Tetsuya swayed as he straightened up, his body reverting from water to flesh and blood. He looked toward Mei Terumi and suddenly burst into laughter.
"Mei Terumi! Kirigakure will eventually—"
His laughter abruptly cut off.
He raised his head and saw someone standing beside Mei Terumi. It was a black-haired youth looking down at him, his gaze as cold as ice. The youth walked toward him step by step, his footsteps clearly audible amid the ruins.
Tetsuya wanted to retreat, but wooden vines suddenly burst from the ground beneath his feet, instantly wrapping around his ankles, waist, abdomen, and arms. The vines tightened, binding him like a dumpling and leaving him unable to move.
"Wait," Mei Terumi said. "This is Kirigakure's affair. Kirigakure should handle it ourselves."
She turned toward Qianyu and assumed a fighting stance. The surrounding ANBU swiftly closed in, their kunai gleaming coldly in the firelight.
Qianyu stopped.
"Beautiful, we've met before." His tone was calm. "When the Five Kage visited last time, I was standing behind Teacher Tsunade."
Mei Terumi did not relax. "I know. The Konoha hero who repelled Orochimaru, the inheritor of Wood Release. But why are you here? What is your purpose?"
Qianyu spread his hands. "I just saved you."
"I know that too." Mei Terumi stared at him. "But what if this was all a performance you staged yourself? Until everything is explained, you cannot leave."
The ANBU continued tightening their encirclement.
Qianyu gave a soft laugh. As expected of a Kage.
"Looks like words won't get through to you."
He clapped his hands.
Abin slowly rose from the ground three steps behind Mei Terumi, as though floating up from water. The ANBU were shocked and instantly swung their weapons toward the unfamiliar man who had suddenly appeared.
Mei Terumi's expression finally