When the two Anbu noticed what Mei Terumi had done, they exchanged glances, halting at the edge of the shore, too afraid to take another step forward.
After all, there were countless rumors about Ayanami Kaito circulating across the ninja world. Not even the Mizukage himself would dare to offend someone like him.
…
Among the crumbled remains of the Land of Whirlpools, Kaito furrowed his brow, a flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes as he watched three unexpected figures appear.
The entire shinobi world knew by now—he disliked unnecessary conflict. The Land of Whirlpools was his domain. And yet, someone had the audacity to intrude?
Observing the path they followed, Kaito muttered to himself, "Mist-nin? Looks like they're chasing someone."
He narrowed his gaze. "Interesting. Every nation has its rot, huh? After this quiet seclusion, let's see who thinks they can find sanctuary here."
With a whisper, Kaito vanished from his spot.
—
"I really hope Kaito-sama doesn't drive me away. If he does, I'll have to flee to the Land of Fire," Mei Terumi muttered as she stumbled forward.
From a shaded corner, Kaito silently observed her, surprised. The woman looked haggard, clothes torn and stained with blood, but unmistakable—long brown curls, green eyes, and a worn blue dress.
"The future Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi?" Kaito murmured.
"You're aware that the Land of Whirlpools is now under my protection," Kaito said, appearing in front of her without a sound. "And I'm someone who values peace and quiet. Those Mist-nin out there—they're after you, aren't they?"
"Kaito-sama!" Mei stammered, panic clear in her voice. "I… I had no choice! The Fourth Mizukage sent assassins. He couldn't stand my talent. I barely escaped with my life!"
Growl!
Her stomach betrayed her with a loud rumble. Face flushing red, Mei glanced downward in embarrassment.
"You haven't eaten, have you?" Kaito said simply. "Follow me."
—
Kaito led her to his camp, where a roasted suckling pig glistened golden over the fire. The aroma hung thick in the air.
Mei's mouth watered unconsciously.
Without a word, Kaito tore a large leg from the roast and handed it to her. "Eat."
"Thank you, Kaito-sama!" Mei replied, her voice filled with gratitude. She devoured the food with no hint of nobility—starvation had wiped away all pretense.
An hour later, she let out a satisfied sigh and patted her modest belly. "That was incredible… I'm full at last."
Her eyelids grew heavy.
"Go sleep over there," Kaito pointed to a modest hut lined with straw.
"Oh? You're letting me stay?" Mei asked cautiously.
"We'll talk tomorrow. For now, get some rest. That's where Tsunade used to sleep," Kaito said, intentionally shifting the topic.
"Oh…" she replied softly, clearly disappointed. Moments later, soft snoring could be heard from the hut.
Kaito remained by the fire, quietly finishing his meal. Mei's appearance was unexpected—but not unwelcome.
Once finished, he resumed his training.
—
The next morning, Kaito awoke to a new scent in the air.
He stepped out to find Mei cooking over a small fire, the area around her freshly cleaned.
"Kaito-sama! You're awake!" she said, smiling brightly, forehead glistening with sweat.
"You did all this?" he asked evenly, though inwardly surprised.
"Yes. It was messy, so I tidied up," Mei answered carefully.
"Alright. Let's eat," Kaito said.
Before he could reach for the food, Mei quickly handed him a bowl of steaming porridge.
He took a bite, then nodded slightly. "It's good."
Her eyes lit up.
They ate quietly. Once finished, Mei sat nervously, eyes darting toward him, waiting for a verdict.
Kaito stood and stretched.
"Fine. You can stay here. You'll handle cleaning, cooking, and the like. As for the Fourth Mizukage—don't worry about him."
Mei's face burst into a joyful smile. "Thank you, Kaito-sama!"
He handed her a stack of cash—five hundred thousand ryo in notes. "Use this to buy necessities in the nearby town. And get some new clothes while you're at it."
Without another word, he returned to his corner, already deep in meditation.
He didn't worry about her fleeing or trying to deceive him. If she did… well, it wouldn't matter.
—
Far away, on an island cloaked in mist and surrounded by ocean, Mist-nin moved in and out of the fortified village—Kirigakure, one of the Five Great Hidden Villages.
At its center stood a tall, lavish structure: the Mizukage's Office.
Inside sat a peculiar figure—baby-faced, green-haired, purple-eyed. His expression unreadable, he wore a flowing white robe. Beside him rested the Mizukage hat inscribed with the kanji for "Water Shadow."
This was Yagura, the Fourth Mizukage. Jinchūriki of the Three-Tails, successor to Rin, and puppet under Obito's manipulation during the Bloody Mist era.
Thud!
The door burst open. An Anbu agent strode in, kneeling. "Mizukage-sama, the mission has failed."
This was the captain who had pursued Mei Terumi and returned the night prior.
"Failed?" Yagura's face twisted in restrained fury. "Three elite jonin couldn't catch one girl who just made elite jonin?"
Though angry, his small stature and round face made him look oddly harmless—almost childlike.
Still, the Anbu captain tensed. "We almost had her… but she crossed into the Land of Whirlpools. That man's territory. We didn't dare follow. I left two men on watch and came to report."
"The Land of Whirlpools? Kaito's turf?" Yagura frowned.
"She ran there deliberately," he hissed, fists clenching. "You three were dispatched across half the continent—and you let her escape into the most dangerous territory possible!"
"You're useless. All of you… worthless!"
The Anbu captain kept his head down, silent. He knew better than to argue.
Yagura's fury wasn't something that could be reasoned with.
---