101-105

Chapter 101: Returning as the Youth He Once Was

With the Raikage as their hostage, Yoru and Yugito retreated to the foot of the mountains.

The Cloud ninja didn’t pursue—yet.

But Yoru wasn’t taking any chances.

"Get ready," he muttered to Yugito. "We’re making a break for it."

Threatening the Raikage only worked within limits. Once they were out of sight, the Cloud ninja would chase them.

So the moment they reached a safe distance—it was time to run.

"Of course! I’ve been ready!" Yugito grinned, eyes blazing with excitement.

"Good. On my count—" Yoru tightened his grip on the Raikage.

"Three!"

"Two!"

"GO!"

Before the word fully left his mouth, he hurled the Raikage backward like a ragdoll—then grabbed Yugito’s wrist and vanished in a blur.

"LORD RAIKAGE!"

Mabui lunged forward as Cloud ninja erupted into pursuit.

"That damn fox! He said ‘three’ but ran at ‘two’!" one snarled.

"AFTER THEM!"

"DON’T LET THEM ESCAPE!"

"I’LL SKIN THAT TRAITOR ALIVE!"

Rage fueled their steps. The humiliation of losing their Raikage—to a rogue ninja? Unforgivable.

If word spread, Kumo’s reputation would shatter.

"Assassination Squad—MOVE OUT!"

"ANBU, DON’T FALL BEHIND!"

Even the elders’ advisor, Tōbei, joined the chase. "Mabui, secure the village! We’ll handle this!"

But Mabui’s lips thinned. "Will they even catch him?"

Her gaze flicked to Killer B, who was quietly rapping under his breath.

"Yo, escape plot~ foiled again, oh well, next time then~!"

"Lord B," Mabui deadpanned. "Don’t even think about it." She turned to the guards. "Lock down the village. No one leaves!"

Then, to the Raikage—now pale from blood loss—she asked, "My lord, can you stand?"

"Tch. Once I break this damn seal…" The Raikage’s fists clenched.

But chasing Yoru? Impossible.

Stab wounds. Exhaustion. His strength wasn’t at its peak—not like during the Fourth War.

"Mabui… handle B… and the village…"

Then—he collapsed.

The Chase

"Gone. Like they vanished into thin air!"

"No scent. No tracks. Nothing!"

"Damn it! He trained in ANBU and assassination—of course he’d know how to disappear!"

Frustration boiled among the Cloud ninja. Their quarry had erased all traces.

"What now?"

The squad leaders debated—but came up empty.

Defeated, they turned back.

Little did they know…

Yoru and Yugito hadn’t fled far.

Hidden by a concealment barrier, they watched the Cloud ninja scramble like headless chickens before giving up.

"Impressive," Yugito whispered as they emerged. "That anti-tracking trick—where’d you learn that?"

She eyed Yoru with newfound respect. "Seventeen and already this skilled? You’re a monster."

"Basic ANBU training," he shrugged. "But we can’t stay. They’ll double back."

And he was right.

Some Cloud ninja did return—only to find fresh decoy trails leading nowhere.

"WE LOST THEM!"

Their howls of rage echoed through the forest.

Homecoming

A port at the border of Lightning Country.

Yoru stood at the ship’s bow, the sea wind whipping through his hair.

"Land of Water… Kirigakure… I’m back."

His chest swelled.

He’d left as a mere Special Jonin.

Now? He’d beaten a Kage.

This wasn’t just a return—it was a triumph.

"Genryū… Obito… Hope you’re ready." His fingers curled into fists. "Kiri’s about to change."

Behind him, Yugito studied his profile.

The Yoru she knew—calm, calculating—was gone.

In his place stood a blade unsheathed, sharp enough to cut the heavens.

Whispers in the Dark

"You heard about those two, right? The ones haunting these waters?"

"The ‘Frostblood Duo’? Ugh—don’t jinx us!"

"They say they rob ships, kill anyone who resists…"

"Pray we don’t cross them. I like my head attached!"

The passengers’ fearful murmurs caught Yoru’s ear.

"Frostblood Duo?" He smirked. "I wonder…"

A thought struck him.

"I told Kimimaro and Haku to lay low near Water Country…"

"Wait—could it be…?"**

His smirk widened.

"If it’s really them… this just got easier."

Two elite fighters, already in position?

Perfect.

Chapter 102: What a Small World

"You seem excited to return to the Land of Water. Your chakra’s been restless."

