"No one in the Hidden Mist Village will ever forget Konoha's assistance," Mei Terumi reiterated, her gratitude evident in every word.
Minato and the Third Hokage exchanged knowing smiles.
In truth, Minato had violated fundamental ninja principles when he rescued Mei Terumi in the Hidden Mist Village. Yet his actions now appeared vindicated.
Though conflicts of interest inevitably arose between the Five Great Nations, under the leadership of the Third Hokage and now Minato, Konoha's shinobi had consistently refused to exploit others' misfortunes.
Following the Third Ninja World War, Konoha had emerged victorious against the coalition forces of four countries, but relations between the nations had deteriorated to extreme tension.
In recent years, ties with the Sand Village in the neighboring Land of Wind had gradually improved. Similarly, with Mei Terumi as Mizukage, relations between Konoha and the Hidden Mist Village had strengthened considerably after the recent crisis.
Though they had once been enemies, both leaders recognized that in conflicts over resources and power, civilians invariably suffered the greatest hardships. Therefore, as long as the current peace could be maintained, Minato and Konoha remained willing to extend assistance to other nations.
"Is it truly safe for you to leave the Hidden Mist Village like this?" the Third Hokage asked, his brow furrowing slightly.
Though the Hidden Mist had been freed from the masked man's control, the enemy had operated within the village for many years. Despite Mei Terumi's extensive reforms after assuming leadership, and her thorough investigation into the masked man's followers, oversights were inevitable.
A smile curved Mei Terumi's lips, though her beautiful eyes held a sharpness like tempered steel. "If those individuals make any moves, it would actually serve us well. We wouldn't need to expend so much effort tracking them down."
She had deduced that after the masked man's exposure, his immediate order for Hoshigaki Kisame to assassinate her was primarily intended to create friction between the Five Great Nations and divert attention.
Consequently, Mei Terumi calculated that even in her absence from the Hidden Mist Village, enemies lurking in the shadows would hesitate to take significant action.
"Indeed, since the last incident, they've become remarkably quiet," Minato observed, his eyes darkening slightly.
Over the past two years, neither Jiraiya-sensei nor Konoha's ANBU had detected meaningful signs of enemy activity. Their only suspected intervention had been when the perpetrator who sacrificed all the Jashin Cult's high-ranking members vanished without trace from the Land of Hot Springs.
The evil cultist who possessed supposed immortality had likely been recruited into their organization as well.
First came Deidara from Iwagakure, then Hoshigaki Kisame, one of the former Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, followed by rogue ninjas from Yugakure. They represented some of the most dangerous renegades in the current ninja world, each warranting an S-rank designation in every nation's bingo book.
Combined with those who had attacked Konoha years ago, this coalition possessed strength potentially rivaling even Konoha's current might.
"Regardless, we must locate and eliminate these individuals," Mei Terumi said gravely. "Otherwise, the troubles will never cease."
"Yes. If possible, I would prefer to unite the forces of all Five Great Nations, but that goal remains elusive," Minato acknowledged with a rueful smile.
The accumulated hatred from three previous Ninja World Wars ran too deep. The current Raikage harbored a personal vendetta against Minato, and the mysterious organization had conspicuously avoided any activity in the Land of Lightning.
Rumors suggested that Ōnoki, the Third Tsuchikage, had once utilized this organization to achieve certain objectives. Their cooperation allegedly ended only when they recruited Deidara, Ōnoki's direct disciple.
Though diplomatic relations existed between the Sand Village and Konoha, this alliance largely represented a pragmatic economic necessity for Sunagakure.
Thus far, only Konoha and Kirigakure had achieved genuine unity.
"Therefore, Lord Fourth Hokage, I urge caution," Mei Terumi said, concern evident in her tone. "All indications suggest their ultimate target is Konoha—and you specifically."
She understood that while Minato currently stood as the strongest individual in the ninja world, his position as Hokage created numerous attachments that prevented him from exercising his full potential. During the masked man's attack on Konoha, these responsibilities had nearly led to Minato's defeat.
"I understand," Minato nodded solemnly.
The three continued discussing measures for strengthening the secret alliance between their villages and countering their hidden adversaries.
"It's getting quite late," Minato eventually observed.
Their conversation had extended well into the evening. Outside, darkness had fallen completely, and Konoha's streets were now illuminated by countless lights.
Just as Minato prepared to summon an ANBU to escort Mei Terumi to her accommodations, her eyes flickered slightly.
"I have another request, if it's not inappropriate," she said hesitantly.
Minato smiled warmly. "Of course, please go ahead."
"If possible... might I visit your home?" Mei Terumi asked, her voice suddenly softer.
She recognized the abruptness of her request, but couldn't suppress the desire.
Mei Terumi genuinely wished to meet Minato's wife. Many years ago, when they were children, Minato had risked his life to save hers. Even then, he had been a talented young shinobi renowned throughout the ninja world.
It would be dishonest to claim that Mei Terumi had never harbored feelings for Minato during those formative years.
With maturity, however, she had gradually learned more about Minato and Kushina's relationship. The vague emotions she once felt clarified as she grew into adulthood—what she felt wasn't romantic love.
Rather than romantic affection, she had always regarded Minato as someone worthy of profound admiration, a feeling that persisted to this day.
She recognized that her desire to meet Kushina stemmed from genuine curiosity: what kind of woman had captured the heart of such an exceptional shinobi?
Minato appeared momentarily surprised before smiling. "No problem at all. You're certainly welcome."
He chuckled softly. Minato had, of course, mentioned Mei Terumi to Kushina previously. His wife had expressed interest in meeting the young woman who had risen to become the Fifth Mizukage.
After all, becoming Hokage had once been Kushina's own ambition when she first arrived in Konoha.
"Let's go now—it's just about dinner time," Minato suggested with a warm smile.
After briefly addressing the duty ninja, and as the Third Hokage departed for his own residence, Minato turned to Mei Terumi.
"Shall we?"
Utilizing the Body Flicker Technique, they instantly materialized in the front yard of the Namikaze home.