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Obito stood by the window of the Mizukage's office, looking out at the seemingly peaceful village of Kirigakure, but inside he felt somewhat displeased—Hidan and Kakuzu were missing.
The island wasn't particularly large, but it wasn't small either, especially for those who rarely visited it.
Factoring in the possibility of getting lost, a journey that should take an hour often ended up taking double or even triple the time.
Therefore, by the time Hidan and Kakuzu finally reached Kirigakure, the main event would probably just be starting.
Obito wasn't worried about their safety.
Aside from the two Mizukage and the captured Jinchūriki, no one should pose a threat to them.
At that moment, the door was pushed open.
Obito turned to see Kisame. "How is Igawa Bu doing?"
"He's attempting the transfer. He might succeed in extracting the Six-Tails today," Kisame said, puzzled. "You don't seem anxious at all."
"Anxious about what?"
"Securing the Six-Tails."
"As long as the Six-Tails remains within Kirigakure, it doesn't matter who possesses it. In the end, it can only belong to the 'Akatsuki.'"
"So, do you think that bunch will show up?" Kisame asked.
"No, they're already here... Zetsu just informed me that someone made contact with that child named Haku, right at that tavern."
"Who was it?"
"Zabuza and Hōzuki Mangetsu... Their presence means the rebels are about to make their move. Do you know what I'm hoping for most right now?"
"No idea."
"I hope Igawa Bu succeeds in transplanting the Six-Tails. That way, the grand spectacle unfolding in Kirigakure will be truly captivating." Obito clenched his fist. "Kisame, go keep an eye on him. Make sure Igawa doesn't fail. I really want to see this show."
Kisame chuckled, then turned to leave. Just before exiting, he glanced back one more time. Yagura sat at the Mizukage's desk, handling documents.
If he were to regain his senses, what would he do? Probably be full of self-reproach, right?
But... that had nothing to do with him.
Kisame slid the door shut and left the room.
"Lord Genji, Mei Terumī requests an audience." A ninja approached Genji, whispering in his ear.
Genji's brow relaxed, and he lifted his eyelids.
"Her? What does she want?"
"Not entirely clear."
"I don't have many valuable things left here..." Genji set down his book.
The ninja managed to stifle a sound.
For others, being able to speak a few words with Lord Genji was an honor. But Mei Terumī was different. Each time she visited, she often arrived empty-handed and left with her arms full.
Although most of what she took were scrolls, the sheer frequency of her visits was telling.
To be fair, Genji truly treated Mei Terumī like a beloved junior.
Genji waved his hand. The ninja gave a slight bow and left the room. Not long after, a young woman with long, reddish-brown hair that crossed over her shoulders entered. She knelt and sat before Genji.
Genji raised his eyelids, looking at the female ninja before him.
When she first came here, Mei Terumī was just a girl. Now she had grown into a graceful, beautiful woman, making him sigh at how swiftly time had passed.
"Why have you come?" Genji asked.
"I..." Mei Terumī lifted her head, looking at Genji. "I've come to bid you farewell."
"Farewell?" Genji was taken aback. "Where are you going?"
"It's within Kirigakure," Mei Terumī explained.
"Then why... Oh, I see..." Genji let out a long sigh. "I understand. But... no. You will die."
"Lord Genji, I believe no one cares more about Kirigakure than you. But if the village continues on like this... are you truly content to watch it decay further?" Mei Terumī asked.
"Yagura is the Mizukage..."
"Then drive him out! Choose a new Mizukage! Back then, wasn't the Third Mizukage also forced to step down under pressure?"
"I am old," Genji sighed. "During the Third Mizukage's time, I still had strength and prestige. Now, I only have prestige left. Prestige is such an intangible thing. It only has value if others respect you; otherwise, it's worthless. Before, you always avoided this topic. Why today..."
"I... just received something."
"What is it?"
"A bounty poster." Mei Terumī took a carefully folded poster from her sleeve and placed it on the table before Genji.
Genji unfolded the poster. After reading its contents, his brows shot up in astonishment. "Who gave this to you?"
"No, first tell me, what are your thoughts after seeing this?" Mei Terumī pressed.
"Is what's written here... false?" Genji wasn't entirely sure either, but the contents had a profound impact on him.
"Do you know when the information regarding the two Mizukage on this bounty poster was added? It was "after" Asachi Midorima fled Kirigakure! This... this might even be information added by Midorima himself!" Mei Terumī clenched her fists, taking a deep breath, but tears welled in her eyes.
Back then, Midorima was branded a traitor who colluded with foreign villages, hunted by Kirigakure, becoming the most despised person in the village.
Mei Terumī argued vehemently on his behalf, but she was soon imprisoned.
If not for Genji, she would have died.
She, who had nothing to do with the whole incident, had faced such hardship. How much worse must it have been for Midorima?
Even now, she still didn't know whether Midorima was alive or dead.
Thinking of this, Mei Terumī felt a sting in her nose.
Having confirmed Midorima was framed, Mei Terumī could no longer remain silent.
If someone needed her to step forward, she had an unshirkable duty.
Otherwise, who would seek justice for Midorima?
"No one would forge a bounty poster, yet we've never seen this one before... I believe the information about the Mizukage might be true. It was likely suppressed." Mei Terumī said.
"Even if it is true... what do you intend to do? Stand before Yagura and confront him?" Genji asked.
"Lord Genji, a ninja of Kirigakure has borne this slander for so many years. Has anyone considered his feelings?" Mei Terumī retorted.
"For the sake of the village, sacrifice is sometimes unavoidable," Genji explained.
"But originally, he didn't have to be sacrificed, did he?"
Genji shook his head. He placed the bounty poster on the table, then shakily stood up. Slowly, he walked over to Mei Terumī's side, knelt down again, and placed his thin, aged hands over hers.
"Do you know why I've protected you so fiercely?"
"No," Mei Terumī shook her head.
Ever since her graduation from the Ninja Academy, Genji had been exceptionally kind to her.
There were others with her back then, but now she was the only one left.
"After Yagura, someone must eventually carry the banner of Kirigakure... It's just... it's been hard on you. If everything on this bounty poster is true, the path ahead will be even harder for you... No one will tolerate the idea of a Mizukage being controlled. Similarly, the villagers will grow distrustful of the Mizukage."
"They won't. Someone is more suited than I..." Mei Terumī thought of Midorima but momentarily didn't know how to respond.
"This time, I won't stop you. But I have two conditions. First, wait for the right moment. Second, survive." Genji said.
Mei Terumī looked at Genji.
His originally clouded eyes were exceptionally clear at this moment.
Mei Terumī nodded. "Yes, Lord Genji."