Ever since learning that the Akatsuki Organization was targeting the Tailed Beasts, Fifth Hokage Tsunade had attached exceptional importance to this Three-Tails sealing operation.
Because of what happened to Fifth Kazekage Gaara, Sand Village's relationship with Konoha had now become so close that they were practically inseparable.
Meanwhile, Hidden Mist Village, which was likewise allied with Konoha, had had little cooperation or contact with them over the past two years.
Thus, after taking office as the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade believed it was necessary to strengthen the friendly relationship between the two great ninja villages. This Three-Tails sealing was an excellent opportunity.
To that end, Tsunade had also dispatched the rebuilt Team 7, along with Hinata Hyuga and the others from Team 8.
Besides Kakashi, the Jonin leading the teams included Yamato, as well as Shizune, who served as Tsunade's right-hand woman.
Shizune, Hinata, Sakura, and Ino were responsible for maintaining the Four Symbols Seal and sealing the Three-Tails. The others were to suppress the Three-Tails if it resisted and guard against any possible unexpected developments.
When Kakashi, the team leader, saw Mei Terumi coming to receive them, an overwhelmed expression appeared on his face.
After all, as the Fifth Mizukage, regardless of Mei Terumi's strength, her status alone represented the entire Hidden Mist Village.
The fact that she had specifically come to receive them was already giving Konoha tremendous face.
"Long time no see, Mizukage-sama, and Mr. Seiya. I didn't expect Hidden Mist Village to take this matter so seriously that the two of you would personally act."
Yamato and Shizune, who had never met them before, might have found Fifth Mizukage Mei Terumi and Kirigakure ANBU captain Kaguya Seiya rather unfamiliar. But Kakashi had experienced the Konoha Crush battle, so he had encountered both of them before.
Fifth Mizukage