In Kirigakure, in the Land of Water.
Mei Terumi returned in triumph with a group of Kirigakure Ninja after quelling the Kaguya Clan's rebellion. Kirigakure's elder, Genji, had already been waiting at the village gates for a long time. Seeing Mei Terumi and the others return safely, he could not help a faint smile lifting the corners of his mouth.
"Elder Genshi, it's so late. Why... why are you...?" Seeing Genji at the village gates, Mei Terumi hurried forward and supported his aged body with concern.
Genji smiled and murmured, "Mm, mm," for a while. In his old age, he could no longer speak clearly, so a relatively younger elder behind him hurriedly interpreted:
"Elder Genshi was very concerned about your safety and everyone else's, so he kept waiting for you at the gates. Until he saw you return safely, he simply couldn't sleep soundly..."
Mei Terumi said gratefully, "Thank you for your concern, Elder Genshi. Don't worry, we're all fine, and the Kaguya Clan has been almost entirely wiped out. From now on, Kirigakure will have nothing to worry about. You and the villagers can sleep peacefully every night."
At that, Genji nodded in satisfaction before finally tottering away.
Watching Genji's retreating back, Mei Terumi let out a deep sigh.
"Thank you all for your hard work these past few days. Go home. We won't take any missions for the next few days, so take care of your injuries and get plenty of rest."
"Yes!"
At Mei Terumi's instructions, the ninja dispersed, each heading home, each back to their mother.
"Ao, Chōjūrō, why haven't you two gone home yet?" Mei Terumi was just about to head toward the Mizukage Building when she suddenly noticed that Ao and Chōjūrō were still standing behind her, showing no intention of going home.