The Mizukage delegation arrived on a rainy day—or rather, it was supposed to be sunny, but Nagato's presence ensured Amegakure. Judging from chakra readings, one of the accompanying guards, a woman, possessed exceptionally strong chakra.
Konan looked at the Mizukage-led ninja with disdain, though she had to admit, Terumi Mei was strikingly beautiful—and incredibly bold. The Fifth Mizukage, personally visiting her Amegakure? Surely she wasn't afraid of never returning.
The newly decorated administrative reception hall exuded an air of solemnity, with a long table and neatly arranged sofas. Konan sat at the head. Behind her stood Kita with her sword and Shigure as the jonin captain.
Across from her, the delegation's leader was a one-eyed man named Ao. To his right sat a boy no older than sixteen, wearing glasses, yet carrying one of the Seven Ninja Swords of the Mist—Hiramekarei. To Ao's left was Terumi Mei, disguised as the Fifth Mizukage, wearing flowing blue robes.
Her fiery red hair cascaded over her shoulders, a unique fringe covering one eye. The visible eye sparkled, and her upturned lips looked gentle and soft. But Konan knew Terumi Mei was not ordinary; from her presence alone, she seemed at least as strong as Konan herself—though who was stronger remained uncertain.
"Konan-sama, the Mizukage has entrusted me with delivering this treaty to you," Ao said respectfully, handing over a sealed scroll. Konan nodded slightly, glancing at Shigure. Shigure accepted the scroll with respect and presented it to Konan.
It wasn't blank—but almost. On the parchment, only a single large character was inscribed:
—Thanks.
No signature, just that single word, taking up most of the scroll.
Konan tossed it aside lightly and said,
"Since you've come, let's speak plainly. Mizukage, are you not afraid of never returning?"
"What do you mean, Konan-sama? The Mizukage… entrusted me to—"
"Bold, indeed. You dare to come to Amegakure with just this few? Truly fitting of the Fifth Mizukage, Terumi Mei." Konan interrupted Ao, her gaze sharp and piercing, aimed directly at Terumi Mei. The Mizukage smiled gently, though a fleeting glint of steel flickered in her exposed eye.
"Hehe, indeed, Konan-sama of Akatsuki," Terumi Mei replied.
Not entirely accurate—Konan was only the angel of Amegakure, not Akatsuki. She neither confirmed nor denied the statement, but said coolly,
"I suppose I underestimated you. You assisted the Fourth Mizukage in escaping Uchiha Madara's control—you're no ordinary person."
Terumi Mei glanced at Kita standing beside Konan, implying a subtle meaning.
This made Konan fume. Ever since Kita obtained the Mizukage's orders, she had received a valuable yukata, and now with the recent Otsutsuki incident, Amegakure received this "thanks" scroll. Surely Otsutsuki was aware of the matter. Konan was annoyed that Kita's first thought in seeking help wasn't Akatsuki. Her hand beneath the table squeezed Kita's leg.
Kita stiffened but said nothing, just casting Konan a calm glance.
Konan looked at the scroll again.
"You're thanking me, aren't you?"
Hah… skilled in negotiation, Terumi Mei thought. She knew the "thanks" was really for Akatsuki solving the Otsutsuki matter, yet it was directed at the Konan-sama as if recounting a long past event. Cleverly manipulated—truly befitting of Konan-sama.
"Konan-sama, you are truly… unreserved," Terumi Mei remarked. Konan released Kita's leg and smiled softly, mirroring Terumi Mei's expression.
"Since you wish to show sincerity, I can hardly refuse."
Devouring without leaving bones, Terumi Mei thought.
"Let's get straight to the point, Konan-sama," Terumi Mei said, bowing slightly. "Akatsuki exiled the Tailed Beasts; thank you."
Her honesty brought a sense of relief to Konan. Unlike many leaders, Terumi Mei acted on principle, even if motivated by self-interest. Konan admitted that even without Kita's help, Terumi Mei could have driven away Obito.
