Chapter 28: This Is Basically a Suicide Mission

"Heard you took out a few more A-rank shinobi!"

"Not bad, Yoru. You’re practically famous across the shinobi world now!"

In a dimly lit tavern, Terumī Mei, cheeks flushed from drink, teased Yoru as he sipped his juice.

"Tch. Just a bunch of idiots trying to cash in on my bounty."

"Weak, but persistent—like flies. Annoying as hell."

Yoru waved it off, though the truth wasn’t so simple. Some of those "flies" had pushed him to the brink. But dead men couldn’t argue.

"Giggle—only you would call A-rank shinobi ‘weak.’" Mei’s laughter rang like silver bells, her charm stirring restless glances from nearby ninja. Yet none dared act—her reputation was as lethal as her beauty.

Meanwhile, in the Shadows...

"Laugh while you can, Mei. Soon, you won’t have anything to smile about."

In a secluded room, Genryū glared at a scroll titled:

"Infiltrate Kumogakure: Operation Draft."

At the bottom, under "Recommended Operative," one name stood out:

Yoru.

"Mei… this time, I’ll make sure you taste despair."

"Yoru, you’ll die in Kumo—and there’s nothing she can do to stop it."

When the Mizukage issued this mission, Genryū hadn’t hesitated. Yoru was perfect—skilled, bold, and expendable. Mei’s protests would be meaningless.

And with the council already in his pocket? The decision was final.

The Next Day: Council Chambers

"You’re sending Yoru on this mission? Are you INSANE?"

Mei’s voice cracked like a whip. As one of the elders, she slammed the table, eyes blazing.

"He graduated a month ago! There are a dozen better candidates!"

Her gaze locked onto Genryū, murderous intent seething. "This is pure vengeance, and you know it."

Genryū smirked. "Spare me the theatrics, Mei. I merely followed orders."

"Yoru’s skills, nerve, and intellect make him ideal. Unless you have a better nominee…?"

Silence.

Mei gritted her teeth. She’d just been released from prison—she had no alternatives.

"Then we vote." Genryū’s tone dripped triumph. "The Mizukage awaits."

The outcome? 9-3. Overwhelming defeat.

"I’ll take this to the Mizukage directly!" Mei stormed out, robes whirling.

But Yagura—under Obito’s control—had no reason to refuse. The order stood.

"Damn it ALL!" Mei returned, fists trembling. Genryū’s smug grin made her want to rip his head off.

"Wait… infiltrate KUMOGAKURE? As a SPY?"

Yoru’s mind blanked.

Grass. A plant. That’s all he could think.

Were they trying to get him killed? A rookie with zero espionage experience, sent alone into the Land of Lightning?

"Just stab me here and save the trouble!"

But the Mizukage’s decree was clear:

"Yoru will train with the Cipher Division, then deploy to Kumogakure."

No appeals. No mercy.

"How could the Mizukage sanction this madness?!"

Mei’s nails dug into her palms. For the first time, regicide flickered in her mind.

A leader this reckless doesn’t deserve the hat.

Yoru stopped her before she combusted.

"Calm down, sis. We lost this round, but not the war."

"The Cipher Division is my chance to recruit Kisame—no one will suspect a thing."

Silver linings.

Mei wasn’t convinced. "But if you’re caught in Kumo—"

"I’ll change my fighting style. They know my water techniques? Fine. I’ll use my other chakra nature."

"Yoru—"

"We can’t refuse. But I swear—when I return, we make our move. No more dancing to their tune."

Mei’s eyes hardened. "Deal. But you BETTER come back alive."

Yoru grinned. "Obviously."

Then, slyly: "By the way… heard Genryū’s private library has rare scrolls—ninjutsu, genjutsu, even seals."

"Bet he won’t mind ‘sharing.’"

Payback was coming.

And for Obito?

"Enjoy your little puppet show while it lasts. Your turn to cry is coming."