*Chapter 26: The White Flash, Fame Across the Shinobi World*

On a remote island, Yoru and his team finally stopped to catch their breath after fleeing nonstop, ensuring no pursuers were behind them.

"Hah… hah… That was… way too close…"

Yoru slumped against a tree, gasping for air like his lungs were on fire. His throat burned, and his chest felt ready to explode.

"Heh… Still, gotta admit… that was kinda thrilling."

He was the only one with enough energy to talk. Normally, Yoru’s carefree attitude would’ve drawn scolding. But today, he’d contributed half the mission’s success—earning him nothing but gratitude. His usual rule-breaking? Completely ignored.

Hawk and White Wolf watched Yoru with unwavering resolve.

We won’t lag behind forever. Next time, we’ll keep up!

---

A day later, the battered group returned to Kirigakure—successfully delivering the crucial medical data.

And with it, Yoru’s exploits spread like wildfire.

The village was stunned.

Escaping the Copy Ninja, Hatake Kakashi, *twice*? Fighting an Uchiha prodigy to a standstill? Killing two Special Jonin and several Chunin-level enemies?

Even for a Jonin, those feats were monstrous.

But Yoru—*a twelve-year-old*—had also bought the critical time needed for the mission’s success.

Was this even possible?

Doubt lingered—until, two days later, a message from Konoha erased it:

*"If encountered, eliminate Kirigakure’s ‘White Flash’ at all costs. His potential is too dangerous to ignore."*

Worse? Yoru’s bounty hit the black market: *30 million ryo*.

Now, the entire shinobi world knew his name.

---

"The ‘White Flash,’ huh? Hmph… How does he compare to the ‘Yellow Flash’ of old?"

"Kirigakure’s been silent too long. To produce a monster like this… We underestimated them."

"Is there another ‘White Flash’ waiting? We need to monitor them closely."

The Five Great Nations adjusted their strategies—shifting from neglect to active surveillance.

*Information was power.*

---

*Konohagakure*

The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, stared grimly out his window.

"What is this ‘White Flash’? Since when does Kirigakure spawn geniuses like this?"

Unease gnawed at him.

"His skills border on Jonin-level, yet he outmaneuvered Kakashi twice. That speed… that agility…"

"Even Itachi struggled against his mist techniques—genjutsu even the Sharingan couldn’t reflect!"

"And that water wall blocking Kakashi’s Chidori? How?!"

If a Kage-level shinobi pulled this off, he wouldn’t bat an eye.

But Yoru? A kid with near-Jonin strength?

It defied logic.

"His talent might surpass even Itachi’s."

For the first time, Hiruzen saw Uchiha Itachi—Konoha’s genius—stumped by a peer.

The shock in Kakashi and Itachi’s eyes during the debrief said it all.

Yoru had done the unthinkable: *humiliated two legends*, secured the mission, and etched his name in history.

Most shinobi wouldn’t achieve this in a lifetime.

For Yoru? *Just another mission.*

---

*Kirigakure*

In the Mizukage’s office, Yagura studied a scroll labeled:

*"Infiltrate Kumogakure: Operation Draft."*

"You continue to surprise me, Yoru."

Had Yoru known Yagura’s next move, he’d have cursed.

"I just pulled off a miracle, and you’re throwing me into another suicide mission?!"

But ignorance was bliss.

Instead, Yoru found himself facing three determined figures:

"Yoru. Fight us."

Ameyuri Ringo, Hōzuki Suigetsu, and Shima Isshin glared, their earlier arrogance replaced by urgency.

After Yoru slew an A-rank rogue ninja (Yukou Mitsuda), they’d sworn to catch up.

Now? He was trading blows with Jonin, shaping missions, and *famous worldwide*.

The gap was crushing.

"We need to see how far behind we are."

Yoru sighed.

"Fine. But don’t cry if I break you."

---

News of the duel spread instantly.

"Ameyuri Ringo vs. Yoru? Hell yeah, I’m watching!"

Even Momochi Zabuza and Kubikiribōchō’s wielders (Black Lightning and Raiga) showed up.

This wasn’t just a spar.

*It was a reckoning.*

---