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🕑 Added 2025-05-26 16:58:55 +0000 UTCChapter 201: Lord Raikage, I Really Didn’t Mean To
“Lord Raikage, Kirigakure has won! Yoru led two thousand Kiri-nin to victory over Konoha!”
A weary ANBU operative appeared before the Fourth Raikage, delivering the report.
“You… BASTARD!!!”
Upon hearing the news, the Raikage erupted in fury, his body crackling with terrifying lightning as his wounds burst open anew. Then, with a violent spray of blood, he collapsed unconscious.
“LORD RAIKAGE!!!”
The medics nearby paled in horror, their voices trembling. Meanwhile, the ANBU operative stood frozen, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
This… might not have been the best time to deliver that report.
And no—he really hadn’t meant for this to happen.
…
“Achoo!”
Far out at sea, Yoru sneezed abruptly, an inexplicable chill crawling down his spine.
“What’s this feeling? Is someone talking about me?”
“Nah, no way. Must just be my imagination.” He shook his head, dismissing the thought.
After all, why would anyone have a grudge against him? He was a model citizen—a rule-following, upstanding young man!
Meanwhile, in Kirigakure…
“Victory, huh? That’s our Yoru for you.”
Mei Terumī received the news with a faint smile, as if she’d expected nothing less.
Of course, that was just on the surface. Inside, she was immensely relieved.
Across from her sat a man with a face darker than a stormcloud.
“Well, Kōkage? Do you accept our terms… or not?”
“Think carefully. Your answer decides the fate of nearly ten thousand people in Kōgakure.”
“If Yoru finds out you dared attack Kirigakure… do you think he’d hesitate to wipe your village off the map?”
Mei rested her chin on her hands, her gaze playful yet razor-sharp as she addressed the Kōgakure leader, Kōkage An Jūichirō.
Under normal circumstances, Mei’s sultry demeanor would’ve held An Jūichirō’s undivided attention—maybe even stirred some less-than-professional thoughts.
But right now? All he saw was a venomous spider, a beautiful but deadly serpent.
Because Mei Terumī was not to be trifled with.
He’d thought Kirigakure was vulnerable—weakened, with Yoru and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen away. A perfect chance to strike, seize control, and elevate Kōgakure to greatness.
With just two thousand battered Kiri-nin left behind, how could they possibly stand against his elite forces? And Mei? He’d always assumed her reputation was just borrowed glory from her brother.
But reality hit like a tidal wave.
Those “battered” Kiri-nin crushed his army in a single day. And Mei? She dismantled him in under an hour.
His dreams of victory shattered like glass.
He’d been a fool—a frog at the bottom of a well, foolishly challenging a tiger.
“C-Can’t you demand less? Your terms are outrageous!” An Jūichirō ground out, his face twisted in frustration.
“Outrageous?” Mei’s smile turned icy. “You still don’t understand your position, do you? You’re in no place to negotiate.”
“Fine. We’ll wait for Yoru to return. Then you’ll see just how merciful I’ve been.”
She stood to leave as two ANBU operatives seized An Jūichirō, dragging him toward the door.
“W-Wait! I… I accept!” he choked out, defeated.
“Kukuku… Wise choice.”
Mei sat back down, sliding a scroll across the table. “Sign it.”
With trembling hands, An Jūichirō scrawled his name—then collapsed, hollow-eyed, as if his soul had been drained.
The terms were brutal:
100,000 ryō in silver
Five trading ports under Kiri’s direct control (tax-free for 50 years)
30% trade surplus to Mizu no Kuni
Cession of the Kusuo Islands
Recognition of Mizu no Kuni as sole sovereign ally
Military conscription rights for Kiri
Each clause was economic warfare. Signing this would set Kō no Kuni back decades.
No wonder An Jūichirō looked like a man condemned.
“Pleasure doing business. Do fulfill these promptly.”
Mei tucked the scroll away, her smile that of a devil.
Harsh? Maybe. But had Kōgakure won, Kirigakure’s fate would’ve been far worse.
An Jūichirō’s fists clenched—then he passed out from sheer despair.
Elsewhere…
“IMPOSSIBLE! Yoru won?! No—it’s a lie! A LIE, I TELL YOU!”
