126-130

Chapter 126: Who Gave Them the Courage?  

"To think a promising seedling like you was Kirigakure’s spy all along… How unexpected. And regrettable."  

"Had I realized sooner, I would’ve crushed you when you were still weak."  

"Then none of this would’ve happened."  

These cold thoughts ran through the mind of Tōrō, captain of Kumogakure’s assassination squad, as fifteen thousand Cloud shinobi marched toward the Land of Water in a relentless tide.  

Meanwhile, in the Waters of the Land of Water…  

"The Land of Waves… seeks an alliance?"  

Mizukage Terumī Mei, leading her forces personally, regarded the five warships before her with surprise. Never before had a minor nation willingly joined hands with one of the Five Great Villages to oppose another—not even Amegakure, which always remained neutral.  

"Aren’t you afraid of Kumo’s retaliation?" Mei’s voice carried a warning. "You know their ways—swift, brutal vengeance. Are you prepared for that?"  

The leader of the Wave shinobi, standing at the forefront, answered without hesitation: "Naturally. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be here."  

"In this war, our alliance benefits us both. Alone, neither of us stands a chance against Kumo."  

"So let’s win this—together."  

A glint of approval flashed in Mei’s eyes. "Then how do you propose we cooperate? A joint force or a merged command?"  

The distinction was critical:  

• Joint operations meant shared intelligence and coordinated attacks, but independent leadership.  

• Merged operations meant Wave’s forces would fall under Kirigakure’s direct command. 

"Joint operations—but to maximize efficiency, we’ll accept partial integration." The Wave leader paused. "However, key leadership roles must include our people."  

Mei’s lips curved into a smile. "Then let’s discuss the details."  

War was no child’s play. Every decision had to be precise.  

The Birth of the Allied Shinobi Forces  

Watching the negotiations unfold, Yoru mused silently:  

"The Shinobi Alliance… nine years ahead of schedule."  

Thanks to his foresight, he proposed several groundbreaking ideas during the strategy meeting, solving numerous logistical hurdles. The most pivotal? The alliance’s name and insignia.  

With merged forces, they couldn’t keep their old forehead protectors. But what to call this new coalition?  

Suggestions like "Mist-Wave Allied Force", "Aqua Storm Battalion", or "Kirigakure Wave Corps" were shot down—too clunky, too forgettable.  

Then Yoru spoke up:  

"Why not ‘Shinobi Alliance’? Simple, memorable. The forehead protector just needs the kanji for ‘Shinobi’."  

The proposal was instantly adopted.  

"Brilliant as always, Yoru!"* Mei beamed with pride.  

Next came unit specialization. Yoru outlined the structure:  

• Combat Division (split into Assault, Recon, Frontline Melee, Mid-Range Support, and Special Ops)  

• Medical Corps  

• Intelligence Division  

• Logistics Unit 

Leadership roles were swiftly assigned:  

• Alliance Commander: Mizukage Terumī Mei  

• Chief Strategist: Hamagorō (Wave’s representative)  

• Combat General: Yoru  

• Intelligence/Strategist: Ao  

• Medical Chief: Yanagi (Wave’s veteran medic-nin)  

• Logistics Head: Wakurua (Wave)  

• Assault Squad Leader: Zabuza  

• Recon Leader: Fuguki Suikazan  

• Frontline Commander: Yūtemaru (Wave)  

• Mid-Range Commander: Kisame  

• Special Ops Captain: Hōki (Utakata) 

Within an hour, the alliance’s framework was solidified. Kirigakure held majority control, but Wave secured key positions—a balance that satisfied both sides.  

"Truly, the ‘White Flash’ lives up to his reputation," Hamagorō remarked, his earlier coldness thawed into respect. "Mizukage-dono, with a brother like this, Kirigakure’s future is assured."  

Mei chuckled modestly, though her pride was unmistakable. "Your forces are equally impressive, Hamagorō-san. With veterans like these, I finally feel confident."  

The Warfront: Land of Waves  

The combined fleet set sail for Wave’s territory—the chosen battleground. Fighting there offered critical advantages:  

• Home-field terrain knowledge for Wave’s forces.  

