Leaving Oki Island went much more smoothly than the journey there.
After crossing the sea and setting foot on the Land of Water once again, the smell of blood in the air seemed to have faded somewhat.
However, the grim and desolate atmosphere left behind by the great battle was still everywhere.
Chiya did not linger and took the three of them directly toward Kirigakure.
The current Kirigakure was noticeably different from when Chiya had left.
The damaged gate at the village entrance had been partially repaired, and although the guards still had sharp eyes, the fear and unease from before had faded, replaced by the determination that came with restoring order.
Relying on a convenient Genjutsu, Chiya entered Kirigakure again.
Although many broken walls and ruins could still be seen along the streets, the cleanup was clearly proceeding in an orderly manner.
The corpses and bloodstains that had once been everywhere had been dealt with, and reconstruction had begun on some important facilities.
The faces of the pedestrians were no longer filled with nothing but numbness and fear.
There was now a trace of hope for the future, as well as... reverence for the new Mizukage.
Chiya used the Transformation Technique and headed straight for the Mizukage Building.
Compared with the surrounding ruins, this place had been repaired the most thoroughly, and its guards were also the strictest.
After being announced, Chiya was led to the Mizukage's office.
When the heavy wooden door opened, the first thing he saw was Terumi Mei sitting behind a large desk, looking down as she reviewed documents.
She wore the white and blue Mizukage robes, with her hat placed to one side.
Her once slightly youthful features seemed a little thinner, but she now looked more mature and capable.
There was a trace of barely noticeable fatigue between her brows, but more than that, there was the authority that had settled within her after taking control of the village.
She was focused on the scroll in her hands, her fingertips gliding across the paper with a faint rustling sound.
Hearing the door open, she did not even raise her head and simply spoke in a cool, slightly authoritative voice.
"Put the documents to the side and wait until I finish this one."
Chiya said nothing and simply stood there quietly.
Perhaps the unusual silence caught Mei's attention, because she slightly furrowed her brows and raised her eyes.
When her gaze landed on the unfamiliar ninja, she was slightly stunned.
However, when she looked at those familiar eyes, Mei instinctively called out.
"Lord Chiya?"
Chiya smiled, and the appearance of his face began to change.
When Mei saw Chiya's familiar appearance, the expression on her face instantly melted away like snow under the spring sun.
"It really is Lord Chiya!"
The delighted cry escaped her lips, and the authority of the Mizukage from moments ago was instantly thrown out the window.
She practically sprang from her seat at once, walked around the desk, and hurried over to Chiya, a bright and radiant smile blooming across her face as she looked completely different from before.
"You're back! Why didn't you tell me in advance?"
Her voice had returned to its usual lively tone, filled with obvious excitement, and she immediately began chattering.
"Look, doesn't the village look different now? There are still many places that haven't been repaired, but everything is going much more smoothly! Those old fools who refused to cooperate at first, hmph, they really thought I was easy to bully..."
She grabbed Chiya's sleeve and began rambling about everything that had happened after he left.
Just as Chiya had expected and secretly encouraged, the real struggle for power had only begun after the situation was initially stabilized.
Some conservative elders who relied on their age and the clans behind them had tried to undermine or restrain the young Mizukage.
"Elder Genji has been very supportive of me and helped me quite a lot."
Mei spoke with a trace of gratitude toward the kind looking yet shrewd old man.
She had adopted a strategy of dividing and conquering, winning over the stable faction led by Genji, who genuinely wanted Kirigakure to become better.
She had isolated the fence sitters whose attitudes remained ambiguous.
As for those stubborn factions and their clans that had clearly refused to cooperate or had even secretly caused trouble, she had shown an iron fist.
"I didn't hold back!"
Mei wrinkled her nose, and a sharpness that did not match her charming appearance flashed in her eyes.
"Those who needed to have their power reduced had their power reduced, and those who needed to be investigated were investigated. A few of the clans that caused the most trouble were directly dealt with by me using decisive measures. That also freed up the resources and manpower they had occupied, allowing me to promote some ninjas who could truly contribute to Kirigakure!"
As she spoke, she seemed to remember something and quickly returned to her desk.
