Three days passed in Konoha, and the village buzzed with excitement. The banners were raised, the streets swept clean, and ANBU quietly doubled their patrols along the outer walls.
At the main gate, the guards stood at attention, their backs straight as they spotted a diplomatic party approaching.
At the front of the group was none other than the Fifth Mizukage, Terumi Mei, dressed in her long, elegant teal kimono and dark blue cloak. Her auburn hair flowed behind her like liquid fire, and her expression remained perfectly composed.
She was flanked by a silent escort of elite Mist shinobi, with Chojuro nervously gripping the hilt of his sword, as always. Ao had been left behind, Mei knew better than to bring someone with the Byakugan into Hyuga territory.
Waiting at the gate stood Tsunade, her presence unmistakable in her Hokage robe, flanked by Shizune. The wind teased the edges of their cloaks as they stepped forward.
"Welcome to Konoha, Mizukage-dono, I'm glad you made it safely," Tsunade said with a slight, respectful bow.
"Thank you for the welcome, Hokage-sama. Konoha is as peaceful as always. It's a refreshing change from the misty environment at home." Mei smiled warmly, returning the gesture.
"Come, we can talk properly in my office," Tsunade said.
With formalities out of the way, the group moved through the village. Civilians and shinobi alike turned their heads to catch a glimpse of the foreign Kage. Shizune quietly made notes on her clipboard as the guards trailed behind, keeping a respectful distance.
Inside the tower, the Hokage office felt warmer than usual. Mei stood tall near the desk while Tsunade leaned against the edge with her hands folded.
"Let's begin with the matter of the weapons," Mei began in a diplomatic tone.
"The blades left behind by Zabuza and Raiga. Kirigakure would like them returned to our armory. I'm willing to pay fair compensation for the safekeeping all these months." She continued.
"Understandable. Zabuza's Kubikiribōchō and Raiga's Thunder Swords have been stored securely since their deaths. As for the compensation… It's not necessary." Tsunade nodded.
"That's very generous, Hokage-dono." Mei tilted her head, clearly curious.
"Well, it helps that the one who defeated both of them is my man." Tsunade smiled slightly, then leaned back and said in a more casual tone.
Mei's graceful smile faltered just a little, her eyes flashing with something unreadable. "Kakashi, hmm?"
"Mmhmm," Tsunade answered, her grin widening as she crossed her legs confidently.
There was a beat of silence, and then Mei's expression shifted. A smirk crept onto her lips.
"Well," she said slowly, "I didn't expect dear Kakashi to be interested in…" she paused, eyes flicking to Tsunade with playful sharpness, "…older women."
"Better older and mature than young and still single."Tsunade's eyes narrowed the smile on her lips thinning into something dangerous.
"Oh, don't worry. I'm sure Kakashi will come to appreciate the difference eventually." Mei chuckled softly, her voice rich with sarcasm.
Shizune and Chojuro stood to the side, looking like they wanted to sink into the floor. They gave each other small, stiff smiles, an unspoken agreement that the tension between the two powerful women could probably blow up half the tower if it got worse.
Before the situation could spiral further, a sudden ripple of chakra buzzed through the room.
Flash.
A blur of silver.
Flash.
Another burst of chakra, then another, all too fast for the average eye to catch.
The air shimmered faintly as Kakashi Hatake appeared and disappeared, teleporting from seal to seal all around the office. Papers rustled in the wind left behind. Shizune had to clutch her clipboard before it flew out of her hands.
He finally stopped mid-motion, standing in front of the window, relaxed and breathing evenly. A soft glow faded from a red, spiky Genesis Seal on the back of his palm.
The moment he noticed their presence, Kakashi turned, face calm and a little sheepish. "Ah. I didn't know we had company."
"Welcome to Konoha, Mei." His smile softened when his eyes landed on Mei.
Mei's heart fluttered slightly, something she didn't expect. It wasn't just the handsome face or the voice. It was the way he said her name. Smooth, calm, and familiar.
"I see you haven't changed," she said, walking forward with a composed expression.
Before anyone could react, she stepped close and wrapped her arms around him in a gentle hug.
Kakashi blinked, stunned, but after a second, his arms came up to return the embrace. He smiled politely, though the gesture felt warmer than it should've been.
Mei's eyes lit up, and a beautiful smile spread across her lips.
From her seat, Tsunade gave a sharp tsk.
"That's enough. Let's talk about the important matters first." Tsunade sai.
Mei sighed melodramatically and let go of Kakashi, stepping back into her Mizukage persona. She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and nodded.
"Of course. My apologies, Hokage-sama."
The three of them, Tsunade, Mei, and Kakashi moved to sit at the long table as Shizune and Chojuro remained nearby. Scrolls were unfurled. Tea was served. Discussion resumed.
"The weapons will be returned, though I'd like to ensure they're sealed securely before transport," Tsunade confirmed again,
"Of course," Mei agreed. "We brought its unique sealing scroll with us for that very purpose."
Mei then glanced up. "On another note, I'd like to propose something beyond weapons. A diplomatic alliance. Trade, resource exchange, and maybe even shared missions for our younger shinobi."
"I agree." Tsunade didn't hesitate.
"…You agree?" Mei blinked.
"Yes."
"Just like that? No council? No elder advisors? No politics?" The Mist Kunoichi tilted her head again.
Tsunade smirked proudly and leaned back in her chair. "I am the Fifth Hokage. I don't need a council's permission for decisions of this magnitude. I decide what's best for the village."
Mei stared at her for a moment, visibly impressed. Then she leaned forward with a slow, envious smile.
"You have no idea how lucky you are. I still have to answer a bunch of old geezers every time I breathe in the wrong direction."
"I'm sure they're very wise geezers," Tsunade said dryly.
"I hate them," Mei said as she let out a true laugh, not the diplomatic kind, but an honest one.
The atmosphere warmed after that. The talks continued for over an hour, trade agreements, export routes, communication seals for direct contact between the Kage, and even a few possible joint training sessions between their elites.
By the time the documents were signed and sealed, the sun had dipped lower into the sky.
"It's been a pleasure." Mei stood, dusted off her robes, and extended her hand to Tsunade.
"Likewise." Tsunade shook it with a firm grip.
Then Mei turned toward the window. Kakashi still stood there, quietly watching the village as the breeze blew through his hair.
"Kakashi," she said, her tone shifting once again from formal to a softer one. "Would you be kind enough to show me around Konoha? I hear that Konoha is lovely this time of day."
Kakashi glanced over at Tsunade, who was sitting back with her arms folded and eyes narrowed just slightly.
"Sure. I'd be glad to." He smiled.
Mei's eyes sparkled with delight as she walked beside him, her guards trailing behind at a respectful distance. Chojuro looked between them nervously but said nothing.
As they stepped out of the Hokage Tower and into the village, Mei looked sideways at Kakashi. "I hope you're not too attached to older women."
"I try not to discriminate." Kakashi chuckled.
"Good answer." She grinned.
Behind them, Tsunade stood at the window, watching their retreating forms. She narrowed her eyes thoughtfully, then let out a low sigh.
"Are you worried?" Shizune raised an eyebrow beside her.
"No," Tsunade said flatly. "He's still my Kakashi."
But even as she said it, the thought of Mei's mischievous smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. This wouldn't be the last time they crossed words, and Tsunade was already bracing herself for round two.