Yugito walked over, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

"Isn’t that normal?" Yoru didn’t even open his eyes. "Wouldn’t you be happy starting a new life?"

Yugito tilted her head. "Those 'Frost Duo' sound interesting. You really have no interest in them?"

"Oh, I’m interested," Yoru mused. "But I’ll wait until they show up."

"You’re a strange one."

With that, Yugito sat down beside him and closed her eyes to meditate.

About an hour later—

"LOOK! IT’S THE FROST DUO’S SHIP!"

The panicked shout sent the entire deck into chaos. Passengers screamed, scrambling for cover or rushing toward lifeboats. Curses and shouts filled the air.

"Well, well," Yugito grinned, cracking one eye open. "Looks like we got lucky."

"Hah. Speak of the devils, and they appear."

Yoru finally stood, stretching lazily as the crowd stampeded past him. While others fled in terror, he strode to the bow of the ship, watching as a gray-white vessel adorned with eerie markings slowly closed in.

Then—his eyebrows lifted in surprise.

A slow, knowing smile spread across his face.

"What a small world," he murmured. "Perfect timing to see how much they’ve grown. Heh. This’ll be fun."

As the enemy ship drew nearer, the pirates aboard it jeered at Yoru’s motionless figure.

"Look at that guy! Too scared to even move!"

"Hah! Let’s give him a proper welcome later!"

"Yeah, we’ll show him some hospitality!"

At the prow of the gray ship stood two figures—one clad in plain robes, silver-haired, face hidden behind a sleek silver mask. The other, slightly shorter, wore a dark gray outfit with a feminine mask tied over their features.

No one on Yoru’s ship paid him any mind—except Yugito, who sidled up beside him.

"Things just got interesting," she remarked. "That look on your face… You know them?"

Yoru smirked. "Not sure yet. But maybe."

With a series of thunks, grappling hooks latched onto the railing. Pirates swarmed aboard, surrounding Yoru and Yugito with leering grins.

"Hehehe! Luck’s on our side today—got ourselves a real beauty here!"

"Damn right! Never seen a woman this fine before!"

"That aura… just thinking about her gets me going!"

Their eyes glazed over with lust, practically drooling.

Then—a sharp, icy voice cut through their murmurs.

"These two are ours. The rest of you—seize the ship. Take everything."

The pirates reluctantly backed off, leaving Yoru and Yugito face-to-face with the masked pair.

"Hand over your valuables," the silver-masked youth demanded, voice cool but firm. "Do it, and you walk away unharmed."

Despite his young tone, his chakra pulsed at jonin level.

Yoru leaned against the railing, amused. "What if I say no?"

The masked figure’s gaze hardened. "Then you’re choosing suffering. Don’t throw your life away."

"Ah, but here’s the thing," Yoru chuckled. "I only bow to those stronger than me. Prove you’re worth it, or I’m keeping my money."

A beat of silence. Then—

"Fine. You brought this on yourself."

The silver-masked fighter lunged, fist tearing through the air with a sonic boom.

Yet Yoru moved—just a hair’s breadth, letting the strike whistle past his cheek—before countering with a knife-hand strike that forced the attacker back.

"Tsk tsk. That’s it?" Yoru taunted. "If that’s all you’ve got, I’m keeping my wallet."

The female-masked figure sighed. "You shouldn’t have provoked him. Now, you won’t leave alive."

"Oh? Then by all means," Yoru spread his arms. "Show me."

The silver-masked fighter’s stance shifted.

"Ten Finger Drilling Bullets!"

His fingertips split open, firing a barrage of bone projectiles faster than the eye could follow.

"Whoa! Scary!" Yoru ducked and weaved with exaggerated panic. *"Almost hit me! Almost!"*

Yet not a single scratch marked him.

The masked fighter—Kimimaro—frowned.

"Dance of the Larch!"

Bones erupted from his body as he charged, aiming to corner Yoru. But—

CLANG!

A blade flashed. Kimimaro barely blocked in time, only to be hurled backward, skidding across the deck.

"Such… power?!"

Before he could recover, Yoru was already upon him—sword raised for another strike.

The female-masked fighter moved to intercept, but—

"Nope. You’re with me."

Yugito’s fist met her mask, sending her crashing into the mast.

Meanwhile—

CRACK!

Kimimaro barely caught Yoru’s blade with his skeletal armor, but the force slammed him through the deck.

