Chapter 14: Ambition Drives Progress

"No outsider must ever learn Kirigakure’s secrets."

"If they do, the situation could spiral out of my control. I won’t allow that."

Hidden in the shadows, Uchiha Obito watched silently, his thoughts sharp.

After the battle, Mei Terumī volunteered to patrol the village—officially to prevent Orochimaru from causing trouble.

Mizukage Yagura saw no issue with the request and approved it.

But was patrol really Mei’s goal?

Of course not.

She was using it as an excuse to find Yoru.

Normally, his sudden disappearance wouldn’t be a big deal.

But today was different. Orochimaru’s presence had multiplied the danger tenfold.

"Yoru… please be safe." She prayed silently.

Then, as she searched anxiously, she spotted him—whistling a tune, hands behind his head, looking completely carefree.

What followed was pure theater.

"An ANBU member has no business wandering the village recklessly! Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?"

"Yoru! Do you realize your mistake?"

Mei’s voice was icy, her glare sharp enough to freeze fire.

Yoru blinked, then immediately lowered his head.

"I understand. I was wrong."

He wasn’t foolish enough to challenge her authority in front of other ANBU.

In public, they were superior and subordinate.

At home, they were siblings—then, he could argue all he wanted.

Still, he didn’t get why she was so furious.

"I just took a stroll. What’s the big deal? Was it really that dangerous?"

But regardless, a good apology kept the peace.

"Hmph. Good. Now come with me."

"You need a lesson on what it means to be a proper ANBU."

With a cold snort, she ordered the nearby ANBU to escort him back.

At Home

"Sis, did something happen in the village? You’re acting way too serious."

Yoru rubbed his sore arms—those ANBU had nearly dislocated them.

"Orochimaru infiltrated the village just now. Of course I’m serious!"

"If you’d run into him, do you think you’d still be alive?" Mei scowled.

"Yikes… That is dangerous. My bad, my bad."

He feigned fear, though he’d known the risks when he left.

Recruiting Kimimaro and Haku had been worth the gamble.

Luckily, he hadn’t crossed paths with Orochimaru.

If he had, his only option would’ve been to stall with the Hidden Mist Jutsu and flee.

Fighting an elite Kage-level opponent like Orochimaru? No thanks.

"So why did you sneak out in the first place? Was it really worth the risk?"

Mei finally asked the real question.

Yoru grinned.

Then, in detail, he explained how he’d recruited Kimimaro of the Kaguya clan and Haku of the Yuki clan.

"You—! Do you have any idea how reckless that is?!"

"Harboring survivors of the Kaguya and Yuki clans is a capital offense!"

Mei’s voice dropped to a furious whisper.

"Heh. But it’s worth it, isn’t it, sis?"

"If we want to change Kirigakure, we need our own forces."

"Only with real strength can we gain influence."

"The Mizukage, the Elder Council—they’re all powerful. To oppose them, we have to grow stronger too."

His grin widened.

For a moment, Mei saw something blazing in his eyes—ambition.

"Sis, don’t you think the Mizukage’s been acting strange?"

"Given his recent decisions, he’s no longer fit to lead."

"If this continues, Kirigakure’s conflicts will only worsen."

"Since when does a village slaughter its own people and weaken itself? He’s—!"

Mei cut him off.

"Enough. Not now. I know what you mean, but the timing isn’t right."

"When the moment comes, I’ll act."

"But next time you pull something like this, discuss it with me first."

"Rebuilding Kirigakure isn’t a one-man mission. Understood?"

Her eyes gleamed with a fierce light.

Seeing her expression, Yoru smiled.

He saw it too—ambition burning in her gaze.

Meanwhile…

While the siblings schemed, Orochimaru was having a terrible day.

He’d hoped to exploit Kirigakure’s chaos for his own gain.

Instead, he’d gotten nothing but a fight with Yagura and a hasty retreat.

A complete waste of effort.

The Next Day

During his three-day break, Yoru was busy training—swinging his sword to earn strengthening points—when an unexpected visitor arrived.

Momochi Zabuza.

"To what do I owe the honor, Zabuza-senpai?"

It wasn’t every day the reclusive swordsman paid a visit.

"I want to see your Hidden Mist Jutsu. I can tell your mastery surpasses mine."

No pleasantries. Just straight to the point.

"You flatter me. I’m just a genin—how could I compare?"

Yoru chuckled, playing modest.

"Cut the act. If you’re a man, give me a straight answer."

Zabuza’s frown deepened—he hated roundabout talk.

"Well then… I suppose I’ll show you."

"Though I’ve also admired your Silent Killing technique for a long time."

Without visible hand seals, Yoru unleashed a thick mist, enveloping Zabuza instantly.

"That speed…! His hand seals are several times faster than mine!"

Even with his high expectations, Zabuza was stunned.

"Now then, Zabuza-senpai… be careful."

"Don’t trust your senses. Use your instincts to find me."

Yoru’s voice echoed, impossible to pinpoint.

Zabuza focused, expanding his perception—

But it was like slamming into an iron wall.

His water mist sensing couldn’t penetrate the fog at all.

"I can’t detect him…! Incredible. Coming here was the right choice."

A grin split Zabuza’s face.

If even he couldn’t break through Yoru’s mist, then this technique truly was something special.

(End of Chapter)