Land of Hot Water, coastal border.
Shinobi from Kirigakure had sealed off an area spanning dozens of miles. Elite Kiri shinobi stood guard one by one, ensuring the security of the location.
"Report, Mizukage-sama! Someone from the Akatsuki organization requests an audience!"
Inside the command post, Terumi Mei, Ao, and several jōnin were in the middle of a strategy meeting about how to best capture the Three-Tails when the report came. Mei frowned.
"Akatsuki? What kind of group is that? I've never heard of them."
Though Terumi Mei usually came across as kind and composed, she was still one of the Five Kage—her pride as the Mizukage surfaced whenever she dealt with minor villages or unknown forces.
"They're a mercenary organization, Mizukage-sama. They've taken jobs from Iwagakure before. Also, among them is the Kirigakure's rogue shinobi, Hoshigaki Kisame."
The command post instantly fell silent at that name.
Everyone present was from the younger generation, but they all knew the reputation of that ruthless man.
"Mizukage-sama, should we..."
One of the jōnin made a slashing motion across his neck—his meaning obvious. Should they seize this chance to take back Samehada?
Mei didn't answer immediately. Instead, she asked, "What's more important—Samehada, or the Three-Tails?"
That question silenced the jōnin instantly.
Samehada had been in Kisame's hands for years. Kirigakure had never reclaimed it because his strength was simply too overwhelming. If they could have taken it back easily, they would have long ago.
"Let them in." Mei ordered, then signaled for the other jōnin to leave the tent, keeping only Ao by her side.
---
"'Tobi', was it? What makes you think you can earn the trust of the Leader to command us?" Deidara looked at the masked man, Obito, with clear dissatisfaction.
Beside him stood Uchiha Itachi, Hoshigaki Kisame, and Hidan—each silent, as if unconcerned with their surroundings.
"Ah, come on, senpai!" Tobi chuckled, his voice playful. "I'm not your leader. Pain-sama just thought since all of you are so powerful, anyone trying to command you would only cause friction. So he sent a small fry like me to help coordinate! No need to be so stingy, senpai!"
"You brat! Die, die, die!" Deidara lunged forward, wrapping an arm around Tobi's neck and began roughing him up.
"Waaah! Senpai is bullying his kōhai! Senpai is bullying his kōhai!"
"Shut up already!"
"I won't! I'll keep yelling! Yelling!"
"Then just die!"
The two continued bickering and scuffling, somehow looking like they were actually having fun.
"Guests, the Mizukage invites you inside," a Kiri shinobi announced.
---
"Kirigakure's S-rank missing-nin, Hoshigaki Kisame. Konoha's S-rank missing-nin, Uchiha Itachi. Iwagakure's missing-nin, Deidara." Terumi Mei listed their names one by one, feeling a chill down her spine.
Thankfully, she hadn't attacked them outright. Otherwise, today might have ended in disaster.
Kisame and Itachi together were enough to bring catastrophic losses to Kirigakure.
"Nice to meet you, Mizukage-sama! These folks aren't exactly the chatty type, so our leader sent me as the spokesperson. Let's get along well, yeah?" Tobi said cheerfully, his tone unserious.
"And you, the eyepatch uncle over there—don't go peeking at people so casually. That could get you killed!"
At his words, Ao immediately lowered his right hand, which had been preparing to form a seal.
A pure, ferocious killing intent filled the air.
"'Getting along,' huh? That's a bit much," Mei said dryly, studying Itachi and Kisame. "Just these two are enough to sweep through our village. To be honest, this is my first time hearing of your organization. I didn't expect you to be so... well-hidden."
"Mizukage-sama flatters us!" Tobi said, still smiling behind his mask. "The Akatsuki are a peace-loving organization, devoted to the stability of the shinobi world. We mostly take on missions to scrape by."
Of course, even he didn't believe his own words—and judging by Mei's expression, neither did she.
"Then why are you here?" Mei asked, her tone calm but wary. She might have been cautious, but she hadn't forgotten she was the Mizukage. Her duty was to protect her village.
"We heard that your village might soon face... some trouble. So we came to help—and maybe earn a little pocket money on the side!" Tobi said, laughing carelessly.
His tone was flippant, but Mei didn't dare underestimate him.
Anyone who could stand beside monsters like Itachi and Kisame wasn't weak.
"Your intelligence network is impressive," she said skeptically. "We're not aware of any such trouble. You mean Kumo? Iwa? Surely not Suna?"
Besides those few great villages, Mei couldn't imagine anyone posing a threat to the Kirigakure.
"Oh no, not any of them."
Seeing Mei's faint smirk, Tobi continued cheerfully, "It's Konoha."
"Konoha?" Mei frowned. "You're saying we'll have trouble... from Konoha?"
"Exactly!" Tobi said. "We heard that three of their most troublesome shinobi are on their way here. With the Kiri's current strength, dealing with them might be... difficult."
Mei arched a brow. "You don't mean Tsunade and Jiraiya, do you?"
Tobi shook his head. "Of course not. Hatake Kakashi, Maito Gai, and Kamizuki Hikari. What do you think, Mizukage-sama?"
Hearing those names, Mei let out a small sigh of relief.
"If it's those three, I think your information may be mistaken. Konoha rarely interferes in the affairs of other villages. I met with all three of them the last time I visited Konohagakure—we got along quite well. I doubt what you're saying will happen."
Tobi wagged a finger playfully. "Mizukage-sama, best not to speak too soon. From what I've heard, the ones trying to stop your village from capturing the Three-Tails... are those very three."
"Who? Kakashi? Maito Gai? Surely not Kamizuki Hikari!" Terumī Mei didn't believe him.
Tobi jumped theatrically, clapping his hands. "Bingo! Exactly right! It's Kamizuki Hikari! You're sharp, Mizukage-sama!"
Seeing Mei's face darken, Tobi raised his palms defensively. "I know, I know—hard to believe. But we came here in good faith. How about this: we'll set up camp nearby. When those three arrive, you can confirm it yourself. Then we'll talk about cooperation. How's that sound?"
Mei studied him for a long moment before finally nodding. "Fine. Since you've come from far away, we'll have food and supplies sent to your camp as a gesture of hospitality."
"Much appreciated, Mizukage-sama!"
With a cheerful wave, Tobi turned and left. The other members of Akatsuki followed, including Itachi.
Terumi Mei watched their backs disappear into the mist, her expression calm but her mind alert.
She did not relax for a long time.
----
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