The massive body of the Three-Tails trembled slightly before disappearing.
Yagura slumped to the ground, looking around at the devastation with an expression of disbelief.
Although he had been controlled by the Mangekyō Sharingan, he hadn't completely lost consciousness.
"What... what have I done?"
Yagura raised his hands, trembling as he asked.
"You were controlled by Uchiha Madara, and the Three-Tails went on a rampage, causing countless casualties in the Hidden Mist Village."
Hanekawa dispersed the Wood Release: Wood Human Technique and the Wood Release: Advent of a World of Trees, walking up to him and speaking calmly.
"Lord Hanekawa!"
Genji gave a meaningful look, his expression pleading.
Hanekawa didn't say anything more.
His goal had already been achieved.
He turned to look at Mei, then blinked.
Mei was momentarily stunned but quickly understood Hanekawa's intention.
He was forcing Yagura to step down.
A Mizukage who had been controlled, a Mizukage who had killed Hidden Mist ninjas, could no longer continue in his position, both emotionally and logically.
With Hanekawa's psychological attack, Yagura would likely fall into a state of collapse and voluntarily relinquish his position as Mizukage.
In a sense, Hanekawa's actions could be considered malicious.
But there was no doubt that this was helping Mei become the Fifth Mizukage faster.
Among the younger generation of Hidden Mist ninjas, aside from Mei, the only ones with the strength to compete for the position of Fifth Mizukage were the new generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
Kisame Hoshigaki, Zabuza Momochi, and Mangetsu Hōzuki.
But their performance in this battle had been mediocre.
The most threatening, Kisame, had been teleported away by Uchiha Obito and was now who knows where.
Zabuza and Mangetsu, who excelled in water techniques and swordsmanship, were ineffective against the Three-Tails.
Only Mei's Lava Release and Boil Release could deal significant damage.
"Mei."
Genji took a deep breath and said, "You're in charge of the post-battle work."
Yagura, affected by the Three-Tails, had been beaten by the wooden arhat.
Genji had lost an arm to Uchiha Obito and needed to rest.
After considering everything, Mei was the most suitable.
The Hidden Mist ninjas busied themselves.
After the Three-Tails' rampage, the Hidden Mist Village had suffered heavy losses.
Not only were there ninja casualties, but buildings and structures had also been destroyed.
After all, this was the heart of the Hidden Mist Village.
Even the iconic Mizukage Building had been reduced to rubble.
Hanekawa, being a ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village, had already helped by defeating Uchiha Obito and subduing the Three-Tails, so there was no need for him to participate in the post-battle cleanup.
He stood still, closing his eyes.
Defeating the Three-Tails and killing Uchiha Obito had naturally rewarded him with new word entries.
[A-rank Talent Entry: Turtle Turtle.]
[Trigger Condition: Defeat the Three-Tails, Isobu.]
[Effect: All water-style jutsu power increased by 100%, self-defense increased by 100%.]
The increase in water-style power was within Hanekawa's expectations.
The Three-Tails, Isobu, like the Two-Tails, Matatabi, didn't use kekkei genkai; it specialized in water techniques.
The increase in defense was a pleasant surprise.
Probably because the Three-Tails resembled a turtle, and its shell had extremely high defense.
Hanekawa glanced at it and quickly moved on to the next entry.
Compared to the Three-Tails, the entry from killing Uchiha Obito was even more surprising.
[A-rank Talent Entry: Three Tomoe Sharingan.]
[Trigger Condition: Kill Uchiha Obito.]
[Effect: Evolves your eyes into the Three Tomoe Sharingan.]
[Note: Combining with the A-rank entry 'Genjutsu Jonin' and the S-rank entry 'Box of Ultimate Bliss' can synthesize the S-rank entry 'Mangekyō Sharingan.']
Hanekawa's heart skipped a beat.
The word system could indeed grant kekkei genkai. He had made the right choice by not swapping eyes earlier.
Moreover, it provided a path to upgrade the Three Tomoe Sharingan.
This meant Hanekawa didn't need to experience intense emotional trauma like Uchiha clan members to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Since there was a path to the Mangekyō Sharingan, there must also be a path to the Rinnegan.
But that would have to wait until he obtained the S-rank 'Mangekyō Sharingan.'
The A-rank entry 'Genjutsu Jonin' had already been obtained, leaving only the S-rank entry 'Box of Ultimate Bliss.'
