Land of Water, Kirigakure.
Inside the Mizukage's office, the Third Mizukage sat on the high seat, his aged face shrouded in shadow. Only his turbid eyes occasionally flashed with a strange light.
"Mizukage-sama is wise!" Suikazan Fuguki bowed respectfully, his face filled with an obsequious smile. "I never expected Chiaki Setsuna would actually fall for it. It seems he's nothing special after all."
"Indeed, Mizukage-sama truly is far-sighted and wise." Munashi Jinpachi hugged his explosive sword, Shibuki, grinning. "However, that guy isn't someone to be trifled with. Can we really handle him?"
The Third Mizukage's fingers lightly tapped the armrest of his chair, his voice low and hoarse: "Since he dares to come, he shouldn't think about leaving."
Everyone looked at each other, wondering where exactly did the Mizukage's confidence come from.
Although doubts remained in their hearts, no one dared question the Mizukage's decision.
After all, in recent years, anyone who dared disobey the Mizukage's orders had permanently disappeared.
...
Meanwhile, in a hidden stronghold of Kirigakure's Anbu.
Under dim candlelight, Genji sat at the head, his expression grave.
Beside him were the young and steady Yagura, along with over a dozen Jonin and elite Anbu.
"Everyone..." Genji slowly spoke, his voice low. "We can no longer sit idle and wait for death."
"The Third Mizukage's rule has already pushed Kirigakure into the abyss." A Jonin gritted his teeth. "The cleansing of the Bloody Mist, the policy of seclusion... and now provoking Konoha... If this continues, Kirigakure will truly perish."
Genji nodded: "Konoha's Chiaki Setsuna possesses great courage and wisdom. He is willing to use his own power to resolve the hatred between two great Ninja Villages. This is the dawn of peace. We absolutely cannot let this glimmer of light be extinguished by the Mizukage's hand."
"This opportunity is rare." Yagura analyzed calmly. "Since Chiaki Setsuna dares to come, it means he has sufficient confidence. If we can use this chance to make contact with him, perhaps we can rely on his strength to overthrow the Mizukage's tyrannical rule."
"But the problem is, how do we make contact with him?" Another Ninja frowned. "Chiaki Setsuna doesn't understand the intricate relationships within Kirigakure. And the Mizukage holds the position of rightful authority. What if Chiaki Setsuna simply thinks we're rebellious elements fighting for power, and ends up helping the Mizukage eliminate us?"
Genji nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over everyone, finally landing on a red-haired girl in the corner.
"Terumi Mei." He called softly.
The girl raised her head, emerald green eyes carrying a maturity beyond her years.
"I'm here."
"You are only eleven, yet also Kirigakure's genius. Compared to us, you are less likely to arouse the Mizukage's suspicion." Genji said gravely. "Find a way to contact Chiaki Setsuna. Tell him, not all in Kirigakure are enemies."
Mei pursed her lips, then firmly nodded: "I understand."
...
Land of Water's port, morning.
Sea breeze brushed past, carrying a faint scent of the sea.
As Konoha's ship slowly docked, a white figure descended from the deck.
Since this was an official diplomatic visit, Setsuna didn't choose to fly directly using Flight Technique.
Instantly, the entire port fell silent.
"Is that... Chiaki Setsuna?"
"He actually came alone?"
"After so many years of seclusion, he's the first foreigner to set foot in the Land of Water, right?"
Kirigakure's common people stood on both sides of the road, chattering excitedly, viewing Setsuna's arrival as a symbol of 'opening the country'.
"Welcome, Setsuna-sama." Suikazan Fuguki wore a wide smile, slightly bowing.
Setsuna nodded, his gaze sweeping the surroundings.
In the crowd, there were expectant eyes, vigilant gazes, and also hostility hidden in the shadows.
He began walking forward. The crowd automatically parted, as if an invisible force drove them to step aside.
"Lord Setsuna, please wait a moment!" A crisp voice suddenly rang out.
Setsuna paused, turning to look. A red-haired girl rushed out from the crowd, holding a bouquet of pure white flowers.
Her eyes were clear and determined, her cheeks slightly flushed, like a maiden in love.
"Terumi Mei?" Fuguki frowned. "What nonsense are you up to?"
The girl ignored him, only deeply bowing, presenting the bouquet: "Setsuna-sama... I hope you can bring true peace."
Setsuna was slightly taken aback, then reached out to take the bouquet, his fingertips lightly touching the petals.
"Thank you." Setsuna smiled gently.
Mei looked up, a glimmer of light flashing in her eyes, then she quickly retreated back into the crowd.
A wave of good-natured laughter rose from the crowd. Such a harmonious scene was too rare in the Land of Water.
Fuguki snorted coldly, muttering in low voice: "A genius of the village, actually idolizing a Ninja from an enemy village. Truly pitiful."
…
Nighttime, the inn where Setsuna was staying.
Setsuna sat by the window, looking out at Kirigakure under the moonlight.
Suddenly, the bouquet on the table trembled slightly. A faint light flashed, instantly transforming into human form.
It was Mei. She released her Transformation Technique, standing before Setsuna.
"Setsuna-sama, I apologize for meeting you in such a rude manner." She looked directly at Setsuna, her voice carrying a maturity beyond her years.
"An illusionary clone and Transformation Technique that could fool an Elite Jonin like Suikazan Fuguki… truly worthy of being Kirigakure's genius." Setsuna lightly applauded, not surprised by Mei's appearance.
"My little tricks are nothing compared to Setsuna-sama's strength, which shakes the Ninja World." Mei said modestly. "Today, I come representing another faction within Kirigakure."
"Oh?" Setsuna slightly raised an eyebrow.
"We despise war, despise the Mizukage's bloody rule." Mei spoke rapidly, yet each word was clear. "Setsuna-sama, you come with goodwill. We don't want your goodwill to be exploited by the Mizukage. We want Konoha to know that there are also people in Kirigakure who yearn for peace."
Setsuna asked: "What do you want me to do?"
Mei blinked: "Setsuna-sama, you don't suspect I'm deceiving you?"
Setsuna laughed: "The eyes are the windows to the soul. With such beautiful eyes, I believe your soul must be as pure as your eyes."
Being praised so directly, Mei visibly perked up: "We've decided to assassinate the Mizukage tonight. As long as Setsuna-sama doesn't help the Mizukage suppress us."
"Tonight?" Setsuna's expression became quite subtle.
Mei nodded vigorously: "Our strength is quite formidable. Even if the assassination fails, we can at least make the Mizukage know his rule over Kirigakure isn't monolithic. Maybe tomorrow he won't dare act against you, Setsuna-sama."
Setsuna almost couldn't bear to look directly, 'Was Mei's faction this unlucky?'
'To choose to act precisely when Uchiha Madara was present… wasn't this walking straight into a trap?'
Mei didn't notice Setsuna's odd expression, still confidently stating: "If he still dares to act tomorrow, we can at least help Setsuna-sama hold off Mizukage's subordinates."
As she spoke, Mei grew puzzled: "Why haven't we heard any commotion yet? Could everyone have successfully assassinated the Mizukage?"
Setsuna sighed: "Don't leave tonight. Rest here. Your companions probably won't be coming back."
When Mei heard the first part, her little face flushed red, thinking Setsuna intended to do something to her. But hearing the latter part, she was confused again: "Huh? Won't come back?"
Setsuna's expression turned solemn: "Behind your Mizukage, there is a very terrifying evil force. It is precisely to eradicate that force that I have come."