In a dim dungeon, the Daimyō of Mizu no Kuni paced like a caged animal, his eyes bloodshot with panic.
He refused to believe it. If Yoru had triumphed… then he had lost.
And losing meant hell.
The ANBU guards outside remained silent, unmoved.
Back in the capital, the court was in chaos.
No one had ever believed a shinobi could overthrow the established order. Even if Yoru bullied Mizu no Kuni into submission, the other nations would never allow it!
And at first, they were right. Konoha, Iwa, Suna—all sent forces to crush Kirigakure.
Yet against all odds… Yoru had beaten them all.
Even Kumo, rumored to have withdrawn after a devastating attack.
The world was changing.
And the Daimyō? He was on the wrong side of history.
Chapter 202: Know Your Place
In other words—Yoru had actually done it.
He’d seized power, defied the entire shinobi world, shattered the old order, and ushered in a new era.
Those who had once watched from the sidelines, temporarily humoring him, now had to seriously reconsider their futures.
Yoru was no longer just a rebel. He was the uncrowned king of Mizu no Kuni, with the power to dictate their fates.
If they wanted to survive, they’d better start proving their worth.
As for the Daimyō?
…Well, the court had already conveniently forgotten him.
To them, he was useless now.
A Shift in the World Order
Across the nations, Daimyōs with shinobi villages under their rule began scrambling to redefine their relationships with their Kage.
Oh, they hated Yoru, of course.
But what good did hatred do?
He’d turned shinobi villages into Damocles’ swords hanging over their heads. Now, even if they seethed, they had no choice but to acknowledge the new reality—and negotiate fresh terms.
One thing was certain: the political landscape needed more chairs.
Where once only the five great Daimyōs held power, now the five Kage would have to be seated alongside them.
Otherwise? Well, no Daimyō wanted to wake up one day to their own shinobi storming the castle.
The Opportunists
Not everyone despised this change, though.
For the ambitious, Yoru had just opened the gates to power.
And who was happiest about this?
Shimura Danzō, the "Darkness of Konoha."
For years, he’d coveted the title of Hokage.
Now, with the Third Hokage (Sarutobi Hiruzen) captured and severely injured, Danzō saw his chance.
On the surface, he feigned concern for his old comrade.
But inside?
"My time has finally come."
With Hiruzen’s failure (losing battles, weakening Konoha’s prestige, and getting captured like a rookie), Danzō had all the ammunition he needed to push for the Fifth Hokage’s seat.
And thanks to Yoru’s revolution?
The Daimyō wouldn’t dare oppose him—not when they needed to appease their own shinobi forces.
But as Danzō schemed, two pairs of eyes watched coldly.
After a brief meeting, they reached a consensus:
"Danzō will never become Hokage."
These two?
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura.
Hiruzen’s former teammates. The last living disciples of the Second Hokage.
They wouldn’t let Danzō exploit this chaos.
Meanwhile, in Kirigakure…
Yoru had finally returned.
Mei Terumī greeted him personally—but his gaze quickly shifted to a group of disheveled shinobi in unfamiliar uniforms.
"Sis, who are… those guys?"
Mei smirked. "Oh, them? Let’s just say they tried to steal a chicken and ended up losing the rice."
She quickly explained: Kōgakure had attacked Kirigakure, thinking Mei’s forces were weak in Yoru’s absence.
Big mistake.
Mei crushed them in a day, captured their leader (An Jūichirō), and extorted a small fortune in reparations.
Yoru stared blankly, then pointed to his temple.
"Are they… mentally impaired?"
Seriously, what kind of idiot thought two thousand Kiri-nin (plus two jinchūriki) could be beaten by a bunch of chūnin and genin?
Mei chuckled as Yoru sighed.
"Some people just don’t know their place."
He handed her the treaty with Konoha, rubbing his temples.
"We’ve got a mountain of work ahead. Guess my birthday’s canceled."
Mei patted his shoulder. "That’s what you get for being too competent. But don’t worry—I’ll handle negotiations with the other villages. You deal with the Daimyō."
Yoru nodded, then asked: "Where’s Yagura?"
