In the land of the Whirlpool, barriers separate the Hidden Leaf and Hidden Mist villages.
Under the cover of night, Uchiha Yoru leaves behind a shadow clone and reveals his true self, wearing a mask as he quietly arrives at the forest outside the town.
Within the dark forest, Terumi Mei is seen panting, her back against a large tree. She looks around at the ninjas surrounding her, injuries all over her body, and clenches her teeth in anger.
"Terumi Mei, you, a Mist ninja, have betrayed your village by leaking information. The Fourth Mizukage has ordered us to retrieve your corpse."
Suddenly, her fellow Mist ninja turn on her. Clearly, these are not ordinary Mist ninja; they're a specialized assassination squad from the village.
"Damn it, what betrayal? Where's the evidence?"
Terumi Mei shouts in disbelief and anger. She knows that if the Mizukage has truly given this order, she won't have a chance to explain herself. She's simply buying time.
"Evidence? The two pieces of information you relayed were traps set by the Leaf, causing the loss of over fifty of our front-line ninjas."
Terumi Mei is stunned. She had reported everything she found as a spy faithfully, and now they're accusing her of betraying the village and collaborating with the Leaf to set traps.
Especially shocking is the sudden betrayal; the poison on their blades has significantly weakened her. She gasps for air, her eyes gradually turning icy cold.
She's no fool. Clearly, she's been set up, or someone is secretly plotting against her.
Water Style: Hidden Mist Technique
Suddenly, she exhales a large cloud of mist from her mouth. Sounds of intense combat echo through the thick fog, along with the crashing of powerful ninjutsu techniques causing trees in the forest to topple.
On the other end of the forest, two figures appear on the tree branches, both wearing masks, and calmly look at the dense fog in the distance.
"Kid, this is Terumi Mei, the Hidden Mist ninja who ambushed you last time. This is her information."
The larger figure is Suikazan Fuguki, who shows no shame for betraying his own village, and coldly continues, "This is our Mist ninja world. My reliable assistant, Kisame, is my right hand man. Your Leaf Village has sent Sarutobi Shinzo; I'll need more people, and I'll send someone to you later."
In recent times, their dealings have been simple. Terumi Mei reports the information she has gathered to her superiors, and Suikazan Fuguki then passes this information onto Uchiha Yoru.
The two conspired to directly formulate a plan, which was for Konoha to ambush the Mist ninja using information from Uchiha Yoru. After multiple victories, Sarutobi Shinzo couldn't help but feel secretly pleased, proving at least that Uchiha Yoru was very cooperative with him.
Meanwhile, the plans made by Suikazan Fuguki were ambushed by Konoha multiple times. It was clear that there was a leak in the intelligence, and all signs pointed to the source of the intelligence, Terumi Mei.
After several losses, the evidence was irrefutable. All signs pointed to this dark department genius, and with the rise of resentment towards bloodline ninja in the Mist Village, the Fourth Mizukage naturally branded this dark department genius as a rogue ninja.
As for the Fourth Mizukage, or rather Obito, he was more than happy to see the village that killed Rin being punished, and naturally would not stop it, but rather would add fuel to the fire.
Moreover, the current Terumi Mei is just a genius and not a peak shadow-level powerhouse. After weighing the pros and cons, the Mist Village elders finally chose to remain silent.
An elite ninja is not worth the risk, so Terumi Mei was branded as a rogue ninja.
"Terumi Mei!"
Uchiha Yoru slowly hooked up the corners of his mouth as he looked at the information in his hand, and even showed a smile on his face. He didn't care what changes would come, what he wanted was in his own interest.
The information in his hand simply recorded Terumi Mei's details. Suikazan Fuguki said solemnly, "Terumi Mei is a dark department member of the village, and all information has been sealed. This is the only available information."
The information is so rudimentary that besides the name, gender, and approximate age, it only includes the history of the dark department's mission execution. There isn't even a single photo.
"When will my Samehada return!"
Suikazan Fuguki's eyes revealed a trace of murderous intent, clearly his patience was nearing its limit. On the other hand, Uchiha Yoru calmly put the scroll into his bosom.
"The next time you send out Kisame, Samehada will return to you."
