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News of Iwagakure and Kumogakure signing peace treaties with Konoha rippled through the shinobi world.
It was an invisible pressure, urging the remaining great villages to make their decision.
As expected, two months after the Raikage's departure, the documents for peace treaties from Kirigakure and Sunagakure arrived in quick succession.
Kirigakure designated the signing location to be within their own village.
The reason stated in the missive was clear: Kiri was in the midst of a strict isolationist policy. They feared their own shinobi or citizens might exploit the Mizukage's absence to undermine it. Thus, the Mizukage's letter earnestly invited Tsukimi to Kiri for the signing—polite, sincere, and leaving Tsukimi little room for refusal.
Sunagakure, in contrast, simply chose Konoha as the signing location. They couldn't be bothered with the hassle of hosting. Going to Konoha was easier.
Due to the order of arrival, Tsukimi set off first for Kirigakure. This was his third time visiting the village.
He brought only his personal guard. Yugito, stubborn as ever, insisted on following.
Tsukimi had meant to refuse, but worried she might cause some disturbance back in Konoha if left alone, he relented. Better to keep a jinchūriki close by, after all.
Little Naruto didn't count. He had Hanzo to keep him in check.
The moon hung like a silver plate in a sky scattered with stars. They arrived at Kirigakure as night fully embraced the mist-shrouded village.
Mizukage Yagura stood at the main gate with Mei Terumi and others, waiting for Tsukimi's arrival.
"Hokage-sama." Yagura gave a nod that betrayed nothing.
Tsukimi returned the gesture. "Mizukage-sama."
A scorching gaze was impossible to ignore. From the corner of his eye, Tsukimi saw Mei Terumi, her teeth nearly gritted to dust, glaring holes into him.
"…"
Really, was that necessary?
He wasn't the only one who felt it. Yugito, standing beside him, felt it too. Her ash-blonde hair spilled down her back. A thin layer of frost seemed to settle over her delicate features. Her cold eyes swept over Mei, and she let out a soft, ambiguous hum.
"…"
Mei's attention shifted to the equally noticeable Yugito. She looked the other woman up and down, mentally confirming this must be the Nibi jinchūriki hostage from Kumo.
But… shouldn't a hostage be full of hatred for Tsukimi?
Mei's expression turned complicated.
[Ding! Target Yugito's Affection Level: 90!]
Tsukimi's gaze flicked to Yugito. He couldn't quite grasp where this sudden spike in affection came from.
"It's late," Yagura said. "Mei will show you to your quarters. We will conduct the signing ceremony tomorrow."
"Understood."
Tsukimi followed a visibly reluctant Mei towards the prepared lodging. Behind them, Yagura watched his retreating back, a sliver of eerie red light reflecting in his eyes.
The Mizukage had prepared a standalone villa. In Kirigakure, such houses were the norm. This one was just closer to the Mizukage's tower, with Kiri-nin standing guard outside.
"Hokage-sama, it's time to rest," Masako reminded him. She was not just his guard now, but also his de facto personal assistant.
"Right."
Tsukimi paused at his door, then looked at Yugito, who had followed right up to it.
"?"
His silent question was obvious.
Yugito cleared her throat. "I'm unfamiliar with Kirigakure. I was wondering if I might… share the Hokage's…"
"No."
Tsukimi hadn't even refused yet.
Masako's death glare was already locked on Yugito. "If you're scared, you can sleep with Shisui and Juuri. I'm sure they can provide all the sense of security a 'fainthearted mouse' like you needs." She turned her head and shot Yugito a lightning-fast roll of her eyes.
"…"
Yugito snorted. "Really? A woman sharing quarters with Uchiha Shisui and another man… doesn't seem very proper, does it?"
Masako's smile didn't reach her eyes. "And you think sharing the Hokage-sama's room is proper?"
What a joke! Even Masako, as his close guard, hadn't enjoyed that privilege. How could she let some woman from another village get there first?
"I think—"
Yugito's words were cut off.
"If you're scared," Masako said with a friendly smile that was anything but, "you can sleep with me."
Tsukimi watched their verbal sparring and decisively closed his own door.
Who had the energy to watch two women argue?
You don't? The System sounded surprised.
