Dying Like a Ninja

If Uchiha Mai had been better read, he would have recited a poem on the spot.

Not long after the Chunin Ninja Exams, wealthy merchants, nobles, and ninja from far and wide began leaving Sunagakure.

Several people Konoha had sent to fill out its roster were injured. Jiraiya, cautious by nature, chose to stay in Sunagakure while they recovered rather than rush back to Konoha.

Kirigakure had few top-tier fighters, so Yagura, as Mizukage, could not remain in the Land of Wind for long. Two days later, he decided to leave Sunagakure.

Crash!

A window shattered, and a pebble flew in.

"Chirp."

Uchiha Mai conjured a bird to intercept the pebble and bring it back in its beak.

A sheet of white paper was wrapped around it.

Uchiha Mai unfolded the paper and read:

[Mr. Wu, after we part today, I don't know when we'll meet again.

Meet me at the square outside Sunagakure's gate at nine this morning.

—Kisame Hoshigaki]

"Is it a note from Mei Terumi?" Shangfeng asked with a grin.

"No."

Uchiha Mai shook his head. "It's from Kisame Hoshigaki, though I'd guess Mei Terumi wrote it for him."

"Oh?"

Shangfeng looked surprised. "What are you going to do? Meet him?"

"I'd better go.

After I leave, tell Lord Jiraiya that if I'm not back within half an hour, Kirigakure has kidnapped me."

After a moment's thought, Uchiha Mai made up his mind.

The bright spring sun climbed into the sky.

Kirigakure's party had gathered outside Sunagakure's gate, and their departure drew closer.

Mei Terumi stood atop a stone pillar, watching the village streets with nervous anticipation.

"Boss."

Kisame called up from below. "It's almost nine. We should get going.

Maybe we shouldn't wait. Lord Mizukage said he doubts Uchiha Mai will come."

"Why?" Mei Terumi