The Envoy from the Mist

The morning mist clung low to the forest, cool and damp against Naruto's skin as he adjusted the straps on his vest. The air felt still, too quiet for his liking, like the forest itself was holding its breath.Beside him, Yamato moved in practiced silence, his gait steady and eyes scanning the treetops. Despite his calm exterior, Naruto could tell his escort was on alert—this wasn't a mission to take lightly.Naruto tugged at his gloves, flexing his fingers. "So… any idea who this guy is?""Senior advisor to the Mizukage. Ao," Yamato replied without looking at him. "Veteran of the Third Shinobi War. Not someone who'll be impressed by jokes or excuses."Naruto gave a sheepish grin. "Guess I'll have to try something else."They emerged into the clearing just outside Konoha's southern border—designated as a neutral meeting point. There, already waiting, stood three figures.Two were masked Hunter-nin from Kirigakure, motionless as statues. The third stood tall and imposing, dressed in deep blues and greys, one eye hidden behind a chakra-detection monocle. His gaze landed immediately on Naruto.As they approached, the man stepped forward with practiced courtesy. "I am Ao, senior advisor to Mizukage Mei Terumi of Kirigakure. I speak today on her behalf."Yamato bowed lightly. "I am Yamato, representative of Konoha on behalf of Hokage Tsunade. This is Uzumaki Naruto, selected to lead today's meeting."Ao's brow lifted almost imperceptibly. "Naruto Uzumaki?"His eyes shifted briefly to Naruto's blond hair and bright blue eyes before returning to Yamato. "We had anticipated an official from your diplomatic corps."Naruto stepped forward with a grin. "Yeah, sorry to disappoint. We're fresh out of paper-pushers today, so you get me instead."One of the Hunter-nin subtly tensed.Yamato's eye twitched.Ao simply stared at Naruto for a long, assessing moment."You're rather informal.""I get that a lot," Naruto replied. "But I'm here, and I care about what happens next. That's gotta count for something, right?"A pause."…Perhaps," Ao admitted, though his voice remained guarded.They moved to stand in a loose circle, the mist curling at their ankles as Ao began to speak more formally."Mizukage Terumi has authorized the beginning of diplomatic dialogue between Konoha and Kirigakure," Ao said. "This is an exploratory meeting to assess Konoha's interest in a broader exchange of intelligence, particularly concerning the Akatsuki threat."Yamato gave a small nod. "We're listening.""Kiri has identified increasing Akatsuki activity along multiple borders," Ao continued. "We have reason to believe that they are escalating operations. We believe they are targeting not just Jinchūriki, but allied clans and unstable political regions. Mizukage Terumi believes it is time to break down the silence between the great nations."Naruto frowned. "So you're looking to share intel?"Ao nodded. "In exchange, Kiri seeks information relevant to Akatsuki's movements in Fire Country. Trade discussions and joint training programs may follow, but those are secondary for now."Yamato stayed quiet, but Naruto could feel his approval. This wasn't an overreach. It was practical. Strategic. Calculated.Smart.Naruto folded his arms. "Why now? Why reach out to us, instead of Iwa or Suna?"Ao looked at him squarely. "Because the Mizukage believes Konoha is more stable than the others. Because Tsunade has a reputation for bold but measured decisions. And…" He paused. "Because Konoha is the village most likely to influence others to follow suit."Naruto glanced at Yamato, who gave him a small nod. He stepped forward slightly."We're willing to pass this on to the Hokage. But if we're going to work together, you should know… Konoha doesn't want another alliance built on half-truths."Ao met his gaze. "Nor do we."They held that silence for a long moment. No challenge. Just… understanding.Then Ao gave a nod."Mizukage Terumi will be arriving in Konoha in the coming days. She wishes to speak directly with your Hokage. She had anticipated beginning dialogue with someone of official rank today."Naruto scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, sorry about that. You got me instead."Ao's expression didn't change. "You were not what we expected. But you have not wasted our time."Naruto blinked. "…Thanks?"Ao turned, gesturing to his escort. "We'll take our leave. Expect a formal notice of her arrival within two days."As the Kiri shinobi vanished into mist, Naruto let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.Yamato looked at him. "You handled that well."Naruto raised a brow. "Really? I thought I blew it with the whole 'no paper-pushers' line.""You made him laugh," Yamato said. "That's more than most can manage."Naruto chuckled. "Maybe I'm cut out for this diplomat stuff after all."⸻Back in Konoha, Sakura stood stiffly at the window overlooking the village. The wind tugged at the edge of her sleeve, but she barely noticed.She hated this feeling.Naruto had been entrusted with something real. Something important. And not because he begged or whined or caused a scene—but because Tsunade actually believed in him.It should've made her happy. Instead, it made her uneasy.Why him?Why not me?And then there was the stupid flutter in her stomach whenever he smiled, or said something unexpectedly thoughtful, or when he looked at someone else with that infuriating new confidence.She shook her head. It doesn't matter. I'm just looking out for him. Like a good teammate. It's not… anything else.Still, the words sounded hollow in her head.Especially now that the Mizukage herself was coming to meet him.Sakura's fist clenched at her side.