belamy20

156-160

Added 2025-05-15 17:26:38 +0000 UTC

Chapter 156: Going All Out

"So, how will Kirigakure handle such a difficult situation?"

"Will they back down and swallow their pride? Or will they negotiate for a peaceful resolution?"

"Or will they outright refuse and confront the issue head-on?"

"A direct confrontation seems unlikely—none of the previous Mizukage have ever taken that approach!"

"Negotiation is probably the most plausible option. After all, Kirigakure is one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages. They wouldn’t just take this lying down!"

In an instant, nearly the entire shinobi world turned its attention to Kirigakure, waiting to see how they would respond.

Kirigakure

"Troubled times indeed..."

Mei Terumī sat in the Mizukage’s office, gazing at the leaves fluttering outside her window, and let out a sigh.

Soon after, she issued a statement:

"We will engage in detailed negotiations with the Daimyō of the Land of Water, striving for a peaceful resolution to our conflicts and ensuring the nation’s stability and harmony."

Her response was exactly what many had expected.

After all, it was likely the best course of action.

"But can they really resolve this through talks? Will peace last?"

The Fourth Raikage was skeptical. With Yoru in the picture, he doubted a peaceful outcome was possible.

What kind of man was Yoru? Ruthlessly decisive, unyielding to threats. A man who repaid every slight tenfold.

The Daimyō had struck first—there was no way Yoru would let that slide.

He would make a move.

The Raikage was certain of it.

And if there was one person overjoyed by this situation, it was Watari Izumi.

"Yoru, let’s see how you handle this mess!"

"Did you really think this would end here? I won’t let you off the hook!"

"The shame of losing my finger—I’ll never forget it!"

"My father oversees financial affairs, including Kirigakure’s funding!"

"You’ll pay for what you’ve done!"

He wanted Yoru to kneel before him, begging for mercy. He wanted Mei Terumī to submit to him in disgrace before he even considered sparing Kirigakure.

And he was confident he could make it happen.

His entire life, he’d gotten everything he wanted. A mere shinobi village wouldn’t be the exception.

But… would things really go as he imagined?

Of course not.

The people of the Daimyō’s capital would never forget this day.

The terror of being at someone’s mercy would be etched into their bones.

And they would forever remember one name—

Yoru.

Five Hours Later

Just as Watari Izumi was plotting his revenge—and mere hours after the Daimyō cut Kirigakure’s financial support—something unthinkable happened.

While the entire shinobi world watched, waiting to see how things would unfold…

The Akatsuki attacked the Daimyō’s capital.

They stormed in like a hurricane, kidnapping the Daimyō and his three sons. Not a single one escaped.

But they didn’t stop there.

They also took the Daimyō’s most trusted officials—

The Minister of Justice

The Minister of Etiquette

The Minister of Finance

The Minister of Personnel

Nearly the entire upper echelon of the Land of Water’s government was wiped out in one strike, leaving a power vacuum unlike anything seen before.

News of the incident spread across the shinobi world at the speed of light.

And the world recoiled in shock.

"Holy hell, he actually did it! Yoru’s got guts!"

"So this is his answer? Typical White Flash—never plays by the rules!"

"This is beyond reckless. He just shattered every convention!"

"Hah! Now I’m curious—what’s next? Will he execute the Daimyō? Or just scare him into submission?"

Other nations watched with morbid fascination. A spectacle like this was too good to miss.

Yoru was the first shinobi in history to dare move against a Daimyō.

"Bold" didn’t even begin to cover it.

Meanwhile, in Kirigakure…

"WHAT?! The Daimyō was kidnapped—by the Akatsuki, hired by Yoru?!"

When Mei Terumī heard the news, she nearly passed out.

She rushed to the ANBU headquarters—just in time to run into Yoru himself.

"Yoru… have you lost your mind?! Kidnapping the Daimyō—what were you thinking?!"

"This will throw the entire Land of Water into chaos! Kirigakure gains nothing from this!"

