61-65

Chapter 61: A Mere Daimyō? Crushed in an Instant

Land of the Moon, Matsusaka Town!

This was a heavily fortified town—every citizen was a soldier.

But these forces didn’t belong to the Land of the Moon’s daimyō. No, they answered to Eimura Sawa, the true power behind the region.

Calling it "Matsusaka Town of the Land of the Moon" was a stretch—it was more like Eimura Sawa’s independent kingdom!

This was lawless territory, beyond even the daimyō’s control. Here, only one man ruled: Eimura Sawa.

And in this town, all manner of illegal activities thrived daily—human trafficking, arms smuggling, intelligence sales…

It was also one of the underground black market’s key strongholds.

With such deep connections, few dared to challenge this place.

No wonder it was called the Land of the Moon’s Second Kingdom.

Once, the daimyō had tried to crush Eimura Sawa.

He failed.

Not only that—he nearly lost his life in the process.

Had it not been for the backing of the Land of Lightning, the daimyō would’ve been finished.

After that humiliation, the daimyō abandoned any hope of reclaiming the region.

Instead, he struck a deal with Eimura Sawa:

Pay your taxes on time, and I’ll acknowledge your rule. In return, you will not destabilize the Land of the Moon or threaten its peace.

Thus, the two sides entered an uneasy truce…

Until recently.

Not long ago, Daimyō Tokuga V passed away, and Tokuga VI ascended to power.

Unlike his aging, ambitionless father, Tokuga VI was bold.

He had no intention of tolerating Matsusaka’s cancerous existence.

So, he placed a secret assassination contract with Kumogakure, the Hidden Cloud Village.

Meanwhile, in the heart of Matsusaka—Eimura Castle!

"Heard that fool Tokuga VI wants me dead?"

A green-haired man, his hair tied in a topknot, sneered, his breath reeking of alcohol.

This was none other than Eimura Sawa himself.

"Hmph. He’s got more spine than his old man, I’ll give him that."

"But—"

His eyes suddenly sharpened, glinting with cold amusement.

"Ambition’s a good thing… just not when it’s delusional."

"That brat hasn’t been beaten down by reality yet. He has no idea how wide the gap between us really is!"

With a mocking grin, he spread his arms wide.

"The Land of the Moon’s entire army is only 80,000 strong—and I control 60,000 of them!"

"Even the capital’s guards? Forty percent are mine. Hell, some of his own bodyguards answer to me!"

"He thinks he can fight me? Does he even stand a chance?"

"One word from me, and his head rolls!"

Arrogant? Maybe. But it was the truth.

"Hahaha! Tokuga VI’s just digging his own grave!"

A pale, scholarly-looking man at Eimura’s left raised his cup. "Come, Lord Eimura, let’s drink!"

"Exactly! Why let an insect ruin your mood?" A burly man on his right chimed in. "If he wants to die, we’ll oblige him!"

"Hahaha! Right, right! Lord Eimura, more wine!"

"That Tokuga VI? Six thousand men is all we need to wipe him out!"

"The Land of the Moon is just our playground. Who sits on the throne? That’s up to Lord Eimura!"

The rest of the crowd hurried to flatter him, inwardly cursing the two sycophants for stealing their lines.

"Oh, no, no! You all overestimate me!" Eimura waved a hand, though his smirk betrayed his pride.

"I’d never interfere in the Land of the Moon’s affairs!"

Liar.

He didn’t notice—

As he drank, the pale scholar’s eyes flicked toward a certain figure in the room. A glint of calculation flashed in his gaze.

"Eimura Sawa… your days are numbered."

"I’ve endured humiliation to help you build this ‘kingdom.’ Now, it’s time to take it back."

"The Land of the Moon’s sovereignty will not be broken!"

"There’s only one true ruler here—my brother, Tokuga!"

"You think the army obeys you? That they kneel for you?"

"Hmph. No. They kneel for me—Tokuga Gekkou, Second Prince of the Land of the Moon!"

But just as he thought this—

A ronin standing guard behind Eimura suddenly opened his eyes, staring at the scholar.

Something felt… off.

Meanwhile, at the Land of the Moon’s border…

"Finally, you’ve arrived—Kumogakure’s finest!"**

A group intercepted Yoru’s team at the border.

"Password!" Tōrō demanded coldly.

"May’s cherry blossoms, snow—the crimson moon sways upon the water."**

The man recited it flawlessly. After exchanging tokens, Tōrō nodded.

"Tokuga’s head guard, Konoe, right? What’s the plan?"

