116-120

Chapter 116: Yugito Nii, Enter the Battle!

"Tsk tsk, kid. Looks like you’re in a tight spot. Need some help?"

A playful, mocking voice cut through the battlefield, sending a ripple of shock through the Mist shinobi.

The only one who didn’t react? Yoru.

"Perfect timing, Yugito. Just in time to stretch your legs against another jinchūriki." He didn’t even turn his head.

Genryū’s gaze snapped toward the source of the voice—a steel warship looming behind Yoru, its deck occupied by a coldly beautiful woman in her twenties, arms crossed.

"Damn… she’s strong."

Genryū’s face darkened. Though his own power had waned to a fraction of its former glory, his instincts as a veteran of the Second Mizukage’s era remained sharp. The woman’s chakra was monstrous.

"Wait… Yugito?"

His eyes widened in realization before he rounded on Yoru, voice booming with outrage.

"Yoru, you traitorous bastard! You’d actually collude with foreign enemies against the Mist?! Have you lost your mind?!"

"Whatever grudge you hold against us, that’s between us! But inviting outsiders to slaughter your own village? You’re worse than scum—you deserve to be struck down by the heavens!"

"How dare you call yourself a shinobi of Kirigakure?! You disgrace every soul who ever fought for this village!"

Yoru rolled his eyes.

"Ah, Genryū. As expected—useless in a fight, but first-rate at twisting words."

"‘Colluding with enemies’? Spare me the theatrics. I have no interest in destroying the Mist—I’m here to rebuild it. You really think I’d stoop to your level?"

Genryū scoffed. "Save your lies! The evidence is right in front of us!"

He pointed at Yugito, his voice dripping with accusation.

"That’s Yugito Nii—the Two-Tails jinchūriki of Kumogakure! Did you think I wouldn’t recognize her? You’ve brought a foreign weapon into our homeland!"

"See?! We always knew you were rotten to the core!"

"Like sister, like brother—traitors, the lot of you!"

The Mist shinobi loyal to Genryū erupted in jeers.

Yoru’s expression turned glacial.

"Shut your mouths before I cut out your tongues."

His voice was a blade, silencing them instantly.

"You don’t speak for Kirigakure. And Yugito doesn’t represent Kumo."

"Where’s your proof? Show me a single shred of evidence, or keep your delusional drivel to yourselves."

Genryū sneered. "Proof? What more proof do we need?! Is she suddenly not from Kumo now? Are you really this desperate?"

"Hah! Ignorant fools." Yoru smirked. "Maybe check Kumo’s latest news before running your mouths."

Yugito finally spoke, her voice cool.

"I’ve left Kumogakure. Believe it or not, I’m not here as their weapon."

"But honestly? I don’t care if you trust me. The truth will reach you soon enough."

Crimson chakra flared around her as she leaped from the ship, landing lightly on the waves.

"For now… let’s see what Kirigakure’s jinchūriki can do."

Her body blurred as she entered a partial tailed beast state, blue flames wreathing her fist as she lunged at Utakata.

"Huh. The Six-Tails host is younger than I expected. And not bad-looking."

Utakata barely dodged the searing punch, retreating with a grimace.

"He’s all yours," Yoru said, already turning toward Mei.

A group of Genryū’s forces were charging, desperate to reclaim Yagura.

But before they could reach him—

"Yoru-sama! We’re here!"

Two figures landed beside him: Haku Yuki and Kimimaro Kaguya.

Genryū’s pupils shrank to pinpricks.

"The Yuki clan’s last remnant… and a Kaguya brat?!"

His killing intent spiked.

"So this is your game, Yoru! You’ve gathered every rogue element in the land to overthrow the Mist!"

"Fine! If you’re all so eager to die together, I’ll oblige!"

He raised a fist, signaling the bulk of his forces forward.

"Numbers mean nothing against true power."

Yoru’s grin turned feral.

"Haku. Let’s show them what ‘overwhelming’ really looks like."

"Understood!"

Haku’s hands flew through seals as Kimimaro took a defensive stance, guarding him.

"Ice Release: Crystal Ice Mirrors!"

A wave of freezing chakra erupted, and in an instant—

The battlefield transformed.

