*Chapter 2: Junior Disciple Mei Terumi*

Might Duy, Konoha's strongest force of the current era—without question!

This unassuming Konoha Genin, who spent his life doing low-level tasks like cat searches and manual labor, suddenly exploded into action during the Third Shinobi World War. By himself, he took down the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, disrupting Kirigakure's plans completely.

Thinking about this outcome, Yoru (Night) didn’t even know what to say.

Stop the Swordsmen from carrying out their mission?

The Mizukage's orders had already been given, and stopping them was impossible. Even Yoru himself had a mission with no chance of survival, and he had to leave immediately. There was no time to concern himself with such matters.

Moreover, this was the Village Hidden in the Bloody Mist.

Doing anything extra would only invite unnecessary suspicion, especially since he was still an unrecognized member of the Yuki clan, without the power of the Hyōton.

After destroying the mission scroll, Yoru opened the door and stepped out of the secret chamber.

“Tell all members of the First Squad to gather their equipment. Meet at the training grounds in ten minutes.”

“Yes, Lord Yoru.”

A respectful voice emerged from the darkness, accompanied by a small ripple of chakra.

Ten minutes later, sixteen figures stood in front of Yoru. Each wore an eerie white patterned mask.

The Second Mizukage, Gengetsu Hozuki, had established the Kirigakure Academy and the Anbu to strengthen the village, modeled after the systems created by the Second Hokage, Tobirama. As a result, the Anbu structure in Kirigakure mirrored that of Konoha, with teams of four members forming a squad, and four squads making up a division.

The First Squad, including Yoru as its captain, had a total of seventeen members!

“Lord Yoru, the First Squad is assembled.”

“A secret order from the Mizukage.”

Yoru's gaze swept over them, his voice icy.

“Destroy Konoha’s supply camp. Move out immediately!”

“Yes, sir!”

The Anbu squad members followed their respective team leaders without question, immediately beginning the mission. No one raised any objections.

Such was the nature of shinobi bred in the Bloody Mist. Even when faced with a suicide mission, they carried it out without hesitation—true killing machines, the finest in the shinobi world.

“Hey, Yoru.”

Just as Yoru was about to set off, a cold, feminine voice stopped him.

At the entrance to the training grounds stood a figure with reddish-brown hair, also wearing Kirigakure’s Anbu uniform. Leaning against the doorframe, she looked at Yoru as he walked out and spoke softly.

“Can I join you on this mission?”

“This is a mission for the First Squad, and you’re the captain of the Second Squad,” Yoru replied indifferently, glancing at the young woman, who had a remarkably shapely figure despite her youth. “Besides, with the army about to march to the front lines, you should have your own mission, Mei Terumi.”

“Why so formal? Just call me Mei.”

The girl pouted and muttered, “I just don’t want to be apart from my senior brother for too long. I’ll miss you.”

Do you even believe yourself?

Hearing that, Yoru’s lips twitched slightly beneath his mask.

After graduating from the shinobi academy, Yoru had been taken under the wing of one of Kirigakure’s elders, Master Gen. Mei Terumi had also been recruited at the same time, but since Yoru was two years older, he naturally became Mei’s senior disciple.

“Captain Mei Terumi, this is the Anbu. Address me as Captain Yoru.”

“Fine, fine, Captain Yoru. But I really don’t want to work with that fat pig, Fuguki Suikazan!”

Just the thought of her assigned mission made Mei frustrated.

Despite being a double Kekkei Genkai prodigy, the Third Mizukage had placed her in the Second Squad responsible for intelligence. Worse yet, her immediate superior was Fuguki Suikazan, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen!

It wasn’t his size that bothered her; it was that Suikazan’s actions were less than honorable. He was the deputy leader of the intelligence unit but frequently sold information to foreign countries for personal gain.

Most people didn’t know this, but it was an open secret among the higher-ups. The intel he sold wasn’t vital, so no one cared.

After joining the Anbu, Mei found this behavior despicable.

“The village is already at war with Konoha, and intelligence is crucial. You can’t let your personal feelings affect the mission,” Yoru said calmly. “Your task is to reach the front lines with the army, scout the enemy, gather information, and meet with Master Yagura to complete your handover.”

“You’re just dismissing me!” Mei huffed. “You’re an unparalleled genius, standing shoulder to shoulder with Yagura, a rising star in Kirigakure, the infamous ‘Blade of the Bloody Mist,’ and I’m nothing. You just don’t want me around!”

“...Glad you understand.”

“Ugh, you’re so annoying!”

Watching as the frustrated Mei stormed off in defeat, Yoru let out a soft chuckle before catching up to his subordinates.

This mission was full of dangers. Even if he could be sure he wouldn’t face Might Duy, it would still be extremely difficult.

Given his relationship with Mei, there was no way he’d let her get involved in this deadly mission.

…

One day later.

Within the Land of Fire’s borders, in a forest.

Yoru led his First Squad of Anbu swiftly through the trees.

They passed several temporary Kirigakure camps along the way, but to avoid detection and save time, they moved straight through, heading deeper into the Land of Fire.

“Lord Yoru, according to the intel division, Konoha’s front lines are stretched thin. The two most critical positions are Sōden Village and Tsunan Town.”

A slender figure in a mask reported quietly from the top of a large tree, “Master Yagura’s forces are stationed at Tsunan Town, facing off with Konoha. It’s the best point of entry for us, as it holds nearly half of Konoha’s main forces. The rest of their elites are stationed in Sōden Village.”

“Sōden Village has a large stockpile of supplies. It’s currently one of the most crucial supply lines for Konoha’s front. The village is heavily guarded, with many members of Konoha’s bloodline clans, including the Uchiha and the Hyūga. It’s a stronghold that’s easy to defend but hard to attack.”

“You idiot, Yukiko, of course we’re attacking Sōden Village!”

A red-brown-haired Anbu with vertical braids scoffed, “Even with Lord Yoru, we can’t escalate the battle on the main front.”

“On the contrary, destroying Konoha’s supplies and cutting off their supply line will demoralize their troops and provoke their main forces. That’s how we complete the mission.”

“Who knows, we might even take some Kekkei Genkai back with us!”

“You!” Yukiko fumed.

“Raiyuri is right,” Yoru said in a stern voice. “Our task is to create chaos and draw fire, not to engage the main forces.”

“Yukiko, scout the surroundings and plan a retreat route. Raiyuri, Mangetsu, prepare for combat. We’re about to enter Konoha’s territory. Yumi, stay alert and be ready to treat the wounded immediately!”

“Yes, Lord Yoru!”

(End of Chapter)