Her face was a mix of panic, frustration, and dread.

"Nothing to gain?"

Yoru looked up, his expression eerily calm.

"Sister, leave this to me. I’ll handle it—no disasters, I promise."

Then he walked away.

"Yoru, where are you going?! I’m coming with you—we’ll fix this together!"

She moved to follow, but he stopped her.

"No. Stay and protect the village. I can manage this alone."

"Kirigakure needs you. No one—not even the Daimyō—can threaten us."

"If we back down now, we lose all deterrence."

His tone was icy, sending a chill down Mei’s spine.

This Yoru… felt like a stranger.

"Don’t worry, sister. I’m still me. Still your brother. Still under your control."

"Just let me have this one rebellion."

And with that, he was gone.

Mei stood frozen, speechless for a long moment.

Finally, she sighed and turned toward another part of the village.

As she walked, she muttered under her breath:

"With this mess, the dissidents must be thrilled."

"They finally have the perfect chance to stir up trouble, turn the people against me."

"But I won’t let them."

"The Land of Water may be in chaos, but Kirigakure won’t follow."

"As long as I’m here, they won’t get their way."

The "dissidents" she referred to were the former aides of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura—loyalists who had refused to submit to her rule.

Though imprisoned, they still held influence.

Mei had spared them, intending to win them over in time.

But now?

They were a powder keg waiting for a spark.

And this crisis was the perfect match.

She had to act fast—before Kirigakure, too, went up in flames.

Chapter 157: Anticipating the Enemy

"Let me be selfish just this once, Yoru!"

"Maybe he’s right—some things can’t be left half-finished. Otherwise, they lose their deterrent effect!"

What was done was done. Even if they apologized now, the Daimyō of the Land of Water might not forgive them.

In that case… they might as well go all the way!

If she said she held no resentment toward the Daimyō, that would be a lie.

After all the blood and sweat Kirigakure shed to secure the Land of Lightning’s trade port, the Daimyō and his cronies had shamelessly swooped in to take their share.

Did they really think the Hidden Mist Village was some kind of pushover?

Meanwhile, somewhere in Kirigakure…

A group of elders had gathered, their faces alight with glee as they whispered among themselves.

"Yoranaru is digging his own grave! Kidnapping the Daimyō? He’s finished!"

"This is a gift from the heavens! We must rally the villagers, force Mei Terumī to punish Yoranaru—this is our chance to reclaim power!"

"Right! We have to act fast. If we delay, Mei will catch on and shut us down!"

"Heh, Yoranaru’s still just a brat. He can’t think of everything. This time, he never saw us coming!"

With that, they stood up and marched toward the door—only to freeze in their tracks the moment it opened.

Their triumphant grins vanished.

Standing before them were the Three Demon Swordsmen of Kirigakure: Zabuza Momochi, Kisame Hoshigaki, and Jūzō Biwa, backed by six stone-faced ANBU operatives, blocking their escape.

"Heh. Just as Yoranaru-sama predicted—you’d pick this exact moment to make your move." Zabuza smirked, his voice dripping with amusement.

"How’s that for a twist? One second, you’re on top of the world. The next? Total despair." Kisame grinned, shark-like.

"Enough talk. Let’s wrap this up." Jūzō, ever the pragmatist, cut straight to the point.

The elders paled as the three drew their blades, the air thickening with killing intent.

"W-What do you think you’re doing?!" one stammered, stumbling back.

"Why do you think we’re here?" Kisame ran a hand along Samehada before suddenly slamming it forward, sending the elders crashing into the wall.

"Yoranaru-sama’s orders were clear: Stay quiet, and you live. Cause trouble? Well…"

"Death."

The three moved as one.

"Slicccch—!"

Ten seconds later, the swordsmen emerged, their blades dripping red. Behind them, lifeless bodies lay sprawled across the floor, faces frozen in horror.

"Clean it up." Jūzō ordered.

The ANBU moved like shadows—sealing the corpses, erasing all traces. Within minutes, the room was spotless, as if nothing had ever happened.