Mei’s expression turned thoughtful. "Waiting at the Mizukage Building. I wonder what he’ll choose…"
Ideally, she wanted the Fourth Mizukage to stay. Losing a kage-level fighter would hurt.
But Yoru had promised him freedom to decide.
"I think his answer might make you happy," Yoru said with a knowing smile before heading off.
The Mizukage’s Decision
Inside the Mizukage’s office, Yagura sat in the very chair he’d once ruled from.
As Yoru entered, Yagura’s eyes opened.
"Took you long enough."
"So?" Yoru cut straight to the point. "Staying or leaving?"
Yagura smirked. "Why don’t you guess?"
"I hate riddles."
With a single hand seal, Yoru released the sealing jutsu binding Yagura’s chakra.
"You’re free. Go live your life. From today, ‘Yagura’ no longer exists in Kirigakure…"
He turned to leave.
"…But the ANBU will have a new deputy commander."
Yagura’s voice, laced with amusement, followed him.
"You’re that sure I’ll stay? And obey you?"
Yoru didn’t even glance back.
"Absolutely. I trust my instincts."
If Yagura really wanted to leave, he’d have vanished already. The fact that he was still here?
That was answer enough.
A beat of silence. Then—
"…Fine. You win." Yagura exhaled, a reluctant grin forming. "Let’s see what kind of Kirigakure you and your sister build."
Yoru paused at the door.
"Then brace yourself. It’s going to be* one hell of a show."
As Yoru left, Yagura leaned back, staring at the ceiling.
"What will this village become, I wonder?"
Did he resent being overthrown? Of course.
But curiosity—and perhaps a flicker of hope—kept him rooted here.
Chapter 203: "Lord Daimyō, I Hear You’ve Been Misbehaving"
After witnessing the changes in Kirigakure under Mei Terumī’s leadership, Yagura couldn’t help but waver in his convictions.
Maybe… I was never fit to be Mizukage.
Every time he recalled the state of the village during his reign, he couldn’t help but bitterly laugh at himself. What a pathetic Mizukage I was.
He’d driven the village into paranoia and instability. A few more years under his rule, and Kirigakure might have truly collapsed.
The only reason he stayed?
The war.
When the Four Great Shinobi Villages besieged Kirigakure, when no one believed they could survive—
Yoru had refused to surrender. With sheer courage and unshakable resolve, he led them to victory.
That conviction made Yagura believe nothing could hinder Kirigakure’s future now.
Yoru is the leader this village needs.
And so, he began to look forward to Kirigakure’s future—to contributing in his own way.
If I can’t surpass him, then at least I’ll fight by his side. I’ll help build a stronger Kirigakure.
Call it pride. Call it atonement.
Even if I was a failure as Mizukage… I can still be a proper Kirigakure shinobi.
Outside the Mizukage’s Office
Mei Terumī eyed Yoru’s smug grin.
"So, you convinced him to stay?"
"Obviously. With my charm, how could I fail?" He flicked his hair dramatically.
Mei rolled her eyes. "And what about the Land of Water’s daimyō?"
Yoru’s smirk turned razor-sharp. "Depends on his attitude. If it’s bad…"
He drew a finger across his throat.
Mei sighed but said nothing as she walked away.
In the Dungeon
"P-Please! Spare me! I’ll obey, I swear! Just don’t kill me!"
The daimyō crawled forward, snot and tears streaming down his face. Pathetic.
"Funny. I heard you were quite vocal after I left—cursing me, plotting to overthrow Kirigakure."
Yoru kicked him away, looming with a frosty smile.
"N-No! You misunderstood! I always believed in you! Those Konoha fools never stood a chance!"
"You crushed them effortlessly! A true legend!"
The daimyō’s groveling was almost impressive. Gone was the noble’s dignity—just a sniveling worm now.
"Hah. Flattery won’t save you."
"But don’t worry. I’ll let you live. In fact…" Yoru leaned in. "You’ll even get your throne back. Happy, Lord Daimyō?"
"R-Really?!"
The daimyō’s eyes lit up—hope, shock, and a sliver of hidden venom.
"Of course. But…"
Yoru’s voice dropped to a whisper, colder than steel.
