The mist clung to the road as Raven and Yumi moved swiftly along the coastal path toward Takigawa Port. The scroll of winnings at Raven's side was light, yet the weight of what waited ahead pressed heavier than steel.
Yumi finally broke the silence, her tone sharp. "Why are you running away from Tsunade so quickly? You could face her now."
Raven's voice was calm, almost amused. "Do not worry. She will catch up. She knows exactly where I am headed."
Yumi folded her arms across her chest, tails flicking behind her. "That is true. If there is anything Tsunade values more than gambling, it is finding a way to cancel one of her debts without lifting a finger."
Raven inclined her head slightly. "A problem she desperately needs to deal with."
Yumi scoffed openly. "Getting Tsunade to give up her gambling habit is like fighting against the will of heaven. It is impossible."
Raven's lips curved faintly. "Not if I am the heavenly mandate."
Yumi rolled her eyes at the statement. "Even you are not that important, Raven."
Raven's tone sharpened, the humor falling away. "Give it time, Yumi. You will see just how important I will become."
The path widened as the two descended into the outskirts of Takigawa Port. Lanterns swayed above the crowded streets, casting shifting shadows across the tide of merchants and sailors. The air was thick with salt, smoke, and the savory aroma of roasting meat. Raven's eyes narrowed, catching a figure ahead among the crowd.
"Look over there," she said quietly.
Yumi followed her gaze, her expression stiffening. "That is Mei Terumī. Is she not supposed to be plotting rebellion against Yagura and the Bloody Mist regime?"
Raven shook her head slowly. "Not yet. She is younger here. Still gathering allies. It will be several years before she rises to power as Mizukage."
Her voice grew thoughtful, heavy with memory. "Mei will eventually lead a rebellion against Yagura, the Fourth Mizukage. Yagura was under Obito's control, turned into a puppet to enforce the Bloody Mist's brutality. In time, Yagura was freed and died soon after. Whether by his own hand or through Obito cutting him loose, no one can say for certain. My memories suggest suicide, but the details are vague."
Yumi's gaze darkened. "That makes sense. Obito would never allow such a dangerous pawn to remain if he could no longer control him."
Raven's expression hardened. "Then let us alter our plans. Before Gato, I want to speak with Mei."
She reached up, pulling her mask free. White hair spilled down her shoulders, and her Rinnegan eyes glowed faintly in the dim light.
The two slipped through the crowd until Raven stopped before a small ramen stand. Steam curled upward from the counter, carrying with it the rich scent of broth and noodles. Mei Terumī sat alone at one end, auburn hair flowing over her shoulder, her turquoise eyes fixed on the steaming bowl before her. Wisps of her Boil Release lingered in the air, keeping the broth hot.
Raven approached without hesitation. "May I buy you another bowl of ramen?"
Mei lifted her gaze, assessing Raven with calm suspicion. "I am not that easy to start a conversation with."
Raven allowed the faintest smile to touch her lips. "Then I will buy you two bowls."
Mei tilted her head, amusement flickering across her features despite herself. She nudged the stool beside her with her foot. "Very well. Sit down."
Raven took the offered seat and raised her hand to the vendor. "Two more bowls, please." She set five ryō on the counter with casual ease.
Mei studied her, eyes narrowing. "You are Mei Terumī, kunoichi of the Hidden Mist, are you not?" Raven asked.
Mei's brow arched. "I am. How did you recognize me?"
"Anyone would recognize you," Raven replied evenly. "Your red hair alone is distinctive."
Mei sighed, stirring her noodles with her chopsticks. "So what is it you want? Are you some overeager admirer here for an autograph? Just because I inherited two kekkei genkai does not mean I want to be treated like a spectacle."
Raven shook her head firmly. "Hardly. I am here to discuss business with you."
The vendor set down two fresh bowls. Mei accepted one, watching Raven from the corner of her eye as she slurped the noodles. "Then get to the point. I am on a mission, and I do not have time for games."
Raven leaned forward slightly. "Perhaps I can assist you with that mission. I am aware of certain events unfolding in your village—events that will soon become impossible to ignore. You may find the information I hold to be invaluable."
Mei's chopsticks froze in midair. Her calm expression flickered for the first time. "And what kind of information could someone like you possibly have?"
Raven's voice lowered to a near whisper. "Life-changing information about the fate of your village… and about Yagura himself."
Mei blinked, her composure slipping before she quickly masked it again. She resumed eating, but faster now, as though hiding her reaction in the motions of her chopsticks. "Go on. Continue. I am Listening."
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