Mei Terumi: All That Was, Returned in Full Today

Among the Kirigakure Anbu standing beside Mei Terumi, Shimizu spotted an acquaintance.

That person was Zabuza Momochi.

His ninja headband was worn askew on his head, and his face was covered in white bandages.

"Fifth Hokage, the Kubikiribōchō is in your hands, isn't it?"

Zabuza Momochi stared at Shimizu.

He had asked Shimizu before whether the Kubikiribōchō was in his possession.

And Shimizu's answer had been no.

Later, through his own investigations, he had obtained some intelligence.

The Kubikiribōchō was indeed in Shimizu's hands!

Biwa Juzo had once clashed with Shimizu, and after being defeated, he had left the Kubikiribōchō behind.

"It is true that this blade is in my possession."

Shimizu nodded.

It was true that the Kubikiribōchō was stored within his Sealing Scroll, but why should he hand it over to Zabuza Momochi?

"Zabuza, they are honored guests who have traveled from afar, and they are individuals personally invited by the Fourth Mizukage."

Mei Terumi cast a sidelong glance at Zabuza Momochi.

She turned and led the group forward.

Before long, Shimizu stepped into Kirigakure once again.

It had been over a decade since his last visit, which had been due to the Three-Tails inside Nohara Rin.

Upon reaching the village of Kirigakure, the mist had become quite thin.

Aside from the architectural style, which was similar to Konoha, everything else was much the same.

The stone-paved road was somewhat damp, likely a result of the humid climate.

With every step Shimizu took, he left a faint footprint on the ground.

As they entered the village, many curious gazes fell upon Shimizu.

Shimizu ignored these stares.

He was currently wearing the Hokage's haori, so naturally, he drew attention.

Only beneath this cloak was his Uchiha robe.

"Lady Mei Terumi."

They hadn't been walking down the street for long