56-60

*Chapter 56: Identity Exposed*

"Challenging a hidden village is no easy feat—even a Tailed Beast can suffer a crushing defeat!"

Back at his post, Yoru couldn’t help but reflect on the recent chaos.

In a way, he owed thanks to the Two-Tails, Matatabi.

Before its rampage, Yoru’s performance had been too outstanding—enough to draw unwanted attention. But now, with the Tailed Beast stealing the spotlight, his achievements seemed far less remarkable.

Good. Standing out too much would’ve been dangerous.

Once his shift ended, Yoru resumed his sword training.

*"What’s wrong, Kōkō? You look upset."*

*"Don’t tell me you’re bitter about losing the spotlight?"*

A teammate approached, teasing him.

*"Hah, not at all. You’re overthinking it."*

If anything, Yoru was relieved. But the more he denied it, the more his teammate insisted he was just hiding his frustration.

Even the acting squad captain noticed.

*"If you’re unhappy, prove yourself with real results. Sulking won’t change anything."*

Yoru sighed inwardly.

Why is everyone so stubborn? Do I really look like the type to brood over something like this?

---

*Two Days Later*

With Kumogakure finally stabilizing, reconstruction began.

Yoru’s squad welcomed several new members. The battle against the Two-Tails had taken a brutal toll—over fifty ANBU dead, hundreds injured. His own squad suffered eight casualties, the heaviest losses of any unit.

After a brief greeting to the newcomers, Yoru returned to his training, his aloof demeanor making him seem unapproachable.

One veteran chuckled, explaining:

*"Don’t mind him. He’s just quiet by nature."*

*"But trust me—if you’re assigned a mission with him, consider yourself lucky. He’s the most reliable partner you could ask for."*

The new recruits warmed up slightly, though some still doubted his strength.

---

Meanwhile, in the Raikage’s office…

*"Our village’s elites held their own. Not as weak as some might think."*

The Fourth Raikage smirked, reviewing the battle reports. Thanks to his timely intervention, Killer B’s escape attempt was thwarted, and Matatabi had been resealed. The damage, while significant, was manageable.

But one record caught his attention.

*"This ‘Kira’… His performance is unnaturally impressive."*

*"He handled Inoue Ariyoshi—a near-S-rank criminal—with ease. Just how strong is he?"*

First, he’d effortlessly matched Darui. Now, this? The Raikage’s suspicion deepened.

Then he read another report—and his eyes widened.

*"He tanked a Tailed Beast Bomb?! No B-rank missing-nin could pull that off!"*

For a moment, he was certain: This man is hiding something.

But doubt crept in.

*"Unless… he was already this strong in Kirigakure and simply improved after joining us?"*

*"But growth that fast… Is it even possible? Does he possess a Kekkei Genkai?"*

The concept of "cheating" never crossed his mind.

*"No matter. Once Tenjin returns, the truth will be clear."*

Until then, he’d wait. Acting rashly could backfire.

---

*The Next Day*

Tenjin’s return brought the Raikage straight to his feet.

*"Well? What did you find?"*

*"Lord Raikage… your instincts were correct. ‘Kira’ is a fraud."*

The Raikage’s gaze sharpened. *"Explain."*

Tenjin handed him a scroll. *"See for yourself."*

Within seconds, lightning crackled around the Raikage. His desk shattered; the floor split.

*"So, ‘Kira’… You’ve played us well."*

His voice was a low growl.

*"Tenjin. Take a team. Bring him in—alive if possible. If he resists… kill him."*

*"Understood. A threat like this won’t be tolerated."*

With that, Tenjin vanished.

Alone, the Raikage clenched his fists.

*"‘White Flash’… ‘Kira’… No wonder they seemed identical."*

*"To deceive our intelligence twice—impressive. But it ends now."*

*"I won’t let you betray this village."*

---

*Yoru’s Home*

Seated cross-legged on his bed, Yoru meditated.

A voice echoed in his mind:

*[Strength attributes enhanced.]*

*[Achievement unlocked: ‘Elite Jōnin’]*

*[Title awarded: ‘The Prodigy’]*

(Note: Titles amplify reputation—inspiring respect, fear, or admiration.)

Yoru’s eyes flickered open, a faint smirk forming.

---

Chapter 57: White Flash’s Audacity

"System," Yoru muttered, "didn’t you say achievements don’t give rewards? What’s this ‘Reputation Charm’ thing then?"

"You’re just slapping yourself in the face at this point!"

System: "The system undergoes iterative updates. Please refer to the current functionality."

Yoru could only scoff. "Yeah, keep being stubborn."

Just as he got out of bed to report to the ANBU, a sharp knock echoed at his door.

