Very few people have ever met the Mizukage in person and lived to tell about it. To say I was nervous was the understatement of the century. Hoshigaki-senpai followed me as far as the main entrance where he was promptly dismissed. I refused to look back, but I could feel his eyes bore into my back. I felt like going to pieces when I realized that I was still wearing the blasted ring. Only members wore rings, this would seal my fate for sure. I thought it would be recalled by now. Was it possible that I was still a legitimate member? But how? There are so many questions and I had the sinking feeling that I would not have time to get answers.

My escorts deliberately avoided eye contact with me and remained silent. I was pushed through the last door with a slight intro before the doors slammed behind me. The Mizukage was seated on a dais on the far side of the room. His pupil-less eyes stared impassively at me. He gestured for his council to leave the room and then for me to come closer. I held myself as erect as I could and slowly approached.

He rose from his seat, his hands clasped behind his back. "I trust you understand why you are here Ryoku-hime?"

I was startled to hear my formal name. It was my rightful title, but never one I had been allowed to use.

He bowed his head in understanding. "You seem surprised; apparently you have not heard the news. Your father has passed away and his brother has taken his place as Feudal Lord and now attempts to claim you as his legitimate heir."

I suppose I should have felt pride, but this news meant nothing to me. There are several feudal lords in Kirigakure, my family was just one of them. Just because I was nothing like my delicate and refined siblings, my jealous father claimed he wasn't and accused his brother who I presumably resembled. It seemed a stupid notion since both brothers were identical twins. Regardless my mother was banished and I was declared a bastard. My heartbroken mother was in no mental state or financial position to care for me. I was passed around from one disgruntled relation to the next until I was ten years old. I doubt I was genuinely hated by any of them, but I was considered a blemish to the family name and no one wanted to be seen as connected with me.

I knew I could take care of myself if only I had the right training. Hoshigaki-senpai was highly recommended among shinobi circles. It took some considerable time to convince him to take me on as a protégé. But in the end he consented saying he hated to see good talent wasted. It seemed almost like a fairy tale with the long, lost princess being finally called home. Were the rumors true that my uncle really was my father after all? I no longer cared. Let them have their petty gossip and useless squabbles. "I reject this claim, Mizukage. I am not the heir."

He looked surprised at first but seemed pleased regardless. "That is very good, because we have an even greater use for you. But first things first, there is the small matter of your connection with Akatsuki that needs to be addressed."

I held my breath but tried to look confident. I will not show fear in my final moment.

"While agreeably the evidence is mounted against you," he conceded. "I firmly believe you to be innocent."

My mouth hung open for a few seconds before I remembered to close it. Was he insane? I was completely guilty! The only thing missing was "Akatsuki Member" stamped to my forehead. I also felt a little wary. People in high places tend to overlook terrible facts when they know they can still make a profit. I am sure this was one of those times.

"I am sure you may have wondered why I have allowed you in the past to come and leave Kirigakure as you pleased."

He had had a play in that? I suppose that should have made sense. I figured it was because my family couldn't bear to see me around town and they had paid off the authorities. He walked towards the window and took a seat right next to it. He beckoned for me to join him. I did so; it was very intimidating to make eye contact so close up. He rarely blinked and it was very hard to read his dull expression. "How strong would you say your loyalty is to Kirigakure?" I opened my mouth to speak and he narrowed his eyes. "I want to hear the truth, not what you think I want to hear.

I struggled to choose the right words. "I am not sure. I spend most of my time abroad."

"Yes you travel a lot, so do you feel that you understand how the world works and have a fair judge of character?"

I used to think that, until I fell into Akatsuki. I had a feeling I had made a narrow escape from its darker side. "I don't know for sure, I just do what it takes to survive."

He was evidently pleased for he smiled from ear to ear. "Self-preservation is a strong instinct. Would you put it work for me? I need to make changes to my traveling security staff. Most of them are too attached to Kirigakure and too unfamiliar with the regions outside our boundaries. In addition I am looking for someone experienced and doesn't mind getting their hands….shall we say dirtier than usual."

My mouth nearly dropped again, what an offer! My heart dropped slightly. This position would greatly restrict my personal freedom. But that might be a good thing, especially if Akatsuki might seek to reclaim me. They seemed to be more of a move-in-the-shadows operation, surely they wouldn't go toe-to-toe with the Mizukage.

"That is settled then," his tone brooked no argument. "We will need to make another assessment off your abilities. Though seeing that you were a Seven Swordsman candidate I don't think you will disappoint me."

He stood up and snapped his fingers. Fuguki Suikazan entered the room. He moved with surprising grace given his massive size. I bowed low; it truly was an honor to meet one of the legendary Seven Swordsmen. He inclined his head respectfully. "I have heard great things about you from Kisame Hoshigaki. We will soon see how right…or wrong he is."

The Mizukage stood up. "Suikazan will see to your new training. It will be a bit more intense because I need you to be ready to accompany me to a summit meeting in the Land of Sound in a few short weeks."

I bowed to the Mizukage's retreating figure. "Yes Mizukaga-sama, I will be."

"I will be the judge of that," scoffed Suikazan-san. "I would have you know that several people have applied for this position. Only one of them survived…and he is recovering in a mental institution."

I wasn't sure if he was telling the truth or if he was just trying to scare me. But I gave him my most confident smile and cracked my knuckles. "Bring it on."