It has been three years since the Fourth Great Shinobi war and while peace has arisen it has brought with it many unsolved mysteries and crises. What else could arise from such a world shattering war? A war where the most influential figures would participate and shake the very foundations the world was built upon. Still, the land of shinobi has experienced an unprecedented peace. Cooperation between the shinobi powers is at an all-time high.
Perhaps then it is a consequence of that peace that so many mysteries have started to abound. Shadowy figures fill the forests and the paranormal seems to flit around every corner. Many believe that this peace is the reason for many jumping at shadows. Others believe that perhaps the fundamental rules of the world have changed as a consequence of the Fourth Shinobi War. Surely, such a battle between mythical figures would leave lasting scars. Scars that could prove impossible to heal.
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Mei Terumi, the Mizukage sighed as she walked along the weathered road. Chōjūrō, her bodyguard, accompanied her on this path. The young man seemed particularly wary, Mei noted, though she couldn't exactly fault him. Since the death of Ao, he had become her sole bodyguard and his lack of confidence certainly chafed at him. It also didn't help that the forest seemed to almost be closing in around them. Then there was the nature of their mission that was quite out of the ordinary.
The sun had set a long time ago increasing the discomfort of the two travelers. The Mizukage felt a small shiver down her spine as she caught movement out of the corner of her eye. When she looked into the dark forest to trace the movement she saw only glowing animalistic eyes staring back from the darkness's depths. Chōjūrō's hand never left the double hilt of his wrapped blade and would flex around it occasionally.
Mei suddenly couldn't help to giggle to herself lightly. She was the Mizukage, who stood toe to toe with legends and survived to the tell the tale. Here she was frightened of shadows in a dark forest. Chōjūrō glanced at her with a timid expression. She could practically see the questions bubbling beneath the surface of his face, but knew he wouldn't voice them. The lava user decided perhaps it would be better to divulge the nature of their journey and perhaps console the young man.
"Relax Chōjūrō, I don't expect to actually meet with any resistance," Mei finally called breaking the eerie silence of the forest. The swordsman seemed to jump a little at the sudden intrusion, but calmed considerably under the words of his master.
"I am sorry Mizukage-sama," Chōjūrō spoke softly. He made a pitiful attempt to appear more relaxed, failing miserably. "It seems rather unusual for us to investigate something like this so directly." Mei couldn't help but smile at the man. Such activity was rather unusual and she felt the need to explain.
"You are correct," Mei replied, "However, I believe my presence will ensure mission success where so many other endeavors have failed. We have already lost a squad of hunter-nin and even Konoha has had several disturbances in this area. Several of their Anbu squads were chased from the area following an investigation into missing persons."
"That only makes me more worried," Chōjūrō admitted looking slightly fearful, his hand flexing around the hilt of the sword on his back. "Doesn't it seem like you are putting yourself at unnecessary risk?" The question was really a statement, though she knew Chōjūrō couldn't phrase it as such due to his timidity. His unerring devotion to her protection was quite admirable. She only wished his confidence had continued to grow after he defeated Black Zetsu.
"That would be the case," the Mizukage confirmed emphasizing would. She studied Chōjūrō for a response to see if he would draw a conclusion all on his own. There was a flickering of recognition in his eyes before something in the darkness of the forest caught both of their attentions. They stared to only find glowing golden eyes staring back. They forcibly drew their attention back to the road.
"You know something, don't you?" Chōjūrō suddenly asked catching on to her line of reasoning. In truth, she knew he adored her, and sometimes overestimated her abilities, but in this case, he was spot on. The Mizukage patted his shoulder offering a beaming smile.
"Yes, Chōjūrō. During the Fourth Shinobi War this region became a no-go zone for shinobi despite it being key terrain for an attack on Konoha. This peninsula is vastly covered in forest and would present a perfect launch pad for an invasion into the land of fire. Of course, Konoha recognized this and with our help, tried to secure the area. However, our forces were continually driven back by an unknown shinobi. Likewise, when several platoons of White Zetsu arrived they were completely decimated," Mei began to explain. She did this for many reasons. To help alleviate her own boredom, to comfort Chōjūrō, and to perhaps convey her intent to whatever it was that was watching them.
