In the world of Naruto, significant age gaps between couples were uncommon, though not prohibited. Most relationships formed between peers, and culturally, such pairings were the norm.
For someone like Mei Terumī, the beautiful and powerful kunoichi from Kirigakure, the problem wasn't a lack of charm—it was timing. Many of the capable men of her generation were either married or much older. Among her age group, eligible bachelors were rare, especially those who met her high standards.
Unlike Tsunade, who distanced herself emotionally after the death of her lover, Dan, Mei still yearned for companionship. She wasn't opposed to love—she desired someone who could see her not just as the Mizukage candidate, but as a woman.
However, this left her in an awkward position. At times, she was referred to mockingly as a "leftover woman," a label that irritated her deeply. She had once considered someone younger—like the capable but shy Chōjūrō—but the prospect of an older woman-younger man dynamic wasn't especially popular in their world.
True, Nara Shikamaru and Temari were a rare exception, with Temari being about three years older. Yet their personalities made the relationship plausible—Temari was assertive, and Shikamaru's laid-back nature made him open to it. That pairing worked because Temari had the courage to take initiative.
But Mei? Ask her to pursue someone like Chōjūrō? Absurd. She respected him and saw his potential, but she viewed him more as a trusted younger comrade than a romantic partner. And Chōjūrō himself idolized Mei as a leader and protector—not someone he dared to court.
This mission, too, had no romantic undertones. Mei had brought Chōjūrō to find Hiramekarei, one of the Seven Ninja Swords, intending to arm him properly and help him grow into a true successor.
After all, she had ambitions—not just for herself, but for Kirigakure.
She wanted to become Mizukage.
She knew the Hidden Mist's reputation as the "Bloody Mist" wouldn't change overnight, but she was determined to push for reform. Though no Uchiha had ever led Kirigakure, and certainly no one with a Kekkei Genkai like hers had reached the top, she believed that leadership should not be dictated by bloodline alone.
She wanted to reshape the village—not with fear, but with vision.
"My Lady, where should we go next? We've already searched this area," Chōjūrō asked.
"Let's sweep the northern ridge," Mei responded. "Intel suggests Hiramekarei may be nearby."
They moved swiftly, and after a short time, Mei paused.
"Wait… do you see that?"
They dropped down near a clearing.
"My Lady... there are bodies here."
Mei crouched, examining the corpses. "Judging by these wounds—massive blunt and cutting trauma—it's almost certainly Hiramekarei. The wielder can't be far. Stay sharp, Chōjūrō."
"Yes, ma'am! We'll recover the sword!"
As they pressed ahead, a flash of light cleaved through several large trees.
"You dare come after my blade, brat? You think you can take the Water Mist Lord's sword? Hah!" a rough voice sneered. A man stepped forward, brandishing Hiramekarei.
"Leave your name! As for the woman—heh, she looks tasty. Older, but I like 'em experienced. Come with me, lady. You and this teenage kid don't look right together anyway."
That last line hit a nerve.
Mei's smile faded.
Before she could respond, another voice interjected from behind the rogue.
"Fubo, did he just say I'm small?"
"Hehe, depends on what part he's talkin' about. Compared to me, sure, you're still a little brother. But in other ways... not small at all."
Mei blinked. The unexpected flirtation was so blatant it momentarily stunned her.
"Who are these two? Are they mocking me?" she wondered.
The white-haired boy stepped forward, unamused. "So this guy insults you and my woman. Fubo, what should I do?"
"Kill him."
"As you say."
The rogue didn't even have time to scream. The earth beneath him exploded in bone spines, pinning him in place. A heartbeat later, Kimimaro stood above him, Hiramekarei now in his hands.
Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku jutsu had pierced the man's vitals with chilling precision.
Though he could use his bones to absorb vitality, Mei noticed he wasn't draining the enemy quickly—a sign of restraint or a limitation when fighting living shinobi.
"Such a young ninja…" Mei murmured. Kimimaro looked even younger than Chōjūrō, and yet wielded such terrifying power.
Beside him stood a red-haired woman—older, confident, with her head resting affectionately on his shoulder.
"They're so close," Mei thought, a pang hitting her chest. "Even boys that age have someone who treasures them... and I'm still alone."
"My Lady, what do we do now?" Chōjūrō whispered. "He has Hiramekarei."
Chōjūrō was competent in many respects, but his shy demeanor and lack of self-confidence often held him back. If it had been that white-haired boy instead, he likely would have stepped forward to initiate contact without hesitation.
Just as Mei Terumī was about to speak, the white-haired boy greeted her first with unexpected boldness:
"Beautiful lady, are you also here for Hiramekarei?"
Fubo's eyes narrowed slightly in confusion. Based on what she knew of Kimimaro, he rarely initiated such enthusiastic interactions—especially with strangers—unless he had a clear purpose. When he had flirted with her in the past, she had been the one to make the first move.
Still, she played along smoothly.
"Oh my, I didn't expect to meet such a stunning woman in the Land of Water. Sister, you're absolutely gorgeous. Is the young man next to you your boyfriend?"
Fubo could tell that Kimimaro was trying to assess the relationship between the two Hidden Mist ninja and helped steer the conversation accordingly.
"Boyfriend?" Mei Terumī's expression darkened immediately. In a flash, she appeared in front of Fubo, her voice cold:
"If you hadn't just complimented me, I might have melted your face off."
"Did I say something wrong?" Fubo asked innocently, genuinely puzzled.
Kimimaro chuckled and gently held her back.
"Then I take it this little brother isn't your boyfriend. How can someone as stunning as you not have one? Why don't you consider me?"
Mei Terumī blinked, genuinely taken aback. "You—wait, the girl beside you, isn't she your girlfriend?"
Fubo giggled behind her hand, surprised at how forward Kimimaro was being.
"I'm just my Lord's attendant, although he treats me very well. If you want to see us as a couple, I won't stop you. But sister, someone like you—so beautiful and strong—would be a better match for someone like my Lord."
Mei, suddenly the subject of a very public and very bold proposal—especially from a ninja clearly strong enough to eliminate a Jonin instantly—found herself at a loss for words.
Chōjūrō, who had remained quietly off to the side, stood with his mouth agape, unsure how things had escalated so quickly.
What was going on?
Of course, Kimimaro had recognized Mei Terumī at first glance. And while she was sizing him up, he had already formulated a plan.
Visit patreon.com/ShiroTL for more chapters.