Dawn was just breaking over Konoha, and the village was still quiet. Apart from the occasional sounds of early risers passing by, everything was only just beginning to stir.
After leaving her inn and leisurely enjoying Konoha's local breakfast specialties, Mei Terumi glanced at the sky. Having timed everything perfectly, she arrived at Konoha's gates right on schedule.
As Konoha's ever-present gatekeepers, Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane spotted their guest from Kirigakure immediately.
"Morning, you two!"
Mei was clearly in a good mood. After spending so long in Konoha, she could finally leave today and get some fresh air. Aside from Kirigakure, this was the first time she had stayed in another village for so long.
What disappointed her a little, however, was that Kakashi had stopped keeping her company last night—ah, no, stopped keeping her under surveillance—which meant she had no choice but to go to bed early.
"Good morning, Miss Mei Terumi!"
She was still officially a Diplomacy envoy, after all. With this beauty from Kirigakure wandering around Konoha for so many days, quite a few people had naturally gotten to know her.
Izumo greeted her with a smile. "Where's Kakashi? Isn't he with you?"
"He should be here soon. He said we'd meet here at six in the morning."
Her answer, however, made Izumo and Kotetsu exchange looks. As fellow Konoha ninja who knew Kakashi, they suddenly felt rather awkward.
"Um, you might be a little early."
"Huh?"
Mei tilted her head in confusion.
And so, six o'clock arrived.
Hinata Hyuga approached from the side with a small travel pack ready. When she saw Mei, she paused, then hurried forward to greet her.
"Good morning, Older Sister Mei."
"Good morning, Hinata."
Mei smiled in response, then watched Hinata politely greet the two gatekeepers as well.
Hinata then