Before long, Flying Waterfall and the others had returned to the Hidden Mist Village's base.
Ao was already waiting for them there.
With Mei Terumi absent, the task of liaising with the Akatsuki had fallen to him.
The moment they met, Ao fell unusually silent.
Why were they all familiar faces...
Biwa Juzo, Kisame Hoshigaki, Zabuza...
And that youngest one looked so much like Mangetsu. Could he be Mangetsu's younger brother, Suigetsu?
For a moment, the atmosphere was extremely awkward.
Flying Waterfall walked over and patted Ao on the shoulder, signaling for him to come along.
Ao followed Flying Waterfall outside.
Flying Waterfall said, "I know the Hidden Mist Village is short on people right now. Of the people outside, Kisame was sent by Shamu to help."
"I've persuaded the others. As long as the Hidden Mist Village pardons their crimes, they can all return to the Hidden Mist Village."
Ao's eyes widened in disbelief. "Is that really true, Lord Flying Waterfall?"
Flying Waterfall laughed. "Would I joke with you about something like that?"
Without the slightest hesitation, Ao said, "Good! I agree. I agree on behalf of Lord Mizukage."
Flying Waterfall nodded in satisfaction. The Hidden Mist Village was currently teetering on the brink, so there was no need to consult Mei Terumi over anything that could strengthen its foundations.
Because Mei Terumi would have handled it the same way.
The Hidden Mist Village of the past and the Hidden Mist Village of today were practically from two entirely different eras.
As long as someone was capable and had not committed unforgivable crimes, Mei Terumi would turn a blind eye.
Ao asked curiously, "That child outside is Hozuki Suigetsu?"
"He looks like Mangetsu, doesn't he?"
Ao nodded with a smile. "Yes, very much."
"You knew Mangetsu?"
Ao realized something