The Box of Ultimate Bliss was a legendary tool of the Sage of Six Paths.
Its function was to grant any wish.
But the wish would be granted in a twisted way, releasing a yin-based monster, Satori.
Hanekawa pondered.
The Box of Ultimate Bliss, or Satori, was a collection of emotions.
Theoretically, it was indeed suitable for awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan.
This word system really didn't let him get anything for free; no matter what techniques or kekkei genkai, he had to learn them himself.
There was another way to directly obtain the Mangekyō Sharingan.
That was to transplant Uchiha Obito's Mangekyō Sharingan.
But he had no interest in swapping organs with others.
Moreover, using someone else's eyes would come with a heavy burden.
He didn't want to end up as weak as Kakashi Hatake in the original story.
Hanekawa snapped out of his thoughts and looked up.
With a thought, a flash of crimson appeared in his eyes.
Three tomoe instantly manifested on his eyeballs.
Everything around him became crystal clear.
The Sharingan had many functions, broadly divided into three categories.
First, extraordinary insight.
In battle, it could capture the enemy's movements, giving him an advantage.
Of course, it was also useful outside of combat, somewhat like a magnifying glass, making it easier to see details.
Second, it could copy taijutsu and non-kekkei genkai ninjutsu.
In the original story, Kakashi Hatake was able to learn over a thousand ninjutsu because of the Three Tomoe Sharingan.
Now that Hanekawa had the Three Tomoe Sharingan, his speed of learning ninjutsu would greatly increase.
Third, it could cast and see through genjutsu.
In summary, it was hypnosis.
Any Uchiha who awakened the Three Tomoe Sharingan, regardless of whether they knew genjutsu, would become a genjutsu master.
Ordinary ninjas would be controlled and hypnotized with just a glance.
This was the terrifying aspect of the Three Tomoe Sharingan.
Hanekawa thought of Uchiha Obito's corpse, which he had casually stored in a scroll.
The most valuable things on him were undoubtedly the Mangekyō Sharingan and the Hashirama cells.
Hanekawa already had the Sharingan granted by the word system, so there was no need to transplant.
Should he give it to someone else?
Wait.
It might still be useful for himself.
Hanekawa thought of the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
It required absorbing the ocular power of another Mangekyō Sharingan to evolve.
Based on his understanding of the word system, it would likely set a similar synthesis condition.
In other words, he could keep Uchiha Obito's Mangekyō Sharingan and absorb its power later.
Hanekawa deactivated the Three Tomoe Sharingan.
Although he wasn't an Uchiha, since these were his own eyes, he could activate and deactivate them at will without any burden.
It would just be hard to explain if Tsunade or others saw it.
After all, he didn't have Uchiha blood, and they would assume he had transplanted someone else's eyes.
But on second thought, there were few ninjas in the world who could force him to use the Sharingan, so it wasn't a big deal.
Night fell.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Hanekawa."
Mei, having finished her work, approached Hanekawa with an apologetic expression.
"It's fine."
Hanekawa shook his head and asked, "How's the situation?"
"Not great."
Mei sighed.
In summary, there wasn't enough money or people.
Money was obvious; both post-battle reconstruction and compensation for the deceased ninjas required funds.
The Hidden Mist Village had recently lost to the Hidden Leaf Village and had to pay reparations.
As for people, it referred to medical ninjas.
In the entire ninja world, only the Hidden Leaf Village had a somewhat complete medical system.
Even so, it was still difficult to assign one medical ninja to each squad.
The number of medical ninjas was simply too scarce.
And the Hidden Mist Village was even worse.
Especially with the previous Bloody Mist policy.
In such a high-pressure environment, medical ninjas couldn't survive and had to switch to combat roles.
"Regardless, thank you."
Mei said earnestly, "If the Mizukage had remained controlled, the losses might have been even greater."
"Then how do you plan to thank me?"
Hanekawa glanced at her and asked.
"I... I don't know."
Mei was momentarily stunned and answered honestly.
"Are you trying to renege on your debt?"
Hanekawa raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile.
"Transactions should be fair."
Mei explained, "I can't offer an equivalent reward."
"That's true."
Hanekawa stopped walking and looked at her, saying, "Then extend your time as a maid."
"Extend it by how much?"
Mei's body trembled slightly as she hesitantly asked.
She didn't owe Hanekawa much maid time, only about twenty-two hours.