A colossal dome of glittering hexagonal mirrors materialized, trapping nearly six hundred Mist shinobi inside. The remaining forces barely escaped the radius, gaping at the spectacle.

"Pfft. This is your big move? A fancy light show?"

"We’ll shatter these mirrors in seconds! You’re just delaying the inevitable!"

The trapped shinobi laughed, weapons raised.

Yoru’s voice cut through their mockery like a knife.

"Then try."

Chapter 117: The God of Slaughter Descends

"Useless?"

"You’re celebrating too soon."

Yoru’s voice cut through the chaos like a blade.

His hands moved in a blur—seals forming faster than thought.

Then—

Light.

A blinding radiance erupted from him, flooding the space like a miniature sun. The icy mirrors around them reflected and amplified the glare, leaving no room for escape.

"Genjutsu: Spirit Collapse."

A whisper. A death sentence.

"W-What?! My chakra—it’s gone!"

"No! Mine’s going berserk! The genjutsu won’t break!"

"I’m boiling from the inside—! If this doesn’t stop, I’ll—!"

Panic erupted. Five hundred Kiri-nin—paralyzed.

"Now, Haku."

At Yoru’s signal, the Ice Mirrors shattered.

Haku exhaled, awestruck. "To control so many at once… Lord Yoru’s power is terrifying."

The trapped shinobi stood frozen—faces twisted in horror, confusion, despair.

"Ready to die?"

Yoru smiled. A predator’s grin.

The Kiri-nin shuddered.

"Enjoy the show."

Then—he moved.

Like wind. Like death itself.

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

Blades flashed. Bodies fell.

Those whose chakra had vanished couldn’t flee.

Those whose chakra raged couldn’t even twitch.

Perfect targets.

SPLURT! SPLURT!

Blood painted the sea crimson. The sky itself seemed to bleed.

One minute.

That’s all it took.

Five hundred men—harvested like wheat.

Silence.

Then—

"G-Gulp…"

The surviving Kiri-nin swallowed hard, hands trembling.

This wasn’t a battle.

This was a slaughter.

Yoru stood alone amidst the carnage, unscathed, untouched.

No blood on his clothes. No fatigue in his stance.

Just a sword, and a sea of corpses.

"Hidden Mist Jutsu: Release."

The fog lifted.

The battlefield revealed.

"I-Impossible…!"

Genryū’s forces recoiled.

Bodies. So many bodies.

Stacked like driftwood. Floating in red tides.

Some clutched their throats. Some stared blankly at the sky.

And at the center—Zabuza, drenched in blood, eyes fiercer than ever.

A demon among corpses.

"N-No sound… no struggle… How?!" Genryū’s voice cracked.

"Is he… a ghost? A god?!" A Kiri-nin whimpered.

"We had the numbers! The advantage! HOW DID IT COME TO THIS?!"

Doubt. Dread. Despair.

Morale crumbled.

Meanwhile, Mei’s forces roared.

"Lord Yoru… is a MONSTER!"

"Lady Mei—we can WIN!"

Mei herself exhaled, then turned to her scout.

"Go, Ao. It’s time to end this."

Ao—the Byakugan-wielding jonin—nodded. Even his eyes had failed to pierce Yoru’s mist.

"Five minutes. A thousand dead. Not even the Mizukage’s tailed beast could do that…"

Kisame chuckled, licking his teeth. "Half a year apart… and he’s grown this much? Delicious."

Yoru raised his blade.

"Last chance. Surrender."

Genryū spat.

"NEVER! You’re exhausted! We still have thousands!"

Yoru’s smile didn’t waver.

"Then perish."

Chapter 118: The Tide Turns – Unstoppable

"Still refusing to see reason? It seems I haven’t given you enough despair."

Yoru’s gaze swept over the Mist shinobi, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

"Think carefully—what are the consequences of standing against me now?"

"Is Genryū truly worth dying for? Surrender. My sister will build a new Kirigakure—one free from the Blood Mist’s tyranny."

"Do you want your children to suffer as you have? To live in fear, killing each other for survival?"

"Choose. A future of hope… or endless despair."

His words struck deep. Many hesitated, their resolve wavering.