"Let’s go."

Two minutes after their departure…

Mei Terumī arrived, just barely missing them.

"Too late… Was this Yoru’s doing too?"

She surveyed the eerily pristine room and sighed.

"Of course he’d be this thorough."

If she had handled it, she might’ve spared the elders—useful pawns in the political game. But Yoranaru?

To him, people fell into two categories: those who could be used, and those who couldn’t.

The useful lived. The useless? Cross the line, and death was guaranteed.

"…He really is the perfect fit for ANBU Commander."

A part of her wished Yoranaru could’ve stayed a carefree jōnin, free from the shadows of the village’s dark underbelly. But his skills, his ruthlessness—they all screamed one thing:

This was where he belonged.

"Fools. Did they really think they could overthrow the village now?"

"They underestimated Yoranaru. That guy doesn’t miss a thing."

A familiar voice cut through the silence. Mei turned, surprised.

"You didn’t go with Yoru? That’s unusual."

Standing there was Yugito Nii, the Two-Tails Jinchūriki and the spark that ignited the war between Kumo and Kiri.

"Tch. I wanted to." Yugito crossed her arms. "But your precious little brother ordered me to stay and guard the village. Said I was ‘insurance.’"

"You’re lucky to have someone like him. Can’t say I’m not jealous."

Mei chuckled. "You could always join the family. We’re around the same age, after all."

"Pass." Yugito scoffed. "I’m not calling that brat ‘little brother.’ Besides…" Her expression softened slightly. "He kept his word. Gave me the freedom I wanted. No more glares, no more chains. Can’t complain."

"Was hoping for some excitement today, but nope—crushed before it even started."

"Honestly, he’s too damn efficient. Where’s the fun in that?"

Like a restless cat denied its plaything, Yugito radiated restless energy.

Mei and the others couldn’t help but laugh.

So much for the aloof Jinchūriki—beneath that cool exterior was a woman itching for chaos.

Chapter 158: Meeting the Deva Path

Mei Terumī’s lips curved into a faint smile. "If I were Yoru, I’d have left you behind to guard Kirigakure too."

"Having a powerhouse like you stationed here is the ultimate insurance."

"Let’s work well together from now on."

It was rare for Mei to show such courtesy—so far, Yugito might be the only one worthy of it.

Yugito nodded. Mei was being polite; there was no reason for her to act cold or aloof.

"Later."

With a flick of her wrist, she vanished like a phantom, her movements as light and effortless as a cat’s.

Meanwhile, in the ANBU Dungeon...

A pair of eyes snapped open in the darkness.

"Did Yoranaru send you?"

The voice belonged to a boyish-looking man, his body shackled and covered in sealing arrays. Yet, the aura he exuded was anything but weak.

This was none other than the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi—defeated, imprisoned, but still formidable.

Standing before him was a shark-faced man, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist: Kisame Hoshigaki.

"Yeah," Kisame replied flatly. "He told me to keep an eye on you."

Yagura let out a mocking laugh. "Even after branding me with a control seal, he still doesn’t trust me?"

"With his strength, and all of you standing guard, does he really think a broken man like me could cause trouble?"

"He overestimates me. I’ve got no power left to rebel—not when Mei’s running the village better than I ever did."

A shadow of regret flickered in his eyes, mixed with something resembling longing.

If only I’d achieved this during my reign...

Kisame smirked. "Maybe you don’t plan to revolt. But that doesn’t mean others won’t try using you."

"So, just in case… here I am. Consider me your 24/7 watchdog."

Yagura chuckled, then sighed. "Yoranaru’s eye for talent really is sharper than mine."

"All those years as Mizukage, and I never noticed a gem like you. What a waste."

"Ah well. Do as you please."

"This idle life isn’t so bad—no politics, no paperwork. Just peace and quiet."

"And when I get bored, I can always chat with the Three-Tails."

He sounded at ease, as if he’d truly let go of his past ambitions.