"If I catch even a hint of betrayal—if you dare harm Kirigakure or Lady Mizukage…"
"This blade has spilled enough blood. One more corpse won’t matter."
The daimyō shuddered, drenched in sweat. Those eyes saw everything.
"I-I wouldn’t dare…"
"Words mean nothing. Prove it."
Yoru signaled the ANBU to release the daimyō’s seals. "Don’t disappoint me."
The New Order
In the Mizukage’s office, Yoru laid out his plan:
Keep the daimyō as a puppet. Rule from the shadows.
Stability. Control. Efficiency.
No messy elections. No power vacuums. Just a streamlined government, with Kirigakure pulling the strings.
Mei approved without hesitation. "Do it."
Ōryū Town – The Announcement
Yoru stood before the Land of Water’s elite, the "reinstated" daimyō at his side.
"You all know what’s expected. No need for lengthy speeches."
"The daimyō retains his title—but from today, the bakufu governs. Submit candidate recommendations for vacant positions."
"A new era begins. Serve well. Betrayal… won’t be forgiven."
Three minutes. That’s all it took to reshape a nation.
With a water clone left to monitor the new council, Yoru returned to Kirigakure—to rebuilding, to preparing.
The World Watches
As the Land of Water stabilized, the shinobi world exhaled in relief.
The war had been a wake-up call. Smaller nations, caught in the crossfire, had trembled on the brink.
But now, a new tension arose.
Yoru had shattered the old hierarchy—dethroned the "divine" daimyō.
Yet he offered no clear replacement.
What now?
The world held its breath, waiting for Kirigakure’s next move.
Chapter 204: A Visit to Konoha
Soon after, the Fifth Mizukage of Kirigakure issued an official proclamation:
"In six months, a summit of the Five Kage and the Daimyō will be held to discuss the establishment of a new world order!"
The shinobi world knew it—a new storm was coming. Yet, anticipation flickered in the eyes of many.
"Six months from now, a new era begins. Heh, I can’t wait."
Perched atop the Mizukage’s office, Yoru gazed at the rebuilding village below, his face alight with ambition.
The very villagers who had once trembled in fear and cursed his name now worshipped him like a god. None would dare admit they had ever doubted him. Instead, they swelled with pride, grateful to call Kirigakure their home.
The war was over. The village was being restored, and its leadership reshaped.
Yoru assumed the role of ANBU Commander and Inspector-General of the Land of Water’s Shogunate, answering directly to the Mizukage.
Ran (Yagura) and Hoshigaki Kisame were appointed ANBU Vice-Commanders.
Momochi Zabuza became the head of the Intelligence Division.
Yugito Nii joined as a Kirigakure Jonin, doubling as an ANBU squad leader.
Byakugan Ao was named the Mizukage’s Advisor, securing a seat among the village’s highest echelons.
Yuki Haku and Hōzuki Kimimaro were officially promoted to Tokubetsu Jonin.
Even Yoru’s former pirate crew was reorganized into the Land of Water’s Naval Special Forces, now under Haku and Kimimaro’s command—answering only to him and the Mizukage.
With this, Kirigakure—once fractured since the coup against Yagura—finally stabilized.
But while Kirigakure solidified its power structure, Konoha was embroiled in its own power struggle.
The moment Jiraiya returned with Konoha’s forces, Shimura Danzō made his move. Armed with prearranged justifications, he demanded a new Hokage election.
And with the Third Hokage captured, the Ino-Shika-Chō trio severely injured, and key figures like Hyūga Hiashi and Hatake Kakashi absent, Danzō held a frightening advantage.
Of course, his proposal was met with fierce opposition from Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Jiraiya. Yet even their combined resistance only barely stalemated him.
Konoha was suffocating under the tension—until news arrived:
"Kirigakure’s delegation will soon visit Konoha to return the Third Hokage and the other prisoners!"
Faced with an external threat, Danzō had no choice but to grudgingly ally with Jiraiya and the elders. But his fury burned.
"That damned brat… You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?"
If Danzō couldn’t see through Yoru’s ploy, he’d have disgraced his decades of scheming.
"You dare stand in the way of my becoming Hokage?!"
