By calculation, this was the easiest intelligence-gathering mission Kita had ever undertaken in her life. Terumi Mei's trust in her was almost total—she could walk freely through the village, untracked by the ANBU, and that alone left Kita in awe. Even casual chatter with Mei felt natural, like conversations between friends.
Kita had no real sense of how many days she spent in Kirigakure. Copying Fourth Mizukage's records, drinking and chatting with Mei—it all felt like a year ago, when Mei didn't know her true non-human identity. Kita had even forgotten that she had once revealed herself.
But every record eventually had an end. Mei didn't glance at the files—these were private matters of the Fourth Mizukage, and she refused to pry into the secrets of her predecessor. Even if Kita told her in full detail how Yagura had been controlled, Mei still refused to read it, even though she had the authority.
"Hey, stay a while." Terumi Mei suddenly said, shaking the beer bottle in her hand. She leaned against the wall, watching Kita seated cross-legged on the floor beside her. Though there was a table in the room, the two of them sat on the floor, drinking beer and eating cheap dried meat.
It was somewhat comical, wasn't it?
Yet they just drank and ate, the empty bottles already scattered across the floor. Mei's cheeks were flushed pink, and Kita herself bore a faint rosy hue.
"If you want to make trouble for Madara, go ahead. Kirigakure will back you. Stand by me, I'll protect you. One under ten thousand above, even Hanzo of the Salamander wouldn't dare come after you. Status, position—it doesn't matter. I know you don't need money; the funds you gave to Koyou are enough for her entire life. Kita, stay."
Mei said this as they leaned against each other, appearing exceptionally intimate.
Kita took a sip of beer, turned to her, and smiled, shaking her head.
——I'm a non-human.
"No one would know. Koyou wouldn't tell. You're strong—"
——I know.
Kita said, finishing the bottle in one go, lips curling upwards.
——Thank you for treating me like a friend, I…
Mei interrupted, looking steadily at her.
"What's he like?"
Kita was puzzled.
"The one living in your heart—what's he like?" Mei asked directly, always straightforward as ever. Kita paused for a moment, her first thought going to Konan. Just thinking about her made Kita smile involuntarily, her smile wide enough to squint her eyes.
——Beautiful, kind, gentle, sometimes willful, sometimes playful—but mostly cute. She has a temper, gets angry easily, but when she pouts, she's truly adorable.
"Woman?"
Kita nodded, thinking of all of Konan's quirks, unable to stop smiling.
——Very smart, very strong. An angel—no, she is an angel. She saved me, showed me that even someone like me could be genuinely cared for.
"Does she know your identity?"
——Yes, she knew from the start.
Kita said, smiling at Mei.
——Unbelievable, isn't it? She knew what I was, and still accepted me.
"I know too," Mei murmured. Kita looked at her, confused.
"Nothing, just the most important person to you, right?" Mei waved her hand lightly.
Kita nodded.
"All of this… it's all for her, isn't it?"
Kita said nothing, a flicker of vigilance in her eyes as she looked at Mei. Mei noticed, shook her head, and asked, "No hidden meaning. Is she strong? Can she protect you?"
Kita smiled, shaking her head.
——I don't need anyone's protection. And she's strong.
"Is that so?" Mei said, finishing her bottle and opening another.
"We're friends, right?"
Kita shrugged.
——If you don't mind, yes.
"Next time we meet, don't point weapons at me. It really hurts."
She referenced the recent coercion in the secret chamber. Kita felt immense guilt, recalling the day she had broken Mei's window a year ago.
——Sorry. Our positions were different.
"No matter. You helped Kirigakure a great deal. Even as a rogue, you're our friend." Mei said, finishing half a bottle, her face flushed, her eyes slightly red.
"Next time you come back, don't just come for intelligence, okay?"
Kita blinked and nodded. She felt a small pang of guilt for visiting the Mist solely for information. Mei had treated her as a friend—if not for her help, this trip would have been wasted. Now, not only had she succeeded, but they could talk and relax as well.
——Sorry.
Mei waved it off, relaxed. "Nothing, I was just a step late."
Kita tilted her head in confusion. "Step late…?" she wondered.
Mei looked into her eyes and, without explaining further, said, "I told you before, as long as you need me, no matter the danger, I'll be there. That's always valid. Understand?"
Kita froze, remembering the day of parting and Mei's words. She touched her nose, giving a shy smile.
——That's not proper… you're the Mizukage—
"As a friend, isn't it allowed?"
Mei's gaze was intense. Kita looked away slightly. No one had ever voluntarily befriended her before. Mei's sincerity made her feel almost unworthy—after all, she was the Mizukage.
"Mizukage can't have friends?" Mei sipped her beer. "I never questioned your identity or allegiance. Isn't that already generous enough?"
——If one day I have nowhere to go, please, Mizukage, take me in.
Kita smiled, sincere.
Mei raised her bottle.
"This place will always be your home. Next time, come in openly."
——Understood.
Clink~
They toasted, drinking half the bottles of spicy beer.
━━━━ ❖ ━━━
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