By the time they returned to the inn, the sky had begun to pale with the first light of dawn. Their original plan had been to return after the street food stall closed, but talking under the street lamps of the Mist Village had stretched on until daybreak. It wasn't until the second crow of the rooster that they realized just how late it had gotten. After some rest, it was already afternoon. Terumi Mei hadn't mentioned when she would be released, but judging by the current pace, it should be soon.
Although the previous night had been spent in deep conversation with Mei, Kita had not neglected to observe the village's movements. She had spotted a familiar figure, and soon, the person who was supposed to come would arrive.
As Kita was thinking this, a knock came at the door. Her long hair still loose, not yet tied, she walked over and pulled the door open—just as she expected.
Round, flat glasses and a rather familiar face. What was new was the boy's forehead protector of the Mist Village.
"Long time no see, Kita-sama."
Smiling warmly, Orochimaru had clearly trained him well.
Kita stepped aside, allowing him in. Yakushi Kabuto entered carrying a boxed meal. The scent told her it included a portion of octopus legs and a small portion of salt-and-pepper fish she had enjoyed just yesterday.
——Where's Orochimaru?
"Not here, Kita-sama. My time is limited. What are your orders?"
——I'm handling something here. Have him stay away and don't ruin my plans.
Kita's courtesy toward Orochimaru masked the truth—Kabuto didn't mind a non-human being disrespecting his superior, since Orochimaru himself didn't care. He politely relayed his master's message.
"In fact, Orochimaru-sama also has matters to attend to. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here. I hope you can tell me what you're doing here, Kita-sama, to avoid any unpleasant encounters, yes?"
That made sense.
——What's he planning?
"Kaguya Kimimaro."
——Who?
"A boy his lord has admired for a long time. From the Kaguya clan. The Hozuki Mangetsu Party will soon make a move against them. I think your all-night conversation with Terumi Mei might have given you insight into the Fourth Mizukage's intentions, haven't you?"
Political maneuvering aside, keen observers would have noticed this already. Orochimaru, however, didn't know Uchiha Madara controlled the Mizukage. Had he known, he wouldn't dare risk taking a trivial boy from the Mist Village at this time.
"And the Hozuki Mangetsu Party has legitimacy."
——What do you mean?
"The Kaguya clan is preparing to attack the Mist Village." Kabuto said simply, pushing up his glasses, the lenses reflecting a flash of white light. Kita raised an eyebrow.
——He's inciting them?
"Do you think otherwise?"
It didn't need much thought. If not for Orochimaru's instigation, it wouldn't make sense. After a moment, Kita spoke bluntly:
——Give me proof.
The boy obediently handed over a scroll. Kita skimmed it casually, her expression calm.
——Leave the Kirigakure Village. Next time I see you here, I'll kill you.
On a mission, Kita was ruthless—a lesson from Orochimaru. Kabuto bowed deeply and left respectfully. Kita put away the scroll and opened the perfectly packed salt-and-pepper fish, savoring the taste.
If Orochimaru wanted Kaguya Kimimaro, it wasn't impossible. Though the Hozuki Mangetsu Party was weak, they still existed. It made sense not to completely eliminate them while solving one problem in the Kirigakure Village. If Terumi Mei and the Hozuki Mangetsu Party sincerely assisted the Mizukage, within three years, any decline under Madara's rule would be restored. The Land of Water was far overseas, isolated, making recovery faster. Konoha lost the Uchiha; it was reasonable that the Mist Village should also sustain some losses. The Kaguya clan, though aligned with the Mist Village, was equal in status. Eliminating them would accelerate recovery in the Kirigakure Village. Orochimaru's visit proved the Kaguya clan must be eliminated. Killing the Hozuki Mangetsu Party was less urgent for now. If that future member of Akatsuki survived, it would double her workload. Shisui alone had been enough to keep her busy; adding Hozuki Mangetsu would leave her no time for sleep, not to mention Kisame. But currently, Terumi Mei probably wouldn't remove the Hozuki Mangetsu Party. What a dilemma.
