Chapter 21

A few more months past and before Fuyōna knew it, it was his birthday. He had survived 14 years in this world so far. Fuyōna didn't really celebrate as it wasn't something you celebrated in the hidden Mist. Instead, he kept to his duties and training regime, nothing out of the ordinary.

Fuyōna had noticed the village hadn't sent him on any missions as of late. Not that he minded, of course, it merely gave him more time to train and master his abilities best he could.

That all changed when he received a summons to an Anbu captain's meeting. Hatsu Tokaji delivered the order. He was one of Fuyōna's most loyal subordinates; after all, he had saved his life.

"A captain's meeting?" Fuyōna said as he read the order.

"That's right captain Yuki. Orders from the head captain himself." Hatsu said before he excused himself to attend to other matters.

"I've never been to a captain's meeting before," Fuyōna said, trying to recall who the other Anbu captains even were.

The meeting was being held in an hour, so Fuyōna decided he should go home and prepare his gear. Using his body flicker to disappear, moving extremely quickly to get home as fast as he could.

Once Fuyōna arrived at his home, he got his gear all laid out trying to decide what he should take. In the end, he went for his basic Mist flak jacket and his black Anbu robes. It was what most hidden mist tracker shinobi wore the only difference was the mask. The mask symbolized his rank among the Anbu, and it was how the Mist could tell what position you held. It was a white hunter mask with three blue claw marks rasing from the bottom.

"That should do it," Fuyōna said as he pulled on his striped pattern forearm protectors standard of the hidden Mist. They were slash-proof and protected the wrists and arms from blades and other sharp things.

Fuyōna took a quick look in the mirror, taking in his appearance before heading out. He noticed he was slowly getting taller, and his black hair was still shoulder-length for the time being. Fuyōna placed his mask on as he walked out of his home, disappearing into the mist.

The meeting was taking place at the Anbu headquarters that was located in the Mizukages building itself. Fuyōna had been here many times before as it was where he usually reported for missions or new gear. Usually damaged due to his training.

As Fuyōna darted across the rooftops of the hidden Mist, he could see that the streets were quiet as usual. The village was still a bleak place for most to live, but most didn't have a choice.

There was a lot of tension and unrest among the land of water at the moment. The nation was still recovering from the civil war and tensions between the land of wind and land of water were at an all-time high. The Mizukage's ruthless rain over the land was starting to be questioned, his methods frowned upon by many, including the daimyō of the land of water.

Fuyōna arrived at the meeting place. There were two guards stationed on the entrance each bowed their heads as Fuyōna walked into sight.

"Welcome captain Yuki." One of them said.

Fuyōna nodded to the guards as he entered the building and made his way to the meeting chambers. Heading up the stairs and along a few corridors, he finally reached his destination. Again two more guards were stationed on the door. They nodded and opened the doors for Fuyōna to enter, not saying a word.

Fuyōna noticed he was the last to arrive as he took in the appearance of the other Anbu captains dotted around the room. Fuyōna recognized Zabuza without even trying. He wore the standard mist flak jacket and Anbu robes with bandages wrapped around his face like he always had. He was sat on a chair with his legs crossed on the table, not looking impressed as he watched Fuyōna enter the room.

"Ah captain Yuki, you got the message then?" A familiar voice said.

Fuyōna turned to see Ao walking over to greet him. It had been a while since Fuyōna had last seen him, taking his mask off Fuyōna greeted him.

"Yes, sorry I am late, I didn't receive the news until an hour ago," Fuyōna said.

Fuyōna could see three others in the room, two of which he recognized. One was Kisame Hoshigaki. He was stood at the head of the large table in the middle of the room. Fuyōna could tell at one look he was powerful even before getting his hands on his famous sword. His current rank and reputation already saying as much.

"So you are captain Yuki?" A female voice said, catching Fuyōnas attention.

Fuyōna turned to look where the voice came from. It was Mei Terumī. She looked younger, about 18 years old, her long red hair that she had in the anime was shorter, only a bit longer than shoulder length. Fuyōna couldn't help notice how attractive she was and it made him a little nervous.

He turned to greet her, smiling at her.

"Nice to meet you, and you are?" He asked, being polite.

