Seeing Samiu's expression, Anya couldn't help but feel that this seemingly cold kunoichi had a cute side after all. At the same time, she discovered an illusion technique stronger than Kotoamatsukami—self-deception.
The scariest genjutsu in the world is self-deception—believing your own illusion.
Yet it was precisely Samiu's behavior that confirmed to Anya she had chosen the right person.
"Here."
Anya casually tossed over a pre-prepared tanto blade.
Without thinking, Samiu caught it. The moment she gripped the hilt, a freezing chill raced up her arm, making her shiver despite herself.
"What is this?"
Anya smiled lightly and said, "It's a gift for you. The finest blacksmiths from the Ninja World have gathered here, and this blade has been forged with various rare metals repeatedly—it enhances the [Lightning Blade Art] to its fullest potential. Once you become Raikage, your strength must match your position."
"There's also this." Anya pulled out a piece of flexible armor from her sleeve. "It's called Infinite Armor. It absorbs chakra to empower itself and amplify your strength. However, there is a limit to how much chakra it can absorb. If you encounter a ninja with excessive chakra reserves, the armor might actually burst."
As she spoke, Anya let her eyes linger on Samiu's figure for a moment.
Samiu glanced at herself and saw nothing unusual. She asked curiously, "What's wrong?"
Anya sighed, "Whoever made this clearly didn't take curves into account... I wonder if it'll even fit you."
Just now, she had given it the once-over with her eyes—those assets rivaled Tsunade's!
Samiu stretched lazily, accentuating her already impressive curves, and with a troubled expression said, "I wonder if it's because of this, but my shoulders often feel sore."
Anya remained speechless. This was probably one of those struggles only flat-chested girls could never grasp.
Samiu accepted the armor without much reaction. Yet when she held the sword in her hand, joy briefly lit up her face.
She unsheathed the blade. A wave of icy chill rushed forth. Its steel gleamed silver and pristine, like a clear spring—pure and translucent. The edge was incredibly sharp; just a glance at it could unsettle one's mind. Its slightly curved form conveyed a sense of powerful beauty, with two ice dragons entwining along the entire length of the blade, winding all the way up to the hilt. With every casual turn of the sword, radiant lights shimmered from within, making it even more extraordinary.
Samiu stared at the blade, astonished. She asked hesitantly, "Is it really… mine?"
"You've already fallen under my genjutsu. Would I still need to lie to you?"
"Oh right," Samiu agreed quickly before smiling faintly and asking, "Does it have a name?"
Anya shook her head. "No. Since you're now its master, naming it should be your choice."
Thinking for a while, Samiu chose a name that left Anya absolutely stunned.
"Taiyang—" Samiu gave a slight nod, "From now on, it shall be known as the Taiyang Blade—the Sunblade."
At that moment, her eyes seemed to sparkle with light.
Right then, Mabui, who had just finished meeting with Tsuchikage, walked over and nodded toward Anya. "Tsuchikage left with Deidara. Deidara looked quite unhappy."
Anya chuckled wryly, "With his personality, he still needs a long time to properly fulfill the role of Tsuchikage. I bet having chosen him instead has cost Onoki several years."
"The Mizukage has already left as well," said Mabui, suddenly leaning close to Anya and staring at him intently.
Anya rubbed his cheek and asked, "Do I have something on my face?"
"Not really. It's just... I didn't expect that you and the Mizukage were in that kind of relationship. You kept that pretty well hidden." There was something oddly jealous in Mabui's tone.
Anya didn't hide anything and replied bluntly, "Actually, she was my first wife. Back then, I wronged her greatly."
"Oh?" Mabui poked fun, "You mean you're finally going to spill the beans?"
Anya gave her a light tap on the forehead. "Don't be nosy. You'll have plenty of time for all that later. Let's get back to work."
Rubbing her head where he'd tapped it, Mabui grumbled, "You only come to me when you want something. Alright, what's so urgent?"
"First, send Samiu back to Kumogakure."
"Using Heavenly Transfer Technique? Her body can't handle it."
"Don't worry, I'll help her."
So saying, Anya illuminated his hands with a brand-new Sage Art Chakra that enveloped Samiu completely before forming a layer of Hanno ice crystals over her skin. From afar, anyone could see Samiu now looked like a beautiful ice statue.
"Alright, begin now," Anya reminded.
Mabui double-checked cautiously, "Are you sure this is safe?"
Anya gave a reassuring look, "Trust me. She's the next Raikage I've personally chosen—nothing will happen to her."
"Fine."
Trusting Anya, Mabui activated the Heavenly Transfer Technique on Samiu, who vanished in an instant.
"Now it's my turn. Send me to the Northern Stronghold in the Land of Fire, where Orochimaru is stationed."
Mabui hesitated before casting the jutsu and instead asked, "What about me? What am I supposed to do once you both are gone?"
Anya spoke seriously, "The Allied Forces from the five nations are about to wage a major battle against the Akatsuki Organization. I want you far away from the battlefield, staying alive."
Mabui firmly refused, "No way. I want to join the fight."
"Don't be childish. That's an order," Anya threatened. "Since when does a secretary disobey her boss?"
"Since now. That's exactly what I'm doing," Mabui stubbornly shot back. "If you won't let me fight, then forget it. Fly there yourself. And don't even think about asking me to send you again—ever."
The once gentle and sweet little secretary had matured and developed her own willpower. What could a boss possibly do about that now?
Anya finally relented, "Fine. I'll assign you to the intelligence analysis department during the battle."
Seeing that Anya had finally agreed, Mabui's eyes curved into crescent moons as she nodded contentedly, "That sounds much better."
Annoyed, Anya snapped, "Between the two of us, who's actually the boss here?"
Her smile immediately gone, Mabui answered solemnly, "Of course you are. Who else could be as generous as you? Just today alone, you've given out so many gifts—I mean, even Samiu got one."
"I finally understand why Mabui was upset. The reason is right here."
Thinking back, the two of them had known each other since the Third Battle. All these years, he'd never actually given her anything. Back then, he'd kept her only for her skills. Viewed like that, he really did owe this little secretary too much.
Realizing his mistake, Anya said sincerely, "Tell me, what do you want? Anything I have is yours."
"I'm not interested in things you hand out like charity," Mabui's eyes flickered with a trace of sadness before she smiled brightly and said, "How about this—my boss gives me a warm hug?"
"Alright."
Anya quietly extended his arms, drawing her into his embrace. Suddenly lowering his head to look at her, his eyes sparkled like stars shining in the night sky.
Under his gaze, Mabui's face flushed and her heart pounded wildly. Just as she tried to pull away from his hold, she found herself tightly trapped. Before she could utter a word, his warm lips had already brushed against her forehead.
Mabui's warm tan turned bright red, like a ripe apple.
Grinning mischievously, Anya whispered, "Today, I'll kiss you. Is that okay with you?"
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