"So, you are interested in whoever this shinobi is?" Chōjūrō asked, but upon seeing the slight frown in the redhead's lips he came to another realization. "Wait, you know who the shinobi is." Mei's lips quirked upward in response.
"About forty years ago, a clan used to reside in Kirigakure, but attempted a coup. They were believed to have been completely purged after it failed, but I have documents stating that two were exiled instead," Mei began to explain.
Chōjūrō didn't disappoint her when he continued, "That was the Ookami Clan! Headed by no one other than the Lord Commander of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mists. Kensai, the legendary sword saint."
"Yes, in fact, I believe it was Kensai and his wife who were exiled from the village. This was for two reasons. The first, Kensai didn't directly participate in the coup. The second, taking down Kensai would have been quite a task. He was unparalleled in might and even defeated all seven members of the Swordsmen in one single bout. A true master of the sword and a frightening opponent. Still, the Ookami clan's crimes couldn't be ignored so in secret they made an agreement not to pursue Kensai if he would leave the village with his wife." The Mizukage picked at her outfit a little as she explained subconsciously trying to look her best.
"But I don't understand why you think this mystery shinobi would be Kensai," Chōjūrō admitted in confusion, "He would have been thirty years old at the time of his exile making him at least seventy today. And I don't understand why you would believe that after thirty or so years, he would take such an active role in the Fourth Shinobi War."
Mei raised her eyebrows at Chōjūrō's intuitions. Certainly, the blue-haired man was becoming more intellectual every day.
"You would be correct, but I ran this information through the intel division and they came up with a startling discovery. The sudden disappearances consistent with the events surrounding this region during the Fourth Shinobi War started long before," Mei began only to stop when she saw Chōjūrō's eyes light up.
"They started around the time Kensai was exiled!" Chōjūrō exclaimed suddenly, only to blush a little at his sudden surge of confidence. Mei nodded and smiled her trademark closed eye smile. Chōjūrō visibly calmed his nerves before continuing, "But that only raises more questions. Can I ask about your motivations with personally investigating this? While a legendary swordsman, Kensai was known to be a brutal man. I don't think someone like him would fit in our world anymore."
The Mizukage shrugged her shoulders, "That is true. For all intents and purposes he was quite a horrible individual, but he was also an honorable one. Not once had he ever stained his honor, not even during the coup. It is this honor I hope to appeal to. With all the mysteries rising from the ashes of the Fourth Shinobi War, I want to reform the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. I hope Kensai will lead the endeavor." Mei watched Chōjūrō closely and wasn't surprised that he seemed relieved she wasn't going to put the task on him.
Chōjūrō was a remarkable individual and she had no doubt he would make a capable leader someday, but his lack of confidence was holding him back. She hoped a man like Kensai would be able to instill new confidence and groom a capable generation to follow in her wake. There was a small silence while Chōjūrō seemed to soak in the information. Mei, let it rest and they had walked for another hour before Chōjūrō spoke again.
"But that doesn't change the fact that he is a very dangerous and legendary shinobi," Chōjūrō's voice was quiet and fear saturated every word. "We should have at least brought an escort."
"Ah, but I have a trump card," The Mizukage reached into the cleavage of her dress and produced a scroll. Chōjūrō flushed red in embarrassment as he couldn't take his eyes off the movement, much to the Mizukage's secret pleasure. "This scroll holds a contract that was never voided between the Mizukage and the Ookami clan. It details that the current clan head of the Ookami is required to advise the Mizukage should they be called to action."
"You are going to appeal to him to honor his agreement," Chōjūrō suddenly realized as the trump card was revealed. "Since his honor was second to none you don't think he will decline."
"Yes, and that is why we find ourselves here," The Mizukage concluded with a smile, "Of course, this all hinges on the data we collected. We lack verification that this mysterious shinobi is actually Kensai so stay on your guard."
Chōjūrō nodded with determination continuing his scans of the forest. This time a lasting quiet began to descend on the two as they walked in the darkness. Normally she would have called a halt and set up camp, but despite herself, the forest felt like it was strangling her. They were being watched every step of the way. Another hour passed and the Mizukage was about to decide to call the halt anyway despite the perceived danger, but a light up ahead along the road stayed her voice. She glanced to Chōjūrō who seemed to notice it too.