"If I were a universally acknowledged handsome man," Tsukimi said flatly, "they could fight in my room for all I care. But my current… conditions don't allow it."
If he revealed he was a man now, the next day's shinobi news headlines would be all about him. He didn't want to be labeled a pervert before his plans were complete.
After your plans are complete, you won't care about being called a pervert? The System's tone was scornful. The host's mental fortitude was something else.
"Once the plan is complete," Tsukimi said with a confident smirk, "their focus won't be on whether I'm a man or a woman."
"…"
The System was momentarily stunned by this burst of kingly aura.
Outside, Masako and Yugito looked at the firmly shut door, snorted in unison, and went their separate ways.
Sensing their departure, Tsukimi lay in bed, a triumphant smile curling his lips.
"My masculine charm, undimmed even by this disguise, still makes beauties lose their minds for me."
"…"
The System struggled. Are you sure it's masculine charm? Honestly, with the Yin Yang Ring masking his presence, did the host even have masculine charm anymore?
Tsukimi's face twisted. He'd change into men's clothes in secret one day and stun them all!
Deep in the night.
Just as Tsukimi was dazzling everyone in his dreams, his eyes snapped open.
The next second, a dark silhouette stood on the previously empty balcony.
"Obito doing a night visit this late… really tests a man's patience," Tsukimi complained internally. If he had come just a bit earlier, Tsukimi wouldn't be this resentful.
"What brings you here?" Tsukimi couldn't be bothered to get up. Burrowed in the warm blankets, only a head of silver-white hair poked out.
"…"
Obito's gaze swept over his drowsy eyes. "You seem to be getting rather into your role lately."
He'd heard endless praise for Konoha's Fifth Hokage, Tsukimi Heshu. Sometimes, Obito even began to doubt.
What was real? What was false?
Was the Tsukimi who had comforted him in that dark cave the one who truly existed? Or was this paragon of justice, this model for the shinobi world, the real one?
This wasn't the result he wanted.
He allowed Tsukimi to bathe in the sunlight. He did not allow Tsukimi to become the sunlight. Tsukimi could grow under the sun, but his final destination had to be the same as Obito's—the dark cave.
That was the darkness they shared.
"Why do you say that?" Tsukimi murmured from the blankets, eyelids growing heavier. Obito's voice was like a lullaby. He fought to stay conscious.
"With all this praise and glory…" Obito moved closer to the bedside. "Do you still have the heart to leave this cozy nest?"
Hearing the accusatory tone in Obito's voice, Tsukimi forced his eyes open. The guy sounded… insecure. Worried sick that Tsukimi might defect to the "good guys." Didn't he trust in his own charm enough?
"…This isn't my cozy nest," Tsukimi mumbled, half-asleep. "The cave we shared… that's the place that truly belongs to us."
Obito froze.
He looked at Tsukimi, only to find his eyes already closed, his breathing steadying.
Asleep.
He'd just… fallen asleep. Right in front of him. Without a shred of vigilance or worry.
Under the mask, Obito's face, which had been rigid, suddenly softened. The corner of his mouth lifted in an involuntary, gentle curve.
Yes.
He and Tsukimi were true family. They had witnessed each other's darkest times, huddled together for warmth in the cold darkness.
Suddenly, Obito—lost in fond memories of his time with Tsukimi before Madara's death—stiffened.
"What's this?"
His gaze shot towards the Mizukage's tower.
Why was Yagura's will suddenly surging?
Obito's figure vanished from the room.
The next day, the atmosphere in Kiri had shifted. It was subtle, but not enough to escape Tsukimi's notice.
"Hokage-sama, please." Yagura, already seated, was pale but maintained his composure.
Mei Terumi's expression was grave, brows furrowed. For once, her eyes held no hostility when they landed on Tsukimi—only a deep, profound anxiety.
Among the Kiri-nin standing behind Yagura, Tsukimi caught a familiar figure.
Haku's eyes met his for a fleeting moment before sliding away, showing not a flicker of recognition.
His acting rivals yours, the System commented.
The peace treaty Yagura presented was flawless and sincere. Tsukimi read it over and signed without hesitation.
"Hokage-sama, since you've come all this way to Kiri," Mei said abruptly, "why not stay a few more days?"
