Reborn in the Mist

When the dignitary doors of their residence flew open and the Captain immediately activated the soundproof seals they’d slapped everywhere the day Konoha let them in, Mei knew it wasn’t going to be good news coming out of his lips.

“Mei! Hana!” Captain Sato yelled for them and Mei could hear Hana scramble in the other room as she did too.

They put themselves before the Captain and his Vice, Daiki. Both had just returned from what must be another fruitless walk through Konoha trying to slip away from the many eyes that laid on them the moment they entered the village.

Their infiltration mission would have paved a disastrous path had their orders not been altered a mere day away from its execution. The new orders brought mix reactions from all of the team when they first received it, mostly because it meant it the change was coming directly from the newly chosen Mizukage.

Much like herself, Captain Sato and the others were curious which of the two powerhouses had won and which had died. Unfortunately for Mei and Hana, their Captain and his superiors decided it would be funny if they left them guessing.

The Owl Masked ANBU Commander had answered Sato’s questions about the Fourth Mizukage’s inauguration and the current atmosphere without any of this shenanigans but Mei couldn’t confirm any of the crucial details.

Still, that they were instead to present themselves as dignitaries from the Mizukage meant she would inevitably learn the name of the Yondaime, even if it was at the same time as the Hokage.

And it was. Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash of Konoha wasn’t all too pleased to have Kiri shinobi in his village, especially those that were clearly all part of its ANBU.

His reaction when Captain Sato announced Yagura Karatachi as Yondaime Mizukage and pronounced the Sandaime dead in the same breath was a delight to see though. From shocked to sympathetic then back to concealed disdain in a flash.

Mei went through a similar reaction, though she knew to withhold back involuntary inflections like that since she knew she’d be in for some news. For the most part she was relieved and then a bit worried, Yagura shared a piece of her visions for Kiri but unlike her he had too little reservations in how he pursued it, even volunteering to become a Jinchuriki despite knowing the risks.

The Hokage gave his condolences and they were offered a place in Konoha. The Yellow Flash himself had just taken seat as the Fourth Hokage, his face nearly fully carved in that ridiculous mountain side. And so he offered to establish a communique with his fellow Yondaime, connecting the two rival nations in a firm and direct wish for reconciliation.

Mei saw it in those enchanting blue pearls of his, he meant every word, he wanted Kiri and Konoha to coexist rather than cannibalize. What a cute man.

Captain Sato stiffly nodded, appreciating the offer and promising to relay it back home. Whether he’s done so, whether Yagura has gotten word, she doesn’t know, but they were about to receive new orders judging by the constrained and pitied look the Vice Daiki was giving her.

“There’s been some change of plans.” Sato began and Mei spied Hana straighten up, fully enthused for a change of pace.

Communication with the village takes a while even with the fastest ravens, it would get better if the Mizukage accepted the Hokage’s offer, aligned villages could easily set up embassies with the right tools and jutsu to communicate faster.

Until then they were stuck making day to day attempts to escape their three dozen ANBU watchers— at least by the latest count— while they tried to carry on with their original mission to investigate Konoha’s involvement in the Sandaime’s death.

At this point though and after see that handsome, prize winning catch of a Hokage, Mei didn’t think him capable of being behind such. But of course, Konoha has many powerful figures with their own agendas, continuing the investigation was paramount.

“Yondaime-sama wants to investigate Amegakure, this time it’s a full infiltration.” Sato said and Daiki beside him sighed. Mei had a set of questions already but stood in place until Sato finished, “Our team will split in two as there are pending matters in Konoha, Hana and I will see to that. Daiki, Mei, you’ll travel to Amegakure as early as dawn and take up identities as a married, childless couple looking for a cheap and relatively safe place to build a life. Mei, you will take lead on this mission and the Commander will be your direct contact. That is all.”

Mei understood now why Daiki had been pitying her so, she’s being torn away from all of Konoha’s…potential and being force to play house with him. But worse than that, this was easily an S-rank mission— infiltrating the house of Hanzo the Salamander, it’s unlikely they’ll have backup and she’s taking point over the Vice-Captain of the current team, how? Why?

“Why me? I only stayed in ANBU a year, I don’t have as much experience.” She’d left the ANBU after having her fill of its scummier ways, it was there she met and became acquainted with Yagura. He was one of the few breathes of fresh air but even then, he was polluted with a burning desire for power and recognition.

Sato just stared at her and shrugged, “I asked the same thing and apparently it’s because Yondaime-sama mentioned you by name for this mission, goodluck, don’t disappoint him.”

Daiki managed a smile, he was always reserved. “I’m in your hands…darling.” He blew her a kiss and Mei scowled while Hana and Sato chuckled.

Hana leaned in and whispered, “Guess the Hokage will have to fall in love with me instead, enjoy the rain Mei-chan!”

Mei looked at her appalled and then, betrayed. With a fury she raised her fist and ran after the already bolted Hana, “He’s mine! Don’t you dare!”

Mei let herself indulge, but brewing in the back of her mind were many, many concerns about this new mission. Daiki is right, Yagura is trusting me to do my part, we share the same vision after all.

Yes, she can do it, they can do it. Kirigakure will never be the same again and then maybe she’ll find some good men to spend the rest of her life with.

Special thanks to my patrons; noxodrac, Garrett and John for helping fund the library!