Chapter 6: "Something's Not Right With You"

Under the watchful eyes of the gathered shinobi, the two intelligence division operatives conducted their identity verification on Yoru.

If they confirmed that Yoru had been replaced, Mei would be held responsible—possibly even stripped of her position.

And once Mei’s seat was vacated?

A power struggle would erupt.

The Elder Council would dominate unchecked.

"An impostor? Heh, now that’s interesting."

Even Ringo Ameyuri and the others watched with curiosity.

Kanta Sen leaned forward, desperate for the answer he wanted.

Five minutes later—the results arrived.

And they were not what Kanta Sen hoped for.

"Identity confirmed: Yoru is legitimate. No signs of impersonation."

Kanta Sen exploded.

"IMPOSSIBLE!" He lunged, grabbing the intelligence officer’s collar. "There’s no way that’s the real Yoru! Recheck it!"

The officer coldly pried his fingers away. "Do not question our competence, Lord Kanta. Our duty is done."

With that, the two left, unshaken.

"Ahhh, what a shame~" Yoru’s mocking voice cut through the silence. "Who was the genius who claimed I wasn’t me?"

Kanta Sen’s face purpled with rage.

"You little brat! Don’t get cocky! Graduating at twelve? You’ll never amount to anything!"

Yoru shrugged. "My future’s mine to decide. But hey—shouldn’t you apologize? Your baseless accusations traumatized me."

He pressed a hand to his chest. "My poor, fragile heart~"

Kanta Sen nearly coughed up blood.

Traumatized?! The kid who butchered thirteen examinees without blinking?

"Kohohoho~ He’s right, Kanta." Mei joined in, smiling sweetly. "Aren’t you forgetting your manners?"

Sibling tag-team—flawless execution.

Kanta Sen’s eye twitched. "You’re pushing your luck!"

"Oh? You accused my brother of being a spy, and we’re the ones pushing it?" Mei’s smile turned icy. "If anyone’s gone too far, it’s you."

Kanta Sen was cornered.

No one stepped in to mediate—either they lacked the authority (like the Seven Swordsmen, who couldn’t care less) or didn’t want to.

Just as humiliation seemed inevitable—

"Now, now. How about I apologize on his behalf?"

A frail, butter-knife voice echoed through the crowd.

The shinobi instantly bowed. "Grand Elder!"

Genryū, the true power behind Kirigakure.

Mei’s demeanor shifted instantly. "If the Grand Elder insists, then this matter is closed."

To her, Kanta Sen was a clown. Genryū? A worthy opponent.

"Genryū… So this is the old fox who took control after Yagura’s death?" Yoru mused. "Even Danzō didn’t wield this much influence."

"But sorry, old man—this village’s future belongs to my sister, the Fifth Mizukage."

With his system, playing nice wasn’t an option.

"Yoru, was it? A promising young talent." Genryū’s praise oozed honey. "May you grow into a pillar of Kirigakure, like your sister."

Yoru smiled blandly. "I’ll do my best, Grand Elder."

No hooks taken.

Genryū’s eyes gleamed—a silent acknowledgment of a worthy pawn—before leading Kanta Sen away.

With the drama over, Mei and Yoru departed.

Ringo Ameyuri and the others scattered, awaiting their ANBU assignments.

Unlike Konoha, Kirigakure’s graduates joined the ANBU directly—baptized in blood before earning the right to walk in daylight.

At Home

Yoru exhaled sharply. "Having your fate in someone else’s hands… leaves a bitter taste."

"Sis, do you really want to live under their thumb?"

Mei’s eyes narrowed. "That’s a dangerous thought, Yoru. The old you would never say such things."

"Sometimes, I wonder if you’re even the same person."

She sighed. "Of course I don’t. But challenging Genryū’s faction is impossible. His influence dwarfs mine."

"And the Fourth Mizukage despises kekkei genkai users. I can’t even use my full strength."

Yoru grinned. "What if I could boost your power?"

Mei froze. "You… can?"

"Why not test it?"

His gaze locked onto her skill panel.