"Hurry and report to the Hokage."
Kakashi glanced at a Konoha ninja behind him, who nodded and rushed toward the Hokage Tower within the village.
Kakashi then led the remaining Konoha ninjas forward to greet the visitors.
He approached the Fifth Mizukage and her entourage, bowing respectfully. "Lady Mizukage."
Kakashi vividly remembered how Mei Terumi had come to his and Rin's rescue years ago. Though he now understood they might have been unwittingly drawn into someone's scheme at the time, Mei's desire to help them had been genuine.
Mei Terumi removed her Mizukage's wide-brimmed hat and smiled warmly. "I apologize for joining the delegation without prior notice. I hope this doesn't cause any inconvenience?"
"Not at all," Kakashi assured her, shaking his head.
He raised his gaze slightly, looking past Mei Terumi to observe the Hidden Mist ninjas behind her.
Having fought against Kirigakure shinobi during the Third Ninja World War, Kakashi knew that historically, only Mist ninjas carried such a palpable aura of bloodlust—a consequence of the previous Mizukage's brutal governing methods and policies.
The Kirigakure ninjas accompanying Mei Terumi were undoubtedly elite, yet compared to their predecessors, the murderous intent emanating from them had noticeably diminished.
Since succeeding as the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi had implemented policies promoting peace and openness, achieving remarkable results in less than two years.
These changes were plainly evident in the Mist ninjas who accompanied her.
"Please follow me. Lord Hokage has been awaiting your arrival," Kakashi said, turning to lead the way.
"Let's proceed," Mei Terumi said softly.
Despite her position as Mizukage, a flicker of genuine joy passed through her eyes. Time had flowed relentlessly forward—more than twenty years had passed since those days.
Under Kakashi's guidance, Mei Terumi and her delegation entered Konoha.
"Konohagakure was founded by the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and stands as the preeminent village among the Five Great Shinobi Nations," Mei remarked, observing her surroundings with interest.
Though Kirigakure ranked among the Five Great Villages, the gap between it and Konoha was immediately apparent. With its current strength, the Land of Fire firmly occupied the pinnacle position among the great nations, boasting a robust economy, abundant resources, and prosperous citizens.
All of this had been achieved through the efforts of Konoha's shinobi, led by the current Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze—widely acknowledged as the strongest ninja in the world today.
The delegation proceeded along one of Konoha's main thoroughfares. Looking up, they could see the Hokage Monument—the stone faces of Konoha's successive leaders carved into the mountainside.
Each Hokage had stood among the strongest individuals in the ninja world, at the apex of power.
As evening approached, the flow of people on Konoha's streets gradually increased. With darkness falling, few villagers noticed the Kirigakure delegation led by Kakashi.
With their abilities, the ninja easily navigated through the growing crowds.
The group turned at an intersection, now very close to the Hokage Tower.
At that moment, two figures emerged from a side street, approaching the same corner.
The Konoha ninjas had already sensed their presence. Kakashi stepped forward at the intersection to intercept them.
"Brother Kakashi?"
The unexpected meeting startled Naruto and Chiharu.
"Naruto and Chiharu," Kakashi acknowledged.
The Academy would have just finished classes, and this road happened to be the direct route to the Namikaze residence.
"What happened to you?" he asked, noting Naruto's disheveled appearance and obvious fatigue.
"Just a little tired from sparring practice today," Naruto explained with a smile.
Both siblings noticed the ninjas behind Kakashi wearing unfamiliar attire. Presuming he was engaged in an official mission, they decided not to impose.
"What a beautiful lady!" Chiharu exclaimed when she spotted Mei Terumi behind Kakashi.
Hearing this, Mei Terumi offered a gentle smile.
"We'll be on our way," Naruto said to Kakashi.
The siblings continued their journey home, carefully navigating around the delegation.
"Let's continue, Lady Mizukage," Kakashi suggested, glancing briefly after the children.
Mei Terumi nodded, and everyone resumed their progress toward the tower.
"Those two children just now—they resembled the Fourth Hokage depicted on the monument, didn't they?" Mei Terumi remarked, her eyes revealing thoughtful curiosity.
Everyone in the ninja world knew Minato had two children. She asked primarily to confirm her suspicion, while carefully avoiding revealing to her entourage that she had known the current Hokage in his youth.
Kakashi understood her intent immediately. "Yes, those were Lord Hokage's son and daughter."
Mei Terumi nodded slightly upon receiving confirmation. Behind her, the Kirigakure ninjas exchanged meaningful glances.
"Naruto and Chiharu..." she murmured quietly. "I would very much like to meet their mother."
The group finally approached the Hokage Tower.
From a distance, Mei Terumi spotted a blond man wearing a white haori standing among a welcoming committee.
Minato advanced with Konoha's elders to greet the visitors.
"Welcome to Konoha, Lady Mizukage," Minato said warmly, offering a genuine smile.
"I apologize for not informing Konoha and Lord Hokage about the change in our delegation's composition beforehand," Mei Terumi responded with a slight smile.
She glanced respectfully at the elderly man standing beside Minato—somewhat stooped with age but still emanating the dignified presence of a warrior who had once shaken the ninja world.
Mei Terumi exchanged formal greetings with each Konoha official. Though in terms of rank, only Minato matched her position—even the former Hokage technically stood below her current status—this visit carried special significance.
Kirigakure had sent this envoy to express gratitude for Konoha's assistance during their darkest hour. Although Minato had initiated the aid, she knew the Third Hokage had provided substantial support as well.
After the formal greetings concluded, the Kirigakure ninjas accompanying Mei Terumi followed their Konoha counterparts to their accommodations.
The elders dispersed, leaving only Minato, the Third Hokage, and Mei Terumi to enter the Hokage's office.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Mei Terumi bowed deeply to both men.
"I insisted on coming personally because I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to you both face-to-face," she said with genuine emotion. "Thank you for saving the Hidden Mist Village. Without your intervention, our entire village might still remain under enemy control."
As Mizukage, she couldn't display such humility before the leadership of another village in the presence of her own ninjas or outsiders. But here, in private, she could speak her heart.
"Lady Mizukage, you're too kind," the Third Hokage demurred.
Minato added, "We merely provided information and modest assistance. The current positive atmosphere in Kirigakure is due entirely to the efforts of all Mist ninjas, particularly your leadership as the Fifth Mizukage."
His gentle smile radiated warmth like sunlight, capable of touching even the most guarded heart.
Mei Terumi gazed at the blond man before her, feeling a familiar warmth spread through her chest. Though years had passed, he remained fundamentally unchanged from the person she had known long ago.
Neither had imagined that when they met again, it would be as the kage of their respective villages.