——It may sound unbelievable, but I'm telling the truth. I'm not from this country. I'm just a ninja who hates Uchiha Madara—or rather, a ninja dedicated to giving him trouble. I've been tracking Madara for a long time, and I recently discovered he's controlling the Mizukage. As for how I found that out, I have the right to keep that secret. My goal is simple: break the genjutsu he cast over the Mizukage and force him out. As for why I framed you, the reason is even simpler—you and Hozuki Mangetsu's factional struggle annoy Madara, yet he must remain cautious. So he stays here daily; only once the internal affairs stabilize does he have time for other matters. Why frame you instead of Mangetsu? Because, in my eyes, you actually have the intent to change the so-called Kirigakure.
"Making up this story about Uchiha Madara—based on your abilities, you don't seem like someone capable of doing this. Who exactly are you?"
Zaraki Kita shrugged.
——You can call me Kita. We're about the same age. As for my origins, all you need to know is that I utterly despise Uchiha Madara. Of course, no one believes Madara is still alive, but I can tell you he is—and he's constantly stirring trouble. Before breaking the Fourth Mizukage's genjutsu, there's no evidence you can rely on. Believe me or not, it doesn't matter much to me. Now that Madara has left the village, I'm going after the Mizukage. The only difference is: if you don't believe me, I might fail—and die—and Madara might rush back. If you do believe me, I might succeed, and the Kirigakure could gain freedom.
Zaraki Kita finished her explanation, turned, and strode outward. She didn't need to say more—trust couldn't be forced by frantic explanations. The longer she lingered, the more Terumi Mei had to ponder; it was better to leave and shorten her considerations.
"Wait."
Zaraki Kita's lips curved into a small smile as she stopped in her tracks.
"You're venturing alone into Kirigakure, coming to see me. If what you say is true, after everything succeeds, what do you hope to gain from it? Aren't you afraid you'll be killed to silence you?"
——I've already gotten what I wanted. For me, as long as I can irritate Uchiha Madara, it's worth risking my life.
Terumi Mei considered the credibility of that statement. After a moment, she asked in a calm voice:
"What's your operational plan?"
——Go find the Mizukage, fight him, and break the genjutsu.
"Now?"
——Now. The sooner, the better. Madara could return at any time.
"At the Mizukage's Office?"
——At the Mizukage's Office.
"You'll die there."
——I don't care. As long as Madara is inconvenienced, that's enough.
Terumi Mei rose and stepped out of her cell.
"The guards outside—are they dead?"
——No. I knocked them out.
A satisfied smile crossed Mei's face. "How do you plan to defeat the Mizukage and break the genjutsu without alerting Mangetsu?"
——Drug Hozuki Mangetsu. That's a good option.
"The Mizukage is competitive. If an assassin appears, he'll personally pursue. Three leagues outside the village is the harbor; few guards make it easy for combat. I won't assist you in battle. If I discover your purpose is to assassinate the Mizukage, I will kill you from behind. Understood?"
For the first time, Zaraki Kita saw Terumi Mei speak such direct words about strategy and deception. Mei wasn't a schemer; she was a woman of great skill. To her, whether a scheme was hidden or overt didn't matter. Zaraki Kita realized that even without her assistance, Mei would soon act—either eliminating her political rivals or seizing power.
Yet if this happened, Zaraki Kita risked being silenced after breaking the Fourth Mizukage's genjutsu. While the goal was to undo the genjutsu, Mangetsu's faction still needed to be removed. Given Mei's current situation, it was highly likely she would take action—but probably wouldn't do it herself. That was fine; letting Mei's faction and Mangetsu's faction destroy each other meant greater Kirigakure casualties. Even without acting, her purpose would be achieved.
After considering this, Zaraki Kita responded:
——Understood.
She gave a slight bow to show respect, then instantly disappeared. Terumi Mei's gentle smile remained, appearing harmless. She moved forward calmly, stretching the stiffness from her confinement, smiling more brightly. Near the dungeon exit, several figures flashed close, some bowing, some kneeling.
"Blue, cause trouble for that water monster—keep him from noticing I'm gone. Then, gather my people at the harbor and prepare for the task."
"Yes."
Without complaint or question, the one-eyed man responded with utmost respect.
Mei clasped her fingers together and lazily stretched, her face full of a spring-like smile. When the movements ended, that gentle smile abruptly ceased.
"Next, Fourth Mizukage, let's see—should I let you live, or should I let you die?"