96-100

Chapter 96: The Two-Tails Escapes… Again

One of the benefits of training alongside a powerful opponent is having a living benchmark—someone who forces you to push your limits, to stay sharp.

It beats training alone, where boredom and distraction creep in too easily.

And so, another month passed in silence.

The Hidden Cloud Village remained peaceful, undisturbed.

Yugito’s control over the Two-Tails’ chakra grew more refined, her strength steadily rising.

Yet, no matter how much stronger she became, one fact remained unchanged:

She still couldn’t defeat Yoru.

The man’s power was bottomless—an enigma she couldn’t measure.

"It’s time, Lady Yugito."

For once, Yoru wasn’t swinging his sword. Instead, he sat cross-legged on the ground, eyes sharp.

"Let’s go see the outside world."

Yugito shot to her feet, grinning wildly.

"Finally! You’d better hope the Hidden Mist lives up to the hype."

"If it’s boring? Don’t blame me if I ditch you and come back to Cloud."

Compared to her calm, composed future self—the one who’d earn the village’s respect by Year 63—the current Yugito was still young, restless.

Thrill-seeking. Rebellious. Hungry for adventure.

Yoru adjusted his sleeves, heading for the cave entrance.

"Then let’s move. I hope the Raikage’s prepared."

"Honestly? I’m looking forward to this. Causing chaos in Cloud… Sounds fun."

Internally, he smirked.

"Let’s see how far you can push me now, Lord Raikage."

"With all three of my stats at Kage-level… this’ll be interesting."

Over the past month, he’d earned 560,000 enhancement points—enough to max out his Agility.

Against a speedster like the Raikage? Pure strength wouldn’t cut it. He needed mobility.

But that wasn’t all.

He’d also upgraded:

• Hidden Mist Jutsu (→ S-rank) → "Warp Space: Slows time within the mist."

• Water Clone Jutsu (→ A-rank) → "Liquid Form: Clones can liquefy to avoid attacks."

• Water Gun Jutsu (→ A-rank) → Pure firepower boost.

The Hidden Mist’s space-warping alone was a game-changer—a direct counter to Kamui.

And Water Clone’s upgrades? Broken.

• Clone swaps? Check.

• Damage immunity? Check.

"System, you’ve outdone yourself," he’d laughed.

With 363,000 points left, his next goal was clear:

"Time to buff my sister… and her elite squad."

"The Hidden Mist’s about to level up."

The cave’s barrier parted as usual.

But this time—

"Y-You…! Y-Y-Y…!!"

The three guards’ jaws dropped. Their faces paled.

Because behind Yoru stood Yugito, the Two-Tails’ Jinchūriki.

"Oh shit."

Before they could react—

"Paralysis Jutsu!"

Yoru’s fingers flicked. Their bodies locked up.

"Relax. You’ll move again in a minute."

Stepping outside, he inhaled the fresh air—then smirked at Yugito.

"Race you to Cloud’s front gate?"

"Hah! You’re already losing!"**

BOOM!

In a burst of black-red chakra, Yugito blasted past him, cratering the ground.

Raikage’s Office

"WHAT?! The Two-Tails broke out again?!"

The Fourth Raikage’s fist slammed into his desk.

"It hasn’t even been four months since last time! How?!"

The ANBU agent grimaced.

"Well… it wasn’t the Two-Tails who broke out."

"It was Kira—the guard you assigned. He let her out."

Silence.

Then—

"THAT TRAITOROUS BASTARD!!!"

The Raikage exploded through the window, lightning crackling.

2 km from the Exit

"HOLD THE LINE! DON’T LET THEM THROUGH!"

"SEALING SQUAD—READY YOURSELVES!"

"ANBU, COVER ALL EXITS!"

Chaos.

And at its center—

A monstrous, blue-flamed cat, radiating suffocating pressure.

But the Two-Tails wasn’t the only threat.

Because behind it…

Another enemy waited.

Chapter 97: "This Is My True Power"

"Kirai, are you certain about this? You know the consequences!"

Tōrō’s voice was icy as he glared at the traitor before him.

"Surrender now, and we might persuade the Raikage to spare your life!" Tenjin added, his expression equally frigid.

Darui, gripping his sword, looked more pained than angry. "A rebellion? I never expected this from you. Why? Where would you even go? And do you really think you can escape Kumo?"

Yoru merely smirked. "Sorry, but this is non-negotiable. I don’t like leaving my fate in others’ hands."

