*Chapter 29: Genryū Wants to Spit Blood*

Hearing this, Terumī Mei chuckled smugly. "Of course. Whether he agrees or not doesn’t matter—he has no choice!"

*The Next Day*

"You damn brat! Don’t push your luck!!"

Genryū nearly spat blood in fury as he glared at Yoru’s triumphant smirk and the official order from the Mizukage in his hand.

*Mizukage’s Decree:*

"Yoru is permitted to study in Genryū’s Treasure Vault of Techniques for two days. All non-forbidden jutsu are to be made available without obstruction."

This is absurd!

Yoru was Terumī Mei’s little brother—his sworn enemy. And now, he had to help this very enemy grow stronger? Was there anything more humiliating?

*No!*

"Lord Mizukage, what were you thinking?! How could you approve such an outrageous request?!"

But in the end, Genryū had no choice but to let Yoru in. No matter how furious he was, defying the Mizukage’s authority was unthinkable.

"Well then, thank you, Elder Genryū. I’ll be sure to visit you often—"

"GET OUT! JUST GET OUT!!"

Before Yoru could finish, Genryū roared, cutting him off. The sheer rage proved too much—the elder coughed up blood and collapsed on the spot.

"Hey, that wasn’t my fault! Don’t look at me like that!"

Yoru shrugged innocently at the surrounding guards before strolling into the Treasure Vault.

His goal wasn’t just Lightning Release techniques.

Annoying Genryū was one objective. The other? Learning sealing jutsu, barrier techniques, and other secret arts.

Infiltrating Kumogakure required extreme caution—walls had ears, and unpredictable dangers lurked everywhere.

Barrier techniques would give him an edge in detection, trapping enemies, or masking his presence.

As for sealing jutsu? Those were for dealing with Uchiha Obito.

Ordinary ninjutsu couldn’t touch Kamui.

---

"What a vindictive little brat. Genryū tricked him once, and he retaliates immediately?"

"Heh. I’m curious what surprises you’ll bring."

"Though honestly… it’d be even better if you died in Kumogakure."

In the Mizukage’s office, "Yagura" chuckled darkly.

Uchiha Obito’s orders were clear: "Stoke the flames between Terumī Mei and Kirigakure. Force her to rebel."

And the best way?

*Kill Yoru.*

---

*Two Days Later*

"Heh. The Treasure Vault really lives up to its name."

Yoru stood up from a corner, stretching before stepping out.

"Ugh. The sunlight’s blinding."

Squinting until his eyes adjusted, he spotted Elder Genryū waiting outside.

"Thank you for your generosity, Elder! I’ve learned so much—truly, I’m grateful!"

Yoru bowed dramatically, oozing mock sincerity.

Genryū scoffed. "Hmph. As long as you gained something, I suppose it wasn’t a waste of the Mizukage’s and my efforts."

"The Cipher Division is ready. Complete your training, then leave for your mission immediately."

"Fail, and neither I nor the Mizukage will spare you."

("Let him study all he wants. Two days? What could he possibly master?")

("Five C-rank jutsu at most. If he managed one secret technique, I’d be shocked.")

Learning a handful of low-level techniques wouldn’t boost his strength meaningfully.

That thought soothed Genryū’s bitterness—he wasn’t really empowering his enemy.

"As expected of the great elder! Such impeccable arrangements. Farewell!"

Yoru vanished in a flicker.

The moment he left, Genryū stormed into the vault.

He had to see which techniques Yoru had taken.

("First time surrounded by so many jutsu, he must’ve panicked.")

("With only two days, he’d grab whatever was closest—C-rank trash, no doubt.")

When he checked, his suspicions were confirmed.

The A-rank scrolls were untouched. Only two B-rank techniques showed signs of use.

The C-rank section, however, was thoroughly rummaged.

("Heh. Just a shortsighted brat.")

("No strategic vision. More doesn’t mean better—mastery beats quantity any day.")

("All those C-rank jutsu? Worthless. His strength barely budged.")

("I thought he was clever. Turns out he’s just another fool.")

Then, he checked the secret techniques section.

Barrier jutsu. Sealing arts.

("Pathetic. Did he seriously think he could master barrier techniques in two days?")

("The C-rank spam was stupid enough, but this? Next-level idiocy.")

("All brawn, no brain. Without his sister holding his hand, he’s nothing.")

This entire scheme had to be Terumī Mei’s idea. No way Yoru was smart enough to plan it.

Genryū left the vault, spirits lifted.

Knowing his enemy was an idiot? *Priceless.*

---

*On the Road*

("Who knew most C-rank jutsu had high reinforcement potential? A lucky find.")

("Wish I had time to check A and B-ranks, but no matter.")

("Give me time, and I’ll make C-rank Lightning techniques outclass A-ranks.")

("Genryū’s probably laughing at me right now, thinking I’m no threat.")

("Joke’s on him. My gains? Far bigger than he’ll ever know.")

With that, Yoru sped toward the Cipher Division.

There, he met Kisame Hoshigaki for the first time—up close.

His unnervingly eager grin made even the stoic Kisame uneasy.

("Let’s begin. Cipher training.")

His instructor? None other than one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen—Samehada’s wielder, *Fuguki Suikazan.*

Kisame merely assisted, mechanically demonstrating signals.

Yoru learned fast. His life depended on it—no room for slacking.

("Kisame Hoshigaki… how will you respond to my offer?")

Mid-training, Yoru stole a glance at him.

His pitch was ready. Now, it hinged on whether Kisame would be as… receptive as in the original timeline.

---

*During a Break*

"Kisame Hoshigaki—wait up. I’ve got some questions."

At a hallway corner, Yoru’s voice slithered out like a ghost’s whisper, halting Kisame in his tracks.

---