• Easier supply lines, reducing strain on Kirigakure.  

• Contained collateral damage, shielding civilian areas. 

Wave’s shinobi had insisted on this location. The fear of war spilling into their homeland was too great; better to face it head-on where they could control the chaos.  

News of the alliance spread like wildfire among neighboring minor nations.  

"Wave actually dared to side with Kirigakure?!" 

"Have they lost their minds? They’re sending 3,000 half-dead shinobi against Kumo?!"  

Even the Fourth Raikage was caught off guard.  

"Since when did Wave grow a spine?" he growled. "What gave them the courage—divine intervention?"  

As Kumo’s armada cut through the seas, their orders were clear:  

"Eliminate all Kirigakure scouts on sight. Deny them intelligence at all costs."  

In war, information was power—and both sides knew it.  

Chapter 127: Rapid Power Boost  

"The Rōnin Village is done for! How dare they side with Kirigakure against Kumogakure?" 

"Hahaha! Might as well start digging their graves now!" 

"Know your place! A minor village like theirs has no business challenging a Great Shinobi Nation. They should’ve stayed in their lane!"  

News of the alliance spread like wildfire among the smaller nations, met with nothing but scorn.  

What kind of fools did the Rōnin Village think they were, meddling in a war between major powers? Even the legendary Amegakure had never been so reckless in its prime.  

"The Rōnin Village has guts, I’ll give them that. But they picked the wrong enemy. Defying a Great Nation? That’s a death sentence."  

The leader of Niji no Kuni’s Saiginja Village scoffed, his face twisted in disdain. Then, a smirk crept across his lips. "Then again… the fiercer they fight, the easier it’ll be for me to swoop in and claim the spoils."  

Meanwhile…  

While the outside world buzzed with rumors, Yoru was busy helping Mei Terumī enhance her abilities.  

He couldn’t afford to upgrade her to full Kage-level stats yet—but Mei already had one trait at entry-level Kage tier: Stamina.  

All Yoru needed to do was push her Strength and Speed to Elite Jōnin rank, then amplify her jutsu. With those upgrades, she’d stand toe-to-toe with any of the Five Kage.  

Remaining Enhancement Points: 360,000—more than enough.  

"Mmm…! This surge of power—is this your kekkei genkai’s ability? Incredible!" Mei gasped as energy flooded her veins.  

Just moments ago, she’d been uneasy. Now? Unshakable confidence. Maybe… just maybe… I can take on the Raikage.  

"We’re not done yet, Mei. Next up: your jutsu."  

After boosting her physical stats, Yoru had 60,000 points left—enough to enhance several techniques.  

"Hiding in Mist Technique—enhance!" 

"Water Wall—enhance!" 

"Water Dragon Bullet—enhance!" 

"Demonic Illusion: Binding—enhance!"  

57,000 points spent. All four jutsu now ranked S-class.  

"So? How’s it feel? Wanna test your new strength?" Yoru asked, already bracing himself.  

The gleam in Mei’s eyes said it all.  

"Heh. You saw right through me." She cracked her knuckles. "Let’s see just how much stronger I’ve become!"  

Power thrummed through her like never before. For the first time, she felt… unstoppable.  

"Sigh. Alright, bring it on. But go easy on me, yeah?"  

They moved to an empty training ground within the Allied base.  

"Don’t hold back, Yoru!" Mei warned—then blitzed forward like an arrow loosed from a bow.  

Her hands flew through seals twice as fast as before.  

"Hiding in Mist Technique!"  

A thick fog erupted from her lips, swallowing the entire field in silence. The eerie stillness sent a chill even down Mei’s spine.  

"Damn… Yoru’s kekkei genkai is no joke."  

She focused, sensing his chakra—then froze.  

WHOOSH!  

A water bullet ripped through the mist, grazing her side before she could react.  

"Tch—!"  

No time to recover. A barrage followed, pinning her in a deadly crossfire.  

For the first time in years, Mei felt death’s breath on her neck.  

THUD!  

She barely rolled away, leaving streaks of blood in her wake.  