She pulled a list from a stack of documents and handed it to Chiya as if proudly presenting a treasure.
"Look, this is a list of some of the people I rely on now. You may have heard of some of them."
Chiya took the list and casually scanned it.
He did not really care about the specific personnel arrangements within Kirigakure.
As long as Mei could secure her position and maintain friendly relations with Konoha, that was enough.
However, when a certain name on the list caught his eye, his gaze paused slightly.
Hoshigaki Kisame.
The strange man from the original story who was known as the Tailless Tailed Beast, possessing enormous chakra and formidable strength, yet ultimately meeting a tragic end.
The true man, Hoshigaki Kisame.
Chiya had not expected that in this timeline, Mei would have already noticed him.
Chiya lightly tapped the name with his finger and looked up at Mei.
"Hoshigaki Kisame... His abilities and strength are both exceptional. He is worth focusing on and cultivating."
Chiya's voice remained calm, but his gaze became slightly more serious.
"Guide him properly. In the future, he will become a sharp blade in your hands and a powerful ally."
Mei was slightly stunned.
She had promoted Kisame mainly because of the astonishing combat power and mission efficiency he had displayed while eliminating the remaining rogue ninjas, but she had not valued him nearly as highly as Chiya did.
Hearing Chiya's serious warning now, she immediately engraved the name deeply in her mind, and a serious look flashed through her green eyes.
"I understand, Lord Chiya. I will personally keep an eye on him."
She nodded solemnly and turned back toward the desk.
Mei quickly handled the documents, and Chiya thought that she was now fully capable of controlling the situation in Kirigakure.
She already possessed the ability, determination, and judgment required.
There was no longer any need for him to keep an eye on this place.
"Looks like you can handle everything here now. Since that's the case, I should leave too."
"Leave?"
The smile on Mei's face, which had been bright just moments ago, instantly froze, and an unmistakable trace of gloom and disappointment flashed through her eyes.
Although she had known for a long time that he would leave one day, she had not expected it to happen so soon.
During these days, she had faced pressure from all sides and dealt with heavy official duties alone.
Whenever the night grew quiet, she would always remember that figure who had descended like a divine soldier during her moment of despair, as well as the guidance beneath his cold words and the silent yet powerful support he had given her.
If not for him, she would have already died at the hands of the rampaging Karatachi Yagura...
If not for him, she would never have been able to ascend to the position of Mizukage so smoothly, much less establish herself so quickly...
Everything she had accomplished was inseparable from the man standing before her.
An immense reluctance to part with him and an indescribable sense of dependence seized her.
Seeing Chiya turn around after speaking, she could no longer maintain the restraint expected of a Mizukage.
"Wait!"
Mei hurried forward and suddenly hugged him from behind just as Chiya was about to take a step.
Her arms tightly wrapped around his waist, and her cheek pressed against his broad back, allowing her to feel the lines of his muscles beneath the fabric.
A pleasant scent entered her nose, causing her heartbeat to suddenly quicken.
"W... Will you come back to Kirigakure again?"
Her voice was muffled, carrying a faint tremble and anticipation that was difficult to notice.
For a moment, she seemed to have returned to being a young girl rather than the powerful Mizukage she was now.
Chiya stopped walking and did not immediately pull away.
He could feel the warmth and slight trembling coming from behind him.
After a moment of silence, he answered.
"Yes."
Mei's heart filled with joy at the affirmative answer, but Chiya's next words made her heart sink again.
"There will be a chance in the future."
His tone remained calm, without much emotion, as if he were merely stating an objective fact.
In the future...
How long would that be?
A few months?
A few years?
Or even longer?
Mei's eyes dimmed again, and her arms unconsciously tightened around him.
Sensing the change in her emotions, Chiya patted her hand and slowly turned around.
Mei had no choice but to release him and raise her head, somewhat at a loss as she met his deep eyes that were as dark as the night.
Chiya raised his hand, and his long fingers, carrying a faint coolness, gently lifted Mei's smooth chin.
He forced her to raise her head slightly so that she could meet his gaze more clearly.
His movement carried an undeniable dominance, yet strangely, it did not make her feel offended.
