The Land of Waves had been transformed into a thriving port. When Terumi Mei and Ao disembarked, they were astonished by its prosperity.
Though they had heard reports describing the Land of Waves' bustling trade routes, seeing it firsthand was an entirely different experience.
Even at the port alone, more than twenty massive ships, each nearly a hundred meters long, were lined up to load and unload cargo. Though they appeared to be merchant ships, every one of them was equipped with heavy firearms and cannons. If deployed for battle, their combined firepower could rival that of an entire ninja battalion.
"The chairman is waiting for you in the reception hall. Please follow me."
A man from the Kado Company addressed Terumi Mei respectfully, then led the group toward the company's headquarters.
As they walked, Terumi Mei and Ao noticed the wary stares directed at them. The moment the dockworkers saw their forehead protectors, their expressions turned guarded and hostile.
The Land of Water and Kirigakure had clashed with the Kado Company multiple times before, even sending assassins after their president. Naturally, those who depended on Kado Shipping for their livelihoods wouldn't welcome emissaries from the Hidden Mist.
If not for their guide, the workers might have rushed ahead to alert Kado's people about their arrival.
The Kado Shipping headquarters was an opulent seven-story building, but the group didn't enter it. Instead, they were led to Kado's private estate.
After Kado's assassination, the mansion had been rebuilt and repurposed as temporary housing for executives. The "Kado" they were about to meet now was an android replica created by No. 18.
Inside the grand reception hall, Terumi Mei finally met Kado in person.
She studied him carefully—it truly was Kado. That meant the assassination had failed. She glanced at Ao, who understood her meaning, though he was equally puzzled. The captured assassins had shown no signs of deceit during interrogation, yet somehow the mission had gone wrong.
"Lady Mizukage, please sit," Kado said, gesturing to the prepared table and cushions.
After taking her seat, Terumi Mei replied politely, "Mr. Kado, I came to discuss matters concerning the Land of Water."
"So it's about trade routes, then," Kado said with a smirk. "If I recall correctly, all this trouble began because of those foolish nobles in your country. Over a petty dispute, they sent Kirigakure assassins after me. Your village's operatives were quite skilled—if not for my double, they might have succeeded."
Terumi Mei and Ao looked slightly embarrassed. At least now they understood: the man they had killed was a decoy, one convincing enough to fool even elite Mist assassins.
She sighed softly. "It was my subordinates' failure to assess the situation properly. Kirigakure apologizes. However, regarding the transport of goods, we hope the Kado Company will resume open trade. Otherwise, both our civilians and shinobi will struggle to survive."
Kado chuckled. "Indeed. If the shinobi can't survive, they'd become worse than bandits—especially a village like yours, commanding thousands of ninja. I imagine they'd swarm toward the Land of Waves… and perhaps cut me down as the culprit, yes?" He laughed twice, then his expression hardened.
"I can agree to reopen supplies," he continued, "but only if Kirigakure accepts two conditions. Do that, and Kado Shipping will guarantee you never face shortages again. I can even provide you with kunai, shuriken, and explosive tags through my trade networks."
Terumi Mei frowned slightly. "What are these conditions?" The offer was tempting, but she sensed a heavy price behind it.
"Kill these people. Whether you do it as Kirigakure's operatives or under the guise of rogue ninja doesn't matter. Once they're dead, your supply problems will disappear, and I'll uphold my end of the deal."
He handed her a list through a servant. As Terumi Mei read it, her brows knit tightly—those names were far from simple targets.
Passing the list to Ao, she watched his expression darken. He slammed his fist on the table and shouted, "You go too far! These are ministers of the Land of Water! Are you trying to start a war?"
"Ice Shield: Thousand Flying Water Spears."
Before Ao could move further, the figure beside Kado—Haku—formed a single-hand seal. In an instant, countless water needles transformed into ice senbon, surrounding the Mist delegation.
"Ice Release…"
Terumi Mei and Ao froze in alarm. Ice Release, performed effortlessly without any water source—and the jutsu's scale surpassed even that of most Mist jōnin.
"Please, Lady Mizukage," Kado said coolly, "do not act rashly. I've already survived one assassination attempt by your village. Any hostility now could end in bloodshed neither of us can afford."
