*Chapter 33: "Know Your Place, Rookie"*

Most defectors who came before him would either beg, "Lord Raikage, please believe me!" or swear, "I’d never dare deceive you! I’m truly loyal—no tricks!"

But Yoru? Calm. Methodical. He skipped past all the easily verifiable details—something the Raikage had never seen before.

"Interesting. Very interesting. You’ve got my attention now."

"Fine. Let’s see what’s inside that head of yours."

The Fourth Raikage flicked a glance at the ANBU behind Yoru. They hauled him away without another word.

Words could lie. Memories couldn’t.

*Thirty minutes later.*

Yoru was dragged back, face pale, veins throbbing at his temples.

"Well? Any discrepancies in his memories?" the Raikage demanded.

The ANBU shook his head. "None. But there’s little intel on ‘White Flash’—just fragments."

The Raikage’s eyes sharpened. "You’re from Kirigakure. Explain why you know so little about your own village’s rising star, Yoru."

His tone made it clear: One wrong answer, and Yoru was dead.

"White Flash is famous, yes. But I’ve been on long-term missions. Knowing his name doesn’t mean I’ve met him. Isn’t that normal?"

Yoru kept his voice steady, but inwardly, he praised Kirigakure’s ANBU. Their memory forgery was flawless—no traces, no cracks.

The village’s isolation helped. Few outsiders knew enough to spot inconsistencies.

At least I’ve passed the first hurdle.

As long as he didn’t slip up, suspicion would fade.

"You’re too composed for someone who supposedly tried to assassinate the Mizukage," the Raikage mused, half-praising, half-probing.

Yoru smiled. "Only because you gave me room to breathe, Lord Raikage. Kirigakure… never allowed me to think freely."

Flattery. The Raikage ate it up.

"Welcome to Kumogakure, then, Yoru. You’ll join the ANBU—do what you do best."

A heavy hand clapped his shoulder. "Serve well, and you’ll be rewarded."

"Yes, Lord Raikage!" Yoru bowed, feigning gratitude.

Once he left, the Raikage smirked. "That kid’s got nerve. But trust? That’ll take time."

---

*Kumogakure ANBU Headquarters*

Yoru was led to registration, issued a uniform, and introduced to his new squad.

"This is Yoru—formerly Kirigakure’s Special Jōnin, codename ‘Swiftstrike.’ Play nice, boys."

The ANBU’s glares said otherwise. "Play nice" clearly meant "Break him in."

Guess I’ll have to earn my place the hard way.

Strength commanded respect—universal law.

"Memorize the ANBU code in 24 hours. Missions start tomorrow."

A manual was shoved into his hands before the officer left.

Yoru bowed politely. "I look forward to working with you all."

A hulking ANBU sneered. "Listen up, rookie. We don’t care about seniority here. Strength rules. Slow us down tomorrow, and we’ll bury you."

Yoru’s smile didn’t waver. "Of course. I expected nothing less."

Then, as the man turned away:

"But you’re mistaken about one thing."

"Kirigakure also lives by strength. Hierarchy? That’s Konoha’s weakness."

"And if **you* hold me back… I’ll kill you without hesitation."*

"Deadweight has no place on the battlefield."

*Silence.*

Then—rage.

"You little shit—!"

The giant ANBU—Orōi—charged, fist crackling with lightning.

"Raiton: Raibōryū (Lightning Style: Thunderclap Flow)!"

Murmurs erupted:

"Idiot’s picking a fight with Orōi? His defense is unbreakable—even jōnin struggle!"

"Teach this outsider his place!"

"Don’t kill him, Orōi. Raikage’ll have your head."

Orōi grinned as Yoru stood motionless. "What’s wrong? Scared stiff?"

"Don’t worry—I’ll leave you breathing!"

His fist hurtled toward Yoru’s skull—

Until a calm voice cut through:

"Rokkō Enjin (Six Pillar Flame Seal)."

A hexagon of crimson light erupted, shielding Yoru. Orōi’s fist slammed into the barrier—

And stuck there.

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