"T-this… this is… the scar of war. Sixteen years ago, the village erupted… war, a war… that battle… thousands died, rivers of blood… this… the village built this monument to honor the fallen,"
Kita's voice trembled slightly as she spoke.
Before them stood a towering stone monument, its base submerged in water, rising at least thirty meters into the air. Its weight was impossible to estimate. Surrounding the monument was a square stone bridge. Even from a distance, the intricate carvings on its surface were clear: people fallen in chaos, armed warriors poised in battle—no words, only grand reliefs capturing the ferocity of that sixteen-year-old conflict.
Terumi Mei, observing the relief, immediately understood why the guards outside had been so vigilant. Such a monument was profoundly significant—like the monument of heroes in Kirigakure. She also noticed the carved clouds curling across the relief, a subtle yet deliberate detail.
"Did Akatsuki end the war?"
A sharp question. Kita nodded; this was not a secret but common knowledge within the village.
"Rain… Amegakure, in the past, war raged endlessly… people suffered greatly… the leader brought… brought us peace. Since… since then, no more wars… this… is very good."
"No wars are good," Terumi Mei agreed. "Had someone told me years ago that a so-called 'terrorist organization' would do good deeds, I wouldn't have believed it. But seeing this… I can't deny it. The value of life is the same for everyone."
"Good… for us," Kita said with a faint, almost mocking smile, "but for the Land of Wind, Earth, and Fire … not necessarily."
For a small country surviving in the cracks between greater powers, life was precarious. Kita looked at the monument, her voice steady, "I'm… truly grateful I chose this place. I wasn't born here… but this feels like home. No matter what happens… I will protect it."
"You are a devoted guardian,"
Terumi Mei said, smiling warmly at Kita.
"And you have done more than protect this place… you protected the world."
"No… conscious effort," Kita said softly, though she knew Terumi Mei's recognition was genuine. Standing here, Terumi Mei could see how Kita had grown, how her convictions had formed. The village, Amegakure, the water, every life—it was all part of her devotion.
"So… something must have happened. You were considered dead by Akatsuki, unless you were lying then as well,"
Terumi Mei prompted curiosity in her tone. Kita chuckled.
"Believe it or not… I may have hidden things, but I never lied to you."
"Really?"
Kita nodded.
"Exiling the Ten-Tails was dangerous… even with their cooperation, failure was near. I had to step in… my identity was exposed."
"I see… a creature forged from nine Tailed Beasts… no wonder it couldn't be controlled by just nine people."
"No… ten. Orochimaru and Jiraiya also helped."
"Two of the Legendary Sannin…"
It was impressive: two of the Sannin alongside a terror organization. Kita smiled, adding, "Fortunately, I'm… familiar with Orochimaru." She gave a slightly guilty laugh. "I imagine, from your perspective, all my friends must have seemed utterly evil… quite difficult for the Mizukage."
"They faced the world's crisis head-on," Terumi Mei said, laying a gentle hand on Kita's shoulder. "Ninjas aren't simply good or evil. I'm grateful you saved the world, which is why I'm here."
"You… don't mind losing the Tailed Beast's power?"
"Perhaps you're right. They shouldn't exist in this world; losing them is best."
Terumi Mei paused, her expression slightly serious. "But Kita… not everyone believes losing the Tailed Beasts is ideal. You understand?"
As jinchuriki, the Tailed Beasts were vital combat assets. Their disappearance threatened the fragile peace maintained by the five great nations. Kita understood the implications—and Kita understood too. She placed her hands on the stone bridge, gazing at the towering monument.
"If… if the worst happens… I will not use the Mizukage Token to drag you into war. But I ask… you will not side with them."
"You could have forced my participation with the Mizukage Token, and I wouldn't have refused," Terumi Mei replied. Kita smiled faintly, pointing at the monument. "I don't want… such things to appear anywhere again." She withdrew her hand and retrieved the Mizukage Token.
"So… I just need your promise. That… if it happens, the Mist… won't be involved."
Terumi Mei didn't take the offer. Instead, she stepped closer, whispering at Kita's ear.
"I'm sorry, Kita. I can't make that promise… but I can assure you I won't strike from behind."
If Kita fell, the token was useless—but a verbal promise could endanger the village if broken. Terumi Mei was no fool in love; she understood her duties.
Kita sighed, a wry smile crossing her face. As long as Terumi Mei lived, Amegakure would be safe—though time was uncertain. She patted Terumi Mei's back lightly and stepped aside.
"You… are a remarkable Mizukage."
"Hmm… I'd rather you called me a remarkable woman~"
Kita chuckled.
"No worries about marriage then," Terumi Mei teased.
If the Fifth Mizukage teasing Kita nearly made Terumi Mei crush her pen in frustration, her advances now nearly made her explode on the spot. From the tallest tower in the administrative hall, one could see all of Amegakure; every move between Kita and Terumi Mei was in Terumi Mei's view. She wasn't spying with a telescope—just careful not to compromise her position.
To avoid trouble, Terumi Mei decided not to look. She went home early, uninterested in village affairs while the Mizukage remained. Still, she made sure to give Chojuro's team some troublesome tasks—they had completely misunderstood the purpose of their mission.
Days without Kita felt like years; seeing her with the Fifth Mizukage felt like centuries. And now, with Konan and Kita's group deceiving her… she had nowhere to vent her frustration. Damn it. Why won't the Mizukage just leave?