"…"
Tsukimi looked at her, surprised. Mei's face was unreadable.
To swallow her own pride and invite him to stay… what was she planning?
Yagura merely gave Mei a flat look. "If the Hokage wishes to stay longer, Mei will play host." With that, he stood, looking utterly drained, and left. A portion of the Kiri-nin followed him.
The rest stayed, looking to Mei. Clearly, her people. Haku was among them.
Mei's face was solemn as she looked at Tsukimi. Under his astonished gaze, she bowed deeply.
"?"
Tsukimi raised a brow. Connecting Yagura's earlier state and Mei's solemn gesture, a guess began to form in his mind.
"Hokage-sama," Mei began, her voice firm, "I apologize for my previous disrespectful conduct."
When the village's survival was at stake, personal pride could be discarded. And Mei knew better than anyone: she needed Tsukimi's power.
"I wonder if I might have the honor of inviting you to dinner tonight?" Mei's eyes held a clear, urgent plea.
The request was odd, but Tsukimi nodded. The sooner Mei became Mizukage, the better for Haku's future.
Night fell quickly. On the way to the agreed-upon restaurant.
"Hokage-sama," Yugito said, having successfully pushed Juuri aside to walk close to Tsukimi. Juuri, not wanting to argue with a woman, could only follow behind, watching Yugito inch closer. "That woman, Mei… you don't think she's plotting something, do you?"
"What do you think?" Tsukimi glanced at Yugito, who was almost leaning against him.
"Well, I think," Yugito said with a sweet smile that belied her harsh words, "that woman is definitely up to no good! Look at her face—it's practically demonic!"
"…"
Juuri watched the diminishing space between them. He coughed twice and forcefully squeezed his way in. "Hokage-sama! We're here!"
"…"
A vein throbbed on Yugito's temple as she was pushed aside. Damn annoying man!
Shisui looked from Juuri to Yagito and felt a headache coming on.
Mei had reserved a completely private room. The soundproofing was excellent. Tsukimi knew his guess was about right.
"Hokage-sama."
Present were Mei, Haku standing behind her, and a white-haired elder.
"This is one of our village elders," Mei introduced.
The elder stood and bowed solemnly. "We have long heard of the Hokage's benevolence."
Wow. Starting with the flattery. The old ones really knew how to play the game.
"Speak plainly," Tsukimi said, cutting to the chase.
Mei and the elder exchanged a look. Finally, the elder let out a heavy sigh. "Hokage-sama, to be frank… we seek your assistance."
Tsukimi feigned surprise. "My assistance? What matter could possibly be beyond the Mizukage's ability to resolve?"
The elder seemed to steel himself, his expression firm. "It is precisely… a matter concerning our Mizukage."
Tsukimi almost choked on his water. That was more direct than he would have been.
"Elder, do you know what you're saying? How could I possibly act against the Mizukage? Konoha and Kiri just signed a peace treaty. What is the meaning of this?" Tsukimi's face turned cold.
The elder gave Mei a look.
Mei laid out the truth. "Hokage-sama, if the Mizukage were still himself, we would never speak such treasonous words. But… the Mizukage is no longer himself."
Tsukimi frowned, his expression growing grave. "What do you mean?"
Mei said, "The Mizukage is being controlled."
The thought of a Kage being manipulated was unthinkable. When she first learned the truth last night, Mei had been stunned.
"A genjutsu controlling the Mizukage… how did you discover this?" Tsukimi asked.
"Last night," Mei explained, "a genin attempted to assassinate the Mizukage-sama. During the incident, one of our shinobi, Ao, who possesses a Byakugan, discovered the truth." She watched Tsukimi's reaction carefully at the mention of the Byakugan. Seeing no change, she continued. "The Mizukage is under a genjutsu. We believe we can dispel it, but we cannot guarantee we can do so before the Sanbi goes on a rampage."
In other words, they couldn't defeat Yagura before breaking the genjutsu. They needed Tsukimi's help.
Yagura was controlled by Obito. For Tsukimi to fight Yagura now… wasn't that directly opposing Obito?
Are you… scared of him? Of Uchiha Obito? the System asked.
What kind of nonsense is that? Tsukimi shot back.
He just genuinely couldn't be bothered to deal with an insecure baby like Obito.
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