"They might even want my life," Ao said quietly, his expression complicated.
Mei Terumī placed a hand on his shoulder. "No. As long as I'm alive, I won't allow Uchiha Ran to lay a finger on you—even if it costs me my life."
Her gaze was steady, without the slightest hesitation.
Meeting her eyes, Ao felt a weight lift from his chest. He smiled faintly. "Then I'll place my life in your hands, Lady Mizukage. Thank you for your protection."
"Heh, you really know how to talk," Mei Terumī laughed, then turned and left.
Ao watched her retreating figure. In his heart, something called loyalty burned even hotter.
At this moment, he would gladly give his life for Mei Terumī.
———
Konoha
Hyūga Clan Compound
Uchiha Ran and Hyūga Hiashi discussed the Hyūga Clan's future role in Konoha and how best to utilize their strength. The conversation lasted until evening.
Hinata listened at first with excitement—it was an honor just to be present. But as time passed, boredom crept in, and her eyelids grew heavy.
Eventually, she curled up and fell asleep in Ran's arms.
Hiashi frowned at the sight and was about to wake her, but Ran raised a hand to stop him.
"If Hinata wants to sleep, let her sleep," Ran said softly with a smile. "We can talk quietly."
Seeing that Ran didn't mind, Hiashi said nothing more.
Just then, someone knocked at the door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Only then did they realize it was already evening.
Ran carefully stood up, afraid of waking Hinata. But sensing the change, she stirred and instantly opened her eyes, grabbing the hem of his pants.
"Brother Ran, are you leaving? When will you come again?"
Ran froze for a moment, then laughed. "When little Hinata masters the Eight Trigrams Thirty-Two Palms, Brother Ran will come see you again."
Hiashi frowned. "Hinata, mind your manners."
Hinata, who had been full of motivation just moments ago, lowered her head in disappointment, pouting as if she were about to cry.
Ran clicked his tongue and glanced at Hiashi. "Clan Head Hiashi, no offense, but you really need more patience with girls. Hinata's still young—don't be so strict."
Hiashi coughed lightly. "The Hyūga Clan has always valued etiquette. Children begin learning manners at three."
"Alright, alright," Ran waved his hand. "Stop lecturing me—I'm getting a headache. Are you implying I don't know manners?" He narrowed his eyes.
Hiashi's expression stiffened. Is Hokage-sama reprimanding me?
Seeing him take it too seriously, Ran sighed. "Hiashi, I don't object to you being polite to others—just not with me. You know I value ability and character more than formalities."
"We're practically family here. Don't be so stiff. You're a handsome man—smile more. With that serious face of yours, people who don't know us might think you're my father-in-law."
Hiashi nodded instinctively, though something felt off.
Hinata, standing to the side, turned bright red, steam practically rising from her head.
Noticing Hiashi starting to overthink, Ran quickly changed the subject. "Alright, enough of that. Go see why your people interrupted us—it must be something important."
Hiashi immediately nodded and moved ahead. Opening the door, he saw a Hyūga Branch member and an ANBU kneeling on one knee.
"Clan Head, Lady Nara Shikaku has sent ANBU with an urgent message," the Hyūga ninja reported. "She requests that you and Hokage-sama go to the Hokage Building at once. Something major has happened."
Ran stepped forward and stood beside Hiashi. They exchanged a glance.
"Get up," Ran said. "We're leaving immediately."
For Shikaku to send ANBU straight to the Hyūga compound… something big is definitely happening, Ran thought.
The two quickly headed for the Hokage Building.
———
Inside, Nara Shikaku was rubbing her temples, utterly exhausted.
She had spent the entire day handling government affairs and was just about to leave when a messenger from Kirigakure arrived, requesting an audience with Hokage Uchiha Ran.
When questioned, the messenger insisted that the matter could only be explained directly to the Hokage—on the orders of Mei Terumī herself.
Shikaku stopped probing after that.
Mei Terumī was already well known. Unlike Ran, she wasn't openly ambitious. Unlike the tyrannical Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, she was widely regarded as intelligent, courageous, and capable.
Among the civilians, many already viewed her as the future Fifth Mizukage. Some had even attempted to assassinate Yagura in her name—only to meet the same fate: death.
Given Yagura's overwhelming strength, Mei Terumī could only bide her time. In Shikaku's estimation, it would take her at least another ten years to truly rise.
Just as Shikaku was pondering the balance of power between nations, the door suddenly bang—was kicked open.
Uchiha Ran strode in, expression calm. "Shikaku, what happened that made you send ANBU all the way to the Hyūga compound?"
Shikaku's face darkened. "Ran! You're the Hokage—these affairs should've been handled by you! And this door—do you have any idea how expensive it is? You just kicked it down like that—!"
She pointed at his nose and scolded him relentlessly.
Ran didn't dare say a word. After all, he had left early and dumped all the work on her. Feeling guilty, he simply let her vent.
Kakashi's face twitched as he struggled not to laugh—a reaction Ran caught immediately.
Ran narrowed his eyes. "Kakashi. I hear your Lightning Release is exceptional, and your self-created Raikiri is quite famous. Come to my place tomorrow and teach my younger brother."
"Hokage-sama, no— I—" Kakashi tried to refuse.
Ran raised a finger. "Choose one ninjutsu from the Book of Seals."
"I guarantee I'll complete the mission!" Kakashi said instantly, grinning.
No joke—Hokage-sama is way too generous!
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