Terumi sighed inwardly.

Meanwhile, on Dairou Island in the Land of the Sea.

The entire port was decorated with festive decorations, exuding a joyous atmosphere.

All the villagers were busily preparing for the grand event. They had been informed early that Daimyo-sama, Natsuhane, was getting married today.

The bride was the red-haired beauty, Uzumaki Honoka, who had always been by the Daimyo's side.

Though the event was sudden, the villagers did their best to ensure everything looked festive and appropriate.

Each villager was doing their utmost. For the newly reformed Land of the Sea, this was the happiest day they could remember.

The wedding was set for the evening.

As time passed, evening approached quickly.

At the same time, the Kirigakure fleet finally reached the waters of the Land of the Sea.

"Everyone! Prepare your ninja tools and be ready for combat! If any suspicious ships are spotted, attack immediately!"

"Yes!"

Everyone in the Kirigakure fleet, including the former Daimyo of the Land of the Sea and Takeshi, believed that the Johuto pirates occupied the area.

However, after traveling several kilometers, they found no signs of any suspicious activity.

"Strange, where are the pirates?"

"Could they be hiding on the island?"

Takeshi was deeply puzzled by the situation.

The Daimyo of the Land of the Sea asked, "Takeshi, have you received any reply from Kaisei and Kaijin?"

Takeshi shook his head, "No, I fear they might be dead..."

"Hmm, I think so too."

The Johuto pirates were known for their brutality, never leaving any survivors. Without protection, Kaisei and Kaijin, who were defenseless, couldn't possibly survive against the Johuto pirates.

"Boom! Boom boom boom!"

Suddenly, a series of explosions were heard from Dairou Island.

"Something's happening! Everyone, stay alert!"

"Wait, no, those are fireworks!"

"Ah, this..." Takeshi was stunned as he looked at the layers of fireworks in the sky.

"Kaisei and Kaijin are alive! They received my message. Daimyo-sama, it looks like your wedding preparations are complete!"

"But...what is going on here? Where are the Johuto pirates?"

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