His gaze locked onto Darui. "You’ve always wanted to see my full strength, right? Today’s your lucky day."

Cracking his neck, Yoru exhaled. "Hiding my power was exhausting. Now—

"—let’s begin."

In an instant, he vanished.

"Too fast!" the three shinobi barely had time to think before a blade’s gleam flashed before their eyes—cold, lethal, and unstoppable.

Darui reacted first, lightning armor flaring as he raised his sword. Tōrō and Tenjin leaped back, hands flying through seals—

"Raiton:—"

"Too slow."

Splat!

Blood sprayed. All three froze mid-motion, eyes widening in disbelief as gashes split their chests and arms.

Darui stared at his shattered blade, then at the gash torn through his lightning armor. "A… single strike…?" He coughed blood. *"So this… is the gap between us…?"*

Then the wounds ruptured, dropping them like stones.

"!!!"

The remaining Kumo-nin and ANBU recoiled in horror.

"No way…"

"Darui… Tōrō… Tenjin… defeated in one move?!"

These were Kumo’s elite. If they fell so easily—

Yoru’s grin widened. "If you won’t come at me… I’ll come at you."

Boom!

Chaos erupted.

Yoru became a blur, cutting through the ranks like a storm. Screams filled the air as shinobi flew in all directions—some unconscious, others too injured to move.

"Don’t falter! Combined ninjutsu, now!"

"Senbon squad, fire!"

"Katon team, burn him!"

"Genjutsu unit, trap him!"

A tsunami of attacks surged toward Yoru—until Matatabi’s massive paw swiped half aside. The rest cratered the ground, but Yoru was already gone.

"Dammit! He’s too fast to hit!"

"We need someone to pin him down!"

*"Raikage-sama, please—!"*

Their prayers were answered.

"Raiton: Raikō (Lightning Strike)!"

A thunderbolt slammed down toward Matatabi—only for another voice to roar:

"Raiton: Rairyū Hōkō (Thunder Dragon Roar)!"

ANBU Captain Tobiuo struck from behind, forcing Matatabi to split her focus.

But the assault didn’t stop.

"Raiton: Rokuchū Rō (Six Pillar Lightning Prison)!"

A hexagonal cage of lightning erupted beneath Matatabi, aiming to immobilize her.

Yoru’s eyes narrowed. "Oh no, you don’t."

No seals. No warning. Just a snap of his fingers—

"Raiton: Raikōjin (Lightning Fall Array)!"

BZZZT!

Three jagged bolts speared from the sky, forcing the attackers to scatter. Matatabi roared in triumph.

"Got you!"

An ANBU materialized behind Yoru, lightning-clad blade thrusting for his spine—

—only for his sword to shatter as Yoru’s blade reversed mid-swing, slicing through armor and flesh alike.

"Guh—!?" The ANBU collapsed, staring at his severed weapon. "H-how…? That blade cuts steel?!"

The remaining Kumo-nin paled. "What kind of monster is this guy?!"

"ROAR!"

Matatabi capitalized on their fear, swiping a dozen shinobi into the distance.

"Nice one! Let’s push through!" Yoru cheered, charging toward the village gates.

"Not happening, brat!"

"You’re not leaving Kumo alive!"

"Dream on!"

Samui, Tobiuo, and a third elite lunged from three directions—no room to dodge.

"Die!"

Yoru didn’t even flinch. "Raiton: Kangekiha (Gratitude Wave)."

CRACKLE!

A storm of thumb-thick lightning erupted from his body, colliding with the trio in a blinding explosion.

*Chapter 98: "It Ends Here, Brat."*

"Hiss—!"

The three Cloud ninja never expected Yoru’s attack to be this fast.

Their blades froze just centimeters from his body—helpless as lightning erupted from him, blasting them away.

But the thunder’s fury didn’t stop there.

**"AAAH—!"**

Every shinobi within hundreds of meters was caught in the storm.

Few could withstand it. Fewer survived unscathed.

By the time the lightning faded, Yoru stood alone—a full kilometer of cleared battlefield around him.

"D-Damn it…! Since when was his Lightning Style this strong?!"

Sarui staggered to his feet, his face pale with shock.

Then—his pupils contracted.

He dove backward just as a blade slammed into the ground where he’d stood.

Yoru clicked his tongue. "Tch. Not bad, Uncle Sarui."

"But…" His grin turned predatory. "How many times can you dodge?"

**"NO—!"**

Sarui’s blood ran cold.

He knew—if this strike landed, he was dead.

But he couldn’t move fast enough.

