Syn, the Mizukage is dead, everyone should know that.

and here's a map of the world. The land of Rivers is close to The land of Fire, however they are not so close that the Empress's castle in the land of Rivers is easily within short walking distance or sight of Konoha.

[img=http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110114161251/naruto/images/thumb/3/3e/Naruto_World_Map.svg/700px-Naruto_World_Map.svg.png]