"Too close… Can’t out-mist Yoru. He’s the real master here."  

Dispelling the fog, she weaved new signs.  

"Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique!"  

Acidic vapor billowed out, searing the air.  

"Whoa there, Mei! Starting with a trump card? That’s mean!" Yoru laughed, already retreating.  

"Oh no you don’t!" Mei snarled. "Water Release: Heavy Water Arm!"  

A crushing hydrofist erupted behind Yoru, aimed at his ribs—enough force to shatter bone.  

"Water Wall!"  

A tidal barrier blocked the blow, but Mei wasn’t done.  

"Lightning Release: Thunder Bullets!"  

Yoru’s counterattack forced her to abort her assault, dodging frantically.  

Then—BAM!  

A kick sent her flying—only for her body to splash into water. A clone.  

The real Mei emerged, hands already sealed.  

"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!"  

A massive dragon of pressurized water slammed toward Yoru, shaking the ground.  

"That’s the Mizukage for you… To summon a water dragon without a source? Insane!"  

Nearby Rōnin villagers watched in awe.  

"How’s Yoru gonna counter? He can’t possibly weave signs fast enough—"  

FZZT!  

Their jaws dropped.  

Yoru didn’t even move.  

The dragon vaporized mid-air.  

Chapter 128: Completely Outmatched  

Yoru actually split the Water Dragon Bullet with a single sword slash, then twisted mid-air and charged straight at Mei Terumī. With a furious glare, he prepared to cast a genjutsu.  

Mei immediately retreated and shut her eyes, her rhythm completely thrown off.  

And this… was the third time Yoru had disrupted her flow.  

"Sis, I’ve finished testing all the enhanced jutsu I gave you. Now… I’m getting serious."  

Yoru sheathed his sword, his sharp eyes gleaming with intensity.  

"What?! He’s only getting serious now? Was he just playing around before?"  

The surrounding Kiri-nin were stunned.  

This was insane! 

Facing the Mizukage herself… and he’d been treating it like a game?!  

Just how strong was he to pull that off?  

"Bring it on. This is exactly what I need to master these techniques!"  

Mei wasn’t afraid—this was what she wanted. Without pressure, there’d be no growth.  

"Suiton: Water Gun Jutsu!"  

Yoru barely moved a finger, yet a barrage of high-speed water bullets shot forth, shrieking through the air.  

They reached Mei in an instant—so fast she barely had time to react.  

"Whoosh!"  

She dodged, but barely, stumbling in the process.  

"As expected of the Mizukage—she actually avoided that! Impressive!"  

"But Yoru, the one who launched that attack… he’s on another level!"**  

A rogue ninja watching couldn’t help but marvel.  

Back to Mei—  

"Raiton: Shockwave!"  

The moment she landed, Yoru unleashed a storm of lightning, electrifying the ground in a 10-meter radius, cutting off all escape routes.  

"Too fast!"  

"This is just unfair!"  

Even Kiri’s own shinobi were in awe. If they were in this situation, surrender would be the only option.  

"What will the Mizukage do now?!"  

Everyone watched eagerly—  

Mei formed hand signs at blinding speed, creating a water clone. She then hurled a volley of kunai at Yoru to disrupt his assault.  

Her clone yanked her and flung her out of the lightning’s range—just in time.  

"YES!"  

The crowd erupted in cheers. Against all odds, Mei had kept her cool and escaped.  

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"  

Yoru deflected the kunai but lost his chance to press the attack.  

"As expected of you, sis. Well done!"  

But his words didn’t slow him down—he swung his sword, unleashing a razor-sharp wave of剑气 (sword energy).  

Mei’s face paled.  

The slash split the earth itself—its power was undeniable.  

She couldn’t dodge. If she did, Yoru would close the gap—and in close combat, she stood no chance.  

His melee skills had already been proven against Yagura, Hoshigaki Kisame, and even Black Zetsu.  

"Suiton: Water Wall!"  

She summoned a massive water barrier to block—  

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!  

The impact was like a mountain crashing down. The ground trembled, howling under the force, and violent winds erupted.  