Hearing this, Suikazan Fuguki immediately showed a trace of killing intent, "Kid, my patience has limits, don't push me!"
"This is information from Whirlpool Country's town."
Faced with Suikazan Fuguki's anger, Uchiha Yoru calmly took out another piece of information that he had prepared long ago. He naturally knew that he couldn't always take without giving, it's time to give the other party some incentives.
After obtaining all the information on Konoha, the anger of Suikazan Fuguki had slightly subsided, but he still snorted coldly. He glanced at the information and tucked it away.
"Next time, bring me Kisame, and I will bring your Samehada," Uchiha Yoru calmly said. He had two objectives in his elaborate planning for Kisame and Terumi Mei.
The first objective was to experiment. For future Kage-level fighters—one being an important member of the Akatsuki, and the other being the future Fifth Mizukage—they should both be people with great destinies. What would happen if he managed to turn them against each other or subdue them? He wanted to give it a try.
The second objective was to leave himself a way out. After all, what he was doing was irreversible. If he failed in Konoha, he would face a life of fleeing the shinobi world.
As the saying goes, "A hero has three gangs," the Akatsuki even knew about organizational power, let alone him.
"Kid, don't disappoint me next time!" Suikazan Fuguki revealed a cruel look. He had already decided that if the other party still wanted to use this to restrain him, then he would let the kid know the power of anger.
Uchiha Yoru also sneered internally. The cooperation between both sides was inherently fragile; a slight misstep could lead to a falling-out, which he was well aware of.
"It seems that your target has escaped."
During their conversation, the dense fog in the distance gradually dispersed, the sounds of fighting disappeared, and instead, they saw the figures of Mist ninjas chasing Anbu.
Suikazan Fuguki gave a cold smile, and Uchiha Yoru shrugged, saying in an unconcerned manner, "That's fine, as long as the body of the Kekkei Genkai ninja is left."
Between Terumi Mei and Kisame, he preferred Kisame, a pure ninja. After all, becoming the Fifth Mizukage required Terumi Mei to have extraordinary intelligence and methods.
Subduing her would be too troublesome and require constant vigilance in the future. So if Terumi Mei were unfortunately killed by Mist ninjas, he would simply collect her body.
"Cold-blooded kid," said Suikazan Fuguki coldly, finally adding, "Recently, too many Kekkei Genkai ninjas have died or gone missing on the frontlines, and it has already attracted the attention of some people in the village."
After hearing this, Uchiha Yoru shrugged casually and said, "No problem. When the time comes, just say that according to the investigation, we suspect we've found traces of the Sannin Orochimaru."
The two exchanged glances, and looking at Uchiha Yoru's mocking expression, Suikazan Fuguki couldn't help but curse him as shameless in his heart.
Indeed, whenever there's a problem, he brings up his own teacher. One reason is to intimidate him, implying that he has someone backing him. The other is to use this as an excuse to sidestep Mist Village.
After all, the situation with Orochimaru is known to all major ninja villages. He's obsessed with forbidden jutsu research and has conducted human experiments, so it's normal for him to appear on the battlefield collecting bloodline shinobi.
A night breeze blew through the treetops, and under the moonlight, the figure of Suikazan Fuguki gradually faded away. Before leaving, he looked at Uchiha Yoru with a warning, menacing gaze.
"Next time, bring my Samehada!"
As the figure disappeared, Uchiha Yoru looked at the bright moonlight and murmured with a smile, "Terumi Mei, what a pity. Let fate decide whether you should die or not."
"If your fate ends here, then in consideration of the luck you've provided, I'll collect your corpse. If fate has other plans, I'll try to see how much luck subduing a future Mizukage can bring me."
A gust of night wind blew through, and amidst the rustling treetops, the figure had already disappeared without a trace.
…
The belly of the early morning sky is just beginning to turn white, and there is still a faint mist lingering in the woods.
"Hey? Hey, wake up, are you alright?"
A dewdrop falls between her eyebrows. At the call of a familiar voice, Terumi Mei slowly opens her weary eyes. Her blurry vision gradually clears, revealing a familiar face before her.
