A thick mist had fallen across the battlefield.
Mei Terumī's Hidden Mist Technique was far denser and more potent than anything Black Zetsu had ever conjured. Unlike the generic concealment mist used by lesser shinobi, this fog felt alive—oppressive and disorienting.
Kimimaro activated his Byakugan, narrowing his eyes. His field of vision was severely limited—unexpected, but not insurmountable.
"Still a thick fog," he muttered, "but it won't stop me."
With the fusion of multiple Kekkei Genkai within him, Kimimaro had long surpassed the conventional limits of his Kaguya heritage. The sensory technique Mind's Eye of the Kagura, originally a closely-guarded Uzumaki secret, allowed him to detect chakra signatures with pinpoint precision—even through dense fog.
Yet Mei didn't charge in.
She understood the brutality of Kaguya Clan taijutsu firsthand. Mei Terumī was not reckless enough to engage him directly.
A massive Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique surged from the mist.
Kimimaro countered immediately, releasing his own water dragon from his mouth. After his abilities were exposed in Konoha, he no longer bothered to conceal his elemental mastery. As his strength expanded, so too did the inevitability of revealing his hand.
"You can use Water Release too?" Mei's voice echoed through the mist, slightly amused. "A Kaguya Clan member… I didn't expect such versatility."
Her voice sharpened. "But I'm not done. Lava Release: Melting Apparition Technique!"
A corrosive stream of liquid hissed as it ate through the terrain.
Kimimaro's gaze hardened. Lava Release—not to be confused with Kurotsuchi's Earth-Fire fusion—was one of Mei's dual Kekkei Genkai. Hers was a Water-Fire combination, manifesting as highly acidic slime. It wasn't just a variant—it was lethal, capable of corroding even chakra-based defenses.
She also wielded Boil Release, another Water-Fire fusion, producing acidic steam that could melt Susanoo. This wasn't just nature transformation—it was dangerous chemistry.
The acidic field crept toward him.
"Sister, you're ruthless," Kimimaro called out dryly. "This isn't sparring—this is execution."
"If you want to conquer me," Mei said coolly, "you'll need to prove you're worth it."
Kimimaro sighed. Mei was like those indecisive women from his past life—eager for marriage, but quick to raise impossible standards.
Still, her Lava Release needed to be dealt with—immediately.
"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"
A solid barrier erupted beneath him, lifting Kimimaro into the air. He wasn't trying to block the acid—he knew better. He simply needed to avoid ground contact.
If he wasn't limiting himself, he would've retaliated with his own Lava Release. Magma, after all, could theoretically overpower acidic fluid. But he had another option.
"Water and Earth Release, too?" Mei teased. "You're a treasure trove, aren't you? If you combine those into Wood Release, I'll concede."
Kimimaro's answer was brief.
"Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence."
With a rumble, towering trees burst from the ground, swallowing the acid and fracturing the terrain. He'd moved beyond Deep Forest Creation—his control was growing. Though he hadn't reached Flowering Trees level, this was enough.
Mei's voice faltered. "…Wood Release? That's impossible. Only the First Hokage…"
"Wood Release: Silent Strangle Jutsu!"
Branches shot forward, snaring Mei before she could retreat. Kimimaro stepped through the mist, voice low.
"Sister, your intel is outdated."
"Let go of me!" she snapped, chakra flaring. Her Boil Release-enhanced strength surged. It wasn't raw physicality—it was chemically amplified force. She tore through the wooden binds, only to be caught again—this time, in Kimimaro's arms.
"What are you doing?!"
Despite all her strength, Mei Terumī had never been held like this. Not once, as Mizukage candidate, had she allowed herself to be vulnerable. Unlike women like Fubo or even Kazahana Koyuki, she had neither the theory nor practice of affection.
Her body stiffened. Then slackened.
But the moment passed. Gritting her teeth, she tried to muster her chakra again. If he wanted to get bold, she'd burn him with Boil Release—up close and personal.
Until—
"Nn—mmph!"
Her eyes widened. Her lips were sealed—by his.
Her strength failed her.
From the distance, Chōjūrō stood frozen, the Hiramekarei trembling slightly on his back.
"H-he kissed Lady Mei… and she didn't resist…?"
He had always idolized her, but never dared dream of a future beyond loyalty. Yet now, that unreachable goddess had been pulled from her pedestal.
Fubo, standing nearby, watched quietly.
"Reminds me a bit of my own first kiss," she murmured. "But this… this is something else."
Fubo now understood why Kimimaro had launched such a bold emotional offensive against Mei Terumī from the very beginning. Although she couldn't say exactly how he had done it, one thing was clear—Kimimaro had developed a precise understanding of Mei Terumī's personality, her desire for companionship, and her path toward becoming Mizukage.
"I really don't get it," Fubo muttered. "He seems to know so much about everyone..."
Kimimaro didn't let the kiss linger too long. Mei Terumī's inexperience in romantic matters was obvious—her reaction was hesitant, her technique awkward, and beneath it all, she seemed subtly resistant.
After they separated, Kimimaro wiped the corner of his mouth and looked straight into her eyes.
"Did I just conquer the other half of your heart?"
That snapped Mei out of her daze. She let out a short, shocked gasp, broke free from his grasp, and flickered several meters away using Body Flicker. Hands to her flushed cheeks, she stood frozen in disbelief.
He kissed me. A boy actually kissed me.
Does that mean… does that mean I can really get married?
But he's so much younger... Still, he has status, strength, and looks…
No! Wait—what am I thinking?!
Forget the wedding, forget the age. What matters is that he actually dared to pursue me.
Bah! No! This guy's too bold, too flirtatious. I can't let him win this easily!
She spun around, preparing to scold him—at least that was the plan. But when she saw Kimimaro's calm and confident smile, her words caught in her throat.
Trying to mask her flustered state, Mei gave him a sideways glare. "It's not impossible for you to be my man, but you have to—mmph!"
He cut her off with another kiss.
After the second kiss, she exhaled sharply, her tone much softer. "Let me finish talking. If you want to be with me, then your other wom—mmph!"
Kimimaro backed away, rubbing his lips. "Did you have to bite me?"
"You didn't let me speak!" Mei huffed, feigning annoyance. "Honestly, all you do is kiss people. You're impossible."
"That's because I like you," Kimimaro said plainly.
"Like I'd believe that," Mei countered. "We've only just met."
"Can't it be love at first sight?" he replied, completely serious. He wasn't lying either—in his previous life, he had admired Mei Terumī the moment she appeared on screen.
"Put away your sweet talk," she said, narrowing her eyes. "I'm not some lovestruck girl. There are serious things we need to discuss."
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