At this point in time, Kirigakure was mired in internal strife, divided into three major factions.
The first was led by the Third Mizukage, commanding the Anbu and the Mist Hunter-nin. The second was the Elder Council, headed by Genji and backed by the Great Bloodline Clans, to which Mei Terumī belonged. Finally, there was the "Chiu" organization coalescing around Yagura Karatachi, which had successfully recruited the majority of civilian ninjas and the Jonin Commander's office.
Mei's presence in the Land of Lightning was an assignment from the Elder Council, not the Third Mizukage, who currently served as the official face of the Mist.
Compounding the tension was Suigetsu's defection. The fakt that a member of the Hunter-nin had abandoned the village to join a terrorist organization orbiting Ren Uchiha—and was seemingly plotting against the Lightning Daimyo—had dropped a massive "black pot" of blame directly onto the Third Mizukage's head.
To provide an account to his own Daimyo and to clarify the Mist's stance at the Five-Kage Summit, the Third Mizukage sought to avoid a conflict with the Cloud. He couldn't afford those "barbarians" getting a hot head and declaring war on a Mist village that had only just finished fighting Iwagakure. Thus, he had personally dispatched his elite Hunter-nin to attend the summit.
After untangling this logic through Mei's explanation, Ren came to a realization.
"I see... but who exactly is coming?"
Within the Mist Hunter-nin, those who truly qualified as "powerhouses" were the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. According to Ren's knowledge, their allegiances varied. Fuguki Suikazan and Kisame Hoshigaki were stalwarts of the Hunter-nin, while Kushimaru Kuriarare belonged to the Anbu. Others, like Jūzō Biwa, Jinpachi Munashi, Raiga Kurosuki, and Jinin Akebino, answered to the Mizukage, though their specific department was often unclear.
"There are rumors that Fuguki Suikazan is leading the team, while others say it's Jūzō Biwa."
Mei shook her head, looking at Ren with deep concern. "How about... I go with you?"
If Ren were in his normal state, she wouldn't worry. But looking at his staggering gait and "kidney-deficient" appearance... forget fighting the Mist, she was genuinely afraid he might collapse halfway from heatstroke or seasickness.
If we travel together... she cleared her throat mentally. I mean, if I'm there to take care of him, these problems won't be an issue.
Ren shook his head decisively.
The news of Orochimaru seizing Turtle Island hadn't spread yet, but once it did, if the Mist found out Mei had been there, their greed might be ignited. After all, the Mist already held the Three-Tails and the Six-Tails.
Besides, since the incoming group belonged to Mei's political rivals, Ren didn't mind taking them off the board for her. Even in his weakened state, it was all relative. As long as the Third Mizukage himself didn't show up, Ren felt his taijutsu was more than enough to handle a few Ninja Swordsmen, especially since he couldn't use Susanoo or his Fire Release: Chakra Mode anyway.
"Sigh..."
Seeing Ren refuse, Mei let out a long breath. She wanted to say something more, but the words died in her throat. She had sought him out to tell him her thoughts—how much she had grown since he encouraged her at the Jashin castle, and to invite the rogue Ren to join her faction.
But was that a move driven by political profit? Or was it just greed, wanting to rely on his strength to achieve her own ideals?
During the recent Akatsuki meeting, she had observed him closely. Ren clearly had his own will and his own path. If she used the name of friendship to conscript him into her service, would that brief but profound bond lose its luster?
The brilliant, green-eyed girl was conflicted. She yearned to prove herself and fight by his side, yet she cherished their friendship too much to take that step.
There will be a way. Even without relying on Ren, even by helping him instead, I can achieve my dream.
Resolving herself, Mei swallowed her invitation. She lowered her head and untied a sachet from her white sash, handing it over.
"At the only ferry in the Land of Frost, at six in the evening, a steamship from the Land of Water will arrive. Take my seal and find the captain. He will prepare a 'Lightning Boat' for you to head out to sea alone."
Ren looked at Mei, confused by her sudden mood shift. He scratched his head. "Well, thanks then."
"Hey... Mei," Ren suddenly straightened up, placing his hands on her smooth shoulders. "If there's anything I can help with, don't keep it bottled up. Tell me!"
"After all, we're friends!"
With that, Ren took the sachet, turned, waved, and walked away.
"Ah...!"
Watching his retreating back, Mei's eyes widened and her face flushed.
What... what did he just call me?
Ren traveled from the Land of Lightning to the Land of Frost ferry using the maps he'd scavenged from Orochimaru's lab.
Water transportation in the shinobi world generally fell into three categories: wooden rowboats, sailboats (the most common), and steam-powered ships. Currently, only the Land of Water and Land of Lightning possessed the latter—though the long-lost Sky Ninjas reportedly had carriers.
At six in the evening, Ren saw the massive, steam-belching vessel from the Land of Water. After presenting Mei's token to the captain, the sailors lowered a small "Lightning Boat"—a sleek, electric-powered vessel designed for two to six people.
Once he had loaded his supplies and learned how to read the maritime compass, Ren set out toward Turtle Island.
Meanwhile, out on the boundless ocean.
A massive ship carrying the Mist delegation was slowly making its way toward the Land of Lightning. Standing on the deck were the members of the Mist Hunter-nin.
Fuguki Suikazan stood there with Samehada on his shoulder, surrounded by masked Hunter-nin. Among them was a towering figure, built like a shark, with a long blade at his waist.
But in front of everyone, at the very tip of the bow, stood a different man.
He had long, grey-white hair and a refined face adorned with pearl-like ornaments. His eyes were habitually closed.
It was the Third Mizukage of Kirigakure.
Note: Support me and get early access to chapters on Pat reon.com/XareonMTL