After rounds of toasts and drinks, the atmosphere grew warmer.
Even though they were shinobi, the alcohol seemed to deepen their camaraderie—at least on the surface. However, they all knew why they were really here. Finally, the composed Ao was the first to excuse himself.
"We have an audience with the Fifth Hokage tomorrow. We should call it a night before we end up making a poor impression."
With that, Kakashi didn't push any more drinks on them.
"In that case, Hikari will escort you back. Get some rest. Tsunade-sama will receive you all tomorrow!"
"Thank you for your hospitality!"
"You're too kind!"
Watching Kakashi and Ao exchange polite pleasantries, Kamizuki Hikari nearly gagged.
'How nauseating.'
Here were two men who'd gladly pluck each other's eyes out if given the chance—Ao wanted Kakashi's Sharingan, and Kakashi wouldn't mind relieving Ao of his Byakugan—yet they acted like long-lost brothers.
'Is this the world of adults?'
'Terrifying.'
"As I thought, you dislike such scenes too, don't you?" Terumi Mei sidled up to him, her breath not exactly sweet but carrying only a faint trace of alcohol mixed with a floral scent. It was... surprisingly pleasant.
"Not particularly. It's not too bad. I just prefer quiet moments." Hikari said, subtly trying to retreat.
Facing this overly enthusiastic woman was exhausting.
The main reason? He'd just had an intimate "battle" with Tsunade earlier that day. If he got too cozy with Mei and Tsunade caught wind of it, she might unleash her Wood Release on him.
Imagining Tsunade whipping out Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands, Hikari decided it was best to keep a low profile.
He hadn't even sorted things out with the women in Konoha yet. Better to steer clear of this wildflower from another village.
"What a coincidence! I love quiet moments too." Mei giggled, swaying slightly. "When I'm alone, I enjoy admiring the moon. Unfortunately, in Kiri, the fog often obscures the view. Tonight, the moon is so bright and full... Won't you join me?"
Hikari subconsciously rubbed his lower back, still sore from earlier exploits.
"It's getting late, you should rest early. Your meeting with the Fifth Hokage tomorrow concerns the peace between our villages—best not to neglect official matters."
"Hikari, you're so thoughtful." Mei cooed.
"Just being polite."
"Oh, but you haven't called me by my name yet..." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "If you don't mind... 'Mei' will do."
That was pushing it. In shinobi etiquette, cross-village interactions usually involved formal titles unless the relationship was long-established. Mei was testing boundaries.
"That's hardly appropriate, I think—"
"Do you... dislike me?" Her eyes glistened, brimming with a mix of feigned innocence and wounded pride.
Hikari was at his limit—this woman was dangerously seductive.
"Mei... well, let me escort you back." He sighed, shooting a glare at Kakashi, who was watching with amused interest.
'Just you wait, bastard. I'll shove my size 42 sandal right up your—'
It was all his fault—giving him these pointless tasks.
Otherwise, by now, he would already be lying in his oversized bed, deep in sleep.
Absolute bastard.
"Then, let's go!"
Terumi Mei completely ignored Ao and Chōjūrō, boldly taking Hikari's arm as they headed toward the guest quarters reserved for the Kiri delegation.
Watching their retreating figures, Kakashi rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Shikaku, what do you think her game is?"
Nara Shikaku yawned. "Probably probing Konoha's strength or extracting intel. But in these situations, we just have to trust Hikari to make the right call."
"Hikari, huh..." Kakashi frowned. "He doesn't seem too reliable. This Kirigakure envoy is a remarkable beauty. What if he gets seduced?"
Shikaku smirked. "He may be tempted, but at least for tonight, I don't think there will be a problem."
"Why's that?" Kakashi tilted his head.
Shikaku gave a cryptic smile before waving him off. "You could ask Shizune or Hikari himself. I'm heading home—still have homework to finish. Man, the suffering never ends."
With that, he vanished, leaving Kakashi bewildered.
"Weird."
Muttering to himself, Kakashi glanced at a corner, made a discreet hand signal, and vanished into the night with a Body Flicker.
---
Kirigakure Lodgings.
After an unnecessarily prolonged goodbye—Mei practically dripping with reluctance—Hikari was finally released. Mei closed the door, her playful demeanor dropping the moment it clicked shut.
She strode to the sitting area, plopping onto a cushion with a heavy exhale.
"Mei-sama, that just now..." Ao felt that as a man of experience, he should should caution the Fifth Mizukage.
"What about it? Are you saying I acted like a woman bewitched by a man's looks?" Terumi Mei narrowed her eyes, a trace of threat in her gaze. "Some words can be spoken, some cannot. Ao, you should understand that much."
'Mizukage-sama, you're threatening me again.'
Ao felt like crying. His already low standing seemed to sink even further here in Konoha.
"The Konoha's jōnin are tough nuts to crack," Mei continued. "Even if they know something, their lips are sealed tight. But someone like Kamizuki Hikari, a chūnin, is different. He's close to Kakashi, which means he's trusted by the Hokage. He might not have a high rank, but he likely knows more than your average jōnin. So tell me, is it wrong to get a little closer to someone like that?"
Seeing Terumi Mei's proud and self-assured look, Chōjūrō lowered his head.
Watching his goddess entangle herself with another man was painful beyond words.
Ao cleared his throat. "Well then, Mei-sama, allow me to share some... less than ideal news."
Mei nodded. "Go ahead. You know who I am. Is there anything that could possibly faze me?"
Might as well let her have this moment.
Ao couldn't help but feel a touch of sadistic glee.
Simple pleasure—watching someone's confidence crumble.
"It's simple." Ao began.
"Kamizuki Hikari may be unmarried and without an official girlfriend, but according to intel from the local izakayas, there are at least three women frequently seen with him. Coincidence? Unlikely."
"Moreover, as one of the Hokage's trusted aides, rumors in Konoha suggest he might be the Fifth Hokage's... possession."
Mei's triumphant expression shattered into an impressive array of colors—flushed fury, shocked paleness, and finally, a simmering storm of emotions.
After a long, frozen silence, she shot to her feet.
"That goddamn bastard!"
Pointing a trembling finger at the door, she hissed, "He tricked me. Next time I see him, I'll make him regret it!"
With that, she stormed into her room.
Though if anyone were looking closely—
Her retreating figure seemed just a little too hasty.
A touch too... flustered.
-----
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