This woman could be both pliant and resolute. She could thank a terrifying organization for the world's sake, yet also perform actions beyond human comprehension when necessary. Her bow was genuine strength. Other Kage might not manage such finesse.
"We are also part of this world, and we merely used the Tailed Beasts' power for the correct purpose."
Whether correct or not, Konan couldn't judge—but from Shigure's visible satisfaction, it seemed right for now.
"Not everyone can forsake attainable dreams. In that respect, I could not. All I can do is offer my thanks. You only took the Tailed Beasts, leaving the jinchuriki alive, and for that, I am grateful."
The conversation grew candid. Konan did not seek all the credit.
"Improving the seal so the jinchuriki survives even if the Tailed Beast is extracted was Kita's doing."
Kita, suddenly mentioned, looked surprised but unfazed. Konan's acknowledgment was appropriate. Kita returned to her post beside Konan, her role as protector flawless.
Terumi Mei's smile appeared harmless, though her gaze on Kita revealed nothing, leaving her true feelings ambiguous.
"Indeed. I've never heard of the Mizukage Token—ruler under one, ten thousand under another—being guarded by a ninja from a small village," Terumi Mei said, exaggerating. Kita was, in fact, from Amegakure; the Mizukage Token was meaningless if given to outsiders.
"Not a guard. My personal bodyguard."
Kita.
Shigure.
Konan deliberately emphasized my, clearly asserting possessiveness—understandable to anyone, especially Terumi Mei.
Personal bodyguard is a delicate and ambiguous position—rarely given even among Kage. By calling Kita her personal bodyguard, Konan elevated her status beyond mere protector or subordinate.
Terumi Mei admitted she could not claim such a role for herself, whether from her Mizukage perspective or as a person.
Thoroughly defeated, she realized.
"Konan-sama, you are magnanimous," Terumi Mei said, with a hint of disappointment. Konan, pleased with asserting her authority, replied lightly,
"Mutual, I suppose."
When Kita received the Mizukage Token, she had been saved. For that alone, Konan had no reason to make things difficult. After the Otsutsuki incident, Terumi Mei's thanks to Akatsuki was flawless—even the Konoha Hokage might not have reacted. Akatsuki did not act for gratitude.
With gratitude expressed, it was time for business. Both Terumi Mei and Konan demonstrated leadership as they discussed matters. Mizukage's main goal was modest compensation for the Otsutsuki incident, leading to several concessions.
In reality, there was little to concede. The two nations were geographically distant, with almost no overlap. Only about 1% of missions might intersect, but even so, Mizukage conceded. If conflicts arose, Amegakure would voluntarily yield, assisting the Mist ninja without harming the alliance. Trade agreements, strategic alliances—if either village faced external threats, the other had the right and responsibility to intervene.
"If these words should be directed at Akatsuki's leader, it would be safer for both sides. Regarding Kisame Hoshigaki, the former missing-nin and Seven Ninja Swordsman of the Mist, discussion is necessary."
Kisame's wanted status was revoked, and past assassination attempts on the Land of Water daimyo would not be pursued. If Kisame harmed any Mist ninja in the future, responsibility fell on Amegakure. Konan decided to shelter Kisame. Nagato's consent signaled that by protecting the rogue, Amegakure aligned with Akatsuki's stance. There was risk—Kisame could damage Rain-Mist relations—but Konan trusted Nagato's judgment.
Overall, the alliance proceeded smoothly. Negotiations and the signing took hours, but the final agreement bore both Konan and Terumi Mei's names. Though wartime contracts were meaningless, this was peacetime, and Rain and Mist were sufficiently distant.
After the long journey, Terumi Mei suggested resting for a day. As allies, Konan agreed, intending to host properly. But when Terumi Mei requested an escort, Konan mentally cursed herself.
Really… am I setting myself up to hit my own foot?
The words were already out; there was no turning back—for Amegakure's Konan-sama or Akatsuki's White Tiger, she could not back down.