Mei strained—the剑气 was piercing through her defense!  

She was losing ground—but Yoru’s assault showed no sign of stopping.  

"So this is your real strength? You’re terrifying, Yoru!"  

A crushing sense of danger pressed down on her.  

"Suiton: Water Clone!"  

Finally, her Water Wall shattered.  

At the last second, Mei formed new hand signs—her body dissolved into water just as the剑气 would’ve sliced her apart.  

"Hah… Hah… What the hell?!"  

"The Mizukage’s Water Wall… got cut through?!"  

"This is insane! Since when can剑气 slash through ninjutsu?!"  

The Kiri-nin were stunned. Was this even possible for a normal shinobi?  

They’d never seen anything like it!  

(Continued in 69shu[.]com!)  

"Whoosh!"  

Yoru suddenly swung his blade behind him—another剑气 shot out.  

And right then—  

Mei reappeared.  

"You’ve got to be—!"  

The attack was already in her face. Fighting Yoru was a nightmare.  

Thankfully, after boosting her agility, she barely managed to dodge—using another water clone to escape.  

But Yoru gave her no breathing room.  

"Raiton: Shockwave!"  

This time, he sealed with one hand, shocking everyone, and unleashed lightning again—but aimed precisely where Mei would reappear.  

"Zzzzt—CRACKLE!"  

The moment she materialized—  

ZAP!  

Lightning coursed through her body.  

"MIZUKAGE-SAMA!"  

The Kiri-nin screamed in panic.  

"Did I get her?"  

Yoru narrowed his eyes—but then his pupils shrank.  

He spun around and SLASHED!  

CLANG—SPARK!  

Another Mei had appeared behind him, blocking with a kunai.  

"Splash!"  

The electrified "Mei" dissolved into water—another clone.  

"Nice trick, sis. Your clone usage is flawless."  

Yoru smirked—then locked eyes.  

"Genjutsu: Paralysis Jutsu!"  

But Mei was ready.  

"Suiton: Water Pillar!"  

A surge of water blasted Yoru back, interrupting the genjutsu.  

"My turn, Yoru!"  

"Futton: Melting Apparition Technique!"  

She spat a corrosive yellow mist, the air itself hissing as it melted.  

"The Mizukage’s Kekkei Genkai—Futton!"  

"She’s busting out her ultimate jutsu?! Yoru’s really pushing her!"  

But then—  

SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!  

The acid mist was torn apart by multiple剑气 slashes!  

Mei grinned. "Got you!"  

Her hands were already in position—while Yoru was still mid-swing.  

"Suiton: Exploding Water Arm!"  

A massive water fist erupted from behind Yoru, smashing into him—  

SPLASH!  

…Only for his body to turn to water. A clone!  

But it wasn’t over—the clone reformed into a water bullet, shooting straight at Mei and forcing her back.  

The moment she steadied herself—  

Cold steel touched her neck.  

Chapter 129: How Dare You Underestimate Me  

“Yoru! I lost!” 

“If I were your enemy, I’d probably be dead by now!”  

Terumi Mei shrugged in surrender, her tone unusually playful for once.  

Despite her immense strength, the entire battle had been under Yoru’s control. He had completely overwhelmed her—she never stood a chance!  

“Maybe so,” Yoru replied noncommittally.  

Terumi Mei had grown stronger, but there was still a noticeable gap between them.  

“Seems I need more training to fully master this power. Well, Yoru, you’re up!” she said, her eyes burning with fighting spirit.  

“Huh? Again?! Sis, have mercy!” Yoru groaned, his scalp tingling with dread.  

“Oh? Then tell me—who else can push me to grow stronger?” 

“If you can name someone, I’ll let you off the hook.”  

Terumi Mei raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a teasing smirk.  

“…Fine, fine. I’ll spar with you,” Yoru conceded with a sigh.  

He couldn’t argue—right now, no one else could challenge Terumi Mei like he could. Not the Two-Tails Jinchūriki, not the Six-Tails Jinchūriki, not even Yagura.  

If not him, then who?  

…  

Three hours later.  

“That was amazing!” 

