Years had passed, yet Terumi Mei still felt the sting of her past humiliation. She had no true hatred for Tsunade, but the memory of being crushed and laughed at haunted her. This visit wasn't just about Kaito—it was also about settling that old score.
The courtyard shook as the two kunoichi released their chakra. The ground beneath Kaito's home cracked and split.
"Hmph, all these years I've trained, pushing myself harder and harder just to erase that shame," Terumi Mei declared proudly, eyes blazing. She could still recall the crushing defeat Tsunade had given her, and now, finally, she felt strong enough to stand equal.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, little babysitter," Tsunade shot back, her tone cutting. "You think you'll win this time? Have you forgotten who was the one crying back then?"
Terumi Mei smirked. "Then let's see who cries today."
From the doorway, Hinata, Ino, and Kushina exchanged uneasy glances as the tension rose.
"They… they aren't really going to fight, are they?" Hinata whispered nervously.
"It looks like they hate each other," Ino muttered, eyes wide.
Kushina's lips curved in the faintest smirk, excitement flickering in her eyes. For a moment she considered joining in just for fun, but quickly dismissed the thought.
She entered the living room and found Kaito calmly eating as though nothing was happening. "You're just sitting here? Aren't you worried they might actually fight?" she asked in disbelief.
Kaito didn't even look up from his food. "I've gotten used to. They'll compete, maybe shout, then calm down. It always ends the same."
Kushina chuckled slyly. "I see. You really don't look worried."
Kaito frowned at her smile. "Why do I feel like that grin of yours is bad news?"
"Try using your perception again," Kushina teased.
Kaito's face stiffened. He shot up suddenly. "Damn! I forgot this isn't the ruins of Uzushiogakure—it's Konoha! If they release their chakra like this, the entire village will sense it!" He slapped his forehead, realizing too late the commotion they were causing.
As he feared, the explosion of chakra didn't go unnoticed. High-level ninja rushed toward the area. Jonin-level shinobi filled the streets near his house, while those weaker instinctively retreated. The two auras were simply too overwhelming to approach without being crushed.
Meanwhile at the Yakiniku Restaurant
At that moment, Shikaku Nara, Yamanaka Inoichi, and Akimichi Choza were entertaining Chojuro and the Kirigakure delegation. Plates of roasted meat filled the table, and the mood had grown comfortable after a day of formal talks.
"Shikaku-senpai! Konoha's barbecue is incredible! It's so much better than anything in Kirigakure," Chojuro said happily, no longer as shy as before.
"Haha, of course! Barbecue and Ichiraku Ramen are the pride of our village," Shikaku said, slightly drunk, patting Chojuro on the shoulder. "We'll go for ramen tomorrow, you'll see."
The young swordsman smiled gratefully. "Thank you for your hospitality, Shikaku-senpai."
"Think nothing of it, we're practically family," Shikaku replied warmly. After all, the trip was paid for by Hokage-sama, and he wasn't about to miss the chance to enjoy himself.
Just then, two massive surges of chakra erupted in the distance. The air in the restaurant seemed to vibrate. Shikaku and Kaiichi's eyes sharpened instantly, their drunken haze evaporating.
Chojuro froze. "This chakra… it's Mizukage-sama!" He stood abruptly, expression grim. "She's in danger! We must hurry!"
Shikaku exchanged a knowing glance with his comrades before answering carefully, "You're certain?"
"Yes," Chojuro said firmly. "I've felt her chakra countless times. I can't be mistaken. We must protect her. Please, join us."
Shikaku rubbed his chin, looking troubled. "The thing is… I recognize the other chakra. It belongs to our Hokage-sama."
"What?!" Chojuro's jaw dropped. "You're saying Mizukage-sama is clashing with Hokage-sama?"
"That's impossible," one of the Mist-nin muttered, frowning.
Shikaku sighed. "I'm afraid not. But the relationship between them is… complicated."
"Complicated?" Chojuro's expression darkened. "Our Mizukage traveled here in person, and instead of diplomacy she ends up fighting the Hokage? Is this how Konoha treats its guests?"
"Calm down, Chojuro," Shikaku said firmly. "I don't think you understand the situation."
"What situation?" Chojuro demanded. "Our Mizukage came here to build bridges. And your Hokage picks a fight?"
Shikaku hesitated, then glanced at Inoichi. With a sigh, he said, "Do you know who Mizukage-sama's husband is rumored to be?"
Chojuro blinked. "Of course. Everyone knows the name Senju Kaito."
"And Tsunade-sama?" Inoichi added carefully. "Do you know who her partner is?"
"I wasn't aware Hokage-sama was married," Chojuro admitted, still confused.
"She isn't married," Shikaku replied smoothly, "but she does have a man."
Chojuro froze. The implication sank in like a weight in his chest. "You… you can't mean…" His eyes widened. "It's him? Both of them…?"
"That's right," Shikaku confirmed.
The Mist swordsman staggered back, stunned. His face went pale.
"So if I'm understanding you," he stammered, "Mizukage-sama and Hokage-sama are… rivals for the same man?"
The Ino–Shika–Cho trio nodded together.
Chojuro swallowed hard. "This is insane…"
"Now do you understand?" Shikaku said, his tone heavy but calm. "They aren't truly fighting. This is… personal."
Even so, Chojuro was anxious. "I still need to see for myself. Mizukage-sama might be in danger."
"Then let's go," Shikaku agreed. He quickly paid the bill, and together the group hurried toward the source of the chakra.
The Courtyard Surrounded
When they arrived, the scene left even veterans speechless.
Dozens of Konoha Jonin encircled the area, forming a perimeter to keep civilians away. On the rooftops, Chunin waited for orders, eyes fixed on the sky.
Shikaku pushed his way forward, and what he saw made his head throb.
Tsunade and Terumi Mei stood across from each other, power radiating like twin storms. Around them, the very air seemed to crackle with electricity.
Yet the Konoha shinobi watching weren't afraid. Many even looked thrilled, as though they were about to witness something legendary.
Shikaku sighed under his breath. So much for restraint…
_____
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