"Follow me through the hidden passage to the capital. His Majesty needs your protection immediately."

"Lead the way."

Their meeting spot was well-concealed…

Yet Eimura’s spies still found them.

"Heh. Eimura’s surveillance isn’t bad—we’ve got a little rat scurrying away."

Yoru suddenly grinned as they walked.

"What?!" Tōrō snapped.

"A spy just bolted. Hostile intent—definitely not friendly."

"Impossible! I sensed nothing within a mile radius!"

A sensor-nin scoffed. "Are you making this up for attention?"

"Kid, jokes like this aren’t funny. If the mission fails because of you, the consequences will be severe!"

Tōrō’s gaze turned icy. "Yoru. Last chance. Tell the truth."

"Yeah, quit lying!"

"Newbie, don’t start trouble!"

The team glared, their distrust palpable.

Yoru smirked. "A mile? Of course you didn’t sense him. He was three miles out, using a specialized scouting technique."*

"If we don’t chase him now, he’ll slip beyond my range."

"And when the mission fails? Don’t blame me."

*Chapter 62: Three Miles? Try a Thousand*

"What? Three miles away??"

"Newbie, you’ve gotta be joking!"

"Quit the nonsense—who the hell can scout that far?!"

Yoru’s teammates erupted in disbelief, their faces twisted with skepticism. Nobody believed he had that kind of ability.

"Fine, don’t believe me. My mistake for bringing it up."

If they wouldn’t trust his warning, so be it. No point wasting breath on people who doubted him. If the mission failed, it wouldn’t be on his head.

"Kōkō , are you sure you didn’t misread the signals?" Tōrō pressed, though his tone carried a hint of reluctant trust. He didn’t believe in Yoru—but he did believe in Tenjin . If Tenjin spoke highly of him, there had to be something to it.

"I doubt I’d mistake human presence," Yoru replied, raising an eyebrow. "Sensing people three miles away is nothing. Rumor has it the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, could detect chakra from thousands of miles away. Now that’s a true master."

In the original lore, Tobirama had sensed Uchiha Madara’s presence from the depths of the Uchiha clan’s secret grounds—despite Madara being in a battlefield near the Land of the Moon. That was the kind of monstrous perception that defied logic.

"Thousands of miles?!"

The group collectively sucked in a sharp breath. Was such a terrifying person even real?

"Fine. I’ll trust you this once," Tōrō finally conceded. "Shinjo (新城), you and Kōkō pursue the target. Move fast."

Shinjo, the team’s designated sensor, sighed. "Ara ara… Knew I wouldn’t get out of running around." With a sidelong glance at Yoru, he vanished in an instant.

"Tch. That little—! Who does this rookie think he is?" The assassination squad’s expressions darkened at Yoru’s dismissive attitude.

"We’ll see if he’s actually skilled or just full of himself," Tōrō cut in coldly. "No results? Then he’s just arrogant. But if he delivers… maybe we’re the ones who need to step up."

Silence fell. The group retreated into the shadows to wait.

---

*Yoru’s Side*

"Not bad. This guy knows his counter-surveillance," Yoru mused as he raced forward. "Too bad for him—prey I lock onto never escapes."

Meanwhile, Shinjo strained his senses to the limit—yet found nothing. It made him question his own abilities… and whether Yoru had been bluffing all along.

"If this turns out to be a lie to mess with us, I’ll kill him myself," he swore silently.

But the mention of Tobirama’s legendary perception still sent a chill down his spine. Could someone really be that powerful?

---

*One Kilometer Ahead*

A plain-faced man sprinted at full speed, heart pounding with anticipation.

"When I deliver this intel to Lord Megumura , the rewards will be sweet!"

"No way I’m letting Kumogakure ruin Lord Megumura’s plans! The Land of the Moon is his territory!"

His conviction was absolute—until, an hour later, he skidded to a halt.

"Hey there, pal. Mind if we chat?"

The man’s pupils shrank to pinpricks at the sight of Yoru leaning casually in his path, grinning.

Instinct took over—he whirled to flee—only to find Shinjo blocking his retreat.

Escape? Impossible.

Yoru hadn’t chased him this far just to let him go.

"Shink—!"

A swift slash later, the man crumpled, lifeless, into the grass. Yoru made quick work of the body—no traces left behind.

"Mission complete. Time to report back."

Turning to Shinjo, he smirked. "Well? Still doubting me?"

Shinjo’s jaw tightened. "…I underestimated you. My mistake."

Facts were facts. Denial was pointless.

"Aw, don’t sweat it!" Yoru laughed, clapping him on the shoulder before they headed back.

