Early the next morning, the rising sun spilled golden light through the window. Kaito stirred from his deep sleep, his eyes softening when they fell on Terumi Mei. She rested peacefully beside him, a gentle smile curving her lips, her expression one of quiet contentment.
For a long moment, Kaito simply watched her, his heart unexpectedly moved. Leaning down, he pressed a light kiss to her forehead before carefully slipping out of bed. He dressed quietly, intending to prepare breakfast.
The slight movement disturbed Mei. Her lashes fluttered open, and she reached out, her pale skin glowing in the morning light. "Kaito… where are you going?" she murmured sleepily.
"What do you think? I'm cooking breakfast for my little lazy pig," Kaito teased with a smile, lightly pinching her delicate nose.
She protested softly, clinging to his arm. "I'll do it, or better yet, send a Shadow Clone."
Kaito chuckled, shaking his head. "No. If I send a clone, it'll see you like this… and I don't want that."
Mei blinked at him before bursting into laughter, unable to resist. "Are you jealous of your own clone?"
Embarrassed, Kaito cleared his throat. "I'll just carry you with me. Let's make breakfast together."
"Mm, fine," she agreed, smiling playfully.
The task, however, proved far more difficult with Mei clinging to him like a pendant. Every attempt at cooking was slowed by her insistence on staying close. Still, he didn't complain.
Amid the warmth of the kitchen, Kaito finally spoke in a low voice. "You don't even know my true name yet."
Mei blinked, tilting her head. "Isn't it Senju Kaito?"
"No. My real name is Ayanami Kaito," he corrected, his tone calm but firm. He went on to explain his mysterious journey through the Third Great Ninja War, the battles, and how fate had brought him here.
By the end, Mei sat frozen, her emerald eyes wide, her cheeks tinged with red. Though his story sounded unbelievable, she was Mizukage, a woman who had seen countless storms. She trusted him, even if the truth was difficult to grasp.
"So you didn't train for ten years in secret," Mei said thoughtfully, tapping her lip. "You actually came here… from the past?"
Kaito nodded.
Her gaze sharpened. "Then you've never been with another woman besides me, right?"
"…I have," he admitted awkwardly.
"Who?"
"…Tsunade."
For a moment, silence weighed heavy in the kitchen. Mei's lips curved into a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "So, including me, that makes five, doesn't it? You really are something, Kaito." Her tone was light, almost teasing, but there was an edge beneath it.
He blinked in surprise. "You're… not angry?"
"Angry?" Mei tilted her head slightly, voice calm, almost too calm. "Why should I be? A man like you attracting women—it's only natural, isn't it?"
The words sounded understanding, but the faint tightness in her smile betrayed what she wasn't saying. She turned away before he could answer, letting him see only her back.
The next three days passed in warmth and routine. They strolled through nearby towns by day, while at night Mei dragged him to the mountains, eager for his companionship.
But on the fourth day, while they were browsing a marketplace, Kaito suddenly paused. His brow furrowed as he felt a familiar chakra signature.
"…Katsuyu?" he murmured.
Mei immediately noticed the shift in his expression. "Kaito, what's wrong?"
"My summoning beast is calling me. It must be something from Tsunade."
The Mizukage's smile faded. "That big-breasted woman again? She probably can't stand seeing you with me and is making excuses to summon you back."
"Don't be like that," Kaito said gently, brushing her hair. "Let's hear what this is about first."
Reluctantly, she nodded.
In a secluded alley, Kaito bit his thumb and formed the hand seals. "Summoning Technique!"
With a burst of smoke, a small Katsuyu appeared before them.
"Kaito-sama, it has been a while," the slug greeted respectfully.
"Katsuyu, why did you call me?"
"Earlier this morning, Tsunade-sama went to a casino… and won."
Kaito's eyes narrowed. "…She won?"
"Yes. Afterwards, she summoned Shikaku to discuss her concerns. Together, they concluded that Jiraiya-sama might be in danger. She asks that you head immediately to Amegakure."
Kaito's expression turned grim. He knew too well what this meant. In the original flow of events, Jiraiya died there, cut down by Pain. It was one of the most tragic moments of that era.
"…When did he go?"
"About half a month ago," Katsuyu replied.
"I understand. Tell Tsunade I'll head there at once."
The slug gave a small bow before vanishing in smoke.
Mei frowned. "Why do you look so serious? Isn't it good that she won?"
Kaito shook his head. "Tsunade is known as the unluckiest gambler in the world. She always loses. The only time she wins is when tragedy strikes someone close to her. It's… like a curse."
Mei gasped softly, covering her lips. "Such a thing exists?"
He nodded. "I'm sorry, Mei. I have to leave for Amegakure. You'll need to return on your own."
Mei forced a smile, though her eyes betrayed worry. "Go, and be careful. With your strength, there are few in the world who can stand against you. Just promise me you'll come back."
"I promise."
Kaito kissed her gently, then disappeared in an instant.
Left alone, Mei's smile vanished. Her eyes narrowed with sharp determination. "Tsunade… you think I'll let you take the place of 'first' so easily? Just you wait."
Her body blurred into a streak of blue light as she sped toward the Land of Water, intent on making her own moves in the game.
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