Genryū’s face darkened. Damn it—

But before he could counter, Ao moved.

"Now’s the time!" A volley of kunai forced Genryū to dodge, silencing him mid-sentence.

Ao’s voice boomed across the battlefield:

"Why throw your lives away? Kirigakure raised you to protect its people—not to serve one man’s ambition!"

"The Blood Mist Era must end! Let our children learn, grow, and live without fear!"

"Is this not what the First Mizukage envisioned? A village of peace, not slaughter!"

If Yoru’s words had shaken them, Ao’s speech shattered their doubts.

"He’s right!"

"No more Blood Mist!"

"We fight for Kirigakure—not tyrants!"

Cheers erupted.

But not everyone agreed.

"Traitors!" A loyalist snarled. "You disgrace the Mizukage!"

Yoru’s eyes narrowed.

"Those who stand with Kirigakure—MOVE!"

His command was a thunderclap. The crowd split—over a hundred remained, weapons drawn.

Genryū’s lips trembled. The tide had turned.

Only Raiga Kurosuki, the last of the Seven Swordsmen, stood unwavering.

Yoru didn’t hesitate.

"Zabuza. Kisame. Mangetsu. Ameyuri. All of you—kill them."

No mercy. Not even for a legend.

Raiga roared, lightning cloaking his body.

"Lightning Release: Thunderclap Armor!"

"Lightning Release: Storm Dragon!"

The sea split as a dragon of electricity surged toward Yoru—

"Flash Slash."

A whisper. A blur.

No clash. No struggle.

Raiga’s armor split. His chest split. Blood painted the waves.

The legendary swordsman crumpled, his famed blades slipping into the crimson tide.

Silence.

Then—terror.

"H-How…?"

"The Seven Swordsmen… one strike?!"

Yoru flicked blood from his sword.

"Finish them."

Kisame and the others lunged. The remaining loyalists broke.

"W-Wait! We surrend—"

"Too late."

Yoru’s blade moved without hesitation.

One after another, they fell.

No pleas spared. No second chances.

The defectors watched, stomachs churning.

If we’d hesitated…

Would we be next?

A grim thought echoed among them:

"Mei-sama… you’re our only hope to control him now."

But even that hope felt fragile.

Chapter 119: The Fifth Mizukage, Terumī Mei

Yoru was too strong—so strong that it felt impossible for anyone to oppose him! Being ruled by someone like that left people uneasy.

A minute passed.

As Yoru sheathed his blade, Genryū collapsed in defeat, marking the end of the battle. Now, only one fight remained:

Six-Tails Jinchūriki vs. Two-Tails Jinchūriki!

BOOM!

The clash between two jinchūriki was terrifying, their overwhelming chakra attacks obliterating distant islands in their wake.

The battle raged two kilometers away, waves surging, island edges exploding, beams of light piercing the sky, and thunderous shockwaves echoing like storms.

"Hahaha! As expected of the Six-Tails Jinchūriki—you’re strong! But you’re still no match for me!"

Yugito stood panting on the water’s surface, grinning triumphantly at Utakata, who knelt before her, exhausted and covered in burns.

After her long battles alongside Yoru, Yugito had nearly mastered perfect synchronization with her tailed beast. But Utakata hadn’t.

Despite his blinding speed, corrosive abilities, and two combat forms, he still lost. Yet Yugito hadn’t escaped unscathed—Utakata’s bubble-based jutsu was a nightmare. Some exploded, some melted through defenses, others hit like cannonfire, and some even functioned as clones.

If not for Matatabi’s fire nature countering the bubbles, the outcome might’ve been different.

"The Six-Tails itself isn’t particularly strong, but Utakata’s mastery of its powers is impressive. His foam techniques complement it perfectly," Yugito mused.

"Incredible, Yugito. You even took down the Six-Tails Jinchūriki—an opponent I would’ve struggled with," Yoru praised, his cheerful smile a stark contrast to his earlier bloodlust.

"Cough… Kid, it wasn’t easy. Aside from you, he’s the only one who’s pushed me this far," Yugito admitted, catching her breath. "He’s talented. If you can recruit him, he’d be a major asset to Kirigakure."