Kisame didn’t respond. He simply sat cross-legged, Samehada resting across his knees, and closed his eyes.

No matter how harmless he seems… a former Kage is always dangerous.

Elsewhere: The Meeting with Pain

Yoranaru stood face-to-face with the Akatsuki, gathered in a nondescript town called Happōchō. Behind them, bound and gagged, were the hostages.

"First time meeting in person, Akatsuki."

"I’m impressed—you completed the job faster than expected. No wonder you’re the top mercenary group."

His praise was genuine, catching the Akatsuki members slightly off guard.

"You’re more mature than I expected for a twelve-year-old," Pain (Deva Path) remarked, his voice icy but not entirely devoid of warmth. "You carry yourself like someone twice your age."

"Flattery won’t get you extra pay," Yoranaru joked. "If there’s nothing else, I’ll take the hostages now."

"Looking forward to your work in the Land of Lightning."

He wasn’t here for small talk. His goal was simple: retrieve the captives—the Daimyō of the Land of Water and his entourage.

"A contract is a contract. We’ll handle Kumo." Pain gave a slight nod, and Zetsu released the Daimyō.

As the Akatsuki turned to leave, Zetsu suddenly emerged from the ground behind Yoranaru.

"Oh, one more thing… You might find this interesting."

"The Uchiha clan in Konoha are about to make their move. Could work in your favor."

"Thanks for the tip." Yoranaru acknowledged with a nod before Zetsu sank back into the earth.

He watched until Pain and the others had completely vanished. Only then did he exhale.

"Damn, they’re strong."

Facing the entire Akatsuki, he hadn’t dared let his guard down for even a second.

This was an organization capable of invading any village and walking away alive—at best, the defenders would only achieve a pyrrhic victory.

Even as their employer, he couldn’t afford carelessness.

Death comes from a single moment of weakness.

The Daimyō’s Delusion

"Mmph! Mmph!"

The Daimyō’s furious grunts snapped Yoranaru back to the present. Bound like a mummy, the man glared daggers at him.

"Sir, should we untie them?" an ANBU operative asked.

"No need." Yoranaru wiped away a bead of sweat (leftover from the Akatsuki’s oppressive presence) and flashed his usual smile. "Just remove the gags. I’d love to hear their thoughts."

The moment the cloth was yanked away, the Daimyō exploded.

"HOW DARE YOU COLLUDE WITH OUTSIDERS TO KIDNAP ME, YOU FILTHY DOG!"

"RELEASE ME NOW AND BEG FOR FORGIVENESS, OR I’LL CRUSH KIRIGAKURE WITH A SINGLE ORDER!"

His ministers joined the chorus:

"This isn’t over, Yoranaru!"

"Kneel and apologize, and we might show mercy!"

"You’ll regret this!"

They roared, oblivious to their predicament.

In their minds, Yoranaru wouldn’t dare kill them. At worst, he’d humiliate or scare them before inevitably negotiating.

"Just wait," the Minister of Etiquette seethed internally. "Once we’re at the table, I’ll strip you bare. No one humiliates me and walks away!"

The other nobles wore similar expressions.

They were wrong.

Chapter 159: Madman – He Must Not Succeed

"Squelch!"

Amid their arrogant jeers, a flash of cold steel cut through the air—

And the Minister of Etiquette’s left arm dropped to the ground, severed clean off.

A spray of crimson blood splashed across the faces of those nearby.

The thick, metallic scent hung in the air, and instantly—silence fell.

The Daimyō and his officials stared at Yoru in shock and disbelief.

Did he… just—?

"AAAAAAAGH—!!!"

The Minister of Etiquette finally registered the pain, his bloodcurdling scream tearing through the room as he writhed on the floor.

Yoru tilted his head, his voice calm, almost amused.

"What, my lords? Did you truly believe I went through the trouble of kidnapping you all… just for a little game?"

"Did you think I’d scare you, then release you with apologies and negotiations?"

