When Shin Uchiha heard Mei Terumi's almost petulant words, he stopped teasing her and held her tightly in his arms, savoring the quiet moment.
Nestled against Shin's chest, Mei Terumi gradually calmed down, tracing circles over the spot she had bitten with her slender, delicate fingers.
After a while, Mei Terumi suddenly said, "Shin, I may be taking over as Mizukage soon. It's what Genji wants."
Shin Uchiha raised his eyebrows in surprise, even stopping the movements of his hands.
"So soon? Did something happen?"
Mei Terumi fell silent for a moment before saying,
"The Fourth Mizukage took his own life. The village needs a leader to reassure everyone, and Elder Genshi chose me."
Hearing this, Shin Uchiha comforted her. "Isn't that a good thing? Why do I get the feeling you're not happy?"
Mei Terumi snuggled closer into Shin's arms and said somewhat dejectedly,
"If I take over as Mizukage, I won't be able to leave the village easily anymore. Unless something important comes up, I'll have to stay in Kirigakure and protect it.
It's not that I don't want to protect the village. It's just that, as the leader of the Uchiha Clan, you're bound to leave this place. Once you leave, I won't be able to be with you."
Shin Uchiha was rather surprised by her words and asked,
"Didn't you tell me before that you wouldn't leave Kirigakure with me?"
At Shin's words, Mei Terumi replied without hesitation,
"I regret saying that. I've changed my mind. I want to be with you every moment, Shin. I don't want to be apart from you. I never want to be apart from you."
Hearing her words, Shin Uchiha kissed her forehead and comforted her.
"Don't worry. Leave this to me. I'll talk to Genji. I'll make sure I