"Qing-sama, Mizukage-sama has already been informed and is waiting," the ANBU said respectfully.
"Understood. Thank you."
The ANBU led Qing and the others away from the dock toward a small outpost outside Kirigakure. Two additional ANBU guards stood watch nearby.
One of them quickly wrote a report, tied it to the leg of a messenger hawk, and released it into the sky.
---
Mizukage Office — Kirigakure
Stacks of documents lay neatly arranged across the desk.
Behind them sat the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi.
Her long auburn hair framed a graceful face, one eye partially hidden beneath her bangs. She wore a blue dress beneath the Mizukage cloak, her posture relaxed yet dignified.
Mei set down her brush and smiled faintly.
"They should be arriving soon," she murmured. "And that little troublemaker actually left his village at a time like this… how bold."
A hawk landed on the window.
Mei retrieved the message and read it quickly. A playful smile curved her lips.
"So he's already here…"
---
Outside Kirigakure
Chen Xing moved swiftly through the misty forest alongside Qing. Massive trees blurred past as they advanced toward the village.
"How much farther?" Chen Xing asked.
"About a hundred miles," Qing replied. "At this pace, we'll arrive within the hour."
Not long after, Kirigakure's outer perimeter appeared through the heavy mist. Patrol shinobi did not stop them—their arrival had already been approved.
Chen Xing observed the environment carefully. The ground felt damp, but it wasn't raining.
"I thought Kirigakure had constant rainfall," he said.
Qing chuckled softly.
"That's a misunderstanding. The village is known for its dense mist, not endless rain. Sometimes we go weeks without rainfall."
Soon, the village gate came into view.
Waiting there was a group of shinobi led by Mei Terumi herself.
Several elderly advisors stood behind her, along with elite Kirigakure ninja.
"That must be the famous Peacock King," one elder murmured. "He's younger than expected."
"Genius shinobi appear in every era," another replied. "A pity he wasn't born in Kirigakure."
"And yet," a third added thoughtfully, "he comes here without guards. Either fearless… or supremely confident."
---
Meeting at the Gate
Qing stepped forward and knelt briefly.
"Mizukage-sama, we've returned."
Mei waved casually.
"You've done well. Stand down."
Her gaze shifted to Chen Xing.
"Celestial Shadow-sama," she said with a teasing smile, "you dared to come to Kirigakure alone. Aren't you afraid I might detain you?"
Chen Xing stepped back exaggeratedly, pretending caution.
"Hearing you say that makes me nervous."
Mei laughed softly.
"Oh, enough of that."
Behind her, the elders watched silently. After Chen Xing's defeat and capture of the Fourth Kazekage, none of them underestimated him. Capturing a Kage alive required overwhelming strength and control—proof enough that his title as Celestial Shadow was deserved.
"Come," Mei said. "Let me introduce you."
She gestured toward the advisors.
"This is our Second Elder."
Chen Xing nodded politely.
"An honor."
The elder studied him carefully before smiling.
"To build a village to this level in such a short time… impressive."
"You flatter me," Chen Xing replied calmly.
After brief introductions, Mei led him toward the Mizukage building.
---
Inside Kirigakure
Mei walked ahead, her steps graceful and confident.
Chen Xing followed behind, occasionally glancing at her with amused interest.
Sensing his gaze, she glanced back, eyes narrowing slightly before turning forward again with a faint smile.
Their negotiations were about to begin.
---