Despair swallowed him whole—

**"CLANG!"**

—Until a mountain of muscle intercepted the blade.

The *Fourth Raikage*, crackling with lightning like an enraged beast, glared down at Yoru.

**"Brat. This ends NOW."**

"Raikage-sama?!"

"HE’S HERE!"

"We’re saved—!"

The Cloud ninja’s morale skyrocketed.

Yoru just laughed, leaping back as his hands blurred through seals.

"Ends? Heh. Don’t get cocky, Raikage-sama—"

**"You think I’ll let you finish?!"**

The Raikage vanished—reappearing point-blank with a chop that could split mountains:

**"LIGHTNING STRAIGHT!"**

Yoru’s eyes flashed.

**"Paralysis Jutsu."**

An invisible force locked the Raikage’s arm mid-swing—two centimeters from Yoru’s face.

"You think this can hold me?!" The Raikage roared, lightning erupting from his body as he shattered the束缚. **"DIE!"**

Yoru didn’t retreat.

He charged forward, his blade gleaming.

**"Flash Sever."**

"Fool!" The Raikage sneered. "You think your sword can pierce my defense?!"

"Hah! He’s finished!"

"Raikage-sama’s armor tanks tailed beast strikes—this idiot’s done!"

Even the Two-Tails growled in concern.

Then—

**"SHINK!"**

Blood arced through the air.

Yoru’s shoulder split open—

—But so did the Raikage’s chest, a deep gash tearing through his Lightning Armor.

"IMPOSSIBLE!"

"DID HE JUST—?!"

The Cloud ninja gaped.

Yoru didn’t pause.

**"Lightning Style: Thunderfall Array."**

A pillar of white lightning smashed down—too fast for even the Raikage to dodge.

**"RAAAAAGH—!"**

The Raikage’s scream echoed like a demon’s wail.

"This is the price of underestimating me, Raikage."

**"FALL."**

**BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!**

Lightning hammered the earth, cratering the battlefield.

"RAIKAGE-SAMA—!"

The Cloud ninja panicked.

"He can’t lose…!"

"Not to him!"

Then—

**"HEAVY LIGHTNING BURST—!"**

A fist wreathed in thunder obliterated the smoke—

—aimed straight for Yoru’s skull.

**"DIE, BRAT!"**

A blow that could pulverize steel.

But—

**"Lightning Style: Pillar Wall."**

A hexagonal barrier of gray lightning flared to life.

**"BOOOOM—!"**

The impact split the earth, sending shockwaves that flung nearby ninja like ragdolls.

When the dust cleared—

"G-Gray lightning…?"

"He blocked it?!"

"HOW IS HE THIS STRONG?!"

The Raikage’s attack had failed.

The barrier was cracked—but it held.

Snarling, the Raikage leaped skyward, his entire body igniting with power.

**"LIGHTNING STRAIGHT: MILLENNIUM DANCE!"**

A chop that could slice a mountain in half—

—descended like judgment itself.

---

Chapter 99: Capturing the Raikage Alive

"Lord Raikage, charge!"

"You must succeed!"

Seeing this, the Kumogakure ninja roared with desperate hope.

"Spirit Severing Jutsu!"

Yoru suddenly dropped his defenses, his eyes flashing with fury—and in the next moment, something unbelievable happened.

The lightning cloaking the Raikage vanished instantly, his chakra surging wildly out of control.

"Guh—!"

Yoru leapt into the air, driving his blade straight through the Raikage’s chest. Then, with a crushing palm strike, he slammed him into the ground.

"Hah!"

Twisting midair, Yoru unleashed a storm of razor-sharp sword slashes—all aimed at the Fourth Raikage’s fallen body.

"LORD RAIKAGE!!"

"You bastard—don’t you dare hurt him!"

"STOP RIGHT THERE!"

The Cloud ninja’s eyes burned with fury as they rushed forward, desperate to intercept Yoru before he could reach the Raikage again.

But then—

"LARIAT!!"

The Raikage’s voice thundered. His arm hooked like a scythe, slashing past Yoru in a flash—

"SPLURT!"

Blood sprayed.

Yoru’s head flew from his shoulders, his body collapsing to its knees.

For a moment, silence.

Then—cheers erupted.

"LONG LIVE THE RAIKAGE!"

"HAHA! WE WON!"

"THAT’S WHAT YOU GET, YOU BASTARD!"

The Cloud ninja roared in triumph, faces alight with狂热.

But then—

"Cough—!!"