The Third’s return would strip him of his leverage. The old Hokage’s prestige, influence, and accomplishments far eclipsed his own. His dream of becoming the Fifth Hokage was slipping away—and it infuriated him.
Yet, for all his hatred, he was powerless. Jiraiya, Koharu, and Homura kept him under constant surveillance, denying him any chance to act. They knew this was their best opportunity to turn the tide—and they wouldn’t waste it.
And so, they waited—until the Kirigakure delegation arrived.
At the village gates, Yoru greeted Jiraiya, Danzō, and the others with flawless courtesy.
"It’s an honor to meet you all. I am Yoru, a humble shinobi of Kirigakure."
Behind him stood four formidable escorts: Yugito, Yagura, Hoshigaki Kisame, and Ao.
Koharu’s lips curled into a mocking smirk.
"Such distrust, Yoru-sama. Bringing such powerful guards to peace-loving Konoha? Tsk, tsk. For the world’s strongest shinobi, this is… unbecoming. What would people say?"
Yoru didn’t miss a beat.
"Peace-loving? Let’s not pretend. I’d rather not gamble my safety on your goodwill."
His tone was breezy, utterly unbothered by the title of "strongest."
Homura gestured forward. "Then by all means, proceed."
Hokage Headquarters
"My terms are clear. Shall we begin?"
Yoru produced four sealed scrolls—each containing one of Konoha’s captives: the Third Hokage, Hyūga Hiashi, Hatake Kakashi, and Tenzō.
([Latest updates at 6-9-shu-ba!])
Homura signaled, and a squad of ANBU brought forth stacks of scrolls, gleaming piles of silver, and a team of medics.
"You won’t mind if I verify everything, I hope? Nothing personal—just being thorough."
The Konoha elders’ faces darkened, but they didn’t refuse.
Yoru nodded to Yagura and Ao, who spent the next hour inspecting every item. Finally satisfied, he unsealed the prisoners with a hand sign.
"Then our business is concluded. Until next time."
As Yoru departed with his spoils, Homura barked orders.
"Get them to the hospital—now! Their lives come first!"
Danzō’s expression was stormy, but no one paid him any mind.
Little did they know, Kakashi was missing an eye.
By the time they noticed, Yoru would already be back in Kirigakure.
His reason for personally delivering the Third Hokage was simple: to stop Danzō from becoming Hokage. Letting that man take power would plunge the world into chaos.
But there was another goal—weakening Danzō.
With the Third’s return, Danzō’s ambitions would crumble. Worse, the old Hokage would remember this betrayal. Once recovered, he’d strip Danzō of influence and confine his movements.
That suited Yoru perfectly. With Danzō hobbled, Kirigakure could rebuild in peace.
Danzō himself wasn’t the threat—it was his web of hidden factions across the shinobi world. Yoru had no intention of letting that spider strike from the shadows.
Back in Kirigakure
By the time Yoru returned, Sunagakure’s delegation had just left.
The war had drained Kirigakure’s reserves—but the rewards were substantial. The reparations alone would fund the village’s reconstruction, and with the Namigata Treasure secured, a new era of prosperity was inevitable.
No one doubted it. Under Yoru’s leadership, Kirigakure would rise—stronger than ever.
Chapter 205: The Five Kage Summit Begins!
Half a year passed in the blink of an eye.
After six months of recovery, Kirigakure had been completely revitalized—now more prosperous and imposing than ever. The Land of Water, too, had stabilized, with its people fully accepting the shogunate system.
Aside from a few rebel factions who refused to submit and occasionally stirred trouble…
The nation was far more peaceful and stable than it had been under the daimyo’s rule. Its power had even multiplied several times over.
This transformation came as the Land of Water absorbed twelve smaller neighboring countries into its alliance. Combined with its original six vassal states, its strength now rivaled even the Land of Fire—the former leading power of the shinobi world.
The ninja world had clearly shifted into a new hierarchy:
One Supreme Power: The Land of Fire and Konohagakure.
One Dominant Force: Kirigakure and the Land of Water.
Three Major Powers: The Lands of Earth, Wind, and Lightning.