Mei's cheeks grew warm, her heart pounding like a drum, while the light in her green eyes shimmered as it reflected Chiya's calm and expressionless face.
"I said there will be a chance in the future."
Chiya repeated what he had just said, his voice slightly deeper and carrying a unique resonance that seemed to strike directly at Mei's heart.
"Be a good Mizukage, Terumi Mei. Bring the new era you promised to this land."
His fingertip lightly brushed against the skin beneath her chin, bringing a faint shiver.
Their eyes met, and an ambiguous yet tense atmosphere filled the air.
Mei could clearly see her own reflection in Chiya's eyes.
There was infatuation, reluctance, and a trace of panic caused by his actions at that moment.
The next moment, Chiya released her.
The burning touch disappeared, as though it had taken away the warmth surrounding her.
Mei instinctively wanted to reach out and grab something, but her hand caught only empty air.
Chiya looked at her and smiled gently.
Without saying anything else, he turned around and walked steadily toward the increasingly dark shadows outside the office.
Mei stood there in a daze, watching his tall figure disappear into the darkness outside without any hesitation until he vanished completely.
Silence returned to the office, leaving only her slightly hurried breathing.
She slowly raised her hand and gently touched the chin he had just lifted, her eyes filled with complicated emotions.
There was disappointment and emptiness, but in the end, a more determined light began to burn in her eyes.
She walked to the window and looked down at the village that was slowly recovering.
Sunlight passed through the glass and illuminated her beautiful and resolute profile.
"A new era..."
She whispered to herself, as though savoring the weight of those words.
"I will."
No matter what lay ahead and no matter when he returned, she had to keep moving forward, and she had to do even better.
This was not only for Kirigakure.
Perhaps... it was also so that when they met again, he could see a different version of her.
She turned around and walked back toward the desk that symbolized power and responsibility, her back straight and her steps firm.
The era of the Fourth Mizukage, Terumi Mei, had only just officially begun in Kirigakure.
...
After leaving Kirigakure, Chiya took Haku, Kaguya Kimimaro, and Jugo westward and returned to the Land of Fire.
Compared with the damp, gloomy, and grim atmosphere of the Land of Water, the fertile land, bright sunlight, and relatively peaceful atmosphere of the Land of Fire made the three children, who had grown up in oppressive environments, feel a sense of relaxation they had never experienced before.
They did not enter Konoha directly but instead went straight to a newly established town near Konoha.
Loran Town.
The clean streets were lined with shops, the houses were arranged neatly, and the pedestrians wore peaceful smiles, creating a prosperous and stable scene.
This place was an important junction connecting the Land of Fire with trade routes to other countries, and because of its unique atmosphere and relatively relaxed environment, it had attracted some special residents.
The arrival of Chiya and the others immediately attracted attention.
Soon, a graceful figure hurried over from the direction of the town's council hall.
It was Sara.
She was still wearing clothing with the distinctive style of Loran, and her beautiful face had gained even more mature charm and the dignified bearing of a ruler compared with before.
When she saw Chiya, undisguised joy and tenderness instantly bloomed in her eyes.
"Chiya!"
She lightly ran over, ignored the three curious children behind Chiya, and directly threw herself into his arms.
Her arms naturally wrapped around his neck, and she rose onto her toes to plant a kiss on his cheek.
"I knew you had left, but why did you take so long this time?"
Sara's tone carried a slightly coquettish complaint, but her eyes were filled with the happiness of their reunion.
Chiya wrapped an arm around her waist, calmly accepting the greeting, and patted her back.
"I had some things to deal with."
He was concise.
Only then did Sara turn her attention to the three children behind Chiya.
Haku lowered his head shyly, his small hands nervously gripping the corners of his clothes.
Kimimaro stood straight, his green eyes studying Sara with scrutiny and a trace of curiosity.
Jugo simply stood there, staring blankly at the surrounding buildings.
"Who are these three?"
Sara released Chiya and asked with a gentle smile.
Chiya briefly introduced them.
"Haku, Kimimaro, and Jugo. They have nowhere to go for now, so I brought them here."
