Mizukage's Pokémon Ninja Scroll

Chapter 397 What are you standing there for?

With a hint of joy, Terumi Mei jogged towards the entrance of the base.

Behind him followed Zabuza, who looked completely unwilling.

Some time ago, Hozuki Shingetsu was assigned to suppress pirates in Seamist City. Since the two of them often teamed up with him for missions, they also came along.

Today, the village announced that the Mizukage, that is, Tachibana Kanagawa, will be going to Mist Castle for an inspection.

Hozuki Shingetsu led a group of people to greet them early on.

However, Mei Terumi herself did not go with the others.

Due to the current difference in their social status, Mei Terumi has not seen Tachibana Kenkawa for some time.

Even when occasionally going to the Mizukage's office to receive a task, it was always done in a businesslike and cautious manner.

In private, Mei Terumi and Zabuza were actually training with several times more effort than ever before.

While I don't expect to reach the level of Tachibana Kenkawa in a short time, I don't want to be left too far behind by this former teammate.

Zabuza's swordsmanship is now on par with that of a typical Jonin.

Perhaps in a few years, I will be able to successfully challenge Kushimaru and officially obtain the "Long Sword * Sewing Needle", becoming one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

He also considered transplanting a Byakugan, like his former captain Ao, to enhance his strength.

However, the proud Zabuza did not want to be looked down upon through nepotism, so he kept this goal buried in his heart.

I'll wait until I've truly made enough contributions before bringing it up.

The same applies to Mei Terumi.

However, just a few days ago, she successfully developed her second bloodline limit, "Boiling Release," by studying the secret scroll given to her by Tachibana Kenkawa, which explained "Chakra Nature Fusion and Bloodline Limits."

Although it is different from the steam boiling release mentioned in the Jianchuan Tachibana Secret Scroll, it is still a very powerful bloodline limit.

That's why, contrary to his usual practice, he didn't follow Hozuki Shingetsu to greet the Mizukage today.

Instead, he excitedly pulled Zabuza along and waited for Tachibana Kanagawa to arrive at the camp.

I'm planning to give this long-lost friend a big surprise when he arrives.

At that moment, Mei Terumi, who had faintly heard commotion outside the camp, immediately turned to look at Zabuza, who was squatting on the ground.

"How's it going? How's it going! Are they here yet?!"

Seeing Mei Terumi's loud and boisterous expression, Zabuza awkwardly withdrew his right hand, which was activating its sensory abilities.

Mei Terumi really wanted to surprise Tachibana and the others, but she didn't want to meet her former teammate right now!

After all, the development of a new bloodline limit is something that can be seen at a glance.

But how could I possibly go and fight Tachibana Kenkawa, who is already the Mizukage, after improving my swordsmanship?

Besides, who knows what that freak's strength is now?

If I go up there and get beaten up, maybe that bastard won't even notice my slight improvement.

However, it's not just Tachibana Kanagawa who can beat him up.

The violent woman next to him was actually more dangerous.

Zabuza could only mutter in a low voice with a dead fish-like expression.

"We're here! We're here! Seriously, it was necessary."

However, before Zabuza could finish speaking, Mei Terumi had already run out impatiently.

Helpless, he could only slowly catch up with the other person.

Meanwhile, Mei Terumi, who had already run out, had her eyes almost squinted into slits with laughter.

"Hehe, a unique dual bloodline limit in the ninja world, I bet even Tachibana would be shocked if he knew."

Overjoyed, Mei Terumi arrived at the gate and immediately saw Tachibana Kanakawa walking at the front.

Under the sunlight, the boy's figure was so dazzling.

"That bastard Tachibana, has he grown so much taller lately?"

橘！

Just as Mei Terumi was happily preparing to go up and say hello.

but.

Following closely behind Jianchuan Ju, another figure emerged from around the corner.

She was a black-haired girl who looked to be about the same age as me, with fair skin and a faint air of aloofness between her brows.

The black-haired girl listened with adoration to what Jianchuan Ju was saying.

Most importantly, the black-haired girl following beside Jianchuan Ju was carefully tugging at the hem of Jianchuan Ju's clothes.

Mei Terumi, seeing this scene, was at a loss for what to do.

Their initially enthusiastic pace gradually slowed down without them even realizing it.

All those words I wanted to say before now seemed stuck in my throat, unable to be uttered.

The brown ends of her hair, which had been sticking up a bit, suddenly slumped down softly for some reason.

Mei Terumi's silence at this moment does not mean she will go unnoticed.

The group of Jianchuan Ju and his companions who were walking towards them spotted her immediately.

"Forehead"

Tachibana Kanagawa had no idea that she would see Mei Terumi here.

After all, he couldn't possibly figure out why the other party, if they were in Sea Mist City, wouldn't have gone to find him with Hozuki Shingetsu.

Instead, they waited for me at the main gate of the compound.

This was nothing special, but for some reason, Jianchuan Ju, who had experienced many storms, felt a cold sweat break out on his back.

Uchiha Hikaru, who was standing to the side, had been listening attentively to Tachibana Kenkawa and Shingetsu Hozuki discussing their work.

Although I didn't quite understand what she was saying, I could tell that Tachibana Kanagawa was radiating confidence and authority.

And since they were still in this unfamiliar world, they unconsciously and cautiously tugged at the hem of Jianchuan Ju's clothes.

However, at this moment, she, who had been paying close attention to Tachibana's expression, immediately noticed that the other person was in a daze.

Subconsciously, I followed Jianchuan Ju's gaze and looked forward.

Having also seen Mei Terumi's Hozuki New Moon, he suddenly realized what was happening and covered his face in annoyance.

He knew, of course, that Mei Terumi hadn't set off with him.

The unknown girl accompanying the Mizukage was someone even a Jonin couldn't possibly have missed.

He had completely forgotten about it because they had been discussing pirates the whole way.

At this moment, before anyone could notice, he quietly took two steps back.

"Tachibana, is this also one of your subordinates?"

For some reason, everyone stopped in their tracks. Uchiha Hikaru tilted his head and asked the person he knew best.

"Tachibana? A subordinate??!"

Mei Terumi, who was still in a daze, suddenly felt her mind go blank for some reason.

The smile that had been starting to stiffen on her face gradually turned into one of bewilderment and helplessness.

She just stared blankly at Jianchuan Ju, waiting for him to speak.

When faced with Uchiha Hikaru's sudden question, Tachibana Kenkawa was also somewhat embarrassed and stunned.

Even though so many people, including Hozuki Shingetsu, came to pick her up before, the girl hadn't cared about their identities. But for some reason, she suddenly became interested in Mei.

Fortunately, Zabuza, who had been slowly and somewhat reluctantly following behind Mei Terumi, also came over at this moment.

She glanced at Mei Terumi, who was standing there dumbfounded, with a somewhat bewildered look.

"Ming? What are you doing standing here?"

(End of this chapter)