Who the hell—?

He opened it to find his squad leader, Tenzen, standing outside. Four ANBU operatives flanked him, blocking every possible escape route.

Yoru’s stomach dropped.

This wasn’t a friendly visit. They were here to arrest him.

Did I slip up? No way—I’ve been careful.

"Captain Tenzen," he forced out, "what’s this about?"

Tenzen’s voice was ice. "We have questions regarding ‘White Flash.’ Come with us."

"I’d advise against any sudden moves. For your own safety."

Yoru’s instincts screamed. That phrasing—it sounded like they knew.

But how?

Escape? He glanced at Tenzen and the four ANBU. All elite jonin. His odds were zero.

Going quietly? That was suicide.

He had no idea what awaited him—death? Torture?

"Yoru," Tenzen warned, stepping closer as he hesitated. "Don’t resist. Move."

Tch. Fine. I’ll gamble on the Raikage not having full confirmation yet.

Running now would trigger a village-wide manhunt. No way I’m surviving that.

Clenching his fists, Yoru stepped forward—only for his arms to be seized instantly.

"No tricks," Tenzen said, his gaze oddly conflicted. "Or they will kill you."

Truthfully, Tenzen didn’t want to believe it either.

But reality rarely cared.

ANBU Intelligence Detention

The Fourth Raikage’s voice cut like steel.

"Kirigakure’s B-rank missing-nin, ‘Giran.’ Skilled in Lightning Release and kenjutsu."

"Attempted to assassinate the Mizukage over political dissent. Failed. Defected to Kumogakure."

Before Yoru could speak, the Raikage continued.

"Elite Kirigakure shinobi. Younger brother of Mei Terumī, the ‘White Flash’—Yoru."

"Infiltrated Kumogakure under orders from the Mizukage, posing as ‘Giran’ for six months."

"Used a memory-altering jutsu to sustain the disguise, with voice and physique modified through special techniques."

The Raikage’s smirk was razor-edged.

"Even changed your fighting style to Lightning Release. Let Kirigakure’s hunters nearly kill you to sell the act."

"Impressive work, White Flash."

"To think the man I’ve been hunting was right under my nose."

Yoru’s blood turned to ice.

His pulse roared in his ears. His lips trembled. Cold sweat dripped down his spine.

His mind blanked—no strategies, no lies left.

Earlier, he’d clung to hope. Maybe the Raikage wasn’t certain. Maybe he could bluff.

Now? The trap had snapped shut.

Calm. Stay CALM.

Panic, and you die.

"Cat got your tongue, White Flash?" The Raikage crossed his arms. "Or should I say… Yoru?"

Yoru forced his voice steady. "Raikage-sama, you really believe I’m him?"

"The evidence is irrefutable."

"Where’s your proof?" Yoru countered. "How do you know it’s not fabricated?"

"Tenzen infiltrated Kirigakure for this intel," the Raikage said. "It’s flawless."

Yoru’s breath hitched. So that’s where Tenzen disappeared to.

"From Elder Genryū, then," he said bitterly. "That man’s my enemy. He’s using you to eliminate me."

The Raikage chuckled. "Save the theatrics. The report includes a way to break your seals."

"If you’re White Flash, you die. If not, I’ll apologize and never doubt you again."

His gaze was pitiless. A nod to Tenzen.

"Face-Copy Seal: RELEASE."

Yoru’s pupils shrank to pinpricks.

This was checkmate.

No lies. No escape. Just cold, inevitable exposure.

For the first time since arriving in this world—Yoru felt true despair.

Chapter 58: The System Has My Back

"System, HELP ME!!!"

As Tenjin’s hand reached toward him, Yoru’s mind screamed in desperation.

This was it—he was about to be exposed.

Time seemed to freeze. He watched, throat dry, as Tenjin’s fingers brushed his shoulder.

This is the end.

"Hmm?"

A faint hum vibrated through the air around him.

But… nothing happened.

"Impossible!" The Fourth Raikage’s roar shattered the silence. "Why isn’t it working?!"

For a heartbeat, Yoru stood stunned. Then—

Relief.

His knees nearly buckled. The System actually intervened!

A cold, mechanical voice echoed in his mind:

[Emergency measure activated. Cost: 10,000 Enhancement Points.]

[Further assistance available upon request.]

The confirmation sent a wave of dizzying reassurance through him.

The System really is on my side.

But before he could savor the moment, a crushing grip seized his shoulder.

"Ghk—!"

Pain flared as the Raikage’s fingers dug into his flesh. The man’s face was a mask of fury and disbelief.

"What trick did you pull?! Why didn’t the transformation break? ANSWER ME!"

