"So beautiful…"
Rin couldn't help but marvel as she looked at the older girl standing before her.
Mei Terumi's facial features were strikingly delicate, but it was her eyes that stood out the most—clear and bright like emeralds, yet brimming with confidence and determination. Unlike most who possessed such beauty, there was nothing fragile about her. A sharp intelligence and a shinobi's spirit shone through her gaze, making it clear that she was no ordinary kunoichi.
Kakashi, however, frowned slightly.
For an Anbu ninja to reveal their face so easily was highly unusual. Concealing one's identity was a fundamental principle, yet Mei Terumi had taken off her mask without hesitation.
She was doing this to show sincerity.
She truly wanted to help them escape.
Kakashi exhaled softly. "I'm sorry."
It was an apology for doubting her, though his wariness had not completely faded.
Regardless of her intentions, this was a rare opportunity. If they hesitated, they might not get another chance to escape.
Mei Terumi glanced at Kakashi and saw the flicker of caution in his eyes. She didn't blame him.
She understood.
These two were captured by Kirigakure. If they weren't suspicious of her, it would mean their teacher, Minato Namikaze, had failed in training them.
Even if she let them go, escaping Kirigakure's pursuit wouldn't be easy.
There was another guard stationed on the island. Once the escape was discovered, there would be no hiding it.
"In that case, I'll tell you my plan now," Mei Terumi said with a small chuckle.
After listening to her proposal, Rin's brows furrowed.
"Do we really have to hurt you?"
In her eyes, Mei Terumi was their savior. The thought of harming her, even if it was staged, felt wrong.
"This is necessary," Mei Terumi replied firmly. "You don't have to worry about it."
Her tone was calm but unwavering.
"On the contrary, if you don't do this, you'll be putting me in even greater danger."
Kakashi understood this immediately. He turned to Rin and explained, "If she helps us escape without injuries, her superiors will suspect her. She needs visible wounds to make her story believable."
Rin bit her lip.
"But… will they believe it?" she murmured, doubt creeping into her voice.
Kakashi's expression darkened as he pondered the same question. He looked back at Mei Terumi.
"I think it's a valid concern," he admitted. "But with your status, even if they suspect you, your clan should be able to protect you."
Mei Terumi smirked slightly. "Smart boy. How did you figure that out? Was it my surname?"
Kakashi nodded.
"Yes. The Terumi clan is influential in Kirigakure. I assumed you were related to someone powerful."
Mei Terumi's smile grew a little wider.
"You're right. My father is Terumi Ryuunosuke, the current head of the Terumi clan."
Kakashi and Rin stiffened.
Terumi Ryuunosuke—the same man leading Kirigakure's forces in the invasion of the Land of Fire.
Kakashi had suspected that Mei Terumi was from a noble bloodline, but he hadn't expected her to be the daughter of one of Kirigakure's top commanders.
"Your teacher knows this as well," Mei Terumi continued. "If you successfully escape, you can confirm it with him."
Her words erased any remaining doubt in Kakashi's heart.
If this were a trap, it was an unnecessarily elaborate one. There were too many easier ways for Kirigakure to manipulate them.
"Thank you," Kakashi said, bowing deeply.
Mei Terumi was taking a risk for them.
Even with her family's influence, aiding enemy shinobi in their escape was treason. If things went wrong, she could face severe consequences.
She studied them for a moment before speaking again.
"There's something I want to say. It might sound hypocritical coming from me, but I'll say it anyway."
Kakashi and Rin looked at her expectantly.
"I don't agree with this war," Mei Terumi said firmly. "The nations of Wind, Lightning, Earth, and Water were the ones who started it. Even though we are enemies, I want to say… I'm sorry."
Kakashi and Rin exchanged glances.
A part of Kakashi wanted to dismiss her words as empty sentiment. Apologies wouldn't bring back the people who had died. But—looking into Mei Terumi's eyes, he saw no deception. She meant what she said.
He sighed.
"Mei-senpai, none of us wanted this war. So there's no need to apologize."
Rin nodded. "You saved us. That's what matters."
Their sincerity made Mei Terumi smile.
She handed the special kunai in her hand to Kakashi.
"Once you escape, keep this with you at all times."
Kakashi took the kunai, recognizing it instantly.
"Minato-sensei's kunai."
"I believe Minato-senpai is already aware of your situation," Mei Terumi said. "If so, he will do everything in his power to leave the battlefield and come for you."
Minato was Konoha's strongest shinobi. His presence alone could change the outcome of the war.
But that also meant he couldn't move freely.
The fact that he had given this kunai to Kakashi and Rin spoke volumes about how much they meant to him.
"Understood."
Both Kakashi and Rin nodded solemnly.
Mei Terumi then pulled out a small pouch and handed it to them.
"These are military rations. Use them to regain your strength."
As Kakashi reached out to take them—
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Sudden clashes of weapons echoed from the other side of the island.
"Ah!"
Mei Terumi let out a sharp cry as Kakashi's kunai struck her left shoulder.
"Rin, go!"
Kakashi grabbed Rin's wrist, ignoring her worried glance toward Mei Terumi. He activated his Body Flicker Technique, pushing his speed to the limit.
Swish!
Not long after, another figure appeared beside Mei Terumi.
"What happened?!"
Mei Terumi clutched her wounded shoulder, gritting her teeth.
"The hostages… they escaped."
The Mist Ninja's face turned red with fury. "How did you let this happen?!"
He glared at her but quickly realized his mistake. Mei Terumi was an elite Anbu—she answered only to the Third Mizukage. He had no authority to reprimand her.
After a moment of hesitation, he turned and bolted toward the village, likely to report the escape before he could be blamed for negligence.
Mei Terumi watched him go, her expression unreadable.
She had known he would do that. He wanted to shift responsibility onto her.
I can't just sit here and do nothing. Otherwise, I'll be completely on the defensive.
Her gaze flickered toward the sea—toward the direction Kakashi and Rin had fled.
I hope you make it back safely.
Then, without hesitation, she disappeared into the night.
Meanwhile, on another part of the island—
A Kirigakure ninja emerged from the shadows, a sinister smirk twisting his lips.
Slowly, his body began to shift. His skin rippled unnaturally, his features twisting and reforming until—
A pure white face emerged.
White Zetsu.
His eerie grin widened as he whispered to himself.
"Let's see how far you two can run."
With that, he melted into the ground, vanishing without a trace.
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New fanfic :
Marvel : The God Of Punishment System
I Am Raditz
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