Notably, Kirigakure had made significant strides in medical and educational reforms over the past six months, actively recruiting talent from abroad. Its medical technology had advanced by leaps and bounds, and the Ninja Academy’s training programs had greatly improved the foundational skills of its shinobi.
The village’s forces had also expanded rapidly, absorbing skilled individuals from all walks of life. They were nearly back to the level of strength seen during Yagura’s reign.
Under the shogunate’s leadership, the Land of Water underwent sweeping administrative reforms—streamlining governance, purging corruption, quelling rebellions, and restructuring its bureaucracy. New policies stabilized the economy, improved military efficiency, and eased social tensions.
The nation’s growing might provided Kirigakure with a solid foundation for further expansion.
Deep within Kirigakure’s ANBU headquarters, a young man in black opened his eyes. The moment he did, an overwhelming pressure rippled through the room, forcing the surrounding ANBU to stifle gasps—the very air around him seemed to distort.
"The Five Kage Summit… It’s time."
Murmuring to himself, he stood and walked out. The ANBU bowed in reverence, their voices filled with fervor:
"Yoru-sama!"
The young man, of course, was none other than Yoru.
Over the past six months, with both Kirigakure and the Land of Water in a state of rebuilding, he’d been swamped with work—barely finding time to train. Even so, he’d managed to accumulate 500,000 enhancement points, finally maxing out his final attribute: strength. His power had officially reached the pinnacle of Kage-level.
Yoru now felt strong enough to take down a tailed beast with his bare hands. It wasn’t arrogance—he genuinely believed he could. His physical power might even rival Tsunade at her peak.
"Yo, Yoru. Finished your training? Let’s go—the Summit’s waiting."
When he arrived at the Mizukage’s office, Mei Terumī greeted him with an impatient smirk.
"Yeah, let’s go. I’m looking forward to seeing how ‘exciting’ this Summit turns out."
Yoru tucked his hands into his sleeves, grinning under the bright sunlight.
"‘Exciting’? Maybe." Mei shrugged, then set off with Yoru and Ao, the Byakugan wielder.
This year’s Summit was being held in the Land of Waves—a privilege they’d earned by being the first to join the Land of Water’s alliance. Their leader, Hamagorō, had even groveled in person, apologizing for not supporting Kirigakure during the war against Konoha.
"We had no choice! Who could’ve predicted you’d defeat 12,000 elite Konoha shinobi with just 2,000 exhausted troops?"
Yoru saw right through the act, of course. But he played along—no point antagonizing a groveling man. Still, he made sure the Land of Waves faced the strictest terms under the alliance, framed as "setting an example."
Hamagorō knew it was punishment but dared not complain. Not when Yoru’s influence was at its peak. Regret gnawed at him—had he sided with Kirigakure from the start, things might’ve been different. But the world had no room for what-ifs.
"Welcome, Mizukage-sama, Lord Shogun. Please, follow us."
They arrived in the Land of Waves by evening—the fourth delegation to show up. Only Kumogakure was left.
"How arrogant of the Mizukage to keep us waiting. As the Summit’s proposer, shouldn’t you have arrived first? Some manners would be nice."
No sooner had they taken their seats than the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, sneered.
"My apologies," Mei replied sweetly. "Unlike some, I don’t have the luxury of idling around. Tsuchikage-sama, perhaps your daimyo should investigate Iwagakure’s efficiency. A Kage with so much free time… isn’t that concerning? At your age, retirement might be overdue."
The Tsuchikage’s face darkened. "Our internal affairs are none of your concern!"
The Land of Earth’s daimyo fanned himself, lips pursed. In the past, he might’ve considered Mei’s words. But now? Better to stand with Ōnoki. The last thing he needed was his own Kage pulling a "Yoru" on him.
"How heartwarming," Yoru mused, standing behind Mei. "Seeing all you daimyo and Kage getting along so well… You should thank me. Without my ‘disruption,’ would you ever have been this cozy?"
The room fell silent. Every face—except Mei’s—twitched in irritation.
Yoru had struck a nerve. The unspoken humiliation of the Five Great Nations’ order being shattered by a thirteen-year-old still stung.
"Yoru!!"
A furious roar erupted. Before anyone could react, a figure crashed through the room, lunging straight at him.
"Look out!" Mei shouted.
