Mei Terumi spoke with a deferential expression.
"I wonder if you two would be interested in becoming elders of Kirigakure? We are in dire need of masters like you to protect our village."
Kyokotsu had no intention of responding, seemingly unwilling to engage further with Mei.
Mei could only turn her full attention to Bing Li.
Bing Li offered a faint smile. "We retired many years ago. If Kumogakure hadn't come knocking on our door, we would never have shown ourselves."
At that moment, Kyokotsu snorted coldly.
"It has always been Kirigakure that attacks others. To be counterattacked by Kumogakure is an absolute disgrace."
"If you continue to waste your strength on internal conflicts, Kirigakure will sooner or later be destroyed by your own hands."
Behind Mei, the members of certain factions showed looks of shame. If Mei hadn't invited the Akatsuki as reinforcements during this invasion, even the previous two jinchuriki would have struggled to hold the line, let alone deal with the Raikage who followed.
Bing Li spoke up. "The current Mizukage is doing a fine job. We have seen your reforms in the village, and you have done well."
"From now on, do as you see fit. You have our full support."
"Thank you, Senior!..."
Mei's voice trembled, this sudden stroke of good fortune catching her completely off guard. She was overjoyed, never having expected such a wonderful turn of events. Her faction had always been short on powerful backers. It was as if someone had handed her a pillow just as she was getting sleepy—these were masters who had come to her door of their own accord.
In contrast, the faces of the other factions behind Mei turned as black as the bottom of a pot. With Mei suddenly gaining the support of several seniors, any further attempts on their part to vie for power would likely be suicidal.
But they dared not voice a single objection. The image of Kyokotsu and Bing Li crushing nearly a thousand Kumogakure shinobi was still fresh in their minds.
Might makes right.
Besides, they had a prior agreement with Mei regarding Kumogakure's invasion. Now was the time to put away their petty schemes.
Kisame, meanwhile, was struggling to control his facial expression, his mouth agape and eyes wide.
The boss sure knows how to put on a show, he thought wryly. He makes it all sound so real.
But as a professional shinobi, Kisame would never reveal Kawasaki's secrets. Fortunately, no one was paying him any attention. Even if someone did notice the hint of a smile in his eyes, they would simply assume it was joy from having repelled the Cloud shinobi.
Bing Li's gaze swept over Mei and the people behind her. Juzo Biwa, Zabuza, and Ao were all firm supporters of Mei. Most of them looked invigorated. The expressions of the other group, however, were far more complex; these were likely Mei's political rivals.
Bing Li shot them a cold glance.
Like frightened quails, the men flinched and offered sycophantic smiles.
Spotting Kisame trying his best to keep a straight face, Bing Li knew he had to get him out of there. "Mizukage, come with me. Kisame, you too."
After speaking, he whispered something to Kyokotsu and turned to walk toward a more secluded area, clearly intending to speak with Mei in private.
Mei glanced at Ao, Zabuza, and Juzo behind her, who all nodded in understanding. She followed Bing Li alone.
Kyokotsu turned his head. "Let's go, Kisame."
Kisame stepped forward, bowing his head obediently. "Yes, Senior."
Kyokotsu then led Kisame in another direction.
After walking some distance, Bing Li decided the time was right. He turned to Mei and said, "About those islands you ceded in your cooperation with the Akatsuki..."
Mei's heart tightened. She already saw Bing Li as a venerable senior of the Mist and thought she was about to be reprimanded.
But contrary to her expectations, Bing Li did not criticize her.
Instead, he said, "Giving up those islands is of no consequence. You don't need to feel burdened by it."
"The Land of Water has countless islands, many of which remain undeveloped."
Mei nodded. That was what she had thought when she agreed to the terms. Although those islands had several ports with frequent merchant traffic, the Land of Water still had other, similar islands, albeit in less ideal locations.
However, Bing Li's next words made her heart clench once more.
"The Uchiha clan is preparing to establish their own independent territory, and the location they've chosen is on those very islands."
Mei grew tense, her expression changing. "Doesn't that put Kirigakure in great danger?"
Although the Uchiha were allies this time, what if they weren't next time? Being so close, they could strike at the Mist Village at any moment.
Bing Li waved his hand dismissively and began to praise himself.
"Don't be nervous. The current head of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Kawasaki, is not a very ambitious man."
"Think about it. From his rise among his clansmen to becoming the clan head, he has rarely resorted to violence."
Mei considered this and found it to be true. As the head of the Uchiha, Kawasaki's profile had been thoroughly studied by all the major powers. Though his strength was immense, he seldom used force to conquer others, preferring different methods.
Seeing that Mei was listening, Bing Li continued his self-praise. "With Kawasaki leading the Uchiha clan, Kirigakure is safe for now. Takigakure also has a good relationship with them."
"Besides, Kyokotsu and I are still around. As long as we're alive, you don't have to worry about the Uchiha having other plans."
"Furthermore, Uchiha Kawasaki already has several profitable business plans in the works."
"The Uchiha clan, as they are now, can be trusted."
"We can absolutely deepen our cooperation with them to quickly enhance Kirigakure's strength."
"After all, being strong yourself is the only thing that truly matters."
Mei nodded in profound agreement. If she had been strong enough to handle the Raikage herself, she wouldn't have ended up in such a sorry state.
"I understand, Senior Bing Li."
Bing Li thought for a moment. "Our relationship with the Uchiha should not be made public for the time being."
"If we can have the Uchiha continue to act as moles within Kumogakure in the future, it will provide an extra layer of security for Kirigakure."
"When the Uchiha arrive to take over the islands, you can figure out the logistics yourselves."
"Once that's done, we old-timers will stay out of it."
The Uchiha mole in Kumogakure had provided Kirigakure with a great deal of intelligence this time, and the Cloud Village was still unaware. Keeping this secret could be useful in the future.
Hearing Bing Li's intention to leave, Mei quickly asked, "Then how can I contact you in the future, Senior?"
Bing Li chuckled lightly. "If Kirigakure develops well, it won't matter whether we're here or not."
Without waiting for Mei to reply, Bing Li turned, waved a hand, and left the scene.
...
Bing Li walked alone for a while before entering a forest and leaning against a tree.
After a moment, he said, "Come out."
Tap, tap, tap...
With the sound of footsteps, Obito appeared.
"How perceptive of you," Obito remarked with a sigh. "I never expected Kirigakure to have someone like you."
He then asked in a probing tone, "With Ice Release as powerful as yours, you shouldn't be an unknown."
Bing Li didn't answer, instead carefully examining Obito's Sharingan. He wasn't sure if the last battle had exhausted Obito's Mangekyo Sharingan, but it was currently in its three-tomoe state, offering no clues. If Obito had truly lost one of his Mangekyo, he wouldn't be this calm. He must have transplanted another Sharingan.
Bing Li's gaze then shifted to a point in the distance.
Obito's eyes narrowed. That was precisely where he had ordered Kakuzu to lie in ambush.
Such sharp senses?
"Come on out. It must be suffocating hiding in the ground."
As the wielder of the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, Kawasaki's perception was extraordinarily powerful.