Their pace picked up glad to see some form of civilization apart from the dusty overgrown road. The light at the end of the path grew and became more defined. A small village came into view as they neared it and the light was seen to be broken into many different sources. Torches were set up to ward away the darkness and villagers moved about closing up for the night.
As the pair neared the village it seemed their presence drew the immediate attention of the villagers. The eyes of all present glued to them as they entered the edge of the village and whispering broke out. In front and distinctly apart from the crowd was a single individual clad in a grey duster with a hood obscuring much of his form. As they neared he stepped forward towards them and Mei felt Chōjūrō tense, though the Swordsman kept his hand away from his weapon to the Mizukage's pleasure.
The redhead studied the stranger before her in greater detail. On his left hip hung an intricate katana with a hilt of ivory. She could also make out the ebony handle of what she guessed was a wakizashi on the man's back coming to right side. From her intelligence and historical documents those were certainly the weapons of Kensai.
"Good evening, Mizukage-sama," The mysterious figure said bowing. The voice was surprisingly calm and sounded young. "I would like to welcome you to our humble village. Please excuse our propensity for skepticism, we don't get many visitors."
Mei hid her surprise at such a welcome. Not only that, but the man seemed young. Her suspicions were confirmed when the man straightened from his bow and the light caught his face. The face was diamond shaped and belonged to a man in his late twenties or early thirties. A far cry from the seventy-year-old man she was expecting to encounter.
"Thank you," The Mizukage returned with a slight bow of her own, "You seem to already know me, but let me introduce my companion Chōjūrō of the Legendary Swordsmen of the Mist." She indicated the slightly nervous man standing next to her. The stranger's eyes flickered over Chōjūrō briefly, but what they found was a mystery to Mei. The stranger was skilled at concealing his thoughts.
The stranger offered a small respectful bow to Chōjūrō, making the latter uncomfortable. "Welcome! It isn't often Toshima receives visitors, let alone the woman who fought Madara Uchiha and the man who defeated Black Zetsu, especially at once." The play was subtle but the Mizukage picked up on it. This stranger knew exactly who they were. For such an isolated village, that was a feat.
"Where are my manners, I am Koga, elected leader of this village," the stranger announced finally introducing himself. "As such it is my duty to extend hospitality to any guests. Will you be staying with us this evening?" A subtle gouge for information. This Koga was intellectual indeed, the Mizukage noted. However, things weren't going according to plan so Mei sought even small advantages. One such advantage was to keep the man off guard as to the nature of her visit, though she suspected he had been the one following them in the forest.
"Yes, we will be staying the evening if that is alright," Mei answered not detailing her reasoning for staying. For a second she thought Koga was surprised, but wasn't sure the sudden twitch under his right eye was a sufficient indication.
"Then it would be my pleasure to invite you to stay at my home. I apologize in advance, it is quite modest, but I will make every endeavor to ensure a pleasurable stay," Koga bowed again and indicated that the two should follow him. The Mizukage and her bodyguard fell into step slightly behind and to the right of Koga. She eyed the intricate sheath on the man's back. The ebony sheath was wreathed in golden wolves. More interesting with that was the white crescent moon insignia on the back of the man's cloak. The Mizukage smirked at the discovery, but held the card close to her chest.
While Koga seemed to be the perfect host, the Mizukage couldn't help but try to shake the stares of the villagers. They seemed to dog their steps between shoddy hovels. A sharp glance from Koga sent them all scurrying into their homes raising more questions for the Mizukage. It wasn't exactly the reaction she had been expecting from the village. If anything, she expected hostility, or even an armed response, but things were going smoothly, minus the hiccup Koga presented.
The village itself was rather commonplace. The streets were of dirt and were quite muddy. There was only dozen or so hovels dotting the landscape seemingly at random. Livestock slumbered around the village. Nothing particularly out of the ordinary. Finally, they came to a small home at the top of the hill in the center of the village. It was slightly larger than the surrounding hovels, but not by much. The village leader walked up and opened the door. Stepping to the side he ushered the pair of visitors into his home.
Mei glanced around as her eyes adjusted to the change in lighting. The interior was rather bare. There was a lack of furniture or art on the walls, but that was to be expected in such a small house in such a poor village. The fire cackled in the fireplace. On the hearth sat a kettle for tea and a small box which likely housed that tea. Next to the hearth was a single wooden rocking chair. The only other distinguishing feature was a small table in the center of the room by the fire place. It was a low table with several cushions for sitting on made of simple design. If the Mizukage had to guess from the exterior, this was the largest room of the house.