---

Thirty minutes later, they regrouped with Tōrō.

"Shinjo? Was there really an enemy three miles out?" The team crowded around, curiosity burning.

"…Yeah. Kōkō was right," Shinjo admitted through gritted teeth.

Pride made the words bitter, but honesty was unavoidable.

"Wait, seriously?!"

"The new guy actually called it?!"

Eyes bulged. Yoru hadn’t been bluffing—he was that skilled.

Awkward silence followed. Maybe mocking him earlier wasn’t the best move…

"Three-mile perception… That’s insane," someone muttered in awe.

"Enough chatter," Tōrō cut in. "If it’s true, then we’re lucky. With Kōkō’s skills, mission success just got easier."

He ordered the team forward, pushing full speed toward the Land of the Moon’s capital.

---

Lord Megumura’s surveillance network was no joke.

By the time they reached the capital, Yoru’s team had eliminated four scouts—each more cunningly hidden than the last.

Without Yoru’s *system-enhanced sensory array*, they’d have missed them entirely.

Slowly, the team’s skepticism faded. No more "newbie" taunts—just begrudging respect.

Even Tōrō couldn’t deny it: The Raikage’s last-minute addition had saved their hides.

---

*Megumura’s Side*

"Any updates from the scouts? Why the silence?"

Even half-drunk, Lord Megumura kept tabs on his intelligence network.

"Likely no disturbances," Tokkō Getsu reassured, fan fluttering. "Unless the Hyūga clan itself showed up, no sensor alive could find our spies."

*Chapter 63: Old Man, I’m Done With Your Nonsense*

"Hahaha! Exactly! No way they’ll find them!"

"This is my proudest elite squad!"

Tokkō Getsu’s answer left Lord Megumura thoroughly pleased.

"Keep monitoring the spies in the capital," he ordered smugly. "It won’t be long before we hear news of those Cloud ninja."

"Hmph. Trying to kill me, Tokkō the Sixth? You’re still wet behind the ears!"

Arrogance dripped from his words.

---

"Huh. The capital’s crawling with spies. Plenty of hostile intent, too."

"Seems Tokkō the Sixth’s security isn’t as tight as he thought."

"Megumura’s got some reach—planting moles right under the daimyō’s nose?"

Disguised as guards, Yoru and his team slipped through the gates. His muttered observation made Ieyasu (家康) sigh.

"If things weren’t this dire, we wouldn’t have called for your help."

"But with you all guarding His Lordship, I’m confident we can crush Megumura. That parasite won’t last much longer."

Yoru’s team gave noncommittal grunts.

Soon, they reached the daimyō’s palace—where Tokkō the Sixth awaited.

(Of course, Megumura’s spies along the way had already been… handled. Whether any elite operatives slipped through? Unlikely. For now, at least, their approach remained undetected.)

---

"Welcome. Seeing you all puts my mind at ease."

"You’ve done well, Ieyasu."

Tokkō the Sixth was a portly young man—unremarkable in looks but sharp-eyed, with the quiet authority of a ruler.

"You honor us, Lord Daimyō," Tōrō replied formally, then cut to the chase. "What’s the plan?"

The daimyō’s expression hardened. "Secure the inside first, then strike outward."

"Once we purge the traitors, I’ll declare war on Megumura."

"By now, he’s probably heard of your arrival. His intelligence network is… unnervingly thorough."

A shadow crossed his face.

"Actually, Lord Daimyō, you needn’t worry."

"Megumura likely hasn’t detected the Cloud ninja’s presence."

Ieyasu’s confident interjection made Tokkō the Sixth blink. "What? How? That man’s never sloppy!"

"Thanks to Kōkō here," Ieyasu said, gesturing to Yoru, "we’ve eliminated every spy in the city."

"Megumura’s effectively blind. We have the initiative—enough to catch him off guard."

Excitement thrummed in his voice.

"You’re serious? This is—! Kōkō, you have my deepest gratitude!"

The daimyō bowed deeply. Yoru sidestepped the gesture.

"If you’re ready, Lord Daimyō, we should act now. Delays risk exposure."

"Agreed. Ieyasu, proceed as planned."

As Ieyasu hurried off, Tokkō the Sixth turned to Tōrō’s team. "My safety rests with you. I’ve… dismissed my guards. Trust is scarce these days."

The ninja nodded. Protection was their mission, after all.

"Lord Daimyō, mind if I observe the operation? If not, I’ll stand down."

Yoru hated idle waiting. Might as well swing a sword.

