Chapter 22

The sun was beginning to set, casting long golden shadows across the landscape, when Kurama settled on the mossy stone. The Mist ninjas watched him from a distance with a mix of caution and curiosity. Time passed, and none of them dared to approach the powerful being who seemed as comfortable in their territory as they were.

As twilight approached, the ninja who had mocked Kurama earlier, moved by both impatience and a desire to provoke, approached again.

"So, 'great and powerful,' tired of waiting?" he laughed, barely hiding his contempt. "The Mizukage has more important matters to attend to than dealing with arrogant ones who think they are more than they are."

Kurama opened one eye, looking at the ninja with feigned boredom. "Impatience is such a human trait," he muttered, "as if your time had any importance. But continue, if you need to fill your day with something, until your Mizukage appears."

The ninja clenched his fists, annoyed by Kurama's disdainful attitude. "Do not underestimate us," he growled. "If you want so much to meet our leader, maybe I should just send you to him... in pieces!"

With a sharp movement, the ninja began to make hand seals, preparing to launch a powerful jutsu. Energy began to accumulate around him, and the air crackled with the imminence of an attack.

Kurama rose slowly, stretching as if he had no concern whatsoever. "Do you really think you can face me?" he questioned, a mocking smile forming on his lips. "You can barely hide your fear, and yet you speak of fighting?"

The ninja hesitated for a moment, the certainty in his eyes faltering in the face of Kurama's absolute confidence. Even so, he was determined not to show weakness. "I fear nothing!" he declared with a shout, releasing the jutsu he had prepared.

A torrent of water gushed from his hands, transforming into sharp projectiles that sliced through the air towards Kurama. With inhuman speed, Kurama simply tilted his head to the side, watching the projectiles pass by with dismissive indifference.

"Is that all?" asked Kurama, his voice tinged with sarcasm. "Did you really think that would be enough?"

The silence that followed the fruitless attack of the Mist ninja was broken by Kurama's voice, who, still standing on the mossy stone, looked at the ninja with a taunting smile.

"But I must agree with one thing," said Kurama, closing his eyes for a moment as if reflecting on an inconvenient truth, "I have already waited too long."

At that moment, another Mist ninja approached, panting with haste. His expression was serious, and he carried the aura of someone bearing important news.

"The Mizukage says you may enter," announced the newly arrived ninja, looking directly at Kurama but keeping a respectful distance. His gaze then slid to the comrade who had attempted to attack the visitor and shook his head with a mix of reprimand and relief for having arrived before the situation worsened.

Kurama stepped down from the rock and faced the frustrated ninja with a glint of amusement in his eyes.

"I see that your courage is as fleeting as your attacks," commented Kurama, not hiding the sarcasm. "Now, if you don't mind, show me the way. Let's end this pointless wait."

Without waiting for a response, Kurama began walking towards the Hidden Mist Village, closely followed by the ninja who had brought the permission. The other, still shaken by the humiliation and the timely intervention of his colleague, hesitated for a moment before joining them in silence, determined to preserve the remainder of his dignity.

The Hidden Mist Village emerged into view with its imposing structures and streets wrapped in characteristic mist, giving the place a mystical and unsettling air. The ninjas they crossed paths with cast cautious glances in Kurama's direction, but none dared to interrupt.

The ninja guide led Kurama through the winding streets of the village, passing markets and residences until they finally arrived at the Kage's building, a fortress that rose above the mist like a solid and permanent silhouette.

"The Mizukage's office is right there," said the ninja, pointing to a large door at the end of a long corridor lit by torches. "He is waiting for you."

With a nod that could be interpreted as either thanks or farewell, Kurama advanced towards the large door.

Kurama entered the office without hesitation, his eyes immediately finding the figure seated in front of a sturdy desk. Yagura, the Mizukage, was there, with his steady gaze and imposing posture, but there was something in his expression that suggested a disturbing calm.

"Hello," said Kurama, his voice calm, echoing slightly in the confined space.

Yagura looked up, meeting the gaze of the newcomer. "What do you want here?" questioned the Mizukage, his voice carrying an authority that brooked no contest.

"I want to talk to the one who's really in control," Kurama replied, a cunning glint in his eyes. "You can come out now, we've already met back in Konoha when you tried to control me."

Yagura remained silent, his expression unchanged, but his eyes betrayed a slight restlessness. It was then that a reverse spiral began to form in the air, distorting reality as if drawing the entrance to a portal. From this spiral, a masked man emerged, his identity hidden behind a visor reflecting only the torchlight.

"Look who showed up," said Kurama, not surprised, but with a tone that suggested the game was just beginning.

The masked man, whose presence seemed as threatening as it was enigmatic, fixed his eyes on Kurama and spoke with a voice that seemed to come from all directions at once. "What do you want?"

"Don't you find it a bit odd?" Kurama tilted his head, his question hanging in the air like a tightrope. "And why did you show up?"

The response from the masked man came like a mist that refuses to dissipate, vague and elusive. "The world is a curious place, and the paths that intersect are often unexpected. My presence here is just one facet of that complexity."

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