"Are you alright? You've suffered many injuries all over your body, and you were washed ashore by the river."
In Terumi Mei's eyes, the person clearly has the detestable face of Uchiha Yoru. Just as she wants to make a move, she suddenly realizes that she can't even move her fingers.
Her body is stiff, and her mind is groggy, but Terumi Mei quickly calms down. Looking at Uchiha Yoru's detestable face, even though he puts on a gentle smile, she knows full well his cruelty. She has almost died at his hands twice.
"I~"
Her voice is hoarse, and as her vocal cords produce sound, a sharp pain like a small knife cutting her throat makes her extremely uncomfortable. Uchiha Yoru pretends to have a gentle demeanor.
"I presume you are also caught in the crossfire of the war. This is the cruelty of battle."
At this moment, Uchiha Yoru's face is full of a gentle smile, but he sighs about the cruelty of war. In Terumi Mei's eyes, however, it's hypocrisy. You nearly killed me on the battlefield, and not just once.
"My name is Kobe Yoru, don't worry, my carriage is nearby."
Kobe Yoru?
Only now does Terumi Mei notice the difference in the other's attire. Gone is the flamboyant look; he wears simple ninja clothes, and his hair is slightly curled, with a ninja sword on his back.
His image has completely changed, and also this so-called Kobe Yoru!
In an instant, Terumi Mei realizes Konoha's front line has been replaced, it seems he has been exiled here.
In a flash, she starts to quickly analyze the current situation. She is clearly labeled a rogue ninja by the village. Thinking about this makes her feel a dull pain, but more than that, it's anger; she must find out who has been secretly framing her.
"My name is Mei, our trade convoy was attacked."
In a weak voice, Terumi Mei takes great effort to utter these words, and she also feels that the mask on her face has shattered during last night's battle, revealing her true identity.
In an instant, she sneered in her heart, "Kobe Yoru! Even if you turn to ashes, I'd recognize you. Uchiha Yoru! You may not recognize me, but I recognize you."
"Don't talk for now, let me treat you first."
Kobe Yoru revealed a caring smile, appearing like a kind-hearted person, as he began to dress her wounds.
What is his purpose for disguising himself like this? And why did he save her? For her beauty? No.
Just as Terumi Mei was quietly guessing his motives, Kobe Yoru softly spoke while dressing her wounds, "Don't worry, I'm a blacksmith. I've heard that this place is rich in fine iron and chakra metals, so I've come to purchase some."
"By the way, are you from around here?"
Kobe Yoru asked, seemingly out of nowhere, making Terumi Mei realize that he wanted to find out if she was a local. If she was, he could use her identity to infiltrate without raising suspicions.
After quickly deducing his intentions, Terumi Mei weakly rasped, "I'm from the West Mountain Village, but our village was destroyed in a war not long ago."
Upon hearing this, her face displayed immense sadness, and she also noticed the flash of delight in Uchiha Yoru's eyes after learning she was a local.
As expected!
"It's alright. Your injuries are severe, and it seems you've also been poisoned. Let me help you onto the carriage."
Under Uchiha Yoru's gentle and kind smile, both of them clearly had their own schemes. Terumi Mei was not only heavily injured but also deeply poisoned, unable to move. She had no choice but to play the role of a wounded commoner.
And Uchiha Yoru played the role of a blacksmith who came to purchase fine iron and some chakra metals.
In Terumi Mei's eyes, he needed to use her identity to infiltrate the city. Likewise, she wanted to seize this opportunity to hide until her wounds healed.
And he obviously didn't know her true identity.
Terumi Mei feigned fainting, while Uchiha Yoru had his own plans.
Her injuries were indeed severe, but her inability to move was due to the poison he had extracted from himself a few days ago—enough to make her incapacitated.
He wanted to subdue the future Fifth Mizukage, and although she was now a rogue ninja and almost certainly lost to him, she wasn't as easy to subdue as Guren.
"If you're destined to live, then perhaps I can add you to the script I've carefully crafted. The stage is set, and I'm just waiting for the supporting characters to appear one by one. I hope you don't disappoint me."
He also wanted to see how many fates he could accumulate by subduing the future Kages of the Five Great Shinobi Countries.