The Fourth Raikage suddenly dropped to one knee, vomiting a mouthful of blood. His chakra flickered dangerously weak.

"LORD RAIKAGE?!"

The celebration died instantly.

"D-Don’t worry… I’m fi—"

Before he could finish, a blade stabbed through his chest from behind.

The Raikage stared in shock at the sword protruding from his body—then at Yoru, who stood behind him, smirking.

"H-How…? You—I killed you…!"

Yoru yanked the blade free, grabbing the Raikage by the throat and slamming him into the ground.

"You mean when you 'cut off my head'?" He chuckled. "Did you really think so little of me? That was just a water clone."

"WHAT?!"

The Raikage’s eyes darted to the decapitated "Yoru"—now melting into a puddle.

"You wanted to see my true strength, right?" Yoru tilted his head. "So? How do you like 90% of my power?"

"Why… betray us?" The Raikage choked out. "I… treated you well…!"

Yoru laughed coldly.

"'Treated me well'? You transferred me from the ANBU to the assassination squad, then threw me into the Dragon’s Prison Cave. You used me as Darui’s whetstone—and you call that 'well'?"

"That… was a test!" the Raikage growled. "Your background… was suspicious!"

"Oh? And how long was that 'test' supposed to last?" Yoru sneered. "A year? Ten? Twenty? Don’t lie—you never planned to clear me. Spare me the hypocrisy—it’s disgusting."

"Though, I should thank you." His grin turned sharp. "Thanks to you, I met the Two-Tails’ jinchūriki in that prison—and escaped with her."

"If you won’t value me, someone else will, Lord Raikage."

"But before I go—let me show you just how helpless your village really is."

Before the Cloud nin could react, black sealing script erupted across the Raikage’s body.

"Binding Current Seal," Yoru murmured.

"I—I can’t move! What did you do?!"

"Just a little insurance." Yoru hoisted him up like a ragdoll. "Don’t worry—I’ll free you when it’s useful. For now… you’re my hostage."

LATEST UPDATES AT [69shu.com]!

With that, he sprinted toward the Two-Tails, shouting—

"Matatabi! We’re leaving!"

The giant cat-beast turned, its eyes widening as Yugito (still in tailed form) saw Yoru carrying the Raikage.

"Damn… I didn’t know you were this strong!"

The other Cloud ninja froze in horror.

"No way…"

"The Raikage… captured?!"

"This can’t be real!"

Their world was crumbling. The invincible Raikage—defeated?

Yoru leapt onto Matatabi’s back, glaring down.

"Listen up! If you want your Raikage alive—let us go. Now."

"LIKE HELL!"

"Release him, you traitor!"

"You won’t escape Kumo alive!"

They refused to yield, fists clenched.

Yoru’s smile turned deadly. "Oh? You don’t get it yet?"

Lightning crackled around his grip—the Raikage gasped in pain.

"Five seconds. Move, or watch him die."

"Five."

"Four."

"Three."

The Cloud nin’s faces twisted—rage, despair, helplessness—

"Two—"

"STOP!"

A woman’s voice cut through. The Raikage’s secretary, Mabui, stepped forward.

"If we let you go… will you spare him?"

Yoru raised an eyebrow. "Do you really have bargaining power here?"

Mabui smirked. "Are you sure about that?"

Then—she yelled—

"LORD KILLER B—NOW!"

"YEEAH!!"

A monstrous chakra flared—

"LARIAT!!"

A figure cloaked in tailed beast energy blitzed toward Yoru’s neck—

Chapter 100: Don’t Make This Harder Than It Has to Be

"Lord Killer B, charge!"

"Please, you have to succeed!"

"Save the Raikage, we’re begging you!!"

The Cloud ninja couldn’t contain their exhilaration as they watched the scene unfold.

Their eyes widened, their breaths held—every single one of them fixated on Killer B, not daring to miss even a millisecond of the rescue attempt.

"Six! Pillar! Flame! Seal!"

But just as Killer B was about to reach Yoru, the Two-Tails let out a warning cry—and in that same instant, Yoru’s calm voice rang out.

A crimson hexagonal barrier erupted, cutting off Killer B’s path.

BOOM!

The impact shook the earth like thunder, cracking the ground beneath them. Even the Two-Tails was forced back several steps.

Yet Yoru’s scarlet barrier remained completely unscathed.

Not only that—it had an automatic counterattack function. A concentrated burst of black-red flames erupted toward Killer B, igniting even his Tailed Beast cloak and forcing him back.

