"Shimizu Mitsuki…"
Kisame immediately noticed Mei's strange reaction and reminded her gently,
"Don't forget the primary purpose of this mission."
"I know," Mei lowered her gaze and spoke softly, "I'll behave."
"That's good."
...
Inside the main street of Konoha
Some well-informed villagers had already heard that Kirigakure had sent a diplomatic delegation. They stood far away, watching the mist ninja while whispering among themselves.
Some eyes still held hatred — perhaps they had lost someone important during the war with Kirigakure.
But thanks to Hiruzen's prior arrangements, even those harboring resentment behaved with restraint. After all, in Konoha, voices of peace had always been the mainstream.
To avoid unnecessary conflict, Kisame had warned his group before entering the village: No eye contact with Konoha civilians. Any misstep could be used against them in the negotiations.
Under the escort of four ANBU, the mist delegation arrived at the guest inn prepared by Konoha.
Following Shikaku Nara's advice, it was best to leave the mist delegation hanging for a few days — enough to impose psychological pressure.
As Konoha's greatest strategist, Shikaku's words were something Hiruzen fully trusted, so the official negotiations were scheduled for three days later.
As for today—
The moment the door opened and Kisame saw uninvited guest Mitsuki standing there, a few drops of cold sweat slid down his shark-like face.
"Mitsuki… what brings you here?"
Faced with the tense mist ninjas who were clearly treating him like a wild beast, Mitsuki smiled warmly.
"No need to be nervous. Under orders from the Hokage, I'll be giving you all a little tour of Konoha."
At the sound of that familiar voice, Mei rushed out of her room. Her eyes locked instantly onto Mitsuki.
"Mitsuki, we meet again!"
Her voice was slightly gritted, almost grinding her teeth.
Mitsuki glanced at the girl who looked vaguely familiar and clapped his hands dramatically.
"Oh, it's you. Perfect. You gave me a tour of Kirigakure last time — now it's my turn to repay the hospitality."
Mei swallowed her irritation, staying silent. Here, Kisame was the one in charge.
Kisame understood Mitsuki invoking the Hokage's order meant refusal wasn't an option. He glanced back at the others.
Sure enough, every single mist ninja looked like a mouse cornered by a cat — terrified that Mitsuki would suddenly snap and butcher them on the spot.
Hey.
He was the one who got beaten senseless by Mitsuki, yet he wasn't acting that scared. Come on now…
"Sigh…"
With a silent sigh, Kisame stepped forward.
"My comrades are exhausted from the long journey. Allow them to rest. I, however, am quite interested in seeing Konoha's sights. Please guide me."
Honest, polite, painfully humble — Kisame truly lived up to his reputation.
Unfortunately, he was dealing with Mitsuki. Weak nations have no diplomacy — that rule applied in all worlds.
"Haha. No."
Kisame's smile froze.
Mitsuki's lips curved upward."I won't repeat myself. Two or three of you can stay behind to rest. The rest follow me. Now."
Mei's brows knitted together, and she nearly stepped forward to protest — but Kisame blocked her instantly.
Power decides the situation .And for Kirigakure, Mitsuki's name carried more weight than the Third Hokage's.
"…Understood, Mitsuki." Kisame answered honestly.
"Thanks for the cooperation."
And so, Kisame left behind three people and led the rest of the delegation to follow Mitsuki.
During the "tour"
Walking through Konoha, Kisame silently pondered the Third Hokage's motives. He had no idea that his mental exhaustion was exactly what Shikaku wanted.
"Hey, Mitsuki!"
"Mitsuki-sama!"
Villagers all along the street called out warmly to Mitsuki.He answered every single person sincerely.
Mei found herself quietly murmuring,
"The atmosphere of this village… is so different from Kirigakure."
Though she was born during the Bloody Mist era, Mei wasn't someone who enjoyed death and killing.
Without realizing it, she began talking with friendly Konoha villagers, even buying some snacks.
The other Mist ninjas followed her example, slowly relaxing, even discussing Konoha landmarks among themselves.
Mitsuki glanced at Mei. Had she figured out Shikaku's psychological pressure tactic, or was it just coincidence?
Feeling his gaze, Mei snapped her fan open, covering her mouth as she spoke:
"Is Mitsuki perhaps interested in me? You've been staring quite a lot. For a gentleman, peeking at a lady like me is rather rude, you know?"
Mitsuki was speechless for a moment.
"Mei Terumi, you know my real name. And as your temporary guide, observing foreign guests is reasonable, isn't it?"
"Hehe~"
She fanned herself elegantly.
"But you admit you were looking at me?"
"So annoying. I'm not coming tomorrow. I'll make Ruri take over. She's better at intimidation anyway."
Not wanting to continue the conversation, he brushed her off casually.
"Ah, yes, yes. Whatever you say."
"…"
Mei fell silent. Faced with someone who simply refused to play along, even her sharp tongue was ineffective.
In the Hokage's Office
Hiruzen watched the group through his Telescope Technique.
It seemed that psychological pressure had failed. He hadn't expected that small girl to be so composed — nor for Kisame to be so resilient.
No wonder the Fourth Mizukage had sent him.
At this point, delaying any further was pointless.
Hiruzen decided to start the formal negotiations early — after all, Konoha still held absolute advantage.