“No kidding! I never thought I’d witness a battle like that in my lifetime!” 

“Worth every second—I could die happy now!”  

The gathered ninjas buzzed with excitement. After all, fights at the Kage level were rare, and they’d just watched one up close. Beyond sheer awe, they’d also learned a lot.  

“Yoru’s on another level. Just watching him fight was suffocating—his speed is inhuman!” 

“How the hell did he get so strong? He’s only twelve!” 

“Ugh, don’t remind me. Makes me feel like I’ve wasted my life.” 

“Right? At twelve, I was still playing in the mud!”  

Laughter erupted. Yoru’s strength made it easy to forget his age.  

Meanwhile, behind them, Terumi Mei looked like she’d just crawled out of a lake—drenched in sweat, her curves on full display. Yoru averted his gaze.  

Don’t look. Don’t look.  

“You really didn’t hold back, huh, Yoru?” she teased, her voice dripping with amusement. “Twelve years old and already shy?” 

“What, do you have impure thoughts about your big sister? Naughty, naughty~”  

Yoru rolled his eyes so hard they nearly got stuck.  

If not for their sibling bond—and his age—he might’ve taken her up on that challenge. Right then and there.  

“Sis, is teasing your little brother that fun?” he grumbled, heading back to camp.  

Having a seductive, mature older sister was… complicated.  

…  

One hour later.  

“Well, Ao? Any updates?”  

Now bandaged and back in her role as the stern Mizukage, Terumi Mei inquired about the warfront. Nearly all their scouts had been deployed to track Kumogakure’s movements.  

“Not yet. They probably haven’t encountered the enemy,” Ao replied.  

Their scouts were stationed on a strategic island about fifty miles from base. The moment they spotted Cloud-nin, an instant relay system would alert headquarters.  

Just then, a communications ninja spoke up:  

“They’re here! Kumogakure’s forces have passed Maru Island and are advancing toward Nami no Kuni at high speed!”  

Terumi Mei’s eyes lit up with battle lust.  

“Finally.” 

“Let’s see who comes out on top.”  

She snapped into action.  

“All units—prepare for battle! We move out now!” 

“Target: Kumogakure’s army. Advance!”  

Nearly ten thousand troops mobilized, each squad with a clear objective.  

Meanwhile…  

“Special Ops Squad—move out! We’re retrieving the scouts!”  

Yoru, as the combat captain, barked orders. The elite strike team—only fifty strong—included prodigies like Hōzuki Suigetsu, Chōjūrō, Ringo Ameyuri, Shima Kokoro, Yuki Haku, and Hōzuki Kimimaro.  

He split them into two units: one led by him, the other by Zabuza.  

“Go!”  

Their mission? Disrupt the enemy’s rhythm with lightning-fast assaults—and, most importantly, rescue any scouts in danger.  

Losing intel specialists was not an option.  

“Please tell me they retreated in time…” Yoru thought.  

Scouts were supposed to withdraw after completing their mission, but if discovered, they’d be forced to fight—or flee for their lives.  

Meanwhile, on the enemy’s side…  

“How bold of Kirigakure. Sending only scouts to track us?” 

“Not even a single combat unit? They’re really underestimating us.”  

The Fourth Raikage’s voice dripped with disdain. Their scouts had been compromised.  

“Eliminate them. Don’t let a single report get through.”  

In war—or any conflict—killing enemy intel operatives was standard procedure.  

“Leave it to us, Lord Raikage. They won’t escape.”  

Two elite teams, led by Tobiuo and Ōkami, took off in pursuit.  

Back with the scouts…  

“Dammit! Send an SOS to HQ—we can’t take them head-on!”  

The moment they realized they’d been spotted, panic set in. Most scouts weren’t frontline fighters—against ANBU, they stood no chance.  

“Kirigakure, stop struggling. You can’t win against Kumogakure.” 

“But since you insist on resisting… let me show you the cost of your arrogance.”  

As Tobiuo and Ōkami chased the fleeing scouts, the Raikage gave his final order:  

“Full speed ahead! Crush Kirigakure in one strike!”  