"Shall I put the tea on?" Koga in his even voice as he closed the door behind them. Chōjūrō seemed slightly nervous to suddenly be alone with the man, but kept his hand far from his sword. Mei noted that the man didn't remove his hood despite having come inside. Mei glanced over at the kettle above the fireplace. At the glance, Koga seemed to immediately walk towards it with a smile, but Mei didn't want the momentum being taken away.
"No thank you," Mei answered stopping the man in his tracks. He turned to face her and simply offered a smile his feelings still concealed from her. "We have been traveling for quite some time and would appreciate some rest." Koga merely nodded and guided them to a very short hallway. There were only two doors facing each other in the barren hallway. He opened the one on the left revealing a well-lit room with a small bookcase and a queen-sized bed.
"This is my bedroom." Koga explained, "It is also my most comfortable bed so I would be honored if you would stay here." Mei noticed the clean scent in the air like the bedding had been cleaned just a few hours ago. Koga also opened the only other door in the hallway, "This is the guest bedroom." Inside was a smaller double bed that also seemed freshly changed. "I hope these quarters are sufficient for you both."
Mei raised an eyebrow in surprise since he seemed to be offering both rooms, "Where will you sleep then?"
"Oh, I find my chair quite comfortable," Koga replied indicating the rocking chair in the other room. Mei's own character prevented her from being so intrusive even if it might keep her opponent of balance.
"We couldn't intrude on you like that, Chōjūrō would be more than fine sharing a room with myself," Mei declared, though Chōjūrō suddenly reddened at the mention. The look was not lost on Koga.
"No I insist," Koga said, "It would be my honor to house two heroes of the Fourth Shinobi War in the maximum comfort I can provide." Mei, found Koga to be particularly hard to say no to so merely nodded her head and walked inside Koga's room. Chōjūrō followed her producing several scrolls from a pouch and placing them on the foot of Mei's bed.
Seemingly satisfied that his guests were getting comfortable Koga announced his departure, "I will be in the front room if you require anything." Mei nodded to the door and Chōjūrō slid it shut and began checking over the room. It was a standard security sweep, but given the barren nature of the room it didn't take long for him to approve the room.
"It's clean, almost too much so," Chōjūrō declared.
"I get the impression that he cleaned just prior to us showing up," Mei surmised as she began unpacking her sleepwear from the scrolls Chōjūrō had laid out on the bed.
"I thought we might have been watched on the way here," Chōjūrō admitted, seemingly unsurprised.
"No, we were definitely being watched," Mei confirmed wondering if she should change in front of Chōjūrō just to get a rise out of the man, but given the nature of the mission she decided against it. "I am more concerned by Koga."
"He seemed nice," Chōjūrō said with a small smile, "But he is carrying the swords of the Kensai."
"Yes, but he is much too young to be the Kensai and I couldn't detect any form of henge or genjutsu," Mei replied in thought.
"Uhm, maybe he died and the village leader took his swords," Chōjūrō guessed receiving a slight frown from Mei. His shoulders seemed to droop a little in response.
"No," Mei dismissed the notion, "The insignia on the back of his cloak was that of the Ookami clan. I think this Koga is more than he is letting on. He is too learned for a simple villager and seems to understand politics. I am not sure, but I think Koga is either Kensai, or Kensai's son."
"But the cloak could have been like the swords. Something passed onto the village leader," Chōjūrō offered unable to meet Mei's eyes, but eager to present additional information to his leader. Mei shook her head.
"Maybe, but he never took his hood off either because he is hiding something," Mei stroked her chin before shrugging. "Well, we shall uncover answers tomorrow. I will sleep on a new strategy tonight."
"Yes," Chōjūrō bowed, "Sleep well Mizukage-sama." Mei briefly nodded at the man as he left the room and shut the door behind him. Mei then changed into sleeping attire and laid on the bed. She would have liked a shower, but considering she had already seen the entirety of the house, assumed running water wasn't featured in the poor village.
That didn't stop fatigue from soon taking her away to unconsciousness. As she drifted off she became acutely aware of the howling of wolves off in the distance.