"How long do you think is appropriate?"
Hanekawa countered.
"I..."
Mei opened her mouth but fell silent.
Hanekawa had defeated Uchiha Madara, essentially saving the entire Hidden Mist Village.
Such an act was theoretically impossible to repay.
If they really calculated the time, it might take a lifetime.
Thinking this, Mei's heart inexplicably started beating faster.
"I'm hungry, little maid."
Hanekawa reached out, pinched her chin, and said, "Let's go to your place to eat."
"Okay."
Mei's face turned slightly red, not daring to look at him, and she replied softly.
"You suddenly acting like this is a bit unfamiliar to me."
Hanekawa changed the subject and asked, "What? Are you planning to repay me with your body?"
"No way!"
Mei instinctively took half a step back, blushing with anger, "I would never like a pervert like you!"
"With that attitude, it's hard to be a qualified little maid."
Hanekawa couldn't help but laugh.
"Who wants to be your little maid?"
Mei glared at him, "If you hadn't used underhanded methods, I would never have worn that maid dress!"
"As expected of the next Mizukage, very clever."
Hanekawa praised.
"Of course!"
Mei's lips curled slightly.
"Let's go home and cook, little maid."
Hanekawa waved at her.
"..."
Mei's earlier confidence instantly vanished.
She gritted her teeth, thinking, *This annoying guy!*
"What dishes can you make?"
Hanekawa asked as they walked.
"Don't ask!"
Mei pouted.
"Oh, I remember, you can't cook."
Hanekawa narrowed his eyes.
"I... I definitely can!"
Mei said, her voice lacking conviction.
She was lying; she really couldn't.
Even if she could, it was only the simplest dishes, and the taste was just passable.
"You still have a lot to learn as a little maid."
Hanekawa shook his head, sighing, "Otherwise, I'd be at a loss."
"Having me as your maid is a blessing from your past life!"
Mei retorted, clearly displeased, "I'm a genius of the Hidden Mist Village! The future Mizukage!"
"Then how long do you plan to be my maid?"
Hanekawa turned to look at her.
"I..."
Mei met his gaze, her heart skipping a beat, and a blush spread across her face.
"Why are you blushing?"
Hanekawa suddenly asked.
"The... the wind... it's cold..."
Mei instinctively turned her face away, stammering.
"If you're cold, you can put on a maid dress."
Hanekawa joked.
"Don't... don't say such perverted things."
Mei muttered softly, "We're on the street."
"So it's okay at home?"
Hanekawa raised an eyebrow, amused.
"N-no!"
Mei panicked and quickened her pace.
"Why are you running?"
Hanekawa grabbed her hand.
"I'm hungry!"
Mei struggled slightly but couldn't break free.
"Little maid, you're getting ahead of yourself."
Hanekawa chuckled.
Mei lowered her head, her mind in turmoil, not knowing what to say.
Seeing this, Hanekawa held her hand and walked side by side on the street.
The surroundings suddenly became quiet.
Mei could feel the warmth from his hand.
This was an experience she, who had always been strong-willed, had never had before.
Thinking about it, aside from being a bit perverted, Hanekawa had no flaws.
He was handsome, talented, and incredibly strong.
All the geniuses of the Hidden Mist Village's younger generation combined couldn't compare to him.
Mei felt a bit dazed.
But she quickly shook her head.
Who would like such a pervert?
"Aren't you going to let go?"
Hanekawa stopped and asked.
"Huh?"
Mei instinctively raised her hand and looked at him.
"We're home, little maid."
Hanekawa reminded her.
Mei quickly let go of his hand.
Her face slightly red, she walked forward and opened the door.
"I'll go cook."
Hanekawa glanced at her and headed to the kitchen.
Mei closed the door and sat on the sofa, waiting.
She remembered the meal Hanekawa had cooked during the peace talks in the Hidden Leaf Village and couldn't help but swallow.
The taste was unforgettable.
She hugged her arms, and for some reason, her thoughts drifted to Hanekawa.
"Why does this pervert keep haunting my thoughts?"
Mei quickly shook her head.
But the more she tried not to think about him, the more he appeared in her mind.
After what felt like an eternity, a faint aroma filled the air.
"Let's eat."
Hanekawa casually handed her a pair of chopsticks.
"Thank you."
Mei picked up a piece of chicken and popped it into her mouth, her eyes widening.
Why did it taste even better than last time?
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