The final shout hit like thunder, leaving Yoru’s ears ringing.

But now, with the System’s backing, fear gave way to calculated calm.

"Lord Raikage," he said evenly, "I told you—Genryū and I are enemies. This ‘evidence’ is just his way of manipulating you into killing me."

"I’m not the ‘White Flash.’ If I were, wouldn’t I have shown some reaction by now?"

He spread his hands, voice dripping with reason.

"Think about it. The White Flash mastered Water Release. I specialize in Lightning. For a twelve-year-old to excel in both to such a degree? Has anyone like that ever existed?"

The Raikage’s scowl deepened. "Then explain Tenjin’s intel! Are you saying his flawless infiltration was detected? That Genryū orchestrated this whole farce?"

The implication—that Kumo’s spies were inferior to Kiri’s—clearly stung.

Yoru hid a smirk. The angrier he gets, the sloppier his logic.

"With all due respect, Lord Raikage… Genryū’s methods are ruthlessly efficient. Every move in Kiri is monitored."

"Infiltration? Easy. Gathering intel? Nearly impossible without leaving traces. And Genryū excels at exploiting those."

He paused, then delivered the coup de grâce:

"Here’s proof—all Kiri-nin leaving the village receive a tracking seal. It lets allies sense each other… or ensures silence if a mission fails."

"Yet Tenjin-san felt nothing from me. Doesn’t that seem… convenient for Genryū’s narrative?"

The Raikage’s eye twitched. "You expect me to believe Kiri brands its own ninja like cattle?"

"Check for yourself." Yoru shrugged. "Kiri’s motto? ‘Sacrifice the few to save the many.’ Seals are just… efficient."

The brutal logic did sound like something the Bloody Mist would do.

For the first time, doubt flickered in the Raikage’s gaze.

But not enough.

"Fine. Then you won’t mind a memory scan." His smile was razor-thin. "If you’re innocent, I’ll apologize personally."

"Gladly." Yoru didn’t blink.

Let them dig. The System’s already rewritten everything.

Tenjin stepped forward, hands flashing through seals. "Release!"

Nothing.

The Raikage’s fists clenched. This brat… Is he truly clean?

As they marched toward Intelligence, Yoru’s mind raced.

The System didn’t just hide my identity—it rebuilt it.

A notification blinked in his vision:

[Memory Fabrication Complete.]

[Current Cover: 100% Authentic.]

Tenjin’s voice pulled him back to reality.

"This ends now. The truth will be laid bare."

Yoru smiled.

Oh, it will.

Chapter 59: Told You I Was Innocent

Nothing had gone as expected—yet in a way, that was both disappointing and a relief.

If Yoru wasn’t a spy, then all the better!

This time, the Fourth Raikage himself had come to oversee the memory inspection, a clear sign of his inner conflict.

Time crawled by.

For the Raikage, it felt like an eternity. The same went for Tenzen.

And for the interrogator? The pressure was unbearable under the combined gaze of the village’s two most formidable shinobi.

The only one at ease was Yoru himself.

Thanks to the System, even with the Memory Seal broken, there was no issue. The fabricated memories were flawless—no one in Kumogakure could detect a thing.

Twenty-five minutes later.

The inspection ended. The interrogator exhaled sharply, wiping sweat from his brow.

"Well?" The Raikage was on him instantly.

"No abnormalities. His memories are consistent with previous scans—completely normal."

"I examined everything meticulously. There’s nothing out of place."

The Raikage’s brow furrowed.

"See, Lord Raikage? I told you I was clean." Yoru strode over, smirking.

"You seem awfully pleased with yourself," the Raikage growled.

"Of course! My name’s cleared. Why wouldn’t I be happy?"

Yoru’s grin widened, deliberately ignoring the Raikage’s darkening expression.

"If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave. I’ve got patrol duty."

"If I’m late again, the acting captain will chew me out—and trust me, that’s not fun." He feigned a shudder.

"Go. Get out of my sight." The Raikage’s voice was a thunderous snarl, his glare sharp enough to kill.

"Dismissed!"

Yoru bolted for the door. He never wanted to step foot in that hellhole again.

"That was too damn close."

"If not for the System, Genryū’s scheme would’ve gotten me killed."

"That old bastard… Mark my words, I will make him pay."

In Yoru’s mind, Genryū had just earned himself a death sentence.

After Yoru left, the Raikage turned to Tenzen.

"You really think he’s clean?"

"Something about him doesn’t sit right. When we brought him in, he was panicking—like a man who’d been exposed."

"So why the hell did the scans show nothing?"

Tenzen crossed his arms. "Could’ve just been nerves. First time facing interrogation, after all."

"If Intelligence couldn’t find anything after three inspections, we should probably let it go."

