Chapter 342: Mei Terumi's Suspicion
Crash.
Waves slapped rhythmically against the hull of the wooden boat, sending spray into the air. While the scenery was beautiful, the endless expanse of the ocean could eventually become monotonous.
However, the woman standing at the bow gazed at the vast waters as if she could never get enough of the sight.
She was one of the awakened members of the Ninshu, and her destination lay across the distant horizon: the Land of Water.
She had chosen this destination for a specific reason—her descendants had lived there for generations. This clan bore a beautiful name: the Minazuki (Yuki) Clan.
This powerhouse from the dimension was none other than the first head of the Minazuki clan, Minazuki Reika, the only person in history to have developed the Ice Style Kekkei Genkai to its ultimate stage.
Accompanying her was a man, the founder of the Kaguya Clan, a warrior who possessed the Shikotsumyaku Kekkei Genkai.
They had long since gathered intelligence that their descendants resided in a place called the Village Hidden in the Mist. Whether for public duty or personal interest, they were determined to visit.
Minazuki Reika was particularly overjoyed when she heard that the Mist Village was currently under the control of the Minazuki clan.
"I never imagined that the small group from back then would grow to such an extent," Reika said, her expression bright as the coastline appeared on the horizon.
Mist Village, Mizukage's Office.
Because Dark Owl was currently busy helping Obito reorganize the Akatsuki, a White Zetsu clone was temporarily filling in for the "puppet" to maintain the basic operations of the village.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Come in."
A young woman walked into the office. Though young, she already radiated a mature beauty.
She was the future Fifth Mizukage, a powerhouse possessing two Kekkei Genkai—Lava Style and Boil Style: Mei Terumi.
"Is something the matter?" White Zetsu, mimicking Minazuki Saya's usual demeanor, asked cautiously.
"Lady Mizukage, I have completed the previous mission. Here is the detailed report," Mei said, placing a scroll on the desk. Her eyes were locked onto the Mizukage's, searching for something within them.
"Very well. I will review it when I have time," White Zetsu said, pretending to bury himself in paperwork.
Mei stared for a moment longer before slowly backing out of the room.
Only when she vanished from his sensory range did White Zetsu let out a sigh of relief. But then, his brow furrowed.
"I feel like she noticed something... or is it just my imagination?"
Walking out of the Mizukage building, Mei Terumi moved through the desolate streets with a gloomy expression.
Ever since Minazuki Saya had taken power, the Mist Village's condition hadn't improved; in fact, it was declining rapidly. This had become especially apparent over the last year.
Many who had originally supported the Mizukage now harbored deep reservations. Some had even gone directly to the Daimyo to explain the dire situation of the village.
However, the Daimyo seemed determined to keep Minazuki Saya in the position of Mizukage, regardless of how many people petitioned him. The Daimyo's envoy, "Dark Owl," was even more adamant.
Seeing the village rot day by day, many shinobi, including Mei, were racking their brains for a way to save it. Some had even reached the point of planning a coup d'état.
During this period of unrest, Mei began to notice strange quirks in the Mizukage's behavior. Suspicious, she had privately asked Ao, her loyal follower, to use the Byakugan—a trophy seized from Konoha—to check the Mizukage. Unfortunately, the results showed that the Mizukage wasn't under a genjutsu or being impersonated by a transformation technique.
But the feeling of wrongness refused to go away. With every interaction, her suspicion deepened. Finally, Mei grit her teeth and decided to infiltrate the Minazuki clan compound to search for clues herself.
Nighttime.
Mei knew that the Mizukage was scheduled to attend a political meeting tonight. Relying on her considerable skills, she evaded the patrols one by one and slipped into Minazuki Saya's bedroom.
But just as she was about to search for clues, she froze.
A beautiful woman was sitting on the bed, watching her calmly.
Mei hadn't sensed the woman's presence at all, even at this close range. The gap in their strength was terrifyingly vast.
Mei's pupils contracted. Just as she raised her hands to weave signs, the woman on the bed raised a finger to her lips in a "shush" motion.
Seeing this, Mei forced herself to calm down. Maintaining her hand seal preparation, she whispered, "Who are you?"
The woman didn't answer. Instead, she lowered her hand and pointed underneath the bed. It was clear something important was hidden there.
Mei's gaze instinctively followed the finger.
There, lying under the bed, was a person.
It was Minazuki Saya, the Mizukage who was supposed to be at a meeting right now.
Thousands of thoughts raced through Mei's mind in an instant. After a brief hesitation, she whispered, "What is going on? Lady Mizukage is..."
"She is already dead," the woman on the bed said icily.
"Dead?!"
This answer was both unexpected and strangely logical. Mei stood frozen in place.
"To be precise, her spirit is dead, but her body maintains its vitality. It is the first time I have seen such a condition."
The woman stood up from the bed, reached underneath, and pulled out the vegetative Minazuki Saya. She hoisted the body onto her shoulder and began to walk toward the door.
"W-Wait," Mei interrupted, stepping in her path. "If you go out like that, we will..."
The woman understood. A faint smile touched her lips as she spoke calmly. "It matters not. Follow me."
With that, the woman carried the "corpse" out of the room. After a moment of thought, Mei followed close behind.
They were quickly discovered by members of the Minazuki clan.
Seeing a stranger carrying their Clan Leader, the more aggressive members immediately drew their kunai and surrounded them.
"Insolence! Put the Clan Leader down!"
"Who dares trespass on Minazuki grounds?! What have you done to her?!"
"Strange... isn't the Clan Leader supposed to be at a meeting? Who is this?"
Just as the crowd was wavering between confusion and hostility, the sound of rushing wind heralded the arrival of a man. He landed in the center of the courtyard with a heavy thud.
"You're finally here," the woman said with a faint smile.