*Chapter 31: Departure – The Infiltration Plan for Kumogakure*

"Suiton: Suijinheki (Water Style: Water Pillar)!"

Mei Terumī had already formed hand seals the moment Yoru was sent flying.

The instant Yoru hit the ground, two conical water pillars shot toward him.

"Boom!"

This time, Yoru couldn’t dodge in time. He crossed his sword in front of his chest, only to be blasted back by the impact.

But just as Mei closed in for another attack—

Yoru’s body dissolved into crackling lightning, surging toward her.

It was a modified version of Raiton: Raiden Bunshin no Jutsu (Lightning Style: Lightning Clone Technique)—transforming into a direct lightning assault.

"Raiton: Kangekiha (Lightning Style: Lightning Surge)!"

A web of brilliant electricity, serpentine in motion, coiled around Mei’s body.

Yet in the next moment, her form collapsed into a splash of water before she reappeared behind Yoru, delivering a crushing "Fragrant Foot" kick.

"Raiton: Raichūheki (Lightning Style: Lightning Pillar Wall)!"

Unfazed, Yoru raised two blinding pillars of lightning from the ground, blocking the attack.

"Whoosh!"

Mei didn’t confront the barrier head-on—instead, she vanished mid-air.

But the moment she reappeared, Yoru’s voice rang out:

"Fūryū Jūjutsu (Binding Current Seal)!"

Triangular sealing script rapidly crawled over Mei’s body, locking her movements.

"When did he land this sealing technique?!" Mei thought, startled.

Then it hit her—"Was it when I repelled him earlier?"

If so, Yoru’s adaptability was frightening.

"Raiton: Rakurai Jin (Lightning Style: Falling Thunder Array)!"

His voice cut through her thoughts.

A dark cloud swirled above Mei, crackling with gathering lightning—enough to make even her tense.

"Impressive, Yoru! Even after changing your fighting style, you’re still formidable!"

"But this won’t be enough to defeat me!"

A surge of chakra erupted from Mei’s body, shattering the seals’ hold.

As the lightning crashed down, she formed a hand seal and spat out a "Suiton: Suijinheki (Water Style: Water Wall)", shielding herself.

"No cheap shots, Yoru!"

While she blocked the lightning, Yoru had already closed the distance, his blade gleaming coldly as he thrust forward.

Mei’s hands moved in a flash.

"Suiton: Gōsuiwan no Jutsu (Water Style: Giant Water Arm)!"

"Boom!"

A massive watery fist erupted from the ground, smashing into Yoru and sending him flying.

Too fast to react.

"Ugh—!"

Yoru felt his ribs might’ve cracked. Blood sprayed from his mouth as he hit the ground.

"It’s not over yet, Yoru. Stay sharp!"

Mei’s voice echoed as her cheeks puffed.

"Suiton: Suishōha (Water Style: Water Pillar Rush)!"

A crushing tidal wave swallowed Yoru whole—too overwhelming to resist, too sudden to counter.

Helpless, his body tumbled violently in the current before the water dispersed, leaving him sprawled on the ground, gasping.

"...I lost."

He pushed himself up, dripping and battered.

The moment Mei got serious, the gap between them became undeniable.

"To wield Raiton techniques like this right after mastering them… Only you could pull that off, Yoru."

"At this point, only jōnin and above pose a real threat to you. That gives me some peace of mind."

"But once you reach Kumogakure, be extra cautious. Don’t expose your identity—understand?" She patted his shoulder firmly.

"Don’t worry, Mei. I’ll be careful. You stay safe too—watch out for Genryū’s schemes."

"Let’s both do our part. In six months, we’ll seize our fate and rebuild Kirigakure."

"Oh, and one more thing—don’t trust Hoshigaki Kisame. Don’t let him suspect anything. If you need surveillance, rely on Momochi Zabuza. He’s reliable."

Mei nodded at his warnings.

With that, Yoru turned and left the training grounds, setting off for Kumogakure.

---

*Kumogakure*

"Don’t screw up this time."

"If we lose another recruit, Kumogakure’s reputation will take a hit." The Fourth Raikage’s voice boomed as he addressed the team of shinobi before him.

"Understood!"

The ninja vanished in a blur.

"Yoru of Kirigakure… Whether your defection is real or fake, I’ll extract every scrap of intel you have."

"If you pass our tests, you’ll earn my trust. Fail, and you’ll be under surveillance until you’re useless."

"Either way, Kumogakure loses nothing."

The Raikage wasn’t a fool. He wouldn’t blindly welcome a defector from Kirigakure without his own agenda.

"This ‘Yoru’ is also a chance to learn more about that ‘White Flash’ making waves lately."

"He’s a potential threat—not on the level of the Yellow Flash, but if Konoha’s wary of him, he’s worth watching."

---

*On the Road to the Land of Lightning*

"Faster! No delays!"

"If we fail again, we’ll have no honor left. Death would be kinder than facing the Raikage empty-handed!"

"Stay sharp! This mission will succeed!" The ANBU captain’s voice was steel.

"Yes, sir!"

The squad’s reply carried grim resolve.

---

*Border of the Land of Lightning*

"Give up, Yoru. There’s nowhere left to run."

"Treason against the Mizukage is punishable by death. Surrender now, and you might be spared."

A group of Kirigakure ninja surrounded a silver-haired young man, their expressions icy.

"You think I’d turn back now? Returning means death—we both know the price of betrayal in Kirigakure."

"Save your breath. Today, I have two choices:"

"Die fighting… or hold out until Kumo’s reinforcements arrive."

"There’s no third option."

The silver-haired man—Yoru—gripped his blade tighter.

---