He paused, then continued in a firm tone, "Your advisor's plan won't work. Even if you turn to the Land of Lightning, no one will sell you supplies. When that happens, your villagers will be reduced to chewing bark for food."
Terumi Mei fell silent. She could sense Kado's unwavering determination—there was no room for negotiation.
Folding the list, she said quietly, "Then allow us to consider your proposal." Refusal meant war, and war required the council's approval—especially with the Five Kage Summit approaching. If Kirigakure entered conflict now, their entire strategy could collapse.
After leaving, Terumi Mei's ANBU gathered intelligence in the Land of Waves, but they were soon discovered and expelled. They didn't even manage to locate the local daimyo.
The situation forced Terumi Mei to a crossroads. She quickly wrote down her thoughts and sent them to the village for Master Genji's advice, also instructing him to investigate possible spies. The fact that Kado knew about their secret plan to trade with the Land of Lightning before she did meant only one thing: there was a traitor inside Kirigakure—one high in rank.
On her way to the Land of Hot Water, Terumi Mei wrestled with indecision. Should she go to war with Kado Shipping, or sacrifice a few rogue ninja to pacify the situation?
Either path required courage. But as a newly appointed Mizukage who still relied heavily on her advisor's guidance, she struggled to decide.
Upon reaching the Land of Hot Water, and seeing that there was still time before the scheduled meeting, Terumi Mei and Ao took the chance to sightsee.
The region was thriving—and not long ago, it had hosted a grand "God of Cuisine" contest involving chefs from across the entire ninja world. Even from the distant Land of Water, Terumi Mei had heard of it; many of her country's chefs had crossed the sea to participate.
Unfortunately, she had arrived too late to witness the event herself.
As they passed a local tavern, she suddenly heard a familiar voice inside. Curious, she stepped in.
"Lady Hokage?"
Inside, Tsunade was relaxing after a long abstinence from alcohol in Konoha. She had come to the Land of Hot Water to unwind, though Shizune had objected, reminding her that the Five Kage Summit was approaching—and that Tsunade tended to drink herself into oblivion. Since Shizune handled their travel funds, she had refused to finance any drinking.
Hearing her name, Tsunade turned toward the door and was surprised to see Terumi Mei.
Both Kage were taken aback to meet so early, but Tsunade, delighted by the coincidence, invited her over for drinks. If Shizune wouldn't fund her, she'd simply find another way.
Terumi Mei didn't mind and sat down beside her.
As fellow Kage, both burdened by leadership and responsibility, they soon found comfort in conversation and shared sake.
Meanwhile, in the Shinobi Federation, before Pakura's departure, administrative duties had been left to Elder Kaekō, Kaekō Nobu, and Hyuga Mirai—though in truth, No. 18 handled nearly everything. Mirai merely sent a shadow clone each day to oversee research.
His real body spent most of its time at home—training Yin–Yang Release to suppress Kaguya's lingering consciousness and occasionally advising Tsunade on governance matters.
"Excuse me."
Just as Mirai began reviewing documents Tsunade had sent, Kushina arrived, carrying a tray of homemade sweets.
With Rin now working at the Federation Hospital and Naruto away studying political systems with Sasuke, she had grown restless at home.
Setting the treats on the table, Kushina leaned curiously forward, glancing at the papers.
"Hyuga… Kurama… These are Konoha's clans, right? Mirai-kun, what are you looking at?" she asked, noticing the scribbles and crossed-out marks on the sheet that looked almost childish.
"It's something Tsunade's been struggling with," Mirai said casually. "She asked for my advice. She wants to subdue the clans without bloodshed, but finding a legitimate excuse isn't easy."
"So even Tsunade's getting serious for once…" Kushina muttered, tilting her head at the messy notes. They were so rough she couldn't bring herself to praise them.
"How about I give you an idea, Mirai-kun?"
"Oh? What kind of idea?" he asked, curious how Kushina's simple mind might surprise him.
"What if—hear me out—you proposed a political marriage? If you married a well-known kunoichi from one of Konoha's major clans, then—"
Before she could finish, an icy chill enveloped the room.
Ayaka Uzumaki approached slowly, carrying a tray of tea.
(End of Chapter)