Chapter 103: Lord Yoru—It's You?!

"Is this all you’ve got?"

Yoru’s blade descended without mercy—cold, precise, and lethal.

"Ten-Finger Drilling Bullets!"

Kimimaro barely rolled away in time, retaliating with a barrage of bone projectiles to halt Yoru’s advance.

But—

"Too slow."

Before the bones could strike, Yoru vanished, reappearing behind Kimimaro with his sword aimed at the spine.

"Dance of the Larch!"

Kimimaro’s body erupted with jagged bones, deflecting the thrust. He spun, launching a flurry of strikes—knees, elbows, fists—each limb a weapon.

"Die! Lose yourself in this dance of death!"

His movements grew frenzied, eyes burning like a feral beast’s.

Yet Yoru parried effortlessly, his blade a silver blur against the storm of bone.

Then—lightning crackled across his skin.

No hand seals. No warning.

"Lightning Release: Surge of Gratitude."

Snakes of electricity lanced into Kimimaro.

"AAGH—!"

Every nerve screamed. Fire and needles seared his flesh. His muscles locked—paralyzed.

"Damn it… I can’t move!" Kimimaro’s mind roared. "Not like this… Not before serving Lord Yoru!"

Helpless, he watched Yoru’s sword pierce toward his heart—

…And stop.

A heartbeat passed. Then another.

No pain came.

Kimimaro’s eyes snapped open—to find Yoru smiling down at him, the blade hovering centimeters from his chest.

"Why spare me?" Kimimaro spat. "Do you mock me?"

This mercy was an insult.

Yoru chuckled. "So eager to die, Kimimaro? What happened to pledging your life to me?"

Kimimaro’s breath hitched. "Who… are you? How do you know that?"

Only three people knew of his oath—himself, Haku, and…

"Still haven’t figured it out?" Yoru sighed, sheathing his sword. "Guess this face confused you. Let’s fix that."

With a flicker of chakra, the disguise melted away—revealing features Kimimaro knew all too well.

Sharper now. Older. But undeniably his.

"Lord… Yoru?!"

Kimimaro’s voice cracked with emotion.

Yoru raised a finger to his lips. "Not here. Save the reunion for Kiri."

"But—why are you here?" Kimimaro whispered. "A mission?"

A Water ninja in Lightning Country? It had to be clandestine.

"Something like that." Yoru’s grin turned fierce. "Ready to raise hell?"

Kimimaro’s spine straightened. "My life is yours. Command me."

The fanaticism in his eyes was terrifying. Had Yoru ordered him to slit his own throat, he’d have obeyed without hesitation.

"Yugito, stand down."

Yoru turned to the masked figure frozen mid-combat.

When Haku saw his true face, the mask couldn’t hide his shock.

"L-Lord Yoru?!"

"Haku. Long time no see." Yoru’s smile softened. "Remember that war I promised? It’s time."

"War?" Haku’s voice trembled—not with fear, but fervor.

Meanwhile, Yugito stared at Yoru’s youthful features, incredulous.

"Wait—this is your real face? How old are you?!"

The boy before her looked fifteen, tops.

Yoru smirked. "Sure you want to know? Might break your worldview."

"…Don’t tell me you’re under fifteen."

"Twelve, actually."

Yugito turned to stone.

A twelve-year-old who’d beaten the Raikage? Monster.

**

"Lord Yoru!" Haku’s urgency snapped the mood. "News from Kiri—the village is in chaos!"

"The Elder Council and Third Mizukage have mobilized against rebels. They’re on the brink of civil war!"

Yoru’s blood ran cold.

"The rebel leader—who is it?" His voice was steel. "Name? Gender?"

A dread coiled in his gut.

Only one person in Kiri could force the Mizukage and elders to unite against them—

"A woman, I heard. Her name was…" Haku frowned, searching his memory.

Yoru’s fists clenched. "…Mei Terumī?"

Chapter 104: Mei Terumi, You've Got Some Nerve*

"Yes! That’s her! Mei Terumi!"

"I heard she even convinced Zabuza Momochi and Kisame Hoshigaki to join her! She’s terrifying!"

"But… there’s no way she can beat the Mizukage, right?"

"Wait… Lord Yoru, isn’t Mei Terumi your—?"

Haku suddenly cut himself off, his eyes widening in shock as he turned to Yoru.

"Yes." Yoru’s expression darkened. "She’s my sister."

His voice was heavy with worry as he demanded, "How long to Kirigakure from here?"

