Kimimaro, of course, knew that what Mei Terumī cared about most wasn't just the word "marriage"—it was the deeper longing behind it: the desire to be loved.
Despite being one of the most powerful kunoichi in the Hidden Mist, Mei was often treated with distance. The men around her respected her strength and feared her dual Kekkei Genkai, but none dared to approach her romantically.
Kimimaro, however, did the opposite. He launched a direct emotional offensive toward Mei Terumī. Regardless of the result, it was bound to leave a lasting impression.
Having already demonstrated his combat prowess—his mastery of the Kaguya Clan's Shikotsumyaku was unmatched—Kimimaro had the confidence to tease and challenge a woman like her.
If he failed, he would lose nothing. But if he succeeded, he could gain everything.
After all, Mei wasn't just a high-level ninja; she was destined to become the Fifth Mizukage. Winning her heart would mean gaining the trust of Hidden Mist's future leadership. And with the Land of Water being isolated by the sea, it made quiet maneuvering and political plays much easier.
Of course, Kimimaro also had a more... personal reason.
In his past life, back when he'd been just a fan watching the anime, he had often shouted at the screen during Mei's scenes: "Marry me!"
Who wouldn't fall for a beautiful, strong, and slightly temperamental older sister type?
As Mei inspected the battlefield, her gaze sharpened at the sight of bone protrusions from a fallen shinobi. She suddenly turned to Kimimaro. "You're from the Kaguya Clan—Kimimaro, right?"
Kimimaro tilted his head, amused. "Does Big Sister know me?"
"Of course," Mei said thoughtfully. "Years ago, I worked with members of your clan. You were just a boy then. But I remember—your clan attacked the village."
Kimimaro's expression remained calm, though inwardly, he winced.
The Kaguya Clan's suicidal assault on the Hidden Mist had been an embarrassment. Decimated by disease and desperate to reclaim their past glory, they had launched a reckless coup. Kimimaro, as a rare prodigy, had been used as a last resort—more weapon than child.
He recalled that in the past, "Blood Mist" was even a term some Hidden Mist ninja wore with pride. But after Yagura, the Fourth Mizukage, was placed under Obito's genjutsu, the name became synonymous with tyranny and bloodshed.
Thinking back, Kimimaro smiled faintly. "So we share some history. Then, what should I call you, Big Sister?"
He was certain they had never met directly when he was young. Mei was nearly ten years older, and any interactions she had with the Kaguya back then were likely with his elders.
"I'm Mei Terumī," she said. "At one point, I considered searching for you. But I heard you were taken by Orochimaru. Now that the Mist has changed, are you thinking of returning? Planning to take Hiramekarei and join the new Seven Ninja Swordsmen?"
She gave a soft chuckle. "You don't need a sword. With your Shikotsumyaku, a blade would just get in the way. Why not hand it over to me instead?"
Kimimaro was caught off guard.
Was Hidden Mist's intel really this poor? They didn't even know he'd left Orochimaru, or about his current activities?
Then again, with Yagura dead and the village still in political transition, perhaps they hadn't been watching places like the Land of Vegetables closely.
He smirked. "How about this—if I give Hiramekarei to you as a betrothal gift, will you marry me, Big Sister?"
Mei's heart skipped a beat.
A proposal? Me?
For once, someone didn't treat her like a dangerous anomaly or a ticking time bomb of Lava and Boil Release.
This boy... no, this young man—he was handsome, composed, and undeniably powerful. A bit cheeky, perhaps, but—
Wait a moment!
Mei wasn't some lovesick genin. She was a seasoned kunoichi, well-versed in both politics and deception.
Her expression softened, and she gave him a coy smile. "You're after something. Let me guess… you've sensed my strength and want a strong ally to help you return to the Mist. Maybe even a foothold in the leadership?"
Kimimaro shrugged, feigning innocence. "Big Sister, I don't even know your rank."
That stopped her cold.
He had only just learned her name. The earlier reference to the Kaguya cooperation came up after he'd flirted with her.
Could he actually... genuinely be interested?
She narrowed her eyes playfully. "Little brother, don't let my looks fool you. Just because Big Sister is beautiful doesn't mean you should act impulsively. You may think you're strong, but are you sure you can beat me? And more importantly—are you bold enough to chase someone like me?"
"Why wouldn't I dare?" Kimimaro gave a faint smile. "Big Sister, you've been in Kirigakure too long—maybe you haven't heard, but I'm not some nameless vagabond."
"Oh?" Mei Terumī raised an eyebrow, folding her arms as her curiosity piqued. "I've been too occupied with village matters lately to keep up with outside affairs."
"I now govern the Land of Vegetables. You can verify that easily. It may be a small nation, but my position as its protector gives me enough status to stand before you, doesn't it? After all, you're not Mizukage yet. And as for me returning to Kirigakure—sorry, I don't see the point in abandoning a land that already accepts me, especially when I wouldn't be considered for the Mizukage seat here."
As Kimimaro spoke, a rare flicker of regret crossed his usually calm expression. If the Kaguya Clan had survived, his strength and lineage might have made him a legitimate contender for the Mizukage title. But with the clan annihilated during their failed coup, and his past tied to rebellion, he knew the Mist elders would never recognize him.
"The Land of Vegetables?" Mei echoed, a glint of intrigue in her eyes. Then her lips curled into a sly smile. "No wonder you travel with such a stunning companion. But now I'm curious. You say you have power and status and no intention of returning to Hidden Mist—then why chase after Hiramekarei? A man of your caliber shouldn't need a blade like that."
"Big Sister," Kimimaro chuckled, "you're not being fair. Must I reveal all my secrets so easily? You haven't even agreed to marry me yet."
Mei stepped forward, her face just inches from his. Her warm breath brushed his cheek as she whispered, "Would you really marry me?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
"If I told you I'll become the Fifth Mizukage soon, would you still dare?"
Kimimaro didn't flinch. "The Daimyō of the Land of Vegetables is a woman—and she's mine. Having a Mizukage as well sounds rather nice."
"You're shameless," Mei said, half-laughing. "But I don't like fickle men. If you truly want to marry me, I won't share."
"That's not your decision to make."
"So confident?" she teased, stepping back with a gleam in her eyes.
"Of course."
"Then prove it!" Mei suddenly leapt away, landing with grace and flipping her long reddish-brown hair over her shoulder. "Let me see what kind of strength you think entitles you to woo a future Mizukage."
"If I defeat you, will you marry me?"
"In your dreams," she replied with a mischievous smile. "But if you can actually defeat me, maybe I'll let you in. You'd be the first man to ever boldly pursue me like this. Put aside your arrogance and philandering—your words today have made me... unexpectedly happy."
"Only half-conquered, huh? What about the other half?"
"We'll talk about that after you earn it." Her fingers formed a hand seal. "Water Release: Hidden Mist Jutsu!"
A dense fog rolled in, and her seductive voice echoed faintly through the mist: "Catch me if you can, little brother."
Visit patreon.com/ShiroTL for more chapters.