"Defeat me first. Then we'll talk about it," Mei Ming said with a charming smile.
Although she acknowledged Chen Xing's potential, she believed he still had a long way to go. After becoming Mizukage, her own strength had grown significantly, and defeating her would not be easy.
Still, she didn't dislike his persistence. Compared to the many shinobi who constantly tried to impress her, Chen Xing felt more genuine — confident, straightforward, and unexpectedly amusing.
Strength was the most important standard she set for herself. Anyone who wished to stand beside her needed to surpass her in power. Because of that condition, many suitors had given up long ago. Now that she was the Fifth Mizukage, almost no one dared approach her in that way anymore.
"Mei Ming-jie, do you have any siblings?" Chen Xing asked as they walked along a stone path inside her clan's compound.
"No. I'm an only child," she replied. "But I have many cousins."
"I see. Then your father is the clan head?"
She nodded.
Walking beside her, Chen Xing felt unusually relaxed. Traveling across the ninja world had rarely felt this peaceful.
---
The Terumi Residence
Soon, they arrived at the main building of the compound — a large traditional structure surrounded by a spacious courtyard. Guards stationed discreetly around the area acknowledged Mei Ming respectfully.
Two attendants at the entrance bowed.
"Welcome back, young lady."
Mei Ming handed over her Mizukage cloak without explanation.
"This is Chen Xing, the Celestial Shadow of Celestial Village. Prepare a room for him."
"Yes."
She then led Chen Xing into the main hall.
Before they entered fully, a deep laugh echoed from inside.
"Old man, what's so funny?" Mei Ming called casually.
Chen Xing noted her informal tone; it suggested a relaxed relationship with her family despite her position.
Inside, three people turned toward them.
One was a tall, serious-looking middle-aged man with sharp eyes — her father, Terumi Yanyang. Another, slightly younger and more relaxed, appeared to be her uncle. Standing nearby was a dignified woman with warm features and long brown hair — Mei Ming's mother.
All three examined Chen Xing carefully.
"This is Chen Xing," Mei Ming said. "Leader of Celestial Village."
Recognition flashed across their faces.
"The Celestial Shadow… the one known for the Peacock techniques?" her father said thoughtfully.
Chen Xing smiled politely. "That's me."
After brief greetings, Mei Ming introduced each family member properly. Chen Xing sensed their chakra levels immediately — her father possessed Kage-level presence, while the others were elite jōnin.
"What were you laughing about earlier?" Mei Ming asked, glancing at the chessboard on the floor.
Her mother smiled. "Your father finally won a game against your uncle."
Mei Ming raised an eyebrow. "Did Uncle go easy on you?"
Her father nearly choked. "Of course not!"
The uncle laughed. "She's right that I usually win, but today he played well."
Mei Ming smirked, clearly enjoying teasing him.
After chatting for a while, she stood.
"I still have work to finish. Father, please take care of Chen Xing."
Her father nodded.
Once she left, Chen Xing sat near the chessboard with curiosity.
After a few rounds between the two men ended — mostly with her father losing again — the older man turned to Chen Xing.
"Chen Xing, do you know how to play?"
---