Reborn in the Mist

When I opened my eyes next there was a trio of ANBU patiently bowing behind me. I’m not sure how long the conversation with Saiken had run on in the real world but they didn’t look like they just arrived.

For the moment I kept my attention on Utakata, the young Jinchuriki seemed to be talking to himself but I knew better— he was in close communication with his Tailed Beast now, further proof was the near instantaneous activation of his One-Tailed chakra cloak. Saiken’s bubbling chakra set the ANBU behind me and those lurking on edge, I sensed each and everyone of their chakra flare in caution, a wise but unnecessary thing.

“Utakata,” I beckoned the young Jinchuriki as I stood from the pond. My trousers were wet but that was the least of my concerns right now. The young man ran over to me, his chakra cloak bubbling back underneath his skin in a controlled and efficient manner. He grinned and I offered a small smile in return. “You heard what Saiken said in there, I intend to take his words very seriously, do you understand?”

His grin dropped into a thin lipped serious look as he nodded enthusiastically. “Of course, Mizukage-sama. I won’t—”

“Utakata, the moment Saiken begins to doubt our intentions as good willed, in fact, the moment you begin to doubt me as well. I want to hear about it, do you understand what I’m saying?”

His mirth died down as he nodded more slowly this time, absorbing my words. “Yes, I believe I do, sir.”

“Good. Saiken…is important and so are you. To the village and to its enemies, don’t forget that.” I patted his shoulders and widened my smile to a grin. “Now keep up with your training.”

I was about to turn away and face the ANBU waiting for me when he suddenly called out. “Uhm, Mizukage-sama? What’s going to happen to Team 3? To Zabuza?”

Is that legitimate concern in his voice? I took it as a surprise, frankly. No one who ever spoke of Zabuza cared a lick about the prodigious murderer. Not even Ao. I suppose being on the same team for that long would generate some attachment. Not to mention…Utakata can probably relate to being scorned.

“I haven’t signed Ao’s team disbandment form if that’s what you mean.” I said, watching curiously as Utakata let out a sigh of relief. “But considering his actions and your team's inability to function as a unit…I don’t see why I shouldn’t. Is there more to the story than I was told?”

Panic scoured his features again, he reached out or tried to. His hand fell before it could rise and his mouth clamped shut before an objection could be voiced. “No, not really.” He said, shaking his head. “I guess I just started to like being on a team.”

I glanced at the ANBU still waiting patiently and hummed, stroking my chin. “Perhaps something can be done. If all three of you decide unanimously to stand as a team…then I will weigh your wishes against Ao’s request, see what wins out.”

Utakata was practically beaming at that. “Yes, I’ll talk to the others. I’ll get them to stand together before you, sir!”

I nodded and watched him hop off further into the temple, situationally aware enough to know I’d need the space to discuss whatever matters the ANBU had brought me this time— I wasn’t looking forward to it.

“Yes? What is it?”

The ANBU looked amongst themselves and without a word decided they would answer from left to right. It seems they all come with separate messages, just great.

The first stood. “Sir, the Princess Hanako, Baron of Yureisen has arrived to attend your anniversary.”

Oh, that’s not so bad. Saves me the trouble of summoning her myself too, there’s a lot of her meddling Lord Funato would like me to curtail. I’d allowed Princess Hanako to handle the civilian matters of Yureisen in order to maintain some semblance of alignment with the Water Daimyo’s court as well as buy her silence in the fact that Kumogakure was behind the Daimyo’s opposition in the civil war. And now…well, I hadn’t had to parley with her since then, I wonder what a taste of the power she longed so thirstily for has changed in her.

“Have her things settled in my Estate’s guest house, I will pay her a visit when I am opportune.” The ANBU took that as enough of an answer and stepped back, allowing the next to step up.

This one I could see swallow before he spoke. I narrowed my eyes and braced for some shocking news. “In the same vein, Lord Fourth, a foreign shinobi, wishes to attend your anniversary, one from Konoha. We’ve barred him entry for the moment, awaiting your direct orders.”

I raised a brow at his careful wording. But silently gave him permission to continue.

“It is Jiraiya of the Sannin.”

I had doubts that anything could have prepared me for that. My mouth fell open and my thoughts swirled in a spiral of questions birthing questions, all demanding to know why the Sannin had bothered and just what Konoha was up to these days. They still haven’t announced a new Hokage, my spies report having no inkling of who might be next in line or if the old Sarutobi would take his mantle once more.

I swallowed before answering. “Let him in, assign him a place at my guest house as well but I want eyes on him at all hours.”

“Sir!”

I had faith in my ANBU but I doubted anything other than the best sensor-nin could keep track of that man. Having him in the village had my heart beating paces faster. I suppose this is how they felt when I was lurking around during a dis

When the final ANBU stepped forward, he seemed to carry lighter news than the others. “Sir, the council has assembled alongside Lord Hidaki Yuki, Lady Junko Hoshigaki and other minor clan leaders. Lord Aoto sent me to deliver you this news, he asks that you read this as well.” He retrieved from his pouch a ridiculously small scroll, the type best attached to a pigeon or raven's ankles.

I unfurled it and snorted at the words scrawled across. ‘Now that you’re satisfied, it’s time to set new standards like you meant to.’

Oh Uncle…

“Very well, you two, dismissed. You, lead the way.” Uncle was pushing me to do the things I dreaded in my stomach but knew in my heart and mind I needed to do. It was time to place mind over matter. It’s time to unite Kirigakure’s clans under an iron fist— mine.