Ao, despite himself, quickly realized the young man standing before him was no ordinary figure. The way Mizukage-sama's eyes softened was unlike anything he had ever seen.
Could it be… him?
Ao, one of Terumi Mei's earliest and most loyal followers, had heard the rumors. Long ago, before she became Mizukage, she was said to have loved a man — a legend among shinobi —Kaito. This was the man who had once stood toe-to-toe with Uchiha Madara during the past era and emerged victorious.
Kaito's name had echoed across the ninja world for years after that. But with his sudden disappearance, his story faded into legend. Younger shinobi no longer recognized it, and only those of Ao's generation remembered the truth.
It was even whispered that the Mizukage's own secret technique for extended vitality had been a gift from him — an unspoken token of their bond.
And now… he was standing here in the flesh.
Ao swallowed hard, his heartbeat quickening. His forehead grew damp with sweat.
Oh no… what have I done? I spoke to Lord Kaito as if he were just some stranger. Will I be punished for this? Pulled aside and… He didn't even finish the thought.
"M-Mizukage-sama," Ao stammered. "Now that you have secured the Three-Tails—"
"This is my husband-kun!" Terumi Mei declared firmly, her voice leaving no room for doubt.
"Yes! Of course! Then… now that your husband-kun has captured the Three-Tails, should we—"
"Besides," Ao continued quickly, trying to salvage the situation, "with so many of us here, it's… inconvenient for you two."
"That's right," Terumi Mei shot back with a faint smile that masked her sharp tone. "You can stay here and keep watch over the Three-Tails. Consider it your punishment for speaking so rudely to my husband-kun."
Ao's eyes widened slightly, but inside, he knew she was saving him from Kaito's possible wrath. He bowed deeply. "Understood, Mizukage-sama. I will personally watch over the Three-Tails until your husband-kun returns."
Kaito glanced at Mei knowingly, then reached forward and lightly pinched her nose. "Do you think I'm that impatient?"
"Heehee… Then you forgive me?" she asked, her voice soft and teasing, her smile like a blooming flower.
"I was never truly angry," Kaito replied, shaking his head.
Terumi Mei turned back to her subordinates. "Everyone, listen. I'll be away with Kaito for a few days. All responsibilities fall to Ao until I return."
"Yes, Mizukage-sama!" the gathered Mist jōnin chorused.
"Kaito," she murmured, stepping close to him. "Take me home."
Kaito didn't need to ask where. Her home was in the ruins of the Land of Whirlpools — the place they had once shared for over half a year. Though more than ten years had passed, he still remembered it clearly.
In an instant, they vanished, leaving the others staring at the empty air where they had stood. Ao's eyes narrowed. Even knowing Kaito's identity, he was still shaken. His speed was so great that not a single person present had been able to track him.
"If you could see how he disappeared," Ao finally told the curious Chojuro, "I'd be congratulating you. But you couldn't. None of us could. As for when the Mizukage married… that's none of your concern. What matters is this — as long as he's here, no one will dare to threaten our village."
Ruins of the Land of Whirlpools
Kaito landed softly, Terumi Mei still in his arms. He scanned the familiar surroundings with quiet astonishment.
Nothing had changed. The ruins were as they had been a decade ago — even the ground was free of weeds.
There was only one explanation.
"You've kept this place exactly as it was," Kaito said gently, brushing his fingers against her cheek. "Thank you."
"It wasn't work," she replied softly. "Whenever I missed you, I came here. After a while, it became… habit. But you're not leaving again, right?"
"No," Kaito said with quiet certainty. "From now on, I'll be by your side."
She smiled, her expression warm and full of contentment. For this moment, she wasn't the formidable Mizukage — just a woman with the man she loved.
That Night
The moon hung low over the ruined village, silver light spilling across the stone. Earlier in the day, they had walked through a nearby town, laughing as they bought small necessities.
By nightfall, they were back, sharing a meal by the fire. Terumi Mei stayed close, her shoulder brushing his as she talked. After more than a decade apart, she wanted nothing more than to feel his presence — to be certain he was really here.
Their laughter came easily, the quiet between them comfortable. Later, when the meal was over, they sat beneath the moon, their conversation slowing until words no longer mattered.
That night was theirs alone.
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