Chen Xing had not expected Kirigakure to move so quickly.
Taking the letter from Ao, he returned to his seat and calmly opened the envelope.
> "Little troublemaker, it's been a long time.
I never imagined you'd rise to this position so fast.
The outcome between Celestial Shadow Village and Sunagakure surprised even me.
Although Kirigakure is far from your land, waterways shorten the distance between us.
I hope you will seriously consider an alliance."
Chen Xing smiled faintly and clasped his hands together.
"So Mei Terumī has already become the Fifth Mizukage…" he murmured.
He looked up at Ao and said evenly,
"Kirigakure's proposal is reasonable. Celestial Shadow Village is inland, but maritime trade through the Land of Water would benefit both sides. Stay in the village for a few days—I need to consult our senior leadership."
Ao nodded respectfully.
---
Celestial Shadow Village — High Council
Soon after, Chen Xing convened a meeting with Xingyu, Xia Xing, and the Third Celestial Shadow.
"The Fifth Mizukage personally proposed an alliance," Chen Xing said directly.
"I want your opinions."
An instant later, the room stirred.
"An alliance with Kirigakure?" Xingyu's eyes lit up.
"That would immediately break our diplomatic isolation."
Xia Xing nodded in agreement.
"Once this becomes public, smaller villages will follow. Even the Five Great Nations will have to reassess us."
The Third Celestial Shadow thought for a moment, then said,
"Kirigakure currently has no direct conflict with us. This alliance benefits both sides."
Seeing no opposition, Chen Xing nodded.
"Then it's decided."
He paused, then added,
"Someone must go to Kirigakure to formalize the talks."
The room fell quiet.
Finally, Chen Xing smiled.
"I'll go myself."
---
Opposition
"No."
The Third Celestial Shadow shook his head immediately.
"You are the Celestial Shadow. Sunagakure has only just been forced into submission. If something happens while you're gone—"
"I agree," Xingyu added.
"This is too risky."
Chen Xing raised a hand.
"Listen first."
He continued calmly,
"I'll leave my contracted summoning beast in the village. If anything happens, it can reverse-summon me instantly."
The room went silent.
Reverse summoning was rare, but well within the rules of Summoning Technique as shown in the manga.
After a moment, the Third Celestial Shadow sighed.
"…If that's the case, then it's acceptable."
---
Departure Preparations
Chen Xing informed Ao of his decision personally.
"I'll depart in two days," he said.
"Prepare Kirigakure to receive me."
Ao was clearly surprised, but quickly bowed.
"Yes, Celestial Shadow-sama."
---
Two Days Later
Outside the village, senior officials gathered to see Chen Xing off.
"Summoning Technique."
Chen Xing bit his finger, formed seals, and slammed his hand to the ground.
Smoke burst outward.
When it cleared, a massive red lizard stood crouched on the earth, its eyes sharp but curious.
"Chen Xing?" it rumbled.
"Why summon me?"
"I'll be leaving the village temporarily," Chen Xing said.
"You'll remain here. If an emergency arises, reverse-summon me immediately."
The lizard nodded without hesitation.
"Understood."
Chen Xing gestured toward the Third Celestial Shadow.
"He'll coordinate with you."
The lizard acknowledged him once more.
---
Journey to Kirigakure
With preparations complete, Chen Xing departed alone.
He carried no entourage.
Passing through waterways and coastal routes, he crossed into the Land of Water several days later.
Ahead of him—
Kirigakure, the Hidden Mist Village.
---