In the land of the Whirlpool, barriers separate the Hidden Leaf and Hidden Mist villages.
Under the cover of night, Uchiha Yoru leaves behind a shadow clone and reveals his true self, wearing a mask as he quietly arrives at the forest outside the town.
Within the dark forest, Terumi Mei is seen panting, her back against a large tree. She looks around at the ninjas surrounding her, injuries all over her body, and clenches her teeth in anger.
"Terumi Mei, you, a Mist ninja, have betrayed your village by leaking information. The Fourth Mizukage has ordered us to retrieve your corpse."
Suddenly, her fellow Mist ninja turn on her. Clearly, these are not ordinary Mist ninja; they're a specialized assassination squad from the village.
"Damn it, what betrayal? Where's the evidence?"
Terumi Mei shouts in disbelief and anger. She knows that if the Mizukage has truly given this order, she won't have a chance to explain herself. She's simply buying time.
"Evidence? The two pieces of information you relayed were traps set by the Leaf, causing the loss of over fifty of our front-line ninjas."
Terumi Mei is stunned. She had reported everything she found as a spy faithfully, and now they're accusing her of betraying the village and collaborating with the Leaf to set traps.
Especially shocking is the sudden betrayal; the poison on their blades has significantly weakened her. She gasps for air, her eyes gradually turning icy cold.
She's no fool. Clearly, she's been set up, or someone is secretly plotting against her.
Water Style: Hidden Mist Technique
Suddenly, she exhales a large cloud of mist from her mouth. Sounds of intense combat echo through the thick fog, along with the crashing of powerful ninjutsu techniques causing trees in the forest to topple.
On the other end of the forest, two figures appear on the tree branches, both wearing masks, and calmly look at the dense fog in the distance.
"Kid, this is Terumi Mei, the Hidden Mist ninja who ambushed you last time. This is her information."
The larger figure is Suikazan Fuguki, who shows no shame for betraying his own village, and coldly continues, "This is our Mist ninja world. My reliable assistant, Kisame, is my right hand man. Your Leaf Village has sent Sarutobi Shinzo; I'll need more people, and I'll send someone to you later."
In recent times, their dealings have been simple. Terumi Mei reports the information she has gathered to her superiors, and Suikazan Fuguki then passes this information onto Uchiha Yoru.
The two conspired to directly formulate a plan, which was for Konoha to ambush the Mist ninja using information from Uchiha Yoru. After multiple victories, Sarutobi Shinzo couldn't help but feel secretly pleased, proving at least that Uchiha Yoru was very cooperative with him.
Meanwhile, the plans made by Suikazan Fuguki were ambushed by Konoha multiple times. It was clear that there was a leak in the intelligence, and all signs pointed to the source of the intelligence, Terumi Mei.
After several losses, the evidence was irrefutable. All signs pointed to this dark department genius, and with the rise of resentment towards bloodline ninja in the Mist Village, the Fourth Mizukage naturally branded this dark department genius as a rogue ninja.
As for the Fourth Mizukage, or rather Obito, he was more than happy to see the village that killed Rin being punished, and naturally would not stop it, but rather would add fuel to the fire.
Moreover, the current Terumi Mei is just a genius and not a peak shadow-level powerhouse. After weighing the pros and cons, the Mist Village elders finally chose to remain silent.
An elite ninja is not worth the risk, so Terumi Mei was branded as a rogue ninja.
"Terumi Mei!"
Uchiha Yoru slowly hooked up the corners of his mouth as he looked at the information in his hand, and even showed a smile on his face. He didn't care what changes would come, what he wanted was in his own interest.
The information in his hand simply recorded Terumi Mei's details. Suikazan Fuguki said solemnly, "Terumi Mei is a dark department member of the village, and all information has been sealed. This is the only available information."
The information is so rudimentary that besides the name, gender, and approximate age, it only includes the history of the dark department's mission execution. There isn't even a single photo.
"When will my Samehada return!"
Suikazan Fuguki's eyes revealed a trace of murderous intent, clearly his patience was nearing its limit. On the other hand, Uchiha Yoru calmly put the scroll into his bosom.
"The next time you send out Kisame, Samehada will return to you."