"Unless his skills are god-tier—enough to fool our best analysts."

Had Yoru heard Tenzen defending him like this, he might’ve been touched.

The Raikage grunted. "Fair point."

But as he walked away, his thoughts churned.

"No flaws at all? I don’t buy it."

"Can’t keep him in ANBU. Too much access to classified intel."

"Where else could I dump him?"

—

"Maybe guarding the jinchūriki? No—if he is a spy, that’s handing him our weakness on a platter."

—

"The Assassination Unit, then. He’d only handle hits—no access to village secrets."

"Perfect. Neutralize the risk, exploit his skills."

Satisfied, the Raikage’s mood lifted slightly.

Meanwhile, in Kirigakure…

Mei Terumī’s face was stormy as she glared at the two ANBU agents kneeling before her.

"I ordered you to monitor Genryū’s every move."

"And now you’re telling me his men played you—letting intel on Yoru slip to Kumogakure?"

"I warned you. One misstep could cost him his life."

The two agents trembled, their faces ghostly pale under her wrath.

"Pray Yoru survives this. If he doesn’t, your lives are forfeit."

"Lock them up. Awaiting execution."

She swept her gaze across the room.

"Let this be a lesson. One mistake, and we all die. Understood?"

The assembled ninja nodded frantically.

At the back of the group, Kisame Hoshigaki smirked inwardly.

"Yoru… How will you handle this?"

The kid had recruited him with grand promises of revolution.

It’d be a shame if he died before the fun began.

Back in Kumogakure…

Returning to duty, Yoru faced no reprimands—his tardiness had been excused.

"Since you’re cleared, focus on your work. The Raikage doesn’t wrongfully accuse people." The acting captain’s tone was clipped.

Yoru nodded and rejoined his squad.

No one dared ask why he’d been hauled into Intelligence. Some questions were forbidden in ANBU.

That afternoon, Tenzen officially resumed command.

His first order?

A transfer.

Yoru was being reassigned—to the Assassination Unit.

Ōryū, just back from his own mission, frowned.

"The hell? Why move him there?"

Chapter 60: "I'm Hard to Kill"

"Captain, why did Lord Raikage transfer him?"

"His strength and talent are exceptional—shouldn’t he be a core asset?"

"The Assassination Squad is a death trap! This is a waste of his potential!"

Ōryū’s frustration was met with Tenjin’s flat response:

"Orders are orders. We follow them, not question them."

With that, the matter was closed.

Before Yoru left, Tenjin gave him a final look.

"Don’t die, Kōkō."

Yoru grinned. "Relax, Captain. I’m hard to kill."

So the Raikage still doesn’t trust me.

Transferring me to the Assassination Squad—afraid I’ll dig up intel? Smart… but pointless.

The farther you push me, the more eyes and ears I gain.

At the Assassination Squad’s base, his arrival was met with predatory grins.

"Hah! Fresh meat!"

"Hey kid, ever killed before? Or will you puke your guts out on your first mission?"

"Hope you’re not squeamish—we don’t do cleanup duty."

A wave of bloodlust crashed over him. Yoru ignored it, studying his new teammates instead.

Impressive. Every one of them is stronger than the average ANBU. And that killer intent…

Perfect. I’ll fit right in.

The squad’s leader—Tōrō, the same elite from the Two-Tails battle—recognized him instantly.

"You? Here?" Tōrō’s icy gaze flickered with surprise. "Tenjin actually let you go?"

After a brief exchange, Tōrō laid down the law:

• "Follow my orders—even if you disagree. Argue after the mission."

• "No infighting. Settle disputes in the ring or not at all."

• "Betray the village, and I’ll kill you myself."

Yoru nodded. Rules were simple.

"Good. Then you’re just in time for your first assignment."

As they raced through the trees, skeptics circled like vultures.

"Try to keep up, rookie. We won’t carry you."

Yoru scratched his head, playing naive. "I’ll do my best."

Their pitying looks were almost funny.

Meanwhile, Tōrō’s thoughts:

"Debut kill count: 100+. Crushed Darui in sparring. Suppressed an A-rank traitor. Fought a Tailed Beast."

"But assassination? That’s a different game. Let’s see if talent translates to execution."

He briefed Yoru mid-sprint:

"Target: B-rank nukenin Megumura Sawa. Six years on the run, now entrenched in Tsuki no Kuni."

"Controls the black market. Armed militia. Political ties. A rat king with teeth."

Yoru’s eyes gleamed. "Challenge accepted."

Tōrō’s mouth twitched. "Stick to the plan. Impress me."

"No promises," Yoru said, "but I’ll try."

The pack surged forward—into the hunt.