The entire Zero Squad's intense training continued for three weeks, until Sōji was summoned to the Mizukage Building to receive a mission. Only then did it temporarily come to an end.
Escort the Land of Water's daimyo on a diplomatic visit to the Land of Fire—S-Rank!
At that moment, Mei Terumi stood by the window of the conference room on the second floor of the Mizukage Building, her back to the door. Her robe hung around her feet as she gazed at the gray-and-white streets of Kirigakure outside.
When she heard the footsteps of five people coming upstairs, she did not turn around. She only did so after Ao said quietly from the doorway, "Lady Mizukage, everyone is here!"
Only then did Mei Terumi slowly turn around.
Yamada Soji, Hozuki Mangetsu, Ye Tong, Wolf Demon, and White Hannya.
They were all destined to become the future pillars of Hidden Mist!
Mei Terumi smiled as she looked over everyone, then said one word: "Sit!"
The relevant documents had already been laid out on the long table: the mission brief, identification documents, and the diplomatic reply from the Land of Fire's Ministry of Rites.
There were even five travel permits for the members accompanying the diplomatic mission. The Land of Fire's daimyo had already stamped them with his vermilion seal, which was glaringly red.
Mei Terumi braced both hands against the edge of the table, her emerald eyes sweeping over the five people before her. Her tone carried the formality and decisiveness unique to a Mizukage.
"The daimyo of the Land of Water will be visiting the Land of Fire in the coming days. ANBU will be fully responsible for escorting the diplomatic mission."
"Yamada Soji, this is your first mission as the commander of a diplomatic escort since being promoted to