"Ah, Kōkō, best stay put for now. Avoid… misunderstandings."

"If you’re restless, the side hall’s available."

With a shrug (and Tōrō’s approval), Yoru retreated to the side chamber.

---

"Since when is he this impatient?"

"On the way here, he was the most composed. What’s up with him now?"

Tōrō’s frown deepened. "Go see what he’s doing."

A teammate slipped away to investigate.

---

The side hall was barren—just two rows of chairs and empty space.

Yoru drew his short blade and began drilling.

Strength. More strength.

To return for revenge against Genryū (元龙), to topple the Mizukage, to humiliate Uchiha Obito—he needed power.

At minimum, Kage-level. 1.1 million enhancement points.

At his current rate (20,000 points/day?), he’d need two months. But with missions eating into that time? Tight.

"And ‘low-tier Kage’ won’t cut it. To overthrow Yagura, I’ll need mid-tier at least."

No time to waste. Every second counted.

---

When Tōrō’s spy arrived, he found Yoru mid-swing—relentless, precise.

"…The hell?"

He’d expected subterfuge. Not… this.

"Kōkō, what’s with the sword drills? You actually think this’ll make you stronger?"

Yoru grinned without breaking rhythm. "Yep. Why else bother?"

The ninja’s internal scream: "I’m done with your nonsense, you old coot!"

Sword swings = power? Since when?

"Excuses. He’s just bored out of his skull."

Leaving before the scene turned too philosophical, he reported back.

Chapter 64: "Finished Talking? Then It’s My Turn."

When the others asked what Yoru was doing, and the reply came that he was "swinging his sword," they rolled their eyes in disbelief.

Seriously? That’s the best excuse he could come up with?

Who would do something so pointless?

Swinging a sword? Like that would make him stronger? Yeah, right.

"No, it’s true. He really is just swinging his sword."

Seijō, a man known for his seriousness, spoke up.

"Hah? He’s actually doing that?"

Seijō wasn’t the type to joke around, so his words carried weight.

But this just made everyone even more confused.

What the hell is Yoru playing at?!

"Forget about him. Focus on preparing for the fight that might be coming."

Tōrō shut down the chatter, and the group fell silent, waiting.

In the Side Chamber

"Uncle, why are you swinging your sword like that? Are you a swordsman? But you don’t look like one!"

A childish voice piped up from behind Yoru as he practiced.

He glanced back.

A doll-like little girl stood there, her face full of innocence.

She wore her hair in two small buns, dressed in a red-patterned kimono, her cheeks round and adorable.

Behind her stood two maidservants.

One of them eyed Yoru with suspicion, her tone haughty.

"Which unit are you from?"

"Why are you here?"

"I don’t recognize you at all."

"Do you even have the right to be in this place?"

"Do you know where you are?!"

She fired off questions without giving him a chance to answer.

Yoru smirked.

"I’m a Kumogakure shinobi assisting His Majesty. He permitted me to be here."

"If you have a problem with that, go ask him yourself."

"Now, unless you have something useful to say, shut up."

"I hate people yapping in my ear."

If she was going to be rude, he wasn’t going to be polite.

"You—!"

The maidservant’s face twisted in anger.

But before she could retort—

WHOOSH!

A black-clad figure burst through the door—

SLASH!

A blade flashed, and blood sprayed as the maidservant’s throat was slit.

The attacker lunged for the little girl.

It happened too fast.

The other maidservant froze in shock.

Just as the assassin’s hand was about to grab the child—

"STOP HIM! The princess must not be taken!"

A shout echoed from outside.

Yoru’s eyes sharpened.

He remembered Kanemura’s warning on the way here:

"Eimura Sawa controls 60,000 troops because he holds the Moon General’s daughter hostage—right inside the capital. Her life is his leverage."

And that daughter… was known as the "Little Princess."

BAM!

Yoru’s fist slammed into the assassin’s face, sending him flying.

He scooped up the girl and leapt back—

SHINK! SHINK! SHINK!

A barrage of shuriken and kunai, rigged with explosive tags, shot toward them.

If they hit, injuries were guaranteed.

But Yoru’s hands were already moving.

"Raiton: Raichūheki!" (Lightning Release: Thunder Pillar Wall!)

Three crackling pillars of lightning formed a triangular barrier around them.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The explosives detonated against the shield, shaking the entire chamber.

Tiles shattered, and the floor cracked under the force.

"Hahaha! Die! Even if I can’t take her alive, killing her works too!"

"Once she’s dead, the general will slaughter Tokuga VI in revenge!"

The assassin cackled in triumph.