Hearing this, Suikazan Fuguki immediately showed a trace of killing intent, "Kid, my patience has limits, don't push me!"
"This is information from Whirlpool Country's town."
Faced with Suikazan Fuguki's anger, Uchiha Yoru calmly took out another piece of information that he had prepared long ago. He naturally knew that he couldn't always take without giving, it's time to give the other party some incentives.
After obtaining all the information on Konoha, the anger of Suikazan Fuguki had slightly subsided, but he still snorted coldly. He glanced at the information and tucked it away.
"Next time, bring me Kisame, and I will bring your Samehada," Uchiha Yoru calmly said. He had two objectives in his elaborate planning for Kisame and Terumi Mei.
The first objective was to experiment. For future Kage-level fighters—one being an important member of the Akatsuki, and the other being the future Fifth Mizukage—they should both be people with great destinies. What would happen if he managed to turn them against each other or subdue them? He wanted to give it a try.
The second objective was to leave himself a way out. After all, what he was doing was irreversible. If he failed in Konoha, he would face a life of fleeing the shinobi world.
As the saying goes, "A hero has three gangs," the Akatsuki even knew about organizational power, let alone him.
"Kid, don't disappoint me next time!" Suikazan Fuguki revealed a cruel look. He had already decided that if the other party still wanted to use this to restrain him, then he would let the kid know the power of anger.
Uchiha Yoru also sneered internally. The cooperation between both sides was inherently fragile; a slight misstep could lead to a falling-out, which he was well aware of.
"It seems that your target has escaped."
During their conversation, the dense fog in the distance gradually dispersed, the sounds of fighting disappeared, and instead, they saw the figures of Mist ninjas chasing Anbu.
Suikazan Fuguki gave a cold smile, and Uchiha Yoru shrugged, saying in an unconcerned manner, "That's fine, as long as the body of the Kekkei Genkai ninja is left."
Between Terumi Mei and Kisame, he preferred Kisame, a pure ninja. After all, becoming the Fifth Mizukage required Terumi Mei to have extraordinary intelligence and methods.
Subduing her would be too troublesome and require constant vigilance in the future. So if Terumi Mei were unfortunately killed by Mist ninjas, he would simply collect her body.
"Cold-blooded kid," said Suikazan Fuguki coldly, finally adding, "Recently, too many Kekkei Genkai ninjas have died or gone missing on the frontlines, and it has already attracted the attention of some people in the village."
After hearing this, Uchiha Yoru shrugged casually and said, "No problem. When the time comes, just say that according to the investigation, we suspect we've found traces of the Sannin Orochimaru."
The two exchanged glances, and looking at Uchiha Yoru's mocking expression, Suikazan Fuguki couldn't help but curse him as shameless in his heart.
Indeed, whenever there's a problem, he brings up his own teacher. One reason is to intimidate him, implying that he has someone backing him. The other is to use this as an excuse to sidestep Mist Village.
After all, the situation with Orochimaru is known to all major ninja villages. He's obsessed with forbidden jutsu research and has conducted human experiments, so it's normal for him to appear on the battlefield collecting bloodline shinobi.
A night breeze blew through the treetops, and under the moonlight, the figure of Suikazan Fuguki gradually faded away. Before leaving, he looked at Uchiha Yoru with a warning, menacing gaze.
"Next time, bring my Samehada!"
As the figure disappeared, Uchiha Yoru looked at the bright moonlight and murmured with a smile, "Terumi Mei, what a pity. Let fate decide whether you should die or not."
"If your fate ends here, then in consideration of the luck you've provided, I'll collect your corpse. If fate has other plans, I'll try to see how much luck subduing a future Mizukage can bring me."
A gust of night wind blew through, and amidst the rustling treetops, the figure had already disappeared without a trace.
…
The belly of the early morning sky is just beginning to turn white, and there is still a faint mist lingering in the woods.
"Hey? Hey, wake up, are you alright?"
A dewdrop falls between her eyebrows. At the call of a familiar voice, Terumi Mei slowly opens her weary eyes. Her blurry vision gradually clears, revealing a familiar face before her.
