The gates of Kirigakure loomed ahead, tall and dark, surrounded by mist that never quite cleared even in broad daylight.
As Kakashi and Mei approached with Chojuro at their side, a squad of Mist shinobi stood at attention near the entrance. Leading them was a familiar face, Ao, the stern-faced veteran with the Byakugan-covered eye.
"Kakashi Hatake," Ao greeted, his voice formal but respectful. "Welcome to Kirigakure."
"Glad to be here. You all look a lot more relaxed than last time." Kakashi gave a small wave.
Ao allowed himself a tight-lipped smile. "That's because your presence calms more than just shinobi. With Lady Mei's permission, I made the alliance public. The people know now that Kirigakure and Konohagakure are no longer enemies."
Behind Ao, the gathered shinobi nodded. Some even looked at Kakashi with admiration, a few bowing their heads slightly.
The civilians who'd gathered near the gates watched with cautious but hopeful eyes. Children whispered to their parents, shinobi clutched their headbands with pride, and a quiet energy spread through the crowd.
"We've had enough of the blood mist," one older man muttered from the crowd, just loud enough to be heard. "If Konoha stands with us, then maybe peace will finally come."
Kakashi's expression softened.
They're still recovering … but at least they have hope now.
"Come, Lady Mizukage. The Council is waiting." Ao turned and gestured.
…
Inside the Mizukage Building, the wide halls echoed with footsteps. Mei walked with her back straight, her long hair swaying slightly behind her.
Kakashi kept pace beside her, hands in his pockets, expression unreadable. Chojuro followed behind them, trying to keep his nervous energy contained.
Mei stopped in front of the double doors leading into the council chambers. Her smile faded slightly.
"They'll make trouble," she murmured, almost to herself.
"You ready for that?" Kakashi tilted his head.
"Tsunade taught me a few things." She smirked and spoke in a low voice.
Then she pushed open the doors and stepped into the lion's den.
…
The council room was dimly lit, with a long oval table at the center surrounded by seated elders. At the head of the table sat Elder Genji, the only one who had ever supported Mei without expecting something in return.
The rest of the elders, greedy, self-serving remnants of the blood mist, turned toward her with narrowed eyes and false smiles.
One of them, an older man with slicked-back gray hair and a hunched posture, sneered first. "Lady Mizukage, you've returned with the copy ninja, I see. Are we your village now, or is he our new overlord?"
Laughter, dry and forced, rippled among the other elders.
Mei didn't blink. She walked to the center of the room and stopped, her gaze sharp. "Enough."
"Enough?" another elder said mockingly. "Do you think your little Konoha alliance gives you permission to forget where you stand? The council keeps this village from-"
That's when it happened.
With one step forward, Mei released her chakra.
It wasn't just a flare, it was like a tidal wave of pressure. A roaring force of presence that struck every elder like a hammer to the chest. Kakashi smiled and took a tiny step back. The very air crackled, dense, and oppressive.
The table groaned under the weight of it. Several elders cried out as their heads were forced down. A few tried to resist, drawing on their chakra-
But crystalline vines burst from the walls.
Gleaming, translucent purple crystals wrapped around arms, legs, and torsos with impossible precision. They twisted like serpents, binding the elders where they sat. The sound of shattering stones rang out as one of them cracked the table in his panic. Their eyes widened.
"A third Kekkei Genkai?!" one elder gasped, struggling uselessly. "That's impossible!"
Elder Genji was stunned but not frightened. He stared at Mei, his sharp eyes narrowing in realization. He had known of her dual bloodlines, Boil and Lava Release, but this… this was new. And it was strong.
His lips twitched into a smile. So it awakened recently…
The crystal vines didn't strangle the elders, but they didn't let go either. Mei's chakra calmed, but the room still trembled from the aftermath. She crossed her arms, her voice like a sword's edge.
"This council wastes more resources than it provides. I've decided it must be disbanded."
Gasps broke out immediately.
"You can't do that!"
"This is tyranny!"
"The council is vital to balancing your power!"
But Elder Genji raised a hand calmly, and the room fell into silence.
"I agree."
"Genji-dono?! You-!" The elders turned to him, wide-eyed.
"It takes too much. We are not the Five Great Era anymore," Genji said firmly. "We are weakened, our people are tired, and we cannot afford leeches draining our resources. Lady Mizukage has proven herself stronger than all of us, and unlike you lot-" he glanced at the struggling elders, "-I trust her to lead without our meddling."
"But she-!"
"I said enough!"
Genji's voice rang with old but undeniable power. The shinobi who supported Mei, and there were many, respected Genji more than any of the other elders.
Many had once trained under him, and many more owed their careers to his teachings and fair decisions. His support was absolute.
And with that, the room went still.
The elders sat there with mouths open, knowing they were beaten.
"Thank you, Elder." Mei turned to Genji and gave a respectful nod.
"Don't thank me. Just don't turn into a blood-stained tyrant." Genji waved a hand.
"I'll leave that to history." Mei smiled.
The crystals receded, slithering back into the walls like obedient serpents. The elders slumped in their seats, pale and shaken. None dared speak again.
"That was impressive. You knew she could handle them?"Kakashi finally stepped forward, giving Genji a curious look.
Genji chuckled. "I didn't know. I hoped. But seeing her now… she reminds me of what this village should become."
Then he gave a long, tired sigh. "I'm old, Kakashi-san. I've given away all my subordinates and delegated everything I once held. Unlike that Hiruzen of yours, I don't cling to power like it's my lover's hand. Mei is the future. She doesn't need our permission anymore."
"She doesn't." Kakashi nodded quietly.
As Genji stood to leave, he glanced at Mei one last time.
"Going to Konoha was good for you. Whatever fire Tsunade passed on to you… It suits you."
Mei watched him go with an unreadable look, but her voice was soft when she said, "Thank you."
…
Later that day, as the sun began to break through the ever-present mist, Kakashi and Mei stood on the balcony of the Mizukage Tower.
Below them, the village bustled with new life. Shinobi trained, merchants, bartered, and children ran through the narrow streets. The heavy air that had once choked Kirigakure seemed lighter.
"Feels different already," Kakashi murmured.
Mei didn't answer at first. Her gaze swept the horizon, thoughtful.
"They're scared," she said finally. "Of change. Of me. Of Konoha. But they're also… hopeful."
"You earned that hope," Kakashi said, glancing at her. "That show of strength was… effective."
Mei chuckled. "Tsunade always said if words fail, let your chakra and fists speak louder."
They stood in silence for a moment. The wind shifted, stirring Mei's long hair.
"I'll make this village strong again," she said quietly. "Not with blood. But with power, peace, and pride. That's my promise."
"Sounds like a Mizukage to me." Kakashi smiled behind his hand.