"I thought with a reputation like yours you would be older no?" She asked, ignoring his question, looking down at him.

Fuyōna rubbed the back of his head with a nervous laugh.

"Well."

He was cut off as Mei continued to talk.

"I like younger men anyway. The name is Mei Terumī." She said as she blew a kiss at Fuyōna, causing him almost to blush a little.

It didn't help that her rather broad cleavage was a little exposed. She wore a tight low-cut black Anbu top that left her shoulders and upper cleavage exposed. She also wore the standard mist flak jacket, with a black skirt leaving her legs bare except for her standard shinobi footwear with shin guards.

"Don't pay any attention to her," Ao said, rescuing Fuyōna's from her.

"What was that?" Mei said, looking at him angrily.

Fuyōna noticed one other man in the room, someone he had never seen before. He wore the standard mist Anbu gear and sat quietly in one of the chairs, his arms folded across his chest. He made eye contact with Fuyōna before looking away in what Fuyōna believed was disgust.

Kisame cleared his throat, getting the attention of everyone in the room before he spoke, silencing Mei and Ao arguing with each other.

"Should we start this meeting, or do you want to waste my time even more?" He said menacingly.

Everyone nodded, walking over to take a seat. Mei patting her hand on a chair next to her winking at Fuyōna again. She clearly enjoyed toying with him, but he smiled a little awkwardly and sat down anyway, Mei smiling as he did.

"Don't be nervous captain Yuki I'm just playing with you." She said as she crossed her legs, causing his cheeks to turn a little red.

Fuyōna smiled nervously and turned away, catching Kisames glare. Fuyōna put a serious face on as his eyes locked with Kisame's in an intense staring contest for what seemed like too long time before Kisame spoke, a sharp tooth smile coming to his lips.

"You are probably wondering why you have been summoned. After all, there has never been a meeting between Anbu captains like this before."

The other captains didn't look impressed, other than Mei who had a small smile on her face.

"Just get to the point Kisame," Zabuza said clearly pissed that he was here.

"You insolent pup, How dare you speak to your commanding officer like that." The other Anbu captain that Fuyōna had never seen before said.

He was an older man, Fuyōna guessing he was in his late 30's. Zabuza scoffed as he pulled his legs off of the table.

"You got a problem with me old man!" Zabuza shouted, giving off a murderous aura.

The other Anbu captain stood to his feet enraged.

"I will teach you a lesson, Demon." He scoffed as he said the word.

"Now, now, boys," Mei said gaining both of their attention calming them down.

Fuyōna had heard the stories of her background; she was pretty famous for her abilities as she also possessed two Kekkie Genkai and had graduated from the academy at the age of 9. Beautiful and extremely dangerous. Just like himself, she had survived many battles through the war and made a name for herself becoming a captain of Anbu.

Zabuza slapped his legs back onto the table, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Whatever."

Kisame waited for it to quiet down before he started talking again.

"Anyway, as I was saying... Lord Mizukage has decided to transfer me to work under Fuguki Suikazan directly as such one of you will be taking my position as head captain of the Anbu."

The room remained silent as everyone waited for Kisame to start talking again. It was not uncommon for a captain of the Anbu to leave his role to work directly under one of the seven. Well, currently only the three. There were still four slots open in the famous ranks after Might Duy of the hidden leaf had killed the others and they had yet to be filled.

Only Juzo, Raiga and Fuguki had survived. It was amazing they had even made it back as Fuyōna knew how powerful the eight gates were, a testament to their abilities as members of the seven swordsmen of the Mist.

"Ao. You will be taking my place. That is an order from the Mizukage himself."

Ao nodded, "I am, honored." He said, not showing any emotion.

"Lord Mizukage also wants a full report from each captain in regards to the strength of your units."

"Why so, suddenly?" Mei asked seeming a little confused.

"He didn't say," Kisame said bluntly.

Kisame passed sealed documents to each of the captains, all except Fuyōna.

"These are your orders from above," Kisame said as he passed the last one out.

Fuyōna was a little surprised as he didn't have one, but decided to stay quiet.

"Captain Yuki. The Mizukage wants to see you in his office after this meeting. It seems he has a mission to give you directly." Kisame said, giving Fuyōna a sharp grin.

