Time: 8:00 AM.
Location: Konoha, Hokage Tower.
Party A: Tsunade.
Party B: Terumi Mei.
Spectator: Kamizuki Hikari.
The spacious Hokage's office was now occupied by only three people.
Tsunade sat on her chair, propping her chin with the back of her hand as she looked at Terumi Mei.
Mei, in turn, stared directly back at Tsunade without a hint of backing down.
"Fifth Mizukage?" Tsunade directly addressed Mei's status.
Perhaps it was a woman's intuition, or perhaps the instinct of a seasoned shinobi—regardless, it was intuition combined with a jumble of other factors that led Tsunade to completely discard the script Shikaku had painstakingly prepared and directly expose Terumi Mei's identity.
"Fifth Hokage?" Mei met Tsunade's gaze with equal intensity. For her, even in Konoha, even in the Land of Fire, even facing Tsunade—who was capable of taking on the Tsuchikage and Raikage single-handedly—she had no intention of backing down.
"For the Mizukage to grace us with your presence without sending advance notice — surely that's against proper etiquette, isn't it?" Tsunade questioned.
According to the operational protocols of the Five Great Villages, a Kage's travel must involve appropriate arrangements. Upon arriving in another nation, they must be received by shinobi of that country, with specific standards and corresponding regulations governing the reception.
By bypassing this, Terumi Mei had, in a way, violated these protocols.
"In Kirigakure, I am only the Acting Mizukage. Unlike you, the official Hokage, my true status is merely that of an ordinary jōnin." Mei stated her excuse.
It wasn't entirely an excuse.
When the Five Great Villages change their Kage, they are required to send official documents to the other villages. There had been such a process when Tsunade assumed office.
Regardless of the other village's attitude, the important thing was to inform them who the current leader of the village was.
That way, grudges had a rightful owner, and debts had a rightful debtor.
"I see." Tsunade did not press further on this point with Mei. Instead, she asked, "The Acting Mizukage has traveled a great distance from afar. It must have been arduous. Surely you did not come to Konoha merely for sightseeing?"
For military organizations like shinobi villages, strength was the standard for authority.
Now, Tsunade was tacitly recognized as the strongest Kage among the Five Great Villages. Even facing the equally formidable Mizukage, Tsunade maintained a haughty attitude.
"When the Fifth Hokage assumed office, you sent a formal notice to Kirigakure. We haven't yet sent an official response. As it's only been a little over a month, we've come to deliver our congratulations in person. I trust the Fifth Hokage does not mind?"
Hikari, quietly observing from the corner, couldn't help but want to applaud Mei's response.
Well said.
"Not at all, of course not!"
Tsunade had not expected Terumi Mei to find an opening so quickly and gave up on continuing to pressure her.
"That said, the incident with Sunagakure during the last Chūnin Exams happened barely three months ago. With such a recent precedent, Konoha cannot afford to lower its guard. I hope Mizukage-dono can understand."
Mei responded, "Regarding the matter of the Third Hokage, we also express our deep sorrow. That is why this time, I brought only Ao and Chōjūrō. With Tsunade-sama guarding Konoha, even if we had the courage of ten men, we wouldn't dare follow in Sunagakure's footsteps."
"If that's truly the case, then both the Mizukage and Kirigakure are indeed good friends of Konoha!"
Hearing Terumi Mei state her intentions, whether Tsunade believed her or not, she now expressed her own stance.
"Konoha is a village that cherishes peace," she continued. "Looking back at the three Great Ninja Wars, Konoha was always dragged into conflict or forced to join. Many times, out of humanitarian concern, we've supported our adversaries in post-war reconstruction, unwilling to see fellow shinobi treated unjustly."
"Konoha's ideal is to coexist harmoniously with other villages, working together for the development of the shinobi world."
The corner of Terumi Mei's mouth twitched slightly. Looking at Tsunade's "noble and righteous" expression, she realized where the gap between herself and Tsunade lay.
It wasn't the size of their "mountains", but the thickness of their skin.
Mei had to admit she couldn't match Tsunade's ability to speak so confidently without hesitation.
Taking a deep breath, Mei processed Tsunade's words before replying with a faint smile, "Peace is the future of the shinobi world, and it's also Kirigakure's goal. After years of turmoil, we've come to deeply understand the importance of peace."
"War benefits no one."
"It exhausts the people and drains resources—an unjust act."
"This time, I came to Konoha to meet the Fifth Hokage and discuss the future of peace—not only between our two villages, but for the entire shinobi world. Having heard your grand ideals, I am deeply delighted to find that our vision aligns perfectly with Konoha's."
As long as you shed your pride, you become the coolest one in the room.
"Since ancient times, heroes have admired heroes." Tsunade said. "Meeting you today, Mizukage, I realize that in this world, only you and I stand as equals among women!"
Mei replied, "The Hokage flatters me; I dare not accept such praise. The heavy responsibility of peace in the shinobi world still relies mainly on the Hokage and Konoha to lead. Kirigakure has limited resources and can only cheer from behind the Hokage. I am truly ashamed!"
Tsunade warmly grasped Mei's hand. "That is enough. For peace in the world, Konoha bears responsibility. As long as the Five Great Villages each fulfill their duties and maintain peace in their own countries, I believe that with our leadership, the smaller villages will gladly join us in striving together for the peace of the shinobi world!"
"I will live up to the Hokage's good intentions!" Terumi Mei warmly clasped Tsunade's hand in return. The two looked at each other, a faint lily-sweet fragrance seeming to diffuse around them.
Fresh and elegant, it made Hikari narrow his eyes slightly.
[I feel like something green has appeared above my head, and it was brought by Terumi Mei... Is it just my imagination?]
"The Mizukage is too kind. For the great cause of peace, a small sacrifice is nothing!"
"The Hokage is magnanimous. I have a small request and hope the Hokage will agree!" Terumi Mei said somewhat apologetically.
"Mizukage, speak freely. If Konoha has it, we will not refuse!" Tsunade patted her chest and declared confidently.
"Then I want Kamizuki Hikari. He suits my..."
"Mizukage, wait!"
Before Terumi Mei could finish, Tsunade interrupted.
"What's wrong?" Mei looked at Tsunade in confusion.
'One moment we're practically sisters, and now you're flipping on me? Is this another Konoha tradition?'
"Kamizuki Hikari's status is too low to represent Konoha's sincerity." Tsunade said. "How about Hatake Kakashi instead? Head of Konoha's Hatake clan, an elite jōnin, handsome, and most importantly, far stronger than my unworthy subordinate. What do you think, Mizukage?"
"But Hikari..." Mei tried again.
"That won't do!" Tsunade cut in firmly.
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