"Are you alright? You've suffered many injuries all over your body, and you were washed ashore by the river."
In Terumi Mei's eyes, the person clearly has the detestable face of Uchiha Yoru. Just as she wants to make a move, she suddenly realizes that she can't even move her fingers.
Her body is stiff, and her mind is groggy, but Terumi Mei quickly calms down. Looking at Uchiha Yoru's detestable face, even though he puts on a gentle smile, she knows full well his cruelty. She has almost died at his hands twice.
"I~"
Her voice is hoarse, and as her vocal cords produce sound, a sharp pain like a small knife cutting her throat makes her extremely uncomfortable. Uchiha Yoru pretends to have a gentle demeanor.
"I presume you are also caught in the crossfire of the war. This is the cruelty of battle."
At this moment, Uchiha Yoru's face is full of a gentle smile, but he sighs about the cruelty of war. In Terumi Mei's eyes, however, it's hypocrisy. You nearly killed me on the battlefield, and not just once.
"My name is Kobe Yoru, don't worry, my carriage is nearby."
Kobe Yoru?
Only now does Terumi Mei notice the difference in the other's attire. Gone is the flamboyant look; he wears simple ninja clothes, and his hair is slightly curled, with a ninja sword on his back.
His image has completely changed, and also this so-called Kobe Yoru!
In an instant, Terumi Mei realizes Konoha's front line has been replaced, it seems he has been exiled here.
In a flash, she starts to quickly analyze the current situation. She is clearly labeled a rogue ninja by the village. Thinking about this makes her feel a dull pain, but more than that, it's anger; she must find out who has been secretly framing her.
"My name is Mei, our trade convoy was attacked."
In a weak voice, Terumi Mei takes great effort to utter these words, and she also feels that the mask on her face has shattered during last night's battle, revealing her true identity.
In an instant, she sneered in her heart, "Kobe Yoru! Even if you turn to ashes, I'd recognize you. Uchiha Yoru! You may not recognize me, but I recognize you."
"Don't talk for now, let me treat you first."
Kobe Yoru revealed a caring smile, appearing like a kind-hearted person, as he began to dress her wounds.
What is his purpose for disguising himself like this? And why did he save her? For her beauty? No.
Just as Terumi Mei was quietly guessing his motives, Kobe Yoru softly spoke while dressing her wounds, "Don't worry, I'm a blacksmith. I've heard that this place is rich in fine iron and chakra metals, so I've come to purchase some."
"By the way, are you from around here?"
Kobe Yoru asked, seemingly out of nowhere, making Terumi Mei realize that he wanted to find out if she was a local. If she was, he could use her identity to infiltrate without raising suspicions.
After quickly deducing his intentions, Terumi Mei weakly rasped, "I'm from the West Mountain Village, but our village was destroyed in a war not long ago."
Upon hearing this, her face displayed immense sadness, and she also noticed the flash of delight in Uchiha Yoru's eyes after learning she was a local.
As expected!
"It's alright. Your injuries are severe, and it seems you've also been poisoned. Let me help you onto the carriage."
Under Uchiha Yoru's gentle and kind smile, both of them clearly had their own schemes. Terumi Mei was not only heavily injured but also deeply poisoned, unable to move. She had no choice but to play the role of a wounded commoner.
And Uchiha Yoru played the role of a blacksmith who came to purchase fine iron and some chakra metals.
In Terumi Mei's eyes, he needed to use her identity to infiltrate the city. Likewise, she wanted to seize this opportunity to hide until her wounds healed.
And he obviously didn't know her true identity.
Terumi Mei feigned fainting, while Uchiha Yoru had his own plans.
Her injuries were indeed severe, but her inability to move was due to the poison he had extracted from himself a few days ago—enough to make her incapacitated.
He wanted to subdue the future Fifth Mizukage, and although she was now a rogue ninja and almost certainly lost to him, she wasn't as easy to subdue as Guren.
"If you're destined to live, then perhaps I can add you to the script I've carefully crafted. The stage is set, and I'm just waiting for the supporting characters to appear one by one. I hope you don't disappoint me."
He also wanted to see how many fates he could accumulate by subduing the future Kages of the Five Great Shinobi Countries.