Haku hesitated. "Normally, two days—assuming calm seas and an experienced crew. But with the stormy weather lately… and this ship’s lack of skilled sailors… five days, at best."

Yoru’s fist clenched. "No faster way?"

"There is." Haku’s voice turned firm. "Our ship could make it in half a day, even in rough seas."

Yoru’s eyes flashed with hope. "Then let’s go—now!"

Haku scratched his head awkwardly. "Ah… there’s a catch."

"A catch?!" Yoru’s patience was fraying. Why does everything have to be so damn complicated?!

Haku sighed. "The ship’s engine runs on chakra. To reach Kirigakure that fast… we’d need a tailed beast’s worth of energy. We don’t have enough."

Yoru exhaled in relief. That was a problem he could solve.

"Yugito." He turned to the Two-Tails’ host. "Can you spare half your chakra?"

If it were just about reaching the village, he’d power the ship himself—his reserves were vast enough. But he needed to save strength for the battle ahead.

Yugito arched an eyebrow. "So I’m just a chakra battery now? Was that your plan all along—kidnap me just for my energy?"

"Come on, you know that’s not it!" Yoru groaned. "This is an emergency! I didn’t expect things to escalate this fast!"

Damn it. He’d assumed Mei would wait for his return before making her move. But now, the coup had already begun.

Yugito huffed. "Fine. But if this turns out to be a waste of my time, I will make you regret it."

With that settled, Kimimaro barked orders at his crew. The pirates scrambled to obey, though they shot bewildered glances at Yoru—who the hell was this guy, to command such respect from their captain?

"All hands, prepare for departure!"

Yoru gripped the ship’s chakra conduit, flooding it with energy.

"Raise the sails! Full speed ahead!"

The vessel lurched forward, cutting through the waves like a blade.

Kirigakure –

"Mei Terumi. Surrender."

Elder Genryū’s voice dripped with contempt as he stared down the rebel leader. Behind him stood the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura—his gaze hollow, his presence suffocating.

"You think this pitiful rebellion can topple the Mizukage? That you, alone, can defy the entire village? How laughably naive."

Genryū spread his hands in mock benevolence.

"Lay down your arms now, and perhaps the Mizukage will grant you a quick death. Beg for mercy, and we might even spare your little brother."

Mei’s lips curled into a frosty smile. "Do I look like I’ll back down now, Genryū? Do I strike you as some indecisive, spineless fool?"

Her face was pale, but her voice never wavered.

Genryū’s smirk vanished. "So be it. Mizukage-sama—crush her."

Yagura moved.

His massive staff slammed downward, but Mei was already weaving hand signs.

"Suiton: Suijinheki!" (Water Style: Water Wall)

A towering barrier erupted, blocking Yagura’s strike. She couldn’t let him close the distance—one touch of his Coral Palm, and she’d be petrified.

"Suiton: Daibakufu no Jutsu!" (Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique)

The resulting tidal wave forced even Yagura back as the two colossal surges of water collided—shaking the earth, sending nearby shinobi scrambling for cover.

"This… is Kage-level combat?!" a stunned mist-nin whispered.

The Other Front

"Kisame… you dare betray me?!"

Fuguki Suikazan—the wielder of Samehada—snarled at his former subordinate.

Kisame grinned, shark-like teeth glinting. "Betrayal? Please. You’ve been selling village secrets for years. Working under you was disgusting."

He cracked his knuckles.

"Besides… I’m waiting for someone’s answer. Until then—

"—you’re just in my way."

"Suiton: Suikōdan!" (Water Style: Water Shark Bomb)

The battle for Kirigakure had begun.

*Chapter 105: Elite Battle*

His mouth suddenly swelled before ejecting a concentrated jet of water straight toward Hoshigaki Kisame.

"You think mere water can hurt me? Don’t underestimate me, Kisame!"

Facing the oncoming torrent, Hoshigaki Kisame didn’t even bother forming hand seals. Instead, he swung Samehada, his massive blade, cleaving through the water with brute force.

**BAM!**

The water burst apart in a spray of droplets—just as Kisame closed the distance, his short blade glinting coldly before thrusting forward with lethal precision.

**Clang!**

**Clang!**

**Clang!**

As one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Mangetsu Hōzuki was no pushover. The two clashed in a fierce exchange of blades, but inwardly, Mangetsu was shocked.

