Slayer: Look directly at the Seraph, standing on the sun

“Then I’ll just run away.” Zhang Hai shrugged, a signature nonchalant smile on his face. “If I run into you, I’ll pretend to be terrified by your ‘Molten Escape’, then yell ‘Help! There’s a tigress trying to eat me!’ and then turn and run, faster than anyone else.”

"Pfft!"

Mei Terumi finally couldn't help but burst into laughter through her tears, and punched him lightly. "You're the tigress! Besides... if you really did that, you'd be laughed to death by the people of Konoha. A dignified elite of the Anbu is actually a coward."

"Let him laugh. What's more important than my wife than my pride?" Zhang Hai said nonchalantly. "As long as it puts your mind at ease, I don't mind being a deserter."

This half-joking remark, like a warm current, completely melted the ice in Terumi Mei's heart. She hugged Zhang Hai tightly, and the fear of the future in her heart finally dissipated by more than half.

"Hmm... I believe you." Mei Terumi buried her head in his chest and said in a muffled voice, "Then I'm going back. When I get back, I'll ask Elder Genshi to stop this pointless war. Kirigakure is too chaotic right now, everyone is killing each other, and I want to change all of this."

Zhang Hai stroked her long hair, his eyes becoming somewhat profound: "The idea is good, but reality is often crueler than you think."

He pushed Mei Terumi away, making her look into his eyes: "Mei, you need to understand one thing. In this ninja world, the weak can only obey the rules, only the strong have the right to make and change the rules. Why were Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha able to end the Warring States period? Because they possessed overwhelming power."

“If you want to change Kirigakure, if you want the Master to listen to you, if you want to end the Blood Mist policy, words and tears won’t work.” Zhang Hai’s tone became serious. “You must become strong enough that everyone has to listen to you. Only when you stand at the top of Kirigakure and become the Mizukage will you be qualified to talk about change.”

Mei Terumi stared at him, a flame gradually igniting in her eyes. It was ambition, and also a realization.

"I understand." She nodded firmly, her expression hardening. "I will become stronger. One day, I will become a woman worthy of you, and I will become the Mizukage who can influence the future of Kirigakure!"

"Okay, I'll wait for that day." Zhang Hai smiled with relief.

……

After seeing Mei Terumi off, Zhang Hai didn't give himself much time to rest. He changed into his familiar Anbu uniform and headed straight for the Hokage Building.

Inside the office, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was looking at the battle reports from the front lines, his brow furrowed.

"Lord Hokage." Zhang Hai knelt on one knee.

"Oh, Zhang Hai." The Third Hokage put down the documents in his hand and rubbed his temples. "You've come at the right time. The situation in Kirigakure has been a bit strange lately. Since that failed raid, they seem to have completely disappeared, with neither new attacks nor signs of withdrawal. What do you think?"

Zhang Hai stood up, walked to the map, and drew a line between the Land of Water and the Land of Lightning with his finger.

“It’s just the calm before the storm,” Zhang Hai analyzed in a deep voice. “Just as I predicted, after suffering such a huge loss, Kirigakure will definitely not let it go. But they also realize that they can’t take down Konoha on their own. So, there’s only one reason why they’re holding back now—they’re waiting.”

"Waiting for allies?" A glint of light flashed in the Third Hokage's eyes. "You mean Kumogakure?"

“That’s right.” Zhang Hai nodded. “The new Raikage of Kumogakure is eager to establish his authority through military achievements. Meanwhile, Kirigakure is eager to get revenge. Although these two factions have their own agendas, they share the same interests in dealing with Konoha. I predict that it won’t be long before we face a joint attack from the east and south.”

The Third Generation took a deep breath, his expression turning grave: "If that's really the case, then the situation is indeed not optimistic. Fighting on two fronts is too much pressure."

“Actually, that’s not the case.” Zhang Hai shook his head, a cold smile playing on his lips. “As I said before, there is a lack of trust between these two villages, and you could even say they each have their own agendas. Their so-called alliance is nothing more than mutual exploitation. On the battlefield, they will find it difficult to coordinate perfectly, and they might even sabotage each other over the unequal distribution of spoils. This kind of superficial alliance is not as threatening as people imagine.”

He paused, then his finger suddenly moved towards the Land of Earth, his tone becoming unusually serious: "In comparison, what really gives us a headache is this place—Iwagakure."

"Iwagakure?" The Third Hokage was somewhat surprised. "Hasn't Jiraiya already launched a counterattack? And Iwagakure suffered heavy losses in the battle against the Raikage, so they shouldn't have much strength left, right?"

“That’s just an appearance.” Zhang Hai shook his head. “That old fox Onoki is best at feigning weakness and enduring. Although Iwagakure has lost a lot of manpower, their core structure is still there, and their rock-hard will is still there. The reason we are in the lead now is entirely because they are still licking their wounds and accumulating strength.”

Zhang Hai's eyes sharpened like knives: "Once they catch their breath, or once they find our weakness, those Iwa ninja with the 'Will of Stone' will unleash a counterattack even more terrifying than the combined forces of Kirigakure and Kumogakure. Kannabi Bridge... that is the key to deciding the outcome of this war."

As the third generation listened to Zhang Hai's progressively deeper analysis, their admiration grew stronger. This young man was not only exceptionally capable, but his insight into the big picture and his strategic vision were simply those of a born commander.

"So, what are you trying to say?" The Third Generation looked at Zhang Hai, seemingly having already guessed his intentions.

Zhang Hai took a deep breath, straightened his back, and his eyes flashed with fighting spirit.

"Lord Hokage, the village's security is back on track, and there won't be any major moves from Kirigakure for the time being. I request... to return to the Iwagakure front!"

His voice was strong and resonant, echoing in the office, "Since Iwagakure is the biggest threat, then let me go there to assist Minato-senpai in completely crushing their ambitions and bringing this war to an end!"

The Third Hokage stared intently at Zhang Hai for a long time before a gratified and triumphant smile appeared on his face.

"Well done! Zhang Hai is truly remarkable!"

The Third Hokage waved his hand, "With a young man like you in Konoha, how can we not win! I approve your request! Depart immediately for Kannabi Bridge to support Minato Namikaze! No matter what, we must secure this victory!"

"Yes!" Zhang Hai nodded heavily, turned around and strode away.