When he saw their expressions—"Isn’t that exactly what you’re supposed to do?"—his smile turned icy.

"How naïve."

"I have no reverence for your titles. I live by one rule: Cross me, and I’ll return it tenfold."

"You dared to steal the trade ports I seized in the Land of Lightning?"

"Had the audacity to ‘graciously’ grant Kirigakure a measly 10% as if it were some royal favor?"

"You think my village is your subordinate? That you can carve up what’s ours like a feast?"

His voice dropped to a lethal whisper.

"Tell me… do you have a death wish?"

With a flick of his wrist, his blade pressed against the Daimyō’s throat.

"Now… do you understand the situation?"

"Do you really think I won’t kill you?"

"Do you honestly believe I fear your ‘divine authority’?"

His gaze swept over the trembling officials.

"And you—what odds do you give yourselves for survival?"

"Where’s all that arrogance now? Weren’t you demanding my surrender earlier?"

"Go on. Act superior again."

A chilling realization dawned on them.

Yoru wasn’t here to negotiate.

He didn’t care about their status.

He would kill them.

He wanted to.

"Y-You…" The Daimyō’s voice shook. "My army… tens of thousands of elite soldiers… They’ll burn Kirigakure to the ground—!"

Yoru laughed.

"Tens of thousands? How cute."

"You severely underestimate shinobi."

"And you overestimate your own importance."

He leaned in, his smile terrifying.

"The Land of Water doesn’t need you. Plenty would kill to take your place."

*"Oh, and—your capital? It’s already chaos."*

*"Your generals are fighting amongst themselves."*

"Your precious army? Probably slaughtering each other as we speak."

The Daimyō’s face twisted in rage and horror.

"YOU MADMAN—!"

"You’ll plunge the entire country into civil war! What does Kirigakure gain from this?!"

Yoru didn’t even blink.

"Relax. I’ll stabilize things."

*"The Land of Water needs a new era."*

"And you relics? You’ll fade with the old one."

"Consider it your final service to this nation."

Before they could plead or protest—

A gesture.

ANBU operatives gagged and blindfolded them, dragging them away.

Meanwhile, in the Capital…

"By order of the Daimyō—his youngest son shall temporarily assume rule and restore order!"

"Kirigakure envoy Momochi Zabuza arrives with 5,000 troops to suppress rebellion!"

Amid the panic and power struggles following the Daimyō’s abduction—

Pirates seized every major port, blockading reinforcements.

Then, obscure officials (who nobody remembered appointing) issued a questionable decree:

The Daimyō’s son would rule in his stead.

And Kirigakure’s forces marched in, securing the capital.

"What is this treason?! You think you can usurp the throne?!"

Zabuza smirked.

*"Treason? No. We’re simply enforcing the Daimyō’s will."*

"Disobey… and die.**"

And he meant it.

Every defiant noble, every outspoken general—

All cut down without mercy.

Then came the final blow:

*"By the Daimyō’s command—the capital shall relocate immediately!"*

The seal was genuine.

The people hesitated.

*"This has to be fake… The Daimyō would never abandon the ancestral capital!"*

But… what if it wasn’t?

"We’ll wait two days. If the Daimyō doesn’t return…"

*"We crush Kirigakure."*

"The Land of Water won’t bow to a shinobi village!"

By land, resources, and sheer might—the nation outmatched Kirigakure.

What chance did one village have?

Yet…

*"Something’s coming… I can feel it."*

*"Like the air before a storm."*

*"Yoru… he’s different."*

Across the Shinobi World…

"Kirigakure’s actually doing this?!"

*"Kidnapping the Daimyō, occupying the capital—are they trying to overthrow the government?"*

*"It’s Yoru’s doing. That lunatic has no limits!"*

*"If he succeeds—it’ll inspire rebellions everywhere!"*

The other Great Nations panicked.

"We can’t let this stand!"

"This taboo must not be broken!"

Chapter 160: Meticulous Preparations—War Descends Once More

If Yoru succeeded, it would send a dangerous message to the world: Anyone with enough power could rebel.

