Noon.
Tsunade was still buried in official documents when Shizune stepped forward to report:
"Tsunade-sama, we've just received word—the Fifth Mizukage of the Land of Water has arrived at the village gates."
Tsunade looked up, surprise flickering across her face.
"The Mizukage? Mei Terumi? Why is she here so quickly?"
Her surprise was justified.
The Land of Water was an overseas nation, far from Konoha.
Even representatives from the closer Lands of Earth and Lightning hadn't arrived yet.
For someone traveling from an island nation to appear this soon—
Tsunade could only conclude that Mei Terumi had departed immediately upon receiving Konoha's invitation.
Tsunade had never met Mei Terumi before.
But she had a strong impression of her.
Among the three great nations—
Kumogakure and Iwagakure were only sending representatives as a formality.
Only the Mizukage had chosen to attend personally.
That was giving Tsunade considerable face.
Tsunade appreciated the gesture—
And was equally curious.
What exactly is her intention in coming here herself?
...
"Shizune, go and receive the Kirigakure delegation first. I'll join shortly," Tsunade said after a moment of thought.
When she met Mei Terumi, she intended to find out what the Mizukage was truly after.
...
Konoha's main gate.
On the broad street leading into the village—
A breathtaking woman stepped into public view.
She wore a blue strapless dress, cinched at the waist with a white sash. Her nails were painted a deep ocean blue.
She had alluring green eyes, reddish-brown wavy hair that cascaded down her back like the shape of a pine tree, one eye partially hidden behind her bangs, and soft pink lips.
Her figure was voluptuous, her skin fair and flawless.
The moment Mei Terumi appeared—
She was like a crimson rose blooming proudly among wild grass.
Fiery.
Dazzling.
Impossible to ignore.
Especially for normal men.
She was like a poppy flower—
Beautiful, poisonous, and utterly intoxicating.
"My god! That woman is stunning!"
"I've never seen someone so beautiful. If she were my wife—"
"Keep dreaming. Someone like that would never look at trash like you."
"She looks unfamiliar. I've never seen her in the village before."
"I think I've fallen in love…"
"Idiot. That's the Mizukage."
"The Mizukage?! The Fifth Mizukage of Kirigakure, Mei Terumi?!"
"Yes! Can't you see the Mizukage's hat on her head?"
"…Oh. Now I notice."
"Wait, isn't the Land of Water far overseas? Why is she here?"
"Are you even from Konoha? Tomorrow is the Fifth Hokage's inauguration ceremony."
"Still… most villages usually send representatives, not the Kage themselves."
"Heh, looks like our Hokage-sama really commands respect."
"True…"
...
Despite the street's loud admiration and chatter, Mei Terumi remained calm.
Unmoved.
Her mind was far away—
Lost in the thought of finally seeing Uchiha Yusuke again.
The moment she stepped into Konoha, excitement surged through her.
Yusuke-kun… I'm here.
I wonder how you'll react when you see me.
A faint smile curved beneath the brim of her Mizukage hat.
"Greetings, Mizukage-dono."
Shizune had arrived to receive her.
"I am the Hokage's assistant. The Hokage-sama has instructed me to welcome you personally. She has been awaiting your arrival. Please follow me."
Mei Terumi glanced at the young woman before her—short black hair, delicate features, dressed in an assistant's uniform—and nodded gracefully.
"Then I'll trouble you."
"Not at all. This way, Mizukage-dono."
...
Hokage Tower.
Reception Hall.
Tsunade stood with several of Konoha's senior officials.
Before long, Shizune entered with Mei Terumi.
"Welcome to Konoha, Mizukage," Tsunade said amicably.
Though she did not yet know Mei's intentions—
The fact that the Mizukage had come in person already signaled goodwill.
Mei smiled in return.
"Congratulations, Hokage."
As protocol demanded, the two exchanged formal pleasantries for some time.
At first meeting, both women found the other agreeable.
There was even a trace of mutual respect.
...
After the formalities concluded—
Mei Terumi began discreetly scanning the room.
Her gaze drifted across Konoha's senior officials, department heads, and the clan leaders of the great families.
But—
She did not see the familiar, handsome face she had longed for over the past ten years.
He wasn't here.
The realization caused a faint shadow of disappointment to pass through her eyes.
Present with Tsunade were key figures of Konoha—
Leaders from major departments and clan heads:
Hiashi Hyūga of the Hyūga clan,
Shikaku Nara of the Nara clan,
Chōza Akimichi of the Akimichi clan,
And others.
Tsunade noticed Mei's subtle behavior.
The faint searching glances.
The disappointment.
Her brow creased slightly.
What is she looking for?
Is she searching for someone?
Does she know someone in Konoha?
And that expression—
It almost looked like disappointment at not seeing someone she expected.
Tsunade's instincts sharpened.
Among the great nations, espionage was hardly rare.
Was there a long-planted Kirigakure spy within Konoha?
That would be troublesome.
If so—
It had to be uncovered.
Maintaining a neutral expression, Tsunade spoke casually.
"Mizukage, is something wrong? You seem a bit distracted."
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