The Mizukage Is Strong But Overly Cautious

Three Tails, Isobu, narrowed his massive crimson eye, his heavy carapace shifting slightly as he observed Mizuki Ryosuke. The beast's confusion was evident—why had this human released his restraints so casually?

"Explain yourself, human." The deep, resonant voice of the tailed beast rumbled through the consciousness space.

Ryosuke, however, simply smiled, his expression unwavering. "Let's start with introductions."

He placed a hand over his chest and bowed slightly, his tone light but firm.

"Mizuki Ryosuke, active-duty Jōnin of Kirigakure… and your future partner. I look forward to working with you."

Silence lingered for a moment. Then—

"HAHAHAHAHA!!"

A deafening roar of laughter erupted from Isobu, shaking the entire space. The sheer force of his bellow sent ripples through the watery surroundings, and Ryosuke winced as his eardrums rang.

"Madness!" Isobu sneered. "A pathetic human dares claim to be my partner? You're even more foolish than I thought! If you think kindness will win me over, then you are a fool—!"

The beast's chakra flared menacingly, causing the space to tremble. Without hesitation, Isobu lunged, his massive limbs surging forward to engulf Ryosuke's consciousness. His plan was simple—overwhelm the human, seize control, and tear his way free.

But before the tailed beast could press forward—

BOOM!

Nine immense spears of ice, sharp as Kirigakure's legendary blades, crashed down from above. They impaled Isobu's limbs and carapace, anchoring him in place.

"Guh—!"

Isobu struggled, his immense strength causing the spears to groan under the pressure. But no matter how much he fought, the ice refused to yield.

Ryosuke's gaze was calm as he observed the beast's reaction.

He had anticipated this.

Tailed beasts weren't simple creatures. Even Naruto Uzumaki, despite his boundless optimism, had only gained Kurama's trust after demonstrating undeniable strength. Killer Bee, too, had fought Gyūki into submission before forming a partnership.

Power was the foundation of any bond between human and beast.

With a chuckle, Ryosuke crossed his arms. "You're strong, Three Tails. But this is my body, my consciousness. You're just a tenant—act out, and I'll remind you who owns this space."

Isobu thrashed violently, but Ryosuke tightened his grip over the space, reinforcing the icy prison with another wave of chakra.

Time passed.

At some point, Isobu's struggles ceased. His once-mighty form now lay awkwardly on its back, his massive carapace immobilized.

"You brat…" The beast growled, frustration evident.

Ryosuke smirked. "What's wrong? You look… stuck."

"…Tch."

Everyone knew turtles had difficulty flipping themselves over, and despite his monstrous size, Isobu was no exception. His limbs flailed, but the thick ice binding him made turning over impossible.

Ryosuke couldn't suppress his laughter. "I thought you were supposed to be a mighty tailed beast."

"Grr… if you have the guts, then flip me over instead of pinning me down again, coward!"

Ryosuke's smirk widened. "Oh? You mean like this?"

He raised his hand—BOOM! Nine more massive ice spears crashed down, reinforcing the first set and further restricting the beast's movements.

"HEY!"

Isobu's eye twitched. "You're just making it worse!"

"Better safe than sorry," Ryosuke hummed.

The beast fumed. "Damn you, human! Fine! I'll talk! Just let me up!"

But Ryosuke ignored him, satisfied with his victory. He slowly withdrew from the consciousness space, leaving Isobu imprisoned in the humiliating position.

"HEY! DON'T LEAVE ME LIKE THIS!"

"Ryosuke, I swear—! Come back and fix this!"

"…Ugh, I apologize, alright?! JUST LET ME UP!!"

Silence.

Ryosuke had already shut out the beast's protests.

Reality.

Ryosuke's consciousness returned, his mind still slightly hazy from exhaustion. He blinked slowly, adjusting to the dim lighting of the room.

Then—

A soft sensation registered at the back of his head.

Something warm. Supple. Slightly firm, yet comfortable.

A subtle, elegant fragrance reached his nose, one that reminded him of fresh cherry blossoms mixed with a mature sweetness.

His body stiffened instantly.

Ryosuke quickly realized—he wasn't lying on a pillow.

He was resting on someone's lap.

His thoughts spun. Only two women were in this house besides him.

Lian was… well, Lian's 'assets' weren't quite so—

A soft, amused voice interrupted his spiraling thoughts.

"Awake already, Ryosuke?"

His breath hitched.

That voice belonged to only one person.

Mizuki Liuhua.

Ryosuke swallowed hard.

"…Yes, ma'am."

A gentle chuckle. "No need to be so formal. Just call me 'Auntie.'"

There was a brief pause, then she added, "Or, if you wish, you could call me 'Mother'—just like Lian does."

Ryosuke's eyes widened slightly.

Mizuki Liuhua's words were a clear, undeniable acknowledgment of his relationship with Mizuki Lian.

A quiet acceptance.

"…Aunt Liuhua," Ryosuke finally murmured.

His voice was soft, uncertain. But the moment the words left his lips, he could sense a shift in the atmosphere.

Liuhua's smile grew warmer. Her delicate fingers brushed through Ryosuke's hair, their touch soothing.

Ryosuke let out a slow breath, his previously tense mind gradually calming.

At least, for now, he could rest.

JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 50+ CHAPTERS

patreon.com/Kora_1