First Encounter with Akatsuki

Long Ye left Kirigakure without a sound.

As he had expected, his negotiations with Mei Terumi had been difficult and drawn out.

They were on good terms. They had even been through hardship together. But on a matter this serious, especially one involving Kirigakure's safety, Mei would not budge.

When she heard he wanted the Kaguya Clan's secret techniques for Kimimaro, whom he had taken in, she flew into a rage and attacked him on the spot.

Long Ye knew his request was excessive. The Kaguya Clan had rebelled, and to those in power, leaving no survivors was the only way to prevent future trouble.

Not only had Long Ye failed to bring Kimimaro to her, he had taken him in. And as if that were not enough, he had the nerve to ask her for all six secret techniques. Of course she was furious.

Trusting in his Indestructible Body, Long Ye took several punches from her. He came away unharmed, while Mei, the one throwing the punches, ended up with swollen, aching fists and had to stop in frustration.

Long Ye also understood that their friendship was not enough to make Mei act against her village's interests.

In the end, he had no choice but to offer something in exchange.

He took out a Snake Cypress Seed.

When he explained what it could do, Mei stood stunned for a long while.

At last, in exchange for one Snake Cypress Seed, they struck a deal. Long Ye obtained the Kaguya Clan's six secret techniques.

Meanwhile, on the top floor of Kirigakure's tallest building, Mei stood before a floor-to-ceiling window.

She watched Long Ye disappear into the mist.

A trace of sadness crossed her face. "I hope you can understand why I had to do it. The village's safety was at