At the same time—
Underground in the Hokage Tower, ANBU sector, in a cell no probe could detect.
Uchiha Yorin: "Minato's not going to drop the ball, right?"
He couldn't help thinking: "Barring surprises, wrapping up the now–goldfish-fied Third shouldn't be a problem.
"So next, it's our turn."
He turned to Mei Terumi, whose expression was a bit uneasy. "You good?"
Mei: "Ah—um—mm."
So—not good.
Yorin sighed inwardly. The Mei from ten years in the future would handle this better. But right now, no point piling on.
If you want the seedling to grow faster, you yank it—so be it. Can't really wait a decade and ask Asura and Indra to win the world for him, can he?
But not for Uchiha Yorin. He had ambitions. He couldn't stay home making babies all day. And if he had to, it'd be with the Kage: Mizukage, Tsuchikage, Raikage, Kazekage.
Mizukage Mei. Tsuchikage—Kurotsuchi. For the Kazekage, see if Temari can take the seat. Raikage—Samui or Mabui? Or put Yugito in the chair—that works too.
Marriage, claims, and land—basic life skills for a Paradox war criminal like Uchiha Yorin.
That was Uchiha Yorin's grindset.
…
With those thoughts, Yorin slammed a hand to the wall, boxing Mei in; he looked into her eyes seriously, and said gently:
"Let's do it, Mei. This isn't just our ambition—it's for the Land of Water, for everyone in Kiri.
"Believe in yourself. We will win. Because our cause is just."
"…"
"…Mm."
Hearing that, Mei finally settled, nodded, and went with Yorin through a secret passage into the cell, where they found Jūzō Biwa, Mangetsu Hōzuki, and Raiga Kurosuki hanging and looking very worse for wear.
After some basic patching up, the three would live—but Anbu weren't about to give full service.
Everyone knows: in the field, superglue is a high-efficiency hemostatic agent. Anbu are harsher than field medics.
…
Hearing footsteps, the three lifted their heads—saw Mei walking in very close beside Yorin.
A phrase for cartoonish villain couples surfaced in their minds:
"Filthy pair."
Hot-headed Jūzō couldn't help himself. Straining against his bonds, he shouted:
"Mei Terumi, what are you doing?! Have you really betrayed us?!"
Raiga sneered; Mangetsu snorted. "Can't you tell, Jūzō-senpai? Mei's climbed a high branch—she's become Konoha's Flame Claw's woman."
Jūzō: "Damn you!!"
"—Quiet!!"
Seeing Jūzō about to kick off, Yorin cut him short.
These three had been beaten badly by him last night. They could bare their teeth at Mei—but the moment Uchiha Yorin spoke, they folded like quail.
"Why do you think you're still alive? Because Mei begged for you!" Yorin barked. "If we wanted intel, we'd only need your heads, wouldn't we?!"
Jūzō: "I—is that so?" At that, he and Raiga both wavered a bit. Only Mangetsu rolled his eyes and said:
"You're the boss here. Whatever you say goes."
Yorin cursed inwardly. He hated perceptive brats. Right then, Mei suddenly burst into tears and threw herself into Yorin's arms:
"Uuu… Yorin-sama… I—I tried so hard…"
Yorin patted her shoulder comfortingly, then, all righteous indignation, turned on Mangetsu: "You've insulted Mei's kindness. Apologize—now!"
Mangetsu: "…Seriously, boss… Fine. I'm sorry. Happy?"
Seeing not just Yorin, but even his two comrades, Jūzō and Raiga, shooting him weird looks, Mangetsu caved fast. "Very sorry!"
Yorin: "That's better. We'll be comrades going forward—so get along. None of that old Kiri tension, got it?"
Jūzō: "Comrades? We'll never betray!"
Fired up again, Jūzō snapped:
"You can kill me—but you won't insult me! I will never betray Kiri!"
He sounded noble enough now; Yorin couldn't help but picture him wearing an Akatsuki cloak—it was almost funny.
And then—Mei stopped crying. Stepping out of Yorin's arms, she said seriously: "No—we haven't betrayed anyone. Or rather, we were never the traitors!
"We love Kiri more than anyone!
"The ones who betrayed Kiri are Yagura Karatachi—no, not just him, but the warmongers he leads. Their policies made the village hated by all.
They are Kiri's traitors! They betrayed us, not the other way around!
"Jūzō, Mangetsu, Raiga—you are loyal, brave shinobi!
"I'm formally inviting you to join me—to build a new Kiri—open, inclusive, gentle, and just!"
As she spoke, she spread her hands; water flowed like keys and snapped the shackles binding the three. "What is your choice?!"
Hearing her, the three were moved, whatever their reasons. The most impulsive—Jūzō—even drew breath to shout "yes"—
But before that: "Exactly! We Uchiha fully support the New Kiri plan!
"The Fifth Mizukage—no, the First Mizukage of New Kiri! Let's join forces and build a Kiri where everyone can smile!"
Mei: "Mm—let's work together, Yorin-kun—no—Mizukage's Aide!!"
Jūzō: "Huh? The Uchiha joining Kiri?"
Raiga: "Uchiha Yorin as Mizukage's aide?"
Mangetsu: "…"
Mangetsu bit it back—then couldn't help blurting:
"What the hell?"