"How… is this possible?!"

"He blocked Killer B’s attack?!"

"Even Lord Killer B can’t break through?!"

The Cloud ninja’s hopeful expressions twisted into despair.

Having their hopes crushed so effortlessly… was agonizing.

"Mabui… looks like your plan failed."

Yoru gazed down at her, his lips curling into a mocking smirk.

"You knew Killer B was behind you, didn’t you?" Mabui’s voice was tight, her face grim. "Otherwise, you wouldn’t have reacted so quickly."

Her carefully planned killing move had been effortlessly dismantled—a blow to her confidence.

"Of course I knew." Yoru chuckled. "Did you really think I wouldn’t be prepared for a powerhouse like Killer B lurking in the village?"

"If I weren’t this cautious, I’d have died a hundred times over in Kirigakure."

"But you’re wrong about one thing—my reaction speed isn’t because I was ‘prepared.’"

"It’s just that fast."

"Don’t measure my abilities by your own standards. You’ll only frustrate yourself."

Then, without even looking, he called out:

"Killer B… I’d advise you not to move."

"Unless you want to test whether your brother makes it out alive. Don’t push my patience."

Hearing this, Killer B—who had been preparing to strike again—froze.

"Damn… brat… I’ll twist… your head off… yeah!"

His signature rap-like cadence only made the threat sound more bizarre.

"Two-Tails, let’s go."

Yoru smirked, expanding the Six Pillar Flame Seal to envelop the Two-Tails as they headed for the village exit.

"Oh, and one more thing—disable the barrier over the village, would you?"

"Don’t make this harder than it has to be."

The Cloud ninja gritted their teeth at his audacity—but what could they do?

Power ruled everything, and Yoru’s strength was overwhelming.

Worse, he held the Raikage hostage.

They had no choice but to watch helplessly as Yoru and the Two-Tails strolled out of the village like they owned the place.

Perhaps never in Kumogakure’s history had they suffered such humiliation.

After all, back then, Hashirama had been a pacifist.

And Madara… had his own version of "peace."

Even the First Raikage had been "firm" with the First Hokage.

"Freedom!"

The moment they stepped beyond the village gates, the Two-Tails let out a triumphant roar, its voice echoing into the sky.

"You actually pulled it off… impressive."

The beast’s form melted away, revealing Yugito Nii, who looked at Yoru with a mix of admiration and disbelief.

"Naturally." Yoru grinned. "I don’t make promises I can’t keep. If I say I’ll free you, I will."

Then he turned to the Fourth Raikage, still clutched in his grip—face twisted in hatred, fury, and the desire to tear him apart.

"Don’t give me that look. You know I could throw your village into chaos by killing you right now."

"But I won’t—because I still need you to keep your ninja in check."

"Push me too far, though, and I will slaughter a Kage. You know I’m capable of it."

The Raikage’s eyes burned with rage.

"Brat… I will make you pay for this."

"You’d better pray you have a plan, because Kumogakure will hunt you to the ends of the earth."

Yoru only laughed.

"Then I’ll be waiting, Lord Raikage."

His gaze shifted behind the Raikage.

"You’re following awfully close… it’s making me nervous."

"Mind backing off and staying in the village?"

Mabui bit her lip hard enough to draw blood.

"Yoru… don’t push your luck! Don’t think we’re powerless!"

"Powerless? No, no—I’d never underestimate you."

"I’m just offering… friendly advice."

"But if you refuse… well, I can’t guarantee the Raikage’s safety."

A pained grunt escaped the Raikage’s throat.

"STOP!"

*"We’ll do it! Just stop!"*

Mabui’s voice was frantic.

"Oh? Scared now?" Yoru tilted his head. "Then why are you still here? Waiting for me to snap his neck?"

Despite his casual tone, his sensory field remained fully active—he wasn’t taking any chances.

"Fine. We’re leaving."

Mabui’s voice was thick with humiliation as she signaled the retreat.

"Dodai… you too."

Yoru’s eyes flicked to a one-eyed man dressed similarly to Killer B.

Dodai—a Kumo ninja with the Lava Release Kekkei Genkai. His rubber-like defenses were notoriously difficult to break, even for someone like Yoru.

He really didn’t want to get tied down by him.

(After all, this was the man who had blocked the Third Raikage’s Hell Stab—a technique even the Rasenshuriken couldn’t pierce.)

With no other choice, Dodai retreated.

He had hoped to find an opening to rescue the Raikage, but Yoru left no gaps in his defense.