Tomoki's answer was beyond Mei Terumī's expectations.
Having received accurate intelligence, Mei Terumī knew that Hidden Mist Village had suffered no losses, and coming to Tomoki was indeed with the intention of taking advantage of the situation.
Today, after Tomoki's guidance, Mei Terumī applied what she learned, trying out the new trick she just picked up, but she got off to a bad start.
Especially when Tomoki's originally surprised and worried eyes gradually turned playful.
Mei Terumī knew her little scheme had been seen through, so she quickly said,
"Actually, it's not absolutely necessary for me to go back. The incident has already happened, and even if I, as the Mizukage, rush back, I won't be able to recover the losses. It's just a pity that in order to participate in Konoha's grand event, the Village suffered heavy losses!"
Mei Terumī, whose intentions had been seen through, showed no embarrassment and immediately began to complain.
Things like face, in the eyes of the Kage of each Village, are just tools, including Tomoki.
If having face could bring benefits, they would be more concerned with it than anyone else, but if losing face could bring benefits, then face could be discarded at any time.
"Hidden Mist Village truly lives up to its name as Konoha's best ally. Please allow me, on behalf of Konoha, to express the highest respect to Hidden Mist Village, Mizukage-sama."
Between material compensation and spiritual compensation, Tomoki unhesitatingly chose the latter.
.....
Outside Konoha Village.
On a large tree not too far or too close from the various Ninja Village's 駐扎地.
After a ripple in space, Obito's figure appeared, followed by a White Zetsu emerging from the tree trunk.
"Lord Madara, Nagato and Konan's whereabouts have been discovered. They appeared in the Land of Water tonight and had a major battle with three others. Due to not daring to get close, only this information could be obtained."
Obito listened, then said casually,
"That's enough, as long as it doesn't affect our plans!"
Looking at Konoha Village, faintly visible in the distance, a trace of nostalgia flashed in Obito's eyes.
But it quickly disappeared, and Obito ultimately chose not to enter Konoha to visit the graveyard.
...
The next day, early in the morning.
Naruto had already woken up early, waiting for the upcoming matches.
The first match was between Naruto and Gaara, scheduled to start at 10 AM sharp. There were still three hours to go.
With anticipation, Naruto left his home, planning to have a good meal first.
Before any big event, he always had a bowl of Ichiraku Ramen. Now that he lived a prosperous life and didn't have to worry about money, Naruto's favorite food was still Ichiraku Ramen.
Ichiraku Ramen held a special place in Naruto's heart; it was the only place that never refused to serve Naruto.
And Teuchi-san was also the first person who didn't reject or hate Naruto.
Arriving at the Ichiraku Ramen shop, a long queue had already formed, even turning a corner to avoid obstructing traffic.
With its affordable prices and unique flavors, Ichiraku Ramen's business had always been good.
Naruto took his place at the very end of the line, and soon, more people joined the queue behind him.
The line moved at a moderate pace. Most people chose to take out rather than dine in, as the Ichiraku Ramen shop wasn't very large.
As Naruto followed the queue and reached the corner, he noticed someone ahead of him looked at him, then repeatedly turned to look at him again.
Then, that person pulled the person in front of him, whispering while pointing at Naruto.
Naruto had seen this situation many times and was used to it, whether it was because he was the Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki, the son of Minato Namikaze, or Tomoki's disciple.
Naruto had completely accepted himself; all these identities were him, and people's understanding of him was very superficial. What he needed to do was change people's perceptions.
Of course, most importantly, Naruto, who could now use Nine-Tailed Chakra Mode, could sense that the two people in front had no ill will!
Towards such people, Naruto showed a brilliant smile, which had evolved into a plus version after Kabuto's guidance, and asked,
"Uncle, is there anything I can help you with?"
The two were also stunned, then took out a newspaper, pointing to a photo on it and asked,
"Are you Uzumaki Naruto?"
"That's right, it's me!"
Naruto admitted it openly.
"Go for it, you absolutely cannot lose to Hidden Sand Village!"
"That's right, our Konoha is the strongest Ninja Village. If you lose, we absolutely won't let you stay in Konoha!"
One of them kindly encouraged Naruto, while the other threatened him with a fierce expression.
However, Naruto, with his good and evil perception, knew that the other person was just bluffing and had no ill will at all.
Naruto showed a genuine smile and nodded heavily.
"Don't worry, I will definitely win!"
After saying that, Naruto's eyes fluttered, and he looked at one of them, saying,
"Uncle, can I borrow your newspaper to read?"
"No problem, just remember to return it to me. I plan to collect this issue of the newspaper!"
Naruto curiously took the newspaper, wanting to see how he was described in it.
He purposefully flipped to the section about himself and quickly finished reading it, which also included introductions of the other contestants.
To Naruto's surprise, the contestants, including himself, were not on the front page of the newspaper; they were even placed at the very end.
With strong curiosity, Naruto turned to the front page of the newspaper. As he quickly scanned it, Naruto's mouth slowly opened, and his eyes filled with disbelief.
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