Hatake Tatsuya in Naruto

A few days later, as the Fourth Hokage, Tsunade responded with a letter expressing her willingness to ally with Kirigakure under Terumi Mei's leadership. This prompted Tatsuya and the others to decide to escort Terumi Mei to Konoha to finalize the alliance agreement.

Around the same time, a similar incident unfolded between Cloud Shinobi and Konoha, primarily driven by the Fourth Raikage's desire to acquire the Byakugan. Konoha's history with the Cloud Shinobi has been marked by conflict during two significant events. The first occurred during the signing of the peace treaty between the Second Hokage and the Second Raikage. The second involved an attempted kidnapping of Konoha's Jinchuriki by Kumogakure. Ultimately, Konoha chose not to seek revenge; whether this decision arose from forbearance or weakness remains uncertain.

In the original timeline, Yagura died shortly after allowing Ao to break free Mizukage from Obito's genjutsu. However, Tatsuya's actions this time advanced the timeline by at least five years. As for Kirigakure, many masters of Bloodlines who should have perished during the "Blood Mist" era are still alive. For example, Hozuki Mangetsu survived, while his brother Suigetsu, along with two others captured by Orochimaru, met different fates.

Additionally, a few years ago, the Yuki clan—persecuted by Yagura, who was under Obito's manipulation—was expelled from the village. The clans that once roamed the Land of Water have since vanished. To recover those with powerful ice techniques and blood inheritance abilities reminiscent of the Third Mizukage, Terumi Mei has initiated a nationwide search.

Among those she seeks, Tatsuya vividly remembers a black-haired boy who almost killed Sasuke in the mission of Waves.

One of the most mysterious and dangerous traps. Reflecting on it now, it's truly chilling. He can't help but wonder about that girl—or rather, whether that little guy has been picked up by Zabuza yet.

"Mei, will we be able to see each other often in the future?" Nohara Rin asked, reluctantly grasping Terumi Mei's hands on their way back to Konoha. Among the Wall Gen trio, her bond with Terumi Mei had grown stronger since their first experience together with Kurenai.

"It doesn't matter; you can come visit me in Kirigakure anytime you want! I'll make sure you have a pass!" Terumi Mei, wearing her Mizukage hat, patted Tsunade on the back, showing her admiration.

"But... but..." Rin's eyes were filled with nostalgia as she spoke.

While chatting with her friend, Terumi Mei discreetly glanced at Tatsuya, only to find him engaged in conversation with the guard, Hozuki Mangetsu.

What a big tease! It'll be hard to see each other again, and he's showing off like this?!

"In the Third Ninja World War, I heard you defeated all seven of the former Ninja swordsmen, which is why I was able to inherit the Hiramekarei at such a young age," Hozuki Mangetsu said, grinning at Tatsuya, looking remarkably similar to his younger brother Suigetsu. "Seriously, I should thank you for that~"

"Quite cold aren't you, I thought you wanted to avenge your previous seven ninja swordsmen," Tatsuya remarked with a light chuckle.

"I am from Kiri. Revenge doesn't make sense to me. I just hope to use my blade to face stronger enemies," Hozuki Mangetsu replied, twisting his neck.

"Hey, doesn't that mean you want to challenge me?" Tatsuya smiled slightly.

"No, while you are one of my goals, I'm not foolish enough to think I can fight you now. I'll save that for later," Hozuki Mangetsu said with a shrug.

Tatsuya finally glanced at the Twinsword Hiramekarei slung across Mangetsu's back. Deep down, he felt this kid should be more reliable than that Chōjūrō. He couldn't help but remember Chōjūrō's performance as the Sixth Mizukage. Tatsuya could only describe it as "lacking."

...

...

It was as if the Cloud Shinobi envoy had come to Konoha to sign the alliance agreement, just like in the original book. As Tatsuya and the others returned to Konoha with the Mist Shinobi envoy led by Terumi Mei, the sky was filled with colorful ribbons floating above the village. Thousands of Konoha villagers lined the streets, cheering loudly.