"Naturally. I wouldn’t let such strength go to waste."

Yoru had sent Yugito against Utakata specifically to recruit him—otherwise, he would’ve overwhelmed him with water clones.

"With this battle over, my real self should be handling the final matter by now."

Wait—this Yoru was just a water clone? Yugito, sensing his chakra, realized the truth.

Meanwhile, Yoru’s True Self…

Terumī Mei watched as Yoru shot like a meteor toward an unknown destination.

"Who’s he chasing? Are there still enemies in Kirigakure?"

All threats should have been eliminated—Yagura captured, Genryū dead, the rest surrendered. Victory was absolute.

So why did Yoru look so tense? Had he detected another enemy?

"Tch. Already gone, huh? You got away this time, Tobi."

Yoru stood on a distant island, staring at the traces left behind, his eyes sharp with killing intent.

"Stay out of my way. I don’t care about your past or your pain. But if you ever lay a hand on my sister, I’ll hunt you down—no matter where you hide."

Tobi’s space-time ninjutsu might trouble others, but not him.

Far, Far Away…

Zetsu emerged from the ground as a white clone split open, spitting out Tobi.

"Yoru, huh? Kirigakure’s produced a monster… No matter. This war has weakened them enough. My plans are advancing."

"Those three tailed beasts will be mine. If he interferes, I’ll kill him. Nothing—not the Five Great Nations, not even the Sage of Six Paths—will stop Infinite Tsukuyomi."

Confidence oozed from his voice. Yoru wasn’t even a concern.

"His sensory range is absurd. We were kilometers away, and he still noticed us," Zetsu remarked, impressed.

"Enough distractions. It’s time to focus on Akatsuki," Tobi said. "Without Kirigakure’s pawns, capturing tailed beasts will be harder. How many has Pain recruited?"

"We’re still missing four core members. S-rank rogues aren’t easy to find," Zetsu replied.

"Then expand the search. Talent exists—we just need to locate it."

"Speaking of talent… Konoha might have what you need," Zetsu suggested. "Tensions are rising there. A storm is coming—perfect for fishing in troubled waters."

"That Uchiha Itachi… You’ve had your eye on him. Recruiting him could be worthwhile."

Tobi smirked. "Ah, right. Konoha. Then let’s make their ‘storm’ even fiercer. Chaos favors the opportunist."

Kirigakure – The Aftermath

The war, later dubbed "The Reformation War" (or more popularly, "Yoru’s War"), had ended.

Kirigakure entered a new era—open, peaceful, free from the "Blood Mist" tyranny. Even the sea where the final battle raged was renamed "Yoru no Umi" (The Night Sea).

And so, Terumī Mei ascended as the Fifth Mizukage.

The Daimyō approved. The people accepted.

As long as their lives improved, they didn’t care who ruled. The shinobi, thoroughly defeated, bowed to Mei’s leadership.

Now, the real work began—rebuilding, healing, and shaping the future Mei had promised.

Chapter 120: Winner Takes All, That’s All

Naturally, as the Mizukage, Mei Terumī had an unimaginable amount of work.

Even with Ao and the advisors she had trained assisting her, she still felt overwhelmed.

For five straight days, she worked from dawn till dusk, yet the piles of documents on her desk showed no sign of shrinking—if anything, they only grew taller. It was enough to make Mei feel a pang of despair.

"The position of Mizukage really isn’t meant for just anyone..."

Rubbing her temples, she let out a weary sigh, her face still pale.

Beads of sweat dotted her forehead—she was clearly straining herself.

She was working while injured. Her wounds hadn’t fully healed, though thankfully, they weren’t worsening either.

If she had the choice, she wouldn’t be pushing herself like this. She’d much rather recover properly and lead Kirigakure at her best.

But fate hadn’t given her that luxury.

Right now, she had to keep working despite her injuries to ensure the village functioned smoothly—to restore its circulation.

Kirigakure needed a leader, someone to unite its people and give them hope for the future.

Otherwise, the already ailing village would truly collapse.

Meanwhile, Yoru, the hero of the hour, wasn’t idle either.

He had plenty on his plate as well.

