Early the next morning, Yura officially reported to the village's Mizukage Building.
Unlike Konoha, Kirigakure's gathering, exchange, and activity spaces for shinobi were all concentrated within Mizukage Castle. The place was simply large enough, while the village itself served as an entertainment district in ordinary times. There were countless shops, and one could buy practically anything.
"Morning, old man Byakuren~" Yura pushed the door open and walked straight into the office. Looking at the First Mizukage, she smiled faintly. "You're up early. Working this soon after waking up—aren't you going to sleep a little longer?"
"Old people sleep lightly." Byakuren had been somewhat prepared for Yura's overly familiar manner. Powerful shinobi were allowed certain privileges. "You're early too."
"After all, we had an appointment. I'm not used to being late." As she spoke, Yura casually sat down on the solid wood sofa in the office with Lucy and ordered, "Little Monster, go see if there's any tea. Make us a pot."
Lucy was an honest sort. Hearing Yura call for her, she immediately did as told, rising to search through the office cabinet.
Watching this scene, old man Byakuren's eyelids twitched. He raised a hand, opened a drawer, and tossed a bag onto the tea table in front of Yura. "How did you know I had tea?"
"Isn't that only natural? Don't you serve tea when you receive guests?" Yura said. "So you have snacks too, right?"
"Did you come here to mooch food and drinks?" One of Byakuren's eyes stood guard while the other kept watch. His face was plainly speechless as he said, "No snacks. We're at work. Be serious."
"Oh~" Yura sat up a little straighter. "Old man, a shinobi blocked my way last night."
Byakuren waved a hand. "That's normal. Some people were testing what you're