Allying with one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages significantly reduced the possibility of war. Among the crowd, Shisui and Itachi, who were also walking in the procession, drew many curious whispers from the villagers. While doubts lingered, the two Uchiha brothers overheard numerous comments about the changes within their clan.

"Hey! Aren't those Uchiha? What are they doing here?" asked Haruto, eyes widening in surprise as he pointed toward the procession.

"I heard they participated in the alliance mission with the Mist Shinobi," chimed in Ayame, folding her arms with a look of admiration.

"That's impressive!" agreed Daiki with a nod. "As expected, all Uchiha are elite—and they're so young, too…"

Upon hearing these remarks, Shisui and Itachi, who had worn bitter expressions along the way, felt a sense of relief. If they continued to work hard like this, perhaps they could bridge the gap between their clan and the village.

With that thought, a glimmer of hope sparked within both of them.

At the front of the Hokage building, Tsunade led the way. Senior representatives, including Namikaze Minato and Hatake Sakumo, had been waiting there for a long time.

The little girl who had been idly taught by Tsunade for nearly ten years had now become a Mizukage, standing on equal footing with her. Tsunade found herself taken aback by this shift in their relationship.

...

...

Soon, on the top floor of the Hokage building, two stunning women with striking features and graceful figures stood before the thousands of Konoha residents below. As they shook hands to symbolize the friendly alliance between their villages, the cheers of the entire village reached a new crescendo.

...

...

In the Senju clan land, within Tatsuya's house, Terumi Mei gazed around nostalgically.

"I'm leaving soon, and I can't help but feel nostalgic looking at this place again," she sighed. Just two weeks ago, she had still been living here, but now, everything felt different.

"Do you want to go?" Kurenai, Rin, along Terumi Mei, recalled their last evening together, too tired to hide their reluctance.

"I didn't expect to see that expression on your face," Terumi Mei chuckled.

"Stop dragging this out! If you want to leave, then hurry up! It would be best if you didn't come back at all!" Kurenai exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with anger as she sharply turned away, her crimson eyes glinting with frustration.

"Be careful with that temper," Terumi Mei said in a soft but teasing tone, her lips curving into a sly smile. "You keep frowning like that, and you'll end up with more wrinkles than you'd like to admit." Her words hung in the air like a subtle challenge, her calm demeanor contrasting Kurenai's fiery outburst.

"Um… Mizukage, your guards are still waiting outside," Tsunade interjected with a deliberate clearing of her throat, her voice laced with a hint of exasperation. "I doubt they'll appreciate being kept waiting much longer." She glanced toward the door, folding her arms as her golden eyes locked on Mei, silently urging her to focus.

Mei's smile didn't waver as she gracefully turned to face Tsunade. "Of course, Hokage," she replied with measured elegance, a glint of amusement still lingering in her eyes. She brushed a strand of auburn hair from her face and adjusted her posture, exuding the poise of a leader who thrived on moments like these.

Kurenai remained silent, her back still turned, but her tightened shoulders and clenched fists betrayed the whirlwind of emotions she was struggling to suppress. The room felt heavy with unspoken tension, each woman holding her ground in a way that seemed uniquely fitting for their personality.

Mei strode toward the door with the grace of a predator, throwing a parting glance over her shoulder. "Well, it seems I've overstayed my welcome. Until next time, ladies," she said, her voice dripping with politeness, though the faintest edge of sarcasm didn't escape notice.

Tsunade sighed, shaking her head. "Drama queens, all of them," she muttered to herself before turning her attention to the scattered documents on the table, eager to move past the tense exchange.

"Please wait, Master Hokage. I have another idea to strengthen the friendship between Mist Shinobi and Konoha," Terumi Mei said, suddenly wearing a sly, fox-like smile. With her hands clasped behind her back, she tilted her head toward Tatsuya and asked, "How about a marriage alliance?"

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