Dealing with prisoners like Yagura and Hōki, for instance. Or winning over the surrendered Kiri-nin, easing their fears so new conflicts wouldn’t arise.

This task was best left to him.

He had already played the intimidator—his reputation alone was enough to command respect.

Now, it was time to play the benevolent one, offering reassurances and rewards.

Carrot and stick—the timeless method of winning loyalty.

"Kisame Hoshigaki, see? I didn’t lie to you. I made it happen. Kirigakure is about to enter a new era—the 'Village of the Bloody Mist' is now a thing of the past."

After settling matters with the surrendered shinobi, Yoru went to see Kisame.

He valued Kisame’s strength.

"You really delivered. That’s just like you, Yoru." Kisame grinned. "In that case, my life is yours now."

Then, he asked: "What about Samehada? Is there anyone else competing for it?"

By Kiri’s traditions, whoever defeated a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen would inherit their blade.

Of course, if others believed themselves worthy, they could challenge for ownership.

"So far, no. And honestly, no one suits Samehada better than you."

"That sword and you—you’re a perfect match."

Even if challengers emerged, neither Mizukage Mei nor Yoru would allow it.

Kisame’s contributions in the war were undeniable. No one in their right mind would dare oppose him.

Besides, there were still other unclaimed swords in Kirigakure.

Why fight Kisame when there were easier options?

"I wonder if the Mizukage will rebuild the Seven Swordsmen. That’d be interesting." Kisame mused, a glint of anticipation in his eyes.

"She probably will soon. We wouldn’t waste such an advantage."

Restoring the Seven was inevitable—it would make Kiri stronger.

News of Kirigakure’s civil war couldn’t stay hidden forever.

By now, other nations were surely plotting, eager to take a bite out of the weakened village.

"I’m almost hoping someone does make a move." Kisame chuckled, cracking his knuckles. "Would be a good chance to test Samehada’s power."

He sounded like a true battle junkie.

Or maybe he just wanted to prove his worth and deter any challengers.

"I’d rather avoid more wars. They’re such a nuisance." Yoru sighed before leaving to visit Kiri’s prison.

Two key figures awaited him there—the former Mizukage, Yagura, and the Six-Tails Jinchūriki, Hōki.

"Serve Kirigakure, Hōki. The Fourth Mizukage has fallen."

Standing in Hōki’s cell, Yoru spoke calmly to the sealed prisoner.

"...Fine."

After a brief silence, Hōki agreed.

It didn’t matter who ruled—his duty was to the Mizukage.

A fighter like him would never be discarded, no matter who held power.

"There’s a squad captain position in Intelligence waiting for you. Can you start tomorrow?"

Yoru personally undid Hōki’s seals, surprising him.

"A Jinchūriki as a squad captain… Is that wise?" Hōki asked flatly.

"It is. You’re the right fit."

"Aren’t you afraid I’ll lose control?"

"No. I can suppress you if needed. Besides, you’re close to becoming a perfect Jinchūriki—I trust you can coexist with your beast."

A faint smile flickered across Hōki’s face before vanishing.

"Then… I’ll be in your care, Lord Yoru."

"Likewise." Yoru returned the courtesy.

With that, Hōki left.

Next was the former Mizukage, Yagura.

The moment Yoru entered, Yagura snarled, his chakra flaring violently.

"YOU BASTARD, Yoru!!!"

His roar shook the prison, his killing intent thick.

But Yoru remained unmoved, like a boulder against a storm.

"Lord Mizukage… Don’t blame me. Winner takes all—that’s just how it is."

"History belongs to the victors. The defeated fade into obscurity."

"Kirigakure must change. We can’t afford any more chaos."

Sitting across from Yagura, Yoru met his gaze steadily.

"Tell me… Should I kill you?"

Yagura’s existence was a lingering threat.

Eliminating him would be the cleanest solution.

"Hah! You said it yourself—winner takes all. So quit wasting time. Do it."

Yagura laughed bitterly, his face twisted in self-mockery.

"The sins I committed… I’ll pay for them now."

Even if he now realized he’d been manipulated, it didn’t matter.

The battle was over. He had lost.

Yagura was ready to die.

Yet… Yoru didn’t strike.