*Chapter 19: "Do You Really Think I Won’t Kill You?"*

Just one minute after they left, a squad of Kumogakure shinobi appeared on the scene.

When they saw that Masaoka Izumi and his two comrades were already dead, they couldn’t help but seethe with frustration.

They had finally managed to recruit three skilled individuals, only to arrive a step too late.

How the hell are we supposed to report this failure?

"Damn those Kirigakure bastards—they’re too damn fast!" the leader snarled through gritted teeth.

The mere thought of the Raikage’s wrath sent a chill down their spines.

They briefly considered giving chase, hoping to slaughter the Kirigakure nin and present their heads as a peace offering. But Tenkō and his team had erased their tracks flawlessly, leaving no trail to follow.

Defeated, they had no choice but to return empty-handed and face the music.

---

Meanwhile, with Yoru…

His condition was far from good. Despite emergency treatment—stitches,blood-clotting medicine, and anti-inflammatory drugs—the relentless pace of their retreat kept reopening his wounds.

By now, his face was as pale as wax.

Yet Tenkō gave no order to stop. He simply commanded Taka to carry Yoru and keep moving.

"I swear… when I get the chance, I’m reforming our medical protocols!"

"This agony of being injured with no proper treatment… it’s unbearable!"

Clenching his teeth, Yoru made this vow silently as Taka carried him onward.

---

They finally reached Kirigakure a full day later.

Yoru had no idea how he’d endured the torment. The moment they arrived, his body gave out, and he collapsed into unconsciousness.

---

*Kirigakure Medical Facility*

"Yoru… please, hang in there! Our plans haven’t even begun yet—I won’t let you die like this!"

Tears welled in Mei Terumī’s eyes as she gently touched Yoru’s icy, bloodless face, praying silently.

His injuries were severe—so severe that his vital signs were nearly gone. If not for Mei’s insistence on treatment, he would’ve been long dead. Most would’ve deemed his condition hopeless.

Even now, his chances were slim.

The medic-nin’s words were grim: "Whether he wakes up or not… is up to fate now."

"Thankfully, he performed emergency first aid and sutured his wounds himself."

"Otherwise, with a severed cardiac artery and that much blood loss… he never would’ve lasted this long."

Yoru’s sheer will to survive was nothing short of a medical miracle.

---

*Mizukage’s Office*

"So, he single-handedly killed Yukou Mitsuta? This Yoru kid… he’s got skill."

The Fourth Mizukage listened to Tenkō’s report, a cold smirk playing on his lips.

"Hmph. It seems he’s worth cultivating."

Once everyone had left, he muttered to himself:

"By mistreating Yoru, I can provoke Mei Terumī’s fury."

"Her conflict with the Mizukage will weaken Kirigakure from within… Perfect. Absolutely perfect."

"Yoru… you showed up at just the right time. What a wonderful inspiration you’ve given me."

Of course, these words didn’t belong to Yagura—but to Uchiha Obito, the one pulling the strings.

"Now then… what should his next mission be?"

"Hmm… What a delightful dilemma."

The false Mizukage’s smile was as sharp as a blade.

---

*Elsewhere…*

"Heh. What a coincidence, Mei. The medical division just so happens to fall under my jurisdiction."

"If you want to save Yoru… you’ll have to ask for my permission first."

"Did you really think I’d let you off without a price?"

Kanta Sen smirked coldly in his office.

This was the perfect chance to settle the humiliation Mei and Yoru had dealt him last time.

She’ll have no choice but to yield. Unless… she’s willing to let Yoru die.

He immediately issued orders: *Halve Yoru’s medication.* Only if Mei came to him personally would the full treatment resume.

"Sir, isn’t this… a bit too far?" A medic-nin hesitated, his face uneasy.

Mei Terumī was one of Kirigakure’s Big Three—a figure of immense influence, with elite warriors under her command, many holding key positions in the ANBU.

Pushing her too far was a dangerous gamble. If she snapped, the medical division would suffer the backlash.

"Too far? Are you… disobeying me?" Kanta’s gaze turned glacial.

"N-No, of course not! I just… thought I should mention it—"

The medic shuddered. Mei was terrifying, but so was Kanta.

"Then stop wasting time. If this fails, I’m holding you responsible."

Kanta’s tone was murderous. The medic broke out in a cold sweat and hurried away.

"Heh… Mei Terumī. Finally, I’ll get to savor you."

"A mature woman like you… I bet you’ll be exquisite to break."

Kanta had lusted after Mei for years. Now, he’d finally have her.

As for consequences? He wasn’t worried.

No matter how powerful Mei is, can she compare to my father, Elder Genryū?

With his influence backing me, she wouldn’t dare act recklessly.

But… would things really go as he expected?

---

*The Next Day*

"KANTA SEN! YOU’RE DIGGING YOUR OWN GRAVE! DO YOU REALLY THINK I WON’T KILL YOU?!"

When Mei discovered the sabotage and forced the head medic to reveal the truth, she stormed straight to Kanta’s estate.

"Lady Terumī, please stop!"

ANBU and guards rushed to block her path—but Mei was beyond reason. Her killing intent was thick enough to drown the air.

"Move. Or I’ll consider you my enemies."

When they still refused to budge, her gaze turned arctic.

"So… you’ve chosen to stand against me."

The ANBU swallowed hard. They knew Mei’s strength—this was a woman who could fight three of the Seven Swordsmen at once.

Opposing her… was suicide.

---

Kanta, hearing the commotion, stepped out with a smug grin.

"Mei Terumī, you dare barge into the Elder Council’s grounds? You’re finished! No one can save you now!"

He then barked at the ANBU:

"You idiots! Arrest her! If you let this criminal escape, I’ll have your heads!"

The ANBU’s expressions darkened.

When trapped between a demon and a tyrant… what choice do we have?

---