Chapter 130: You’ve Been Discovered  

According to their scouts' intel, the Kirigakure forces were stationed just over fifty miles ahead, on the Land of Waves.  

"Bad news, Lord Raikage! Our scouts have engaged the enemy! They’ve sent a distress signal!"  

At that moment, Mabui, the Raikage’s secretary, approached with a grave expression.  

"Who’s leading the enemy squad?"  

The Raikage had expected Kirigakure to deploy scouts—just as he had. And to ensure their safety, he’d assigned an elite ambush team as their escort.  

If even they were calling for backup… who could possibly be overpowering them?  

"Yoru," Mabui answered. "They’re no match for him."  

"That damn brat?!" The Fourth Raikage’s composure shattered instantly, his aura flaring with fury.  

"Darui, Atsui, and Killer B—take five hundred elites and reinforce them!" he barked. "But avoid direct combat. Your priority is extracting the scouts safely!"  

Despite his rage, the Raikage’s orders were calculated. His caution spoke volumes—Yoru was the only opponent he deemed worthy of such precautions.  

"Yo! We’ll bring ’em back, no sweat, bro! Yeah!" Killer B rapped, practically vibrating with excitement.  

"B, don’t even think about sneaking off to gallivant around the shinobi world!" the Raikage warned.  

"Oops, my bad! Big bro sees right through me—what a drag, yeah!" B continued, still rhyming, until the Raikage finally kicked him out in exasperation.  

Yoru’s Side 

"Hah! Lucky me—stumbling upon you guys!" Yoru grinned. "I knew the Raikage wouldn’t sit idle. Impressive stealth, I’ll admit. But sorry… you’ve been found. Game over."  

There was no way he’d let these Cloud scouts and their ambush squad return alive. Losing key intel operatives could shift the entire war.  

"Dammit! Why’s he leading a scouting mission? Doesn’t he have better things to do?!"  

The Cloud shinobi cursed internally. They knew Yoru’s strength all too well—after all, he’d once invaded their village single-handedly. Even if he were alone, they stood no chance.  

"Running? Not happening. Water Style Team—cut them off!"  

A squad of Kirigakure ninjutsu specialists formed hand seals and slammed their palms onto the ocean’s surface.  

"Water Style: Raging Tides!"  

A monstrous wave erupted behind the fleeing Cloud-nin, crashing down with enough force to crush bones.  

"Fall back! NOW!"  

But before they could retreat—  

"Lightning Style Team—give them nowhere to stand!"  

Yoru and his squad synced their seals.  

"Lightning Style: Surge Wave!"  

Crackling electricity raced across the water, turning the sea into a death trap.  

"ARGH—!"  

Most were electrocuted instantly. The few who dodged—  

"Fire Style Team—finish them!" Zabuza ordered.  

"Fire Style: Sacred Flame!" 

"Fire Style: Dragon Fire!"  

A storm of flames engulfed the survivors.  

"SCREAMS—!"  

Bodies dropped like stones into the churning sea.  

"You bastards! I’ll take you down with me!"  

Enraged, the surviving Cloud-nin lunged in desperation.  

"Got you!"  

Four lightning-wreathed assassins flickered behind Yoru—blades aimed at his throat.  

All four were Special Jonin-level. Even a Kage might falter against such a coordinated strike.  

Zabuza’s eyes narrowed. If Yoru countered, the remaining Cloud-nin would overwhelm him. There was no opening—  

"Flash Sever: Waltz."  

Yoru’s blade flickered once.  

Then he vanished—reappearing amid the charging Cloud-nin like a storm unleashed.  

Slash. Parry. Thrust. Sweep. 

Elbow. Knee. Kick. Spin.  

Every motion was lethal elegance—a dance of death where he led.  

Not a drop of blood touched him.  

Meanwhile, the four assassins collapsed, throats and chests split open.  

"Damn… it…!" They choked, but Zabuza’s squad finished them before they could rise.  

"Captain Zabuza! Should we assist Lord Yoru?"  

"No. He doesn’t need it."  

Interfering would only disrupt his rhythm.  

A minute later—every Cloud scout and ambush unit lay dead.