For the people of Amegakure, a drizzle was like a perfectly sunny day. The faint rain did nothing to curb their enthusiasm, and pedestrians bustled along the streets. Few wore raincoats; most walked freely under the delicate droplets, enjoying the sensation on their faces. The Fifth Mizukage was no pampered lady—she had no need for an umbrella, let alone a raincoat.
"L-let me guide you… it might not… be appropriate. The village… they know who I am,"
Kita said, her voice hesitant yet polite, a faint smile touching her lips.
Terumi Mei blinked, her smile playful.
"So this is your reason for not wanting to invite me to eat?"
It was hard to refuse her charm. At least, when Kita visited the Kirigakure, Terumi Mei had hosted them. Kita could only smile helplessly and reply,
"The honor… is mine."
Konan had anticipated this. Once Terumi Mei expressed a wish to stay in Amegakure for a day, Konan had already decided there would be no chance for Mei and Kita to be alone. The first person summoned was certain to make Terumi Mei uncomfortable—Kisame Hoshigaki. Following Akatsuki protocol, this meant pairing Kisame with Chojuro, assigned to assist Kita in hosting the three Mist visitors. Kisame grumbled indignantly, only to be forcibly subdued by Pain.
Even with the Sharingan keeping track of every small movement, Kisame's presence made Terumi Mei uneasy. Though Kisame's wanted status had been revoked, no leader would feel pleased seeing a former subordinate serving someone else. Moreover, Kisame and Terumi Mei shared a past—they had crossed paths during graduation exams: one decisive in eliminating comrades, the other skillful in manipulating situations for advantage.
"Ah, I never thought you'd become the Fifth Mizukage,"
Kisame said maliciously. Terumi Mei's gentle smile mirrored the expression she had during those exams.
"It's been quite some time… more than a decade, Kisame Hoshigaki,"
The greeting occurred on the streets of Amegakure, as Kita guided the three to their resting place and they encountered Kisame and Itachi sent to assist with the mission.
Kita hadn't known Terumi Mei personally, so she looked puzzled at the greeting.
"Know… each other?"
Kisame naturally denied it.
"We wouldn't say 'know,' but fate had its ties."
Kisame's bluntness left much to be desired. Before Kita could imagine a dramatic, love-and-hate scenario, Terumi Mei quickly and decisively denied it.
"We were merely peers in the same graduating class."
Kita, realizing the term peers in the context of Blood Mist, understood Mei's meaning. Kisame's wording was misleading indeed. Kita smiled slightly.
"Oh, I thought you… were friends."
"You should ask her; you seem quite familiar with the Mizukage," Kisame asked. Kita nodded, neither overly candid nor resistant.
"Enough familiarity to call it shallow," Terumi Mei said, teasingly lifting Kita's chin. Such gestures between female friends were common and playful, so Kita did not mind.
"The Mizukage Token's holder is far beyond mere familiarity."
Kisame's jaw dropped, as did Itachi's standing beside him.
"W-wait, the Mizukage… really?" Kisame repeated. Chojuro's long sword pressed against Kisame's back added weight to his hesitation.
"Of course. Kita-sama is recognized by both the Fourth and Fifth Mizukage."
Kisame, unsure how to respond, studied Kita as if meeting her for the first time.
Kita sighed helplessly. The Mizukage Token's influence, once understood, was clear: though not strongly binding, it was the faith of the Mist ninja. Even if Kisame had betrayed the village, this faith ran deep in his veins. Using the Mizukage Token could compel him to fight and die for the village—principle dictated by his identity.
"Old… matters. Let's not mention them." Kita pulled down Terumi Mei's assertive hand; such intimacy was inappropriate, even if she cared little for appearance. Then she asked,
"Y-you're here to… reminisce?"
This time Itachi spoke, curious about Kisame and Terumi Mei's presence.
"Mostly, to assist you in hosting the Mizukage," Terumi Mei replied with an innocent smile. The scratched Konoha forehead protector and the red-clouded black cloak were visible, signaling her allegiance.
Terumi Mei, ever perceptive, understood Konan's intent: sending two Akatsuki members, including Kisame, was meant to provoke her subtly—a clever move.
Kita also grasped Konan's strategy. Sending Chojuro was twofold: to counter Ao, who might gather village intelligence with his Byakugan, and pairing Itachi with Kisame—eye technique versus eye technique, swordsman versus swordsman—was logical.
"Really? Konan-sama has truly been helpful," Terumi Mei said, smiling. Then she added,
"And Uchiha Itachi, and Kisame, I'd like to have a proper talk with Kita. You don't mind accompanying my subordinates, do you?"
Kita thought: this works.
Itachi: Seems like the mission calls for it.
Kisame: Perfect. I'm curious to see the level of these Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
To be honest, when Akatsuki reported this to Konan, she was nearly furious.
She had hit herself on the foot twice in one day.
━━━━ ❖ ━━━
If you're enjoying the journey so far and want to read ahead, you can check out 100+ advance chapters on Patreon: Patreon.com/Crimson_Lore
Every 100 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter
Add to Library!