He did not mention their Kekkei Genkai or their tragic pasts, but when Sara looked at the three children, she could already understand some of their circumstances from Haku's timid eyes, the faint loneliness surrounding Kimimaro, and the unease and struggle remaining between Jugo's brows.
"What pitiful children!"
Sara crouched down so that her eyes were level with theirs, her voice becoming even gentler.
"Welcome to Loran Town. You don't have to be afraid here. Just treat this place as your home."
Her friendly attitude eased some of Haku's nervousness, and he softly thanked her.
"Th... Thank you."
At that moment, two other figures also arrived after hearing the news.
One was a beautiful female ninja with a curvaceous figure, wearing clothing in the style of Kumogakure.
She was Nii Yugito.
She stopped in front of them, crossed her arms, and looked at Chiya and the three little ones with interest, a playful smile at the corners of her lips.
The other was Pakura, who wore a backless outfit in the style of Sunagakure and had a calm and capable air.
When Pakura saw Chiya, her eyes flickered slightly, and she nodded as a greeting.
Behind her was a girl, Pakura's student, Maki.
Maki curiously studied Chiya and the children he had brought, a friendly smile on her face.
"Yo, you're back? And you brought three little followers with you?"
Yugito spoke first in a lighthearted tone.
Pakura's gaze moved across the three children, and after sensing something different about them, a look of understanding flashed through her eyes.
"Looks like none of them are ordinary children."
While Pakura was speaking, she had already reached Chiya's side.
Chiya smiled and nodded.
"They need a place to settle down, as well as a quiet area where they can train."
Chiya spoke to Sara.
"Don't worry. Leave it to me."
Sara stood up and immediately displayed the efficiency of a town ruler.
"There are several vacant courtyards on the eastern side of the town. They are quiet and spacious, so I will have someone clean them up immediately. As for a training ground... There is an open area on the outskirts of town that few people normally use. The terrain is also flat, so it is perfect for them."
She quickly called over one of her subordinates and gave a few quiet instructions before turning toward the three children with a reassuring smile.
"Come with me. I'll show you where you'll be staying first and help you get familiar with the surroundings. If you need anything, just tell me or anyone else in town."
Haku, Kimimaro, and Jugo all looked at Chiya somewhat uncertainly.
Chiya nodded slightly to them.
"Go with Sara. From now on, this will be your temporary home. Settle down and don't worry. We can take care of everything else slowly."
Only after receiving Chiya's approval did the three children feel slightly reassured and follow Sara away.
Pakura watched the children leave and lightly nudged Chiya with her elbow.
"Hey, Chiya, you went out once and came back with so many children. Did you investigate their identities properly?"
Chiya glanced at her and reached out to ruffle the bangs on both sides of her face.
The intimate gesture caused Pakura's face to turn slightly red.
"Their circumstances are rather... special, especially Jugo. The power inside his body isn't very stable. If you have time, help keep an eye on him."
Hearing this, Pakura nodded without asking any further questions.
"I understand. I'll keep an eye on him."
Yugito beside them also nodded seriously at Chiya.
"Has Orochimaru been here recently?"
Chiya glanced around but did not see Orochimaru anywhere.
"Yes. He came here once the day before yesterday. He should be researching the barrier."
Chiya nodded slightly upon hearing this.
With Jugo's arrival, Orochimaru would probably be very excited.
However, he still had to remind him that Jugo needed to be treated properly.
At the very least, Orochimaru could not be allowed to endanger Jugo's life.
Chiya was about to leave when someone grabbed his sleeve.
Chiya froze and looked back.
There were two hands on the corner of his sleeve.
One belonged to Pakura, and the other belonged to Yugito.
Yugito's face was slightly red as she looked toward Pakura.
Pakura coughed softly, covering her even redder face, and asked quietly.
"Chiya, you finally came back after being away for so long. Why don't you stay and have a meal with us before you leave?"
Have a meal?
Chiya looked at the two charming older women, whose eyes were already filled with suggestive affection.
How could he not understand what they meant?
Spring had come again...
"Okay, I'll stay for dinner."
As soon as Chiya finished speaking, both women grabbed his arms at the same time.
Soft, sweet whispers reached his ears.
"Then we'll have to take good care of you, Lord Hokage!"
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