Eight o'clock at night, in Mitsuki's previous life, was a time when many people hadn't even finished work yet. But in the shinobi world, this was already the hour when a lot of people were preparing for bed.
Mei sat on a chair in her room, a small dim desk lamp casting a warm glow as she waited for a certain someone to arrive.
She wasn't entirely sure what she felt toward Mitsuki.
The first time she heard his name, all she felt was refusal. As shinobi of the same generation, Mitsuki was constantly used as a point of comparison — and no matter the comparison, she always came out lacking against that "super genius."
Then she met him in Kirigakure. After a brief clash, Mei understood instantly — she had no choice but to accept it. Their strength wasn't even on the same level.
And then, after emerging from the shelter, she witnessed the village she loved — cold and harsh as it could be — reduced to ruins by Mitsuki.
At that moment, all she wanted was to kill him.
But…
The scene from earlier today flashed through her mind, something she knew she would never forget. Blinding lightning ripping through the dense black swarm of kikaichū, and the white-haired boy with sky-blue eyes shining like the heavens.
"Hero saves the maiden"—such a trope was cliché and old-fashioned, but for a girl her age, it was just right.
Before she realized it, she whispered his name:
"Shimizu Mitsuki…"
"Hmm? Thinking about me?"
"—!"
The sudden voice made Mei jolt. She looked up sharply.
The boy she had just been saying the name of… was now sitting on her windowsill, framed by the full moon behind him. His black coat fluttered in the cool night breeze.
Caught in the middle of her own thoughts, Mei — normally composed and confident — found herself flustered. If this spatial coordinate wasn't removed soon, she felt she would never sleep peacefully again.
Mitsuki, unaware of her inner turmoil, spoke directly:
"You know why I'm here. This isn't the place to talk. Give me your hand — let's change locations."
She had little choice. She needed his help, and considering he had saved them from those masked men today, he likely didn't intend to kill her. She might as well see what he wanted — maybe they could come to an agreement.
Thinking this, Mei regained her usual calm demeanor and placed her hand in his.
In the next second, Mitsuki brought her to Tsunade's home.
"Oh? You really brought the girl over" Tsunade said, clicking her tongue in amusement.
"Should I have stood outside freezing while discussing cooperation?" Mitsuki replied casually.
Mei hadn't expected "let's change places" to mean this. Shouldn't this kind of thing be done secretly?
"Mitsuki… this place is?" she asked after a moment's hesitation.
"My house," Mitsuki said, pointing to the sofa. "Sit wherever you like."
"Your house?"
Mei glanced around. The interior was spacious, and since she had arrived via teleportation, she had no idea how many floors it had. There were several people here too — and judging by their hair color, they weren't a traditional family.
Still maintaining her manners as a shinobi in enemy territory, Mei bowed lightly before sitting down.
Seeing her curiosity, Mitsuki generously introduced everyone:
"Let me introduce you. This is Tsunade — my elder sister. That's Shizune. And the one sleeping in the basket over there is Shukaku. They're all good friends of mine."
Tsunade's reputation was famous across the entire shinobi world. In fact, she was practically a role model for a huge portion of female shinobi.
Standing before such a figure, Mei instantly rose and bowed politely.
"Nice to meet you, Tsunade-sama."
Tsunade waved dismissively. "Like Mitsuki said, this is a private setting. No need for formalities."
Mei nodded and sat again, though a new doubt formed in her mind:
Tsunade Senju… and Shimizu Mitsuki calls her his sister? And they seem close… how does that even work?
Before she could ponder further, Mitsuki wrapped an arm around Rin's shoulders.
"And this is Rin — my fiancée."
Fiancée… fiancée… fiancée…
He actually had a fiancée?
Then what the hell had she been doing in her room earlier…?
Mei's eyes lost their shine for a moment. She had just started to feel something, only to be defeated so completely.
But there was an upside.
At least now she no longer needed to worry about what kind of feelings she had toward Mitsuki.
Rin swatted his hand away lightly. "Fiancée? We're not even officially engaged."
Mitsuki grinned shamelessly. "What's the difference? It's not like you're planning to abandon me."
Rin slipped out of his grasp with a nimble twist.
"I'm making tea for our guest."
Her voice was calm, but the smile in her eyes betrayed her real mood.
"Hey, Mei Terumi? Mei?" Mitsuki called out.
After several tries, the girl finally snapped back to reality.
"…I heard you."
She massaged her temples.Her emotional control was strong — after all, her dream was to become the Mizukage, the first female Kage among the Five.
Romance? Hah. For a strong woman, romance was a liability.
"State your conditions," she said firmly. "But let me be clear: anything that harms my village's interests, I won't agree to."
Burying her feelings, her intelligence returned to full capacity.
"Relax," Mitsuki said. "If I wanted to harm Kirigakure, I wouldn't need to go through you."
Though unpleasant, he had the strength to back it up.
"I have an enemy I must eventually face. Right now, he's hiding somewhere in the shinobi world. Considering the geography of the Land of Water, it's the most suitable place for him to lie low."
"So… you want me to help you gather information on his whereabouts?"
"Exactly." Mitsuki clapped his hands. "And honestly, your Kirigakure can't handle him anyway. Agreeing to my condition might actually be safer for your village."
"Oh? An enemy even you have to take seriously?"
As much as she hated to admit it, Mitsuki's power was abnormal.
Mei lowered her gaze, thinking for a moment.
If it was only this, she could accept it. Keeping an eye on such a dangerous individual would benefit Kirigakure too.
"…What exactly do you need me to do?"