Fuyōna nodded, trying not to show any surprise on his face. But he knew whenever he was summoned to the Mizukages office, it was never for something easy. The last time was to become the six tails host and Fuyōna couldn't help but wonder what it would be this time.

"Are we done here?" Zabuza said, standing up looking in a rush to leave.

"Yes, you may leave now." Kisame nodded.

Zabuza didn't waste any time as he quickly left the room, not wanting to stick around to chit chat. Kisame also dismissed himself saying he too had matters to attend to before vanishing.

Fuyōna also noticed the other Anbu captain leave without saying a word leaving Fuyōna, Ao and Mei alone.

"Well captain Yuki, you had better not keep lord Mizukage waiting," Ao said as he placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You're leaving so soon?" Mei said, leaning back on the table seeming sad.

Fuyōna tried his best to act professional and not fall for her teasing.

"Yes, I had better not keep lord Mizukage waiting."

Ao nodded and said his goodbyes, Fuyōna placed his mask back on and exiting the room. As he left, Mei gave a seductive smile.

"So that kid is really the famous ice devil of the mist? I hope I meet him again soon."

Ao looked at her crossing his arms over his chest.

"Trust me. He's a lot stronger than he looks. He's not as nieve as you might think either."

Mei licked her lips before standing up and walking out of the room.

"I look forward to working with him."

Fuyōna made his way to the Mizukages office and entered as told. Once inside he was met by Yagura and only Yagura.

"You asked for me, lord Mizukage?" Fuyōna said bowing.

"Yes come in Fuyōna." He said, turning away from the large window he was looking out of.

"I have a mission from the daimyō." He said, crossing his arms.

"As you know, tensions are high with the land of wind. The daimyō has proposed that he sends his daughter to agree upon a peace treaty."

Fuyōna wasn't convinced.

"But lord Mizukage, is that a good idea? Surly her life will be put at risk."

Yagura let his interruption slide as he sat down in his chair.

"I have tried to warn him, but there is no convincing a politician," Yagura said, resting his chin on his fist.

"If anything happens to her, it will mean war," Yagura said his expression cold.

"I trust I can count on you."

Fuyōna didn't say anything for a moment and simply nodded.

"It will be done."

"Very good, you will find all the details in the mission report on your way out. Oh, and Fuyōna. Do try your best not to let the princess die."

Fuyōna walked out of the Mizukages officed and took the mission report for one of the Mizukages aids. He wasn't impressed and knew this was a bad idea.

If the hidden sand got the news that the princess of the land of water was heading to the capital of the land of wind. There was no doubt that they would attack.

The hidden sand was on bad terms as it was with their daimyō and the country was on the verge of a civil war. The last thing the land of wind wanted was a war with the land of water, but Fuyōna had a feeling that is what the hidden sand wanted. After all, it was the perfect war to generate revenue and get revenge on the hidden Mist.

Fuyōna made his way to the mission's office and placed the mission orders. After that, he summoned his Anbu squad to meet tomorrow for the start of the mission.

Fuyōna had already looked over and memorized the mission; it was an A-class, escort and protect the princess to and from the land of wind. No Anbu clothing was to be used, and Fuyōna and his squad were ordered to dress as regular Jonin.

Fuyōna returned home and began preparation for the mission. He knew that there was a high possibility of being attacked and even a possible assassination attempt. But Fuyōna was confident he wouldn't run into anyone he couldn't deal with, which was most likely why the Mizukage had chosen him for the mission in the first place.

"I should be prepared just in case." He said to himself as he packed some extra gear.

"Hopefully this goes smoothly. If not, can I count on your help Saiken?" Fuyōna said, closing his eyes so he could talk to the six tails.

Saiken could see everything that Fuyōna could see and was already aware of the mission at hand.

"I trust you, Fuyōna. I am at your side no matter what." The six tails said with a smile on its face.

Fuyōna also smiled as he opened his eyes and finished packing all of his gear.

Turning to look at the clock on his table, Fuyōna noticed it was later than he thought.

"I guess I still have just a little time to practice that Jutsu."

With that said, Fuyōna bit his thumb, drawing some blood and made a few quick hand signs.

"Reverse summoning Jutsu." He said, slapping his hand on the floor vanishing in a poof of white smoke.