A long sigh escaped her, and Kita felt mentally drained.
"Is that sigh from exhaustion?" A light, melodious voice sounded in the room. Kita slowly opened her eyes to see Terumi Mei, radiant, almost blinding. Her long crimson hair cascaded, bangs partially covering one emerald eye, chest and shoulders partially exposed. White and blue layered together, and with that faint, playful smile, she was utterly captivating.
——Exhausted indeed.
"From what?"
——Some unresolved matters.
"Then don't think about them for now." Mei said, offering a box to Kita.
——What's this?
"Open it and see?"
——A kunai trap?
Kita joked; Mei smiled mischievously.
"Perhaps."
It wasn't a trap. It was a soft yukata, pure white, embroidered with vibrant red thread depicting leaping koi among crashing waves, as if they were transforming into dragons or diving into the sea. The fabric was soft, meticulously crafted with multiple shades of red thread. The hem swayed in the wind, making the fish and waves seem alive.
Exquisite. Expensive.
"Consider it compensation for tearing your clothes."
If it were just compensation, it was extravagant. Ordinary people couldn't afford such silk threads; only royalty could commission such embroidery.
——I can't accept this, and you've already compensated me.
"What compensation? I don't remember?"
——Lodging, meals, and beer.
"Heh," Mei laughed. "Then the Mist Village really is cheap and pitiable, isn't it?"
Impossible to refuse.
——I'm grateful. I've probably never worn clothes this fine in my life.
"Land of Water produces exquisite textiles. Expensive elsewhere, but common here."
——That makes me feel better, Kita admitted, accepting the gift. She hadn't yet mentioned the scroll. Mei added, "Try it on. If it doesn't fit, we can adjust it."
Unable to refuse.
Kita removed her old yukata and donned the new one. As she tied the sash, Mei stepped forward, smiling, and gently released Kita's long hair from inside the garment, letting it fall like a silken waterfall, fragrant and soft to the touch.
"You're truly beautiful."
All women liked such compliments; Kita was no exception. A faint smile touched her lips.
——Thank you.
"You're welcome."
As Kita attempted to tie her hair, Mei stopped her.
"Don't. It looks perfect like this."
——But long hair hinders combat.
If not for Konan insisting she keep it, checking its growth periodically, she would have cut it long ago. Long hair was a hassle for washing and maintenance.
"You suit long hair. This is your best look."
Kita considered future battles, then obeyed Mei's suggestion. Mei stepped back, satisfied with Kita's appearance. Aside from an old scarf, everything else pleased her.
"I think you look better without the scarf."
Kita smiled.
——No, the scarf is my essence. My face, body, and limbs are all derived illusions.
Mei didn't argue further. She asked, "How do you feel now? Still exhausted as before?"
——I'm fine.
Well, even if the Hozuki Mangetsu Party wasn't removed, the Kaguya clan still had to go.
Kita looked seriously at Mei.
——Do you trust that I mean no harm to your village?
"Should I?"
——That's not for me to decide. Since you gave me this gift, I must reciprocate.
Kita handed the scroll she had set aside to Mei.
——Open it. My sources are unimportant. As before, trust me if you wish; if not, it's your choice.
She neatly folded the removed yukata, sealed the scroll in her sleeve, and glanced at Mei, who had begun examining the scroll.
It didn't take long; the scroll's contents were brief. Mei closed it, expression unchanged, slight smile intact. She lifted Kita's chin gently, her voice light, eyes free of killing intent, with a hint of something intimate.
"Do you know why I came today?"
Kita tilted her head in confusion.
"I convinced myself to let you go—and succeeded. But now I've changed my mind."
——Am I a threat to you?
"On the contrary, you are the threat. Do you understand?"
Kita grew more confused.
Mei smiled, offering no explanation.
"Come on. I think the Mizukage wants to see you."
Her smile was playful yet breathtaking, like a rare blossom in full bloom.
━━━━ ❖ ━━━
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