"Of course," Kaito nodded.
With his current relationship with Tsunade, he knew that, bluntly speaking, the entire Konoha Village stood behind him. Securing a territory for the Three-Tails would be no challenge at all. If the Three-Tails, Isobu, grew accustomed to living in Konoha, it would become an unexpected source of strength for the village.
"I hope you're not lying to me. If you are, I will never let you go," Isobu rumbled, giving Kaito a long, penetrating stare.
"Let's sign the summoning contract."
"Yes." Kaito gave a firm nod.
Before long, the markings of the summoning contract were engraved on Isobu's massive shell. The process was rough and far from smooth, leaving Kaito feeling slightly dazed at the reality of it.
"You'll need to wait here for a few days," Kaito said. "Once I return to Konoha, I'll summon you."
"Alright," Isobu agreed with a low nod.
"One more thing. There's an organization out there hunting down tailed beasts. They wear black cloaks patterned with red clouds. Every member I've seen is Kage-level or stronger. If you encounter them, don't engage. Use reverse summoning to contact me instead. I've heard they've already captured several tailed beasts."
"Understood," Isobu replied in a serious tone.
"Then I'll see you in Konoha, Isobu."
Kaito turned to leave — but just as he was about to move, his electromagnetic sense flared. A group was closing in fast. At least ten figures, and among them… a face he recognized all too well.
"Why is she here? Did she come to claim the Three-Tails? What a headache," Kaito muttered, rubbing his temple.
"Wait. There's a whole squad approaching," he warned Isobu.
"Who is it?"
"People from the Five Great Nations. The one leading them… is a Kage," Kaito said with a resigned sigh.
"What? Did they find me?" Surprise flickered in Isobu's eyes.
"Did you do anything to draw attention?"
"I might have… made some waves and called out a few times," Isobu admitted sheepishly.
Kaito exhaled through his nose. "Figures. I have some history with the Mizukage. With luck, she won't try to take you back immediately. Just stay here quietly until I summon you to Konoha."
As they spoke, figures emerged from the mist, stepping into view. They wore forehead protectors marked with the symbol of Kirigakure, their expressions sharp and focused. The chakra radiating from them marked them as elite jōnin at the very least.
Leading them was a striking woman — long, auburn hair cascading down her back, eyes an intense emerald green, and a presence both commanding and alluring.
It was Terumi Mei, the Mizukage of the Hidden Mist — and, more personally, the woman who had once been Kaito's caretaker many years ago.
"Oh? I didn't expect someone to arrive before me," Mei said with a faint smile curling her scarlet lips.
"What's Konoha doing in our Land of Water?" Ao, the man beside her wearing an eyepatch, demanded sternly.
The other Mist-nin watched Kaito with open suspicion, ready to move at the slightest provocation.
"Easy, easy. I'm not here to cause trouble," Kaito said, raising his hands slightly.
"Then why are you here?" Ao pressed.
Kaito scratched his chin. "I was looking for a strong summoning beast… and I decided on the Three-Tails."
"What?!" Ao began to protest, but Mei silenced him with a wave.
Her voice was calm but carried weight. "You do realize the Three-Tails is a tailed beast unique to our Land of Water — a national treasure. Out of respect for my acquaintance with your Hokage, Tsunade-sama, I'll let you walk away safely if you cancel the summoning contract."
"You and Tsunade… friends?" Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Last I remember, the two of you couldn't meet without a shouting match. The tension between you could be felt miles away."
That made Mei's pupils contract sharply. Almost no one knew about those early clashes — no one except her, Tsunade, and… one more person she had not seen in years.
Her mind raced. Could it be—?
Her lips pressed together, and she muttered, "That big-busted woman… She told you everything just so you could take the Three-Tails."
Kaito sighed. "You're misunderstanding again, Mei."
"Mizukage-sama, we should attack now!" Ao urged.
Kaito gave him a deadpan look. "You're still as loud as ever, Ao."
Mei froze. That voice, that tone — there was no mistaking it now. Her eyes softened, and tears threatened to spill.
Seeing her expression, Kaito stepped forward, reaching out to wipe the tears from her cheek.
"Stop!" Ao barked. "How dare you touch the Mizukage—"
"Enough! Step back!" Mei's roar rang out, rattling the ears of everyone present.
The other Mist-nin, including Chōjūrō, flinched at her fury. None dared to interfere.
Ao blinked, stunned. "I… was trying to protect—"
But the words died in his throat as he watched their proud Mizukage lean into Kaito's hand, nuzzling his palm as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Kaito was momentarily taken aback, but he brushed away her tears gently. "You're a Kage now. Try to carry yourself with dignity."
"That depends on the person," Mei said softly, her lips curling into a rare, tender smile. "Besides… I didn't expect you to look so young."
With that, she could no longer hold herself back and stepped into his embrace.
The Mist-nin stared in disbelief.
Was this really their fearsome Mizukage — the leader who had helped topple Yagura?
No. Surely, they were dreaming.
---
Sick... could only manage to upload a chapter each on all my fanfictions.
Can you please send Power stones.