The next day, inside Kirigakure.
The dense fog never dispersed, and the water vapor and humidity in the air kept Hua Yue awake all night.
He had clashed with Kirigakure several times on the battlefield, and countless Mist ninja had died by his hand. Even among the Kirigakure Anbu, famed for their cold-blooded ruthlessness, some could not help leaking a trace of killing intent.
Anbu were people too. Even as ninja capable of restraining their emotions, they could not avoid revealing their feelings when the enemy who had killed their family, friends, or even lovers stood brazenly before them.
A soft knock sounded. A slender hand pulled open the door, revealing Mei Terumi with a bright smile.
"Are you getting used to it?"
"Not really. It's too thick—both the moisture and the killing intent."
His blunt answer made Mei Terumi pause slightly before she put that gentle smile back on her face.
"The Land of Water is just that kind of country. It's an island nation made up of many archipelagos, so heavy moisture is unavoidable. It can't compare to Konoha's environment."
Seamlessly avoiding the subject of killing intent, the two made idle conversation until hazy sunlight streamed through the window. Only then did the Fourth Mizukage appear, leading several Kirigakure jonin.
As for Suikazan Fuguki and Biwa Juzo, if those two had been sent to exchange pleasantries with the enemy who had taken their ninja swords, it would probably have turned into a declaration of war on the spot.
"The ceasefire agreement. Return our ninja swords."
Direct and decisive, Karatachi Yagura tossed the ceasefire agreement before Hua Yue, clearly unwilling to have any more dealings with Konoha's so-called peace ambassador.
"That settles it. In the Third Shinobi World War, Konoha and Kirigakure hereby declare a ceasefire. Your ninja swords