This brat… He’s not that big, but his strength is monstrous! His grip on Samehada was already faltering.

"What’s wrong, Captain Mangetsu? Struggling already? Maybe you should just hand Samehada over to me."

Kisame grinned, taunting him as Mangetsu strained to keep up.

"Shut your mouth, you little bastard!" Mangetsu roared, veins bulging in fury.

"Samehada—PIERCE HIM!"

In an instant, the bandages wrapping Samehada unraveled, and the blade sprouted jagged spikes like a porcupine’s quills. Kisame barely dodged in time, but not fast enough—the spikes grazed him, forcing him back.

Mangetsu smirked. "See that, brat? That’s the difference between us!"

He pressed the attack, swinging the now-spiked Samehada in wide, brutal arcs.

**Whoosh!**

**Whoosh!**

**Whoosh!**

The extended spikes made Kisame’s short blade useless. He could only retreat, step by step.

"What happened to all that big talk, Kisame? Not so tough now, are you?" Mangetsu sneered.

Kisame’s eyes gleamed with something wild—hunger. "What a magnificent weapon… I’d love to make it mine."

---

*Meanwhile…*

"Why would someone like you betray the Mizukage? I don’t get it."

Raiga Kurosuki glared at Zabuza Momochi, baffled.

"No deep reason. Mei’s vision just… suits my tastes."

With a powerful swing, Zabuza forced Raiga back.

**"Water Style: Hidden Mist Jutsu!"**

A thick fog enveloped Raiga, and Zabuza’s voice echoed eerily through the mist:

"Heart, neck, spine, or head… Pick your weak spot."

Raiga burst out laughing. "Zabuza, you think you’re Zabuza now? Playing with mist tricks? Pathetic!"

"Talk is cheap. Let’s see if you can back it up."

Zabuza remained calm—until an overwhelming chakra surge erupted.

**"Water Style: Water Arrow Jutsu!"**

**Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!**

Razor-sharp water needles shot from all directions.

**"Lightning Style: Thunder Armor!"**

Raiga’s twin blades, Kiba, crackled with electricity, forming a protective barrier. The water arrows shattered harmlessly against it.

"Zabuza, we’re both Swordsmen. You know this won’t work. Stop wasting chakra."

Raiga’s tone dripped with confidence.

"Oh?"

A voice, cold as death, whispered behind him.

**"Water Style: Water Pillar!"**

**THUD!**

Raiga’s ribs took the full force of the blow, knocking him forward.

Standing there—Suigetsu Hōzuki.

"Raiga, you should really pay attention. Or else—"

Before Raiga could react, Zabuza’s face materialized in front of him. The massive Kubikiribōchō swung down like a guillotine, slamming into Raiga’s chest.

**CRACK!**

**"Guh—!"**

Raiga spat blood as his Thunder Armor retaliated with a surge of lightning—but the sheer impact still sent him flying.

"Water Style: Water Spike Jutsu!"

Zabuza seized the moment, weaving hand seals.

**SPLASH!**

Three watery spears erupted from the ground behind Raiga, impaling him.

"You bastard… You’ve pissed me off now!"

**"Lightning Style: Lightning Strike!"**

Raiga crossed his blades, summoning a storm of electricity that arced toward Zabuza and Suigetsu.

Zabuza leaped, spinning midair like a whirlwind, blade aimed downward. Suigetsu mirrored the move—he couldn’t afford to get hit.

Lightning was his weakness. One shock, and he’d lose control of his water form.

"Tch. Trying to dodge from above?"

Raiga smirked, raising his swords.

**"Lightning Style: Thunderbolt!"**

A bolt of lightning streaked from the sky—but Zabuza and Suigetsu dodged effortlessly, landing safely.

Or so they thought.

"Too easy."

Raiga’s grin turned sinister as he plunged Kiba into the earth.

**"Lightning Style: Thunder Banquet!"**

Electricity spiderwebbed across the ground, too fast to evade.

**"AGH—!"**

Suigetsu’s body liquefied, his form collapsing.

Zabuza, however, dissolved into a puddle—a Water Clone. The real Zabuza lunged from Raiga’s blind spot, swinging the executioner’s blade with full force.

**"Lightning Style: Lightning Orb!"**

Raiga had anticipated the trick. The moment Zabuza reappeared, he fired a condensed sphere of lightning.

**BOOM!**

Both men were blasted back, electricity scattering.

Raiga coughed up more blood.

He was outmatched.

---