*Chapter 32: The Feint Becomes Real*

He was covered in wounds, blood seeping out, his breathing ragged.

But this wasn’t acting anymore—he was genuinely cornered.

He had thought these Kirigakure ninja were just "actors" playing along with the ruse.

But when Yoru, intending only to put on a convincing show for the Cloud ninja, took a knife straight to the heart and nearly died, he realized the truth.

He’d been deceived. These men might actually be here to kill him.

After all, back in Kirigakure, there was still *Genryū*—a man who wanted him dead more than anything.

"What a shame. We gave you a chance."

"Since you didn’t take it… we’ll just have to fulfill that man’s request and bury you here."

"Heh. Perfect spot, too. No villages for miles. Just right for a stray ghost like you."

"Let’s finish this brat off! Once he’s dead, we can focus on dealing with his sister!"

With that, the ANBU lunged at him like a pack of tigers.

*"Genryū!!!"*

Yoru instantly understood who "that man" was.

"So what if you figured it out?!" the lead Kiri-nin sneered. "Our ‘overzealous performance’ was approved by the Mizukage himself!"

"Even if we kill you, it’ll just be written off as an accident. Your sister can’t touch us!"

"Now DIE!"

A blade flashed toward Yoru’s throat. More followed from all sides.

Blood loss had dulled his reflexes—he couldn’t dodge in time.

"Damn it… No choice. Water Release it is. So what if I blow my cover? Staying alive comes first!"

Yoru wasn’t foolish enough to cling to his "Yura" identity at this point.

But just as he prepared to weave hand signs, a voice cut through the chaos from behind him:

"If you want him dead, you’ll have to go through us first!"

*"Lightning Release: Lightning Pillar!"*

A blinding surge of electricity erupted, forcing the Kiri-nin back. They regrouped defensively, wary of an ambush.

Yet when the light faded…

Yoru was gone. So were his rescuers. Not a trace remained.

"DAMN IT! After them! Don’t let him escape!"

The lead Kiri-nin’s face twisted in fury as he gave chase, his men following swiftly.

But no matter how skilled these Mist ninja were, they were still outsiders in the *Land of Lightning*. Against the native Cloud shinobi, they stood no chance.

Soon, they lost their target entirely.

"RRRGH—!"

The Kiri-nin’s roar of frustration echoed through the woods.

No wonder he was furious. He’d leaked Genryū’s involvement, only for Yoru to be rescued by Kumo-nin. *Genryū would never let him live this down.*

Even if by some miracle Genryū spared him… once Yoru grew stronger and returned to Kirigakure, his death would be guaranteed.

But no amount of rage changed the facts. Yoru had escaped.

Now, he had to figure out how to explain this failure to Genryū.

---

*Meanwhile…*

"Yura, right? We’re Cloud ninja. Here to rescue you. Stay still—we’re taking you to Kumogakure."

A towering Kumo-nin carried Yoru’s weakened body over his shoulder while a leaner one spoke to him reassuringly.

"Looks like I’m saved. Your timing was perfect."

Yoru grinned, relief washing over him—though inwardly, his thoughts burned with vengeance.

*"Genryū… you couldn’t even wait before making your move, huh?"*

*"Remember this. When I return… I’ll make you regret it."*

---

*One Day Later – Kumogakure*

"A near-fatal stab wound to the heart… plus severe injuries all over?"

"If this is acting, he’s committed to the role. They were clearly trying to kill him."

"Send him to the hospital first. Let him recover—but keep him under surveillance."

"Once he’s healed, bring him to ANBU for interrogation. We need to verify his background."

"Escaping a squad of elite Mist ANBU… this kid’s got skill."

"If he’s genuine, he could be a valuable asset."

The Fourth Raikage issued these orders to the mission captain, who bowed and left to carry them out.

---

*Two Days Later – Kumogakure Hospital*

"You’re finally awake! To survive those injuries and still make it here… you’re tough, I’ll give you that."

A young medical-nin greeted Yoru as he opened his eyes.

"Heh. Guess I should thank the gods for letting me live another day."

Sitting up, Yoru glanced around. "Compared to Kirigakure’s gloom, this place feels… refreshing. Relaxing, even."

"Of course it is. Why else would you risk your life to come here?"

"Anyway, no time to chat. The Raikage’s orders—report to him as soon as you’re awake."

With that, the medic-nin—her ponytail swaying—walked off.

"No nonsense, straight to business. That’s the Cloud Village for you. Not bad."

His chest wound had mostly healed, leaving only a dull ache. Grabbing the white blade by his bedside and slipping into his clothes, Yoru headed for the *Raikage’s Office*.

The guards, already briefed, escorted him inside without question.

---

*Raikage’s Office*

"Yura. B-rank missing-nin from Kirigakure. Former Special Jonin. Proficient in Lightning Release and kenjutsu."

"Attempted to assassinate the Mizukage but failed. Defected due to the village’s oppressive regime."

"But how much of this can I trust? How do I know any of it’s true?"

The Fourth Raikage crossed his arms, his towering frame looming over Yoru. Beside him stood two figures:

- A composed, dark-skinned kunoichi with her hair tied up (*Mabui*).

- A silver-haired shinobi with the character for "Lightning" etched on his arm (*Darui*).

Yoru didn’t flinch.

"Those details are easy to fake. Why bother confirming them with me?"

"Even if I swore it was all true, would you believe me?"

"Why not dig deeper?" He tapped his temple. "Like the intel stored up here—the kind the Raikage actually needs."

His calm, unconventional response caught the Raikage off guard—just for a moment.

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