73 Chapter 73:

Fuyōna was now face to face with one of the strongest members of the Uchiha clan, someone who was well beyond his years and cared for his village above all else, even if he was still just a kid at this moment, he was still a dangerous opponent.

"Itachi Uchiha," Fuyōna said, looking just below his eyes, not making contact with them.

Itachi couldn't hide his surprise as Fuyōna said his name, even behind his Anbu mask.

Fuyōna then turned to the other Anbu, recognizing him too as he came into view.

"And Kakashi Hatake. It's a pleaser to meet you under better circumstances this time." Fuyōna said smiling at him.

Kakashi bowed his head ever so slightly, also remembering the last time they had met, not being surprised he recognized him.

"I take it lord Hokage sent you to escort me towards the village." He then said, confirming his thoughts.

"Correct sir," Itachi said, eyeing Fuyōna carefully, trying to get a good read on him.

Kōgetsu and Kaiya were confused about how Fuyōna knew so much about the two Anbu standing before them, but they had learned to stop asking these kinds of questions and just go with it.

"Well, please lead the way." Fuyōna then said, breaking the short silence that had followed between them.

Both Kakashi and Itachi nodded, following his lead as they both turned for him to follow them.

"Please, this way," Kakashi said.

Kaiya didn't like the look of them and kept her guard up, with her hand still on her sword, her eyes locking with Kakashi's.

"Relax Kaiya. Play nice." Fuyōna said as he placed a hand on her shoulder.

Kaiya bit her lip but agreed with him nevertheless.

"Yes sir."

"Besides... Neither of you are a match for this pair." He then thought to himself, knowing Itachi and Kakashi were stronger than Kōgetsu and Kaiya by far, especially with their Sharingan.

The group now headed towards the hidden lead, with the rest of the trip being mostly silent. However, that was more due to Kakashi not knowing what to say, and Itachi not wanting to give anything away, already being cautious of Fuyōna.

He had thought about perhaps cracking a joke about the last time they had battled, but he decided against it, not feeling his audience would take it well.

Soon though the leaf village came into view and Fuyōna knew that the awkwardness would soon be at an end.

"Here we are." Fuyōna then said, taking the site of the village in.

"It certainly is a peaceful place." He thought as he watched the tree leaves dance in the wind, with the everyday activities of the villagers going about.

"This is your first time here, yes?" Kakashi asked, almost making sure he had never been in before, knowing how strong he was.

"It is," Fuyōna said, smiling at the site.

"It's even more surreal than I could have imagined." He then thought.

Of course, he had memories of what the leaf village looked like from pictures and the anime, but to see it in person was on a different level.

"Is everything alright sir?" Kōgetsu asked, seeing that Fuyōna had zoned out for a moment.

"Yes. Let's get going." Fuyōna said, quickly snapping out of his daydream.

Kakashi and Itachi continued to lead Fuyōna and the others into the village and towards the Hokages mansion, doing their best to keep pit of sight.

They soon came to the large red building, overlooking the stone faces of the previous Hokage, that watched over the village. he took a good look, seeing the faces of some of the most powerful shinobi caved into this mountain hoping one day he would meet them.

"Please this way," Kakashi said as he opened a secret door for them to enter through.

Fuyōna had guessed it was for quick passage and also to avoid any attention from those inside the building, used only by Anbu and high-level jonin.

Fuyōna and the others followed Kakashi inside, while Itachi remained at the rear, keeping his eyes on Fuyōna.

Kakashi soon stopped as they arrived at a door.

"Here we are." He then said as he slowly opened it for him.

Kakashi stepped out into the room, bowing his head before he announced Fuyōna's arrival.

"Lord Hokage. The Mizukage had arrived." He said, moving to the side for Fuyōna.

Fuyōna entered the Hokages office, taking a quick look around before his eyes fell onto the third Hokage himself.

"Ah yes! Thank you, Kakashi." He said as he stood to his feet.

He wore his standard Hokage robes, hat included as he took a quick poof of his pipe, getting up and walking towards Fuyōna.

"Welcome lord Mizukage!" He said giving Fuyōna a nod.

"Please, it's a pleasure to meet you in person again, Lord Hokage," Fuyōna said, giving him a large smile.

The Hokage raised an eyebrow in question.

"Again?" He asked confused.

"You wouldn't remember, as the last time I was but a child amist a battlefield. I still remember how your power turned the tide of battle that day." Fuyōna said as he placed his hands on his hips.

The Hokage sighed with a small chuckle, finding it amusing that he would say such a thing.

"Ah yes... Well, I guess that was a long time ago. And for you to have survived and become a Kage yourself, it certainly speaks for your ability... After all, I too know of your accomplishments on the battlefield." He said, looking Fuyōna up and down.

"Please, you flatter me too much lord Hokage," Fuyōna said as his eyes locked with the Hokages, neither of them backing down.

The room went silent for a moment and Fuyōna could feel the tension coming from everyone.

Suddenly both the Hokage and Fuyōna burst out laughing.

The others looked at them strangely before feeling the tension in the room disappear.

"I'm glad you excepted my invitation lord Mizukage." The Hokage said as his laughter settled.

Fuyōna nodded.

"Me too, I'm glad you thought to send one. I believe it will do our young good to experience what it's like to battle and compete against other nations."

The Hokage nodded.

"I see we are on the same page lord Mizukage. I have to say, I did try with your predecessor. However, we could never see eye to eye." He said seeming a little sad about it.

"I was surprised to hear about his passing." The Hokage said, giving Fuyōna a strange look.

"Yes... It was not a decision made easily. But it was necessary for our nation. In fact, that is something I would like to talk about. In private if you would allow." Fuyōna said getting another questioning look from the Hokage as he took his pipe in his hand.

"Very well." He said after a moment of pause.

"But sir," Kakashi said, voicing his worry and speaking out of place.

"It's fine Kakashi. If lord Mizukage has something to talk to me about in private then I trust him." The Hokage said.

Kakashi wasn't impressed but did as the Hokage said, lowering his head as he and Itachi walked out of the room.

"You too," Fuyōna said looking at Kōgetsu and Kaiya.

They both did as they were told, not wasting any time as they followed Itachi out of the room, going to wait in the hallway as instructed.

Kaiya shut the door behind her, taking one last look at Fuyōna before fully closing it.

"Thank you," Fuyōna said, not sure if the Hokage would have done as he asked.

"So what is it you wished to talk about lord Mizukage?" The Hokage then asked, taking a seat as he offered for Fuyōna to sit also.

"Tea?" The Hokage then asked as he poured himself some.

Fuyōna nodded before he sat back.

"Why thank you." He said before looking the Hokage in the eyes.

"I wanted to talk to you about who was controlling the Fourth Mizukage. As well as the one who was responsible for the nine tails attack and the death of the fourth Hokage." Fuyōna then said, getting a very serious glare from the Hokage.

----------------------

That's the end of that chapter!

Thank you for reading as always you know where to go if you want more chapters! P.a.t.r.e.o.n page link in story Bio.

Also check out a new story I have been writing as a side project, called Heir to a mafia empire!