The Hidden Mist Village.
Perpetually shrouded in dense fog, Kirigakure presented an especially gloomy appearance. Its winding streets and angular buildings seemed half-formed in the mist, like a place not quite existing in the material world.
In a secluded corner of the village, Shō—having just reported to the Fourth Mizukage—made contact with Mei Terumi.
His mind fundamentally altered by Shisui's Kotoamatsukami, Shō shared with Mei his observations about the Fourth Mizukage and the details of his recent report.
"If nothing unexpected occurs," he said, his eyes hidden beneath his mask narrowing slightly, "it won't be long before the Fourth Mizukage summons you and issues an order."
Mei's emerald eyes reflected the muted light as she asked, "What sort of order?"
"He will command me to lead my ANBU operatives to capture you," Shō replied calmly, though an underlying chill had already settled in his voice.
"Is that even possible?"
Shō's eyes widened with genuine shock. He understood Mei Terumi's position better than most. Not only did she hold considerable authority within the ANBU, but her background made direct action against her politically dangerous.
Mei Terumi was the only daughter of the Terumi clan's leader.
Despite the Fourth Mizukage's notorious ruthlessness, such a provocative move would inevitably undermine his standing within the Hidden Mist. Unless...
"Has he realized his secret has been discovered?" Shō ventured, alarmed by the implication. Only under such circumstances would the Fourth Mizukage risk his reputation with such a brazen move.
Mei nodded solemnly. Shisui had shared the Fourth Hokage's theories regarding the identity of the person manipulating the Mizukage from the shadows.
The masked man.
Among his associates was a particularly enigmatic figure—an individual who specialized in intelligence gathering. Despite years of investigation, Konoha's ANBU had failed to uncover any concrete information about this person.
Yet his existence was undeniable. It explained how the Fourth Mizukage could immediately discern falsehoods when his ninja reported mission failures. Even his ANBU benefited from incredibly swift and accurate intelligence sources.
The information about Shisui's location had likely been gathered by this mysterious operative.
Before entrusting their plan to Mei, Shisui had used his Mangekyō Sharingan to thoroughly scan their surroundings for any sign of surveillance. But if this person had successfully tracked Shisui despite such precautions, and based on the content of Shō's conversation with the Mizukage, Mei concluded that Yagura—and by extension, his puppetmaster—might have discovered her connection to the Konoha shinobi.
While they probably lacked concrete evidence, the Fourth Mizukage's modus operandi was clear: he would never tolerate potential threats to his authority. Even at the cost of antagonizing the Terumi clan, he would eliminate Mei as a precaution, permanently removing her as a threat.
Once she was neutralized, any evidence of her communication with Konoha would ensure that no one believed the words of a "traitor."
"So what do you intend to do?" Shō asked, puzzled by Mei's composed demeanor. Even with her considerable resources and clan support, directly opposing the Fourth Mizukage seemed suicidal.
"Don't worry," Mei replied with a soft chuckle. "I won't throw the village into chaos merely to protect myself."
She understood Shō's internal conflict. If the Fourth Mizukage were acting on his own legitimate authority rather than being manipulated, Shō—as a loyal Kirigakure ninja—would unhesitatingly execute his orders to apprehend her.
"Then what will you—" Shō began, staring at her in bewilderment.
"When the time comes," Mei explained, "you will use your Byakugan to confirm the Fourth Mizukage's true nature, just as we discussed."
Her voice grew firmer. "If our suspicions prove unfounded, then we shall follow Mizukage-sama's directives without question."
She met his gaze with unwavering resolve. "As a shinobi of Kirigakure, I will accept whatever punishment the Mizukage deems appropriate."
Mei had committed herself to this course because she implicitly trusted Minato's judgment.
The choice had crystallized in her mind: either sacrifice herself as a loyal member of the Hidden Mist Village, or expose the person who had been manipulating her village for years from the shadows.
This was Mei Terumi's decision.
Half a day later, as night descended over the village, the Kirigakure ANBU mobilized.
SWISH!
A masked operative appeared outside Mei Terumi's quarters. Noticing the light still illuminating her window, he hesitated momentarily, his eyes narrowing behind his porcelain mask.
After a brief deliberation, he knocked on her door. Despite his mission, protocol demanded respect—Mei Terumi was an ANBU squad leader who had earned considerable prestige through years of dedicated service.
This particular ANBU operative wasn't under Mei's direct command but answered to Shō.
"What is it?" Mei asked as she opened the door. In her heart, she had been anticipating this moment.
The ANBU responded promptly, "There's an urgent mission. Mizukage-sama requests your immediate presence."
"Understood," Mei replied calmly. She stepped back inside, retrieving her ANBU sword.
A flicker of emotion passed through her eyes before she took a deep breath, composed herself, and emerged from her quarters. Following the ANBU operative's lead, she proceeded toward her meeting with the Mizukage.
The commotion naturally drew attention from other ANBU members residing in the vicinity. However, Mei had previously warned her confidants against any premature action.
Under the operative's guidance, Mei traveled to a forest at the village's periphery.
SWISH!
The pair continued through the dense woodland, finally arriving at a small clearing.
"Mizukage-sama," they announced in unison, immediately dropping to one knee before the diminutive figure standing with his back toward them.
Fourth Mizukage Yagura turned slowly to face them. Despite his youthful appearance—he resembled a boy of no more than thirteen—his handsome features conveyed none of the innocence one might expect. For years, he had ruled the Hidden Mist with methods more brutal than any of his predecessors.
Mei raised her eyes to meet his gaze. Yagura's expression remained completely impassive, his eyes utterly devoid of emotion. The coldness of his stare sent chills down her spine.
As Yagura completed his turn, the ANBU beside Mei nodded almost imperceptibly before retreating. He didn't withdraw completely, choosing instead to conceal himself behind a nearby tree.
"Lord Mizukage," Mei began respectfully, "you summoned me at this late hour. Is there an important task you wish to assign?"
"It is indeed a very important matter," Yagura replied, his voice as expressionless as his face.
"Mei Terumi, you serve as a captain in Kirigakure's ANBU, yet you have conducted private negotiations with Konoha shinobi, harboring treasonous intentions."
His tone hardened imperceptibly. "Today, I will take you into custody."
Mei, having steeled herself for this moment, allowed her eyes to lower slightly before responding. "Lord Mizukage, unauthorized negotiation with foreign powers constitutes a grave offense. However, even as Mizukage, you cannot simply declare me guilty without evidence."
"You dare question the Mizukage's orders?" Yagura's voice turned glacial as he raised his hand in a subtle gesture.
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!
The surrounding forest came alive with movement. Hundreds of Kirigakure ANBU operatives emerged from concealed positions, forming a tight circle around Mei, who remained kneeling before the Mizukage.
Yagura spoke dispassionately, addressing the assembled ANBU with absolute authority.
"Apprehend this traitor."