Outside, panicked voices erupted:

"DISASTER! Get in there NOW!"

"The princess CANNOT die! If she does, His Majesty’s plan is ruined!"

Meanwhile, in the Main Hall…

Tokuga VI stood surrounded by traitors.

"To think even you would betray me… Minister of War."

"You moved fast. The moment Kanemura acted, you struck. Impressive timing."

The minister bowed slightly, regret in his voice.

"My lord, forgive me."

"Had you continued coexisting with Eimura Sawa, our bond would’ve remained."

"But you chose this path. A foolish choice."

"Surrender. You cannot win."

"Your bodyguard is strong, but he’s one man against an army."

"The palace is ours. No reinforcements will reach you in time."

Tokuga VI smiled.

A smile brimming with absolute confidence.

"Finished talking?"

"Then it’s my turn."

"Eimura Sawa’s reach is impressive. Even my own guards… bought and paid for."

His gaze swept over the traitors—men who had once stood closest to him.

That was exactly why, before this operation began, he had dismissed all but one bodyguard.

And now…

Everything was going exactly as planned.

The minister’s instincts screamed danger.

This isn’t right.

Even the most composed ruler should show some fear in this situation.

Yet Tokuga VI looked utterly assured.

"Is he bluffing? Or… does he have a hidden move?"

With a sharp gesture, the minister signaled the attack.

"Kill him!"

WHOOSH!

The assassins lunged—

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

But before they could reach Tokuga VI—

Blades flashed from the shadows.

Bodies dropped, blood gushing from slit throats.

As the attackers fell, figures emerged from the darkness.

Tōrō and his team, forehead protectors glinting, now stood as an impenetrable shield around the daimyō.

"KUMOGAKURE SHINOBI?!"

The minister’s face paled in horror.

Chapter 65: What a Pity

"Impossible! How are Cloud ninja here?!"

"Why didn’t we receive any warning?!"

"Fall back—NOW!"

Panic erupted among the conspirators as they scrambled to flee.

"Oh? Leaving so soon?"

"If you’d gotten word, this little drama wouldn’t be half as entertaining."

"Cloud ninja, they’re all yours."

Tokkō the Sixth smiled, but his voice dripped frost.

Tōrō’s squad moved like shadows, encircling the Minister of War and his 400 soldiers in seconds.

A surreal scene: 17 ninja vs. 400 troops—yet the soldiers were the ones sweating.

And for good reason.

Even a genin could slaughter a dozen regulars. These were ANBU-level killers.

"Well, Minister? Surrender. You’ve lost," Tokkō taunted.

The Minister sighed—then smirked. "I may have lost… but the plan hasn’t."

"While you were gloating, my men seized your precious little princess."

"By now, she’s ours."

The daimyō’s face drained of color.

"You know what her loss means," the Minister crowed. "General Demoku’s 60,000 troops will turn on you overnight."

"Even if you somehow crush Megumura, Demoku will carve this country apart for revenge."

"With his influence? Declaring independence would be child’s play."

Tokkō’s fists clenched.

The "princess" was Demoku Hikaru’s only child—a political hostage to ensure the general’s loyalty.

Lose her, and the real war would begin.

Minister’s Victory Laugh: "Face it, you’re—"

"If by ‘princess,’ you mean this little one… then congratulations, your plan’s dead."

Yoru’s voice cut through like a blade.

All eyes snapped to him—a tiny girl clinging to his back, her face alight with curiosity.

"PRINCESS?!"

Two voices, opposite emotions:

• Tokkō: "THANK THE GODS—"

• Minister: "HOW?!"

"Hah! Seems fate hates you, Minister!" Tokkō roared. "Kill them all!"

"DAMN YOU—!"

"KAMIKAZE SQUAD, NOW!"

The Minister’s men ripped open their uniforms—lined with explosive tags**.

"WE’LL DRAG YOU TO HELL!"

Tōrō’s barked order: "FALL BACK—!"

The Minister bolted for the exit, mind screaming: "I won’t die here! Not when greatness awaits—!"

"Shhhk—!"

A kunai kissed his throat.

Blood fogged his vision as he crumpled at the palace gates.

Then—

BOOOOOOM!

The hall erupted.

Yoru shielded the princess, riding the blast wave as flames swallowed the corpses behind them.

"War… has officially begun," Yoru muttered.

The squirming girl in his grip whined, trying to peek at the carnage.

Tokkō approached, bowing deeply. "Kōkō… you saved this nation today."

One truth hung unspoken:

Lose the princess, and the Land of the Moon burns.