Natasha took out her tablet, played a video of Kisame and a Four-Tails-transformed Naruto fighting, and placed it in front of Mei Terumi.
Mei picked up the tablet and watched intently. It didn't take long for her to realize why S.H.I.E.L.D. had come to her.
The video clearly showed the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki from Konoha and the Mist Village's S-rank rogue ninja, Kisame.
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s visit could only mean two things: a request for information or a proposal to collaborate against members of the Akatsuki.
Internally, Mei marveled at the exposure that the young boy in the video was Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
She also gained a new understanding for Kisame's strength, which far surpassed that of the three members of the original Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist currently under her command.
After finishing the video, Mei placed the tablet on the table and turned her gaze to Natasha without speaking.
Natasha met Mei's eyes for a few seconds before taking the initiative.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. is seeking information. Specifically, we want to understand why Naruto Uzumaki transformed into this Four-Tails state."
"His destructive power is immense, to say the least."
"Of course, we're aware of the rules. S.H.I.E.L.D. is willing to offer an 084 item in exchange, but we expect detailed information."
Hearing Natasha's offer, Mei thought to herself, 'As expected.'
She shook her head and said, "Every ninja village has its secrets. What you're asking about is a secret among secrets. That price—won't suffice."
Natasha wasn't disappointed by Mei's rejection. On the contrary, she grew intrigued. 'What kind of information could be so valuable that it's deemed a secret among secrets?'
"What kind of price would it take for us to access this detailed information?"
Mei smiled and replied, "Secrets among secrets aren't something that can be resolved with a simple transaction.
"However, it'll certainly be worth the cost in the end."
"But before that, perhaps we can discuss Ao's role as an instructor at S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy."
Natasha blinked, immediately understanding Mei's intent.
Mist Village is bundling this as a package deal. What sort of secret could justify such terms?
Mei continued with a smile, "The Mist Village's ninja academy runs on a six-year curriculum. Every graduate is capable of becoming a competent ninja.
"Ao, as an elite jonin from our village, typically mentors chunin or genin.
"In just one quarter, even with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s agents, it's unlikely they'll fully absorb Ao's teachings and pass his assessments."
"I believe you've already experienced the benefits of having a ninja instructor."
Natasha nodded. She couldn't deny that when it came to cultivating extraordinary talents, ninjas were far more effective than S.H.I.E.L.D.
In just one month, the personnel trained by Ao had grown significantly stronger than those trained internally by S.H.I.E.L.D.
Moreover, according to their scientific team's analysis, a single quarter wasn't enough to fully tap into Ao's knowledge—especially since it excluded ninja techniques and chakra training.
Seeing Natasha's agreement, Mei continued with a smile.
"I propose a one-year training agreement. If you find it satisfactory, we can renew it annually until you no longer need instructors—or until you've mastered our entire system."
Natasha wasn't surprised that Mei had noticed S.H.I.E.L.D. was documenting the training system. Instead, she asked directly:
"So, with one quarter completed, we're talking about three more quarters—39 084 items in total?"
Mei nodded and replied, "Yes, the instructor contracts will shift from quarterly to annual terms."
Natasha thought to herself, 'It seems the Mist Village has an urgent need for 084 items. Are they trying to establish a steady channel to send more ninjas here?'
S.H.I.E.L.D. already had plans to extend Ao's contract; this proposal simply expedited the process. Given the credibility of the Mist Village, there wasn't much concern over reliability.
Natasha then asked, "And what about the intelligence we discussed?"
Mei raised three fingers and said, "Three. It will require at least three 084 items."
Natasha sighed internally. 'As expected, a bundled deal.'
"And I can assure you, this information will absolutely be worth the price," Mei added confidently.
Seeing Mei's resolute expression, Natasha said, "Let me report this to my superiors. While we do need Ao's training, delivering 42 energy-based 084 items in one go is no trivial matter for S.H.I.E.L.D. I need leadership approval."
Mei nodded, "Haku, take Agent Romanoff to the adjacent room so she can communicate with her headquarters."
Haku stood up and said, "Agent Romanoff, please follow me."
Natasha rose, followed Haku, and said, "Thank you."
…
Elsewhere-
In the Konoha Base Medical Room-
Both Kakashi and Sasuke Uchiha laid on hospital beds, recovering from their injuries.
Naruto sat between their beds, chatting occasionally with Kakashi and then with Sasuke. Meanwhile, Sakura Haruno was busy peeling apples for the injured.
However, she handed the first peeled apple not to her more severely injured teacher, Kakashi, but to her beloved Sasuke.
Looking at the apple Sakura had carefully prepared, Sasuke, despite his exhaustion, politely declined.
"I'm not hungry, but thank you."
Naruto immediately grabbed the apple and took a big bite.
"Wow, Sakura's apples taste so sweet!"
Wham!
Sakura punched Naruto on the head and said angrily, "If you want to eat, peel one yourself! Can't you see I'm taking care of the patients?"
Despite the hit, Naruto wasn't upset and kept munching on the apple cheerfully.
Sakura, exasperated, gritted her teeth and took out another apple to peel—this time for Kakashi-sensei. In her frustration, she imagined the apple peel was Naruto.
At that moment, the door opened, and Charles entered the room. Seeing everyone's state, he said, "Looks like everyone's spirits are pretty good."
"Lord Charles!"
Naruto and Sakura greeted him immediately. Even Kakashi and Sasuke on the beds attempted to sit up.
Seeing their effort, Charles quickly said, "Stay where you are. You're both injured and need to rest."
"Thank you, Lord Charles!" they said in unison.
Waving them off, Charles stepped to the center of the room and noticed Sakura holding an apple and a fruit knife. Smiling, he teased, "Well, Sakura, taking care of people now, are you?"