Chapter 238: The Mizukage's Gambit
The three figures descending the gangplank were precisely Ren's targets: the Fifth Mizukage and her two guards. Unbeknownst to them, a predator had been patiently waiting in the shadows for their arrival.
"Ahhh... Finally, solid ground. It feels good to be on land again," Chōjūrō let out an involuntary sigh of relief. Despite being a native of the water-bound Land of Water, even he grew weary of the long, confining sea voyage.
"Hmph! Show some discipline!" Ao, the veteran, immediately scolded. "What is this weak-mindedness? A few days at sea and you're already complaining? This is precisely why the younger generation lacks the fortitude we had in our—"
"Ao."
The single word from Terumi Mei was soft, but it carried the weight of her office. Her previously relaxed expression had hardened. "This is no longer the dark era of the 'Blood Mist.' The nightmare of the Fourth Mizukage is over. Let us not dredge up that past."
Ao flinched, bowing his head slightly. "M-My apologies, Lady Mizukage. I spoke out of turn."
Chōjūrō, already cowed, stammered, "I-I'm sorry! I... I'll do better!"
Mei's stern expression melted into a warm, reassuring smile as she turned to the flustered swordsman. "Now, now, Chōjūrō. You must have more confidence in yourself. You are already an exceptional shinobi, chosen above all others to be my guard for this historic summit." She stretched languidly, a playful glint in her eyes. "And you're not wrong. After such a long journey, a good, hot bath sounds absolutely divine, doesn't it?"
"Lady Mizukage, not you too..." Ao began, exasperated.
Mei's smile remained, but her gaze sharpened. "Is there a problem, Ao?"
The veteran shinobi immediately swallowed his protest. He could lecture a junior, but he knew better than to challenge the woman who had helped steer Kirigakure out of its darkest age. "N-No, of course not."
Just as Mei was about to suggest they find an inn, her senses prickled. Her body went still for a fraction of a second before she relaxed, a new, more dangerous smile gracing her lips.
"Well, well," she purred, her eyes narrowing as she looked past her guards. "It seems someone has no intention of letting us rest."
Chōjūrō and Ao instantly snapped into defensive stances, their eyes locking onto the three figures who had appeared down the street as if materializing from the mist itself. The aura emanating from them was palpable—a dense, threatening pressure that screamed of immense power. They did not approach with stealth, but with deliberate, arrogant purpose.
Uchiha Ren, Suigetsu, and Jūgo came to a halt a short distance away. Karin was absent, likely monitoring the situation from a hidden vantage point. Ren's gaze was fixed on Mei, a look of cold appraisal mixed with mild amusement.
"Fifth Mizukage," Ren's voice cut through the tense silence. "You've kept us waiting."
"Y-You! Who are you? State your business!" Chōjūrō demanded, his voice trembling slightly as he gripped the bandaged hilt of Hiramekarei. He had not yet connected the figure before him to the name that was shaking the foundations of the shinobi world.
Mei, however, had recognized them instantly. She showed no trace of panic, her posture remaining deceptively relaxed. "My, my," she said, her tone light and conversational. "If it isn't the illustrious members of the Eagle Team. It seems after making a mess of Kumo and Konoha, you've set your sights on little old me? I'm almost flattered."
"Yah Yah" Suigetsu drawled, stepping forward with a shark-like grin. "In Lady Mizukage's eyes, we're just 'active'? It sounds like you don't take us very seriously."
Mei's eyes shifted to Suigetsu, her smile widening. "Well, if it isn't little Suigetsu. The prodigy once hailed as the 'Second Coming of the Demon.' To think you'd turn traitor. And that sword on your back... that's one of Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen's blades, is it not? Don't you think you owe your Mizukage an explanation?"
Suigetsu let out a derisive laugh. "Heh. 'Second Coming of the Demon'? That's a title from a bygone era. As for this blade... the previous wielder, Zabuza, wasn't strong enough to keep it. I'm simply its rightful inheritor."
"Is that so?" Mei's voice was smooth as silk. "Let me make you an offer, Suigetsu. The bloody era of the Fourth is over. Kirigakure is being reborn. Return with me, and as your Mizukage, I will pardon your past transgressions. I will even grant you a formal place among the new Seven Ninja Swordsmen. What do you say? Will you come home?"
"Lady Mizukage!" Ao interjected, horrified, but a sharp glance from Mei silenced him.
Suigetsu seemed genuinely amused. "The Seven Ninja Swordsmen... now that's a fancy title. But I'll have to pass." He jerked a thumb towards Ren. "More importantly, are you sure it's a good idea to try and poach me right in front of my boss?"
Mei's playful expression didn't falter, but a new intensity entered her eyes. "Is that your final answer? A true shame." She let out a theatrical sigh. "In that case..."
Her demeanor shifted in an instant. The playful facade vanished, replaced by the lethal focus of a Kage.
"*You can all die!*"
Without another word of warning, Terumi Mei lunged forward, her hands already flashing through a sequence of seals. The time for talk was over. The battle for the Mizukage had begun.
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