How could the daimyo of the great nations sit comfortably on their thrones after that?

They immediately contacted their respective shinobi villages, ordering them to mobilize and stop Kirigakure. This time, Yoru had truly provoked universal outrage—crossing the ultimate taboo of the Five Great Nations’ daimyo.

Such a taboo could never be tolerated. If it were, their rule would be in grave danger.

A new war, one that would engulf the entire shinobi world, was about to begin.

Fear spread like wildfire. When news reached Kirigakure, its people trembled as if doomsday had arrived. They cursed Yoru: Why provoke the Land of Water’s daimyo? Why play the hero?

Now, because of him, the entire village would be doomed!

But what the four daimyo never expected was that Konoha and Kumogakure would falter at this critical moment.

In Konoha, the Uchiha clan suddenly rebelled—so swiftly that the village elders couldn’t react in time.

As for Kumogakure, the Fourth Raikage was the most eager to crush Kirigakure, seeking revenge and to erase the shame of the Land of Lightning’s failed trade port.

Yet just as he rallied his forces, the Akatsuki appeared at their gates, blocking their path.

Everything unfolded as if scripted.

However—

Long before the four daimyo’s orders to attack Kirigakure even reached their villages, Yoru had already arrived at the capital with the daimyo in tow.

Using the daimyo’s authority, he forced through the decision to relocate the capital.

The truth was clear: when faced with power, status, and resources, few could resist betraying their loyalty to the daimyo.

Yoru shrewdly started by winning over the Land of Water’s military. Most soldiers joined the ranks for survival—whoever fed them would earn their allegiance.

And Yoru offered far better terms.

He purged corrupt officials, promoted the truly capable, and resolved countless injustices. The people rallied behind him.

While Yoru himself negotiated with the court officials in the capital, his water clone—leading Kirigakure’s ANBU—had already secured the loyalty of 30,000 troops stationed near the capital. More were defecting by the hour.

Why? Because the current daimyo had starved the military of funds while corruption ran rampant. The lower ranks suffered endlessly.

So when Yoru offered better pay and conditions, they flocked to him.

As his clone solidified control over the military, Yoru himself ensured the capital’s relocation was inevitable.

Once the move was decided, he established a new shogunate-style council:

The daimyo would remain the nominal head.

Two new positions were created: Military Advisor and State Consultant.

All major decisions required joint approval from Kirigakure and the daimyo.

In reality, this meant Kirigakure now indirectly ruled the Land of Water.

Why did the court officials comply?

Many had already been bribed or coerced—resistance was futile.
Yoru had executed four high-ranking ministers in a single stroke:
The Minister of Finance
The Minister of Rites
The Minister of Personnel
The Minister of Justice

Only the Minister of Works (away on inspection) and the cooperating Minister of War were spared.

Had the executions been arbitrary, the court would’ve revolted. But Yoru exposed each minister’s crimes—with irrefutable evidence.

Then, before the entire court, he publicly beheaded all four.

That moment hammered home a brutal truth: They were at his mercy.

Whether they liked it or not, defiance now meant death.

With the capital’s relocation underway, Yoru marched toward Kirigakure with:

40,000 defected troops

500,000 civilians, merchants, and officials

They traveled by land and sea, heading to the new capital—a city adjacent to Kirigakure itself.

The message was clear: The daimyo and his court would now live under Kirigakure’s shadow.

Any rebellion would be crushed instantly.

By the time Yoru reached the bustling port town of Oryūchō near Kirigakure, the Five Great Shinobi Villages had just received their daimyo’s orders to attack.

Yoru had seized the ultimate advantage: time to prepare.

Yet back in Kirigakure, the mood was grim.

The villagers, who once praised Yoru as a hero, now cursed him. Even the elders who admired him felt betrayed.

Facing four Great Villages at once? It was suicide.

During the last war, Konoha only survived by fighting the villages one by one—and even then, at horrific cost.

Back then, Konoha had: