The tense air in the office gradually calmed as Yagura finished his outburst and sat silently, his eyes burning with ambition.
The ANBU captain cautiously stepped forward. "Mizukage-sama, what are your orders?"
"Give it a few days. I'll find the right opportunity to move. This is the most critical phase in my and Master Gengetsu's bid for control. That old man refuses to let go." Yagura's voice grew colder, a sneer forming as he clenched his fists. "He's still gripping power like some immortal relic."
The captain hesitated, then offered, "Mizukage-sama, the Terumi clan has always stood firmly behind Lord Gengetsu. And you know how much he cherishes Mei Terumi—like she were his own granddaughter."
Yagura's narrowed eyes glittered with interest.
"What if we didn't kill Mei Terumi… but captured her instead? Use her as leverage to force Gengetsu-sama's hand?" the ANBU suggested in a low, deliberate voice.
A cruel smile crept across Yagura's lips. "Interesting. My original plan was to make an example of her, shake up Gengetsu, and pressure him into surrendering his authority. But your suggestion… it might just reveal how deep her importance goes. If it fails, we eliminate her anyway."
"Understood."
"Return to your post. In a few days, I'll personally travel to the Land of Whirlpools. I don't think Kaito will deny me an audience." Yagura's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
After the ANBU departed, Yagura muttered to himself, his gaze cold and ruthless. "You old fool… still grasping onto power as if you'll live forever. I know your plan. Grooming Mei Terumi to succeed you in a few years? Why force my hand?"
---
Meanwhile, back in a humble hideout near the Land of Whirlpools, Kaito's life had undergone a subtle yet significant shift.
Since Mei Terumi had arrived, things had become much easier. She tended to his needs, saving him valuable time and energy. Compared to Tsunade—who was strong but reckless—Mei was thoughtful, skilled, and resourceful.
She'd even gone into town and brought back several new outfits for him. Kaito couldn't help but feel satisfied. Keeping her around had turned out to be a wise decision.
That night, the flickering candlelight painted their faces in warm tones. Kaito sat near the hearth, removing the lower half of his mask to eat.
As he took a bite of the meal Mei had prepared, he raised an eyebrow. "This is pretty good. Judging by your attire and bearing, I'd say you were someone important in Kirigakure… and yet, you can cook like this?"
Mei gave a soft laugh, her smile as radiant as a spring blossom. "My teacher used to say that a kunoichi should be strong enough to fight, but also skilled enough to win her husband's heart through his stomach."
"Your teacher had a point," Kaito replied calmly. "In this world, strength is everything—for both men and women. Only power gives us freedom and choice."
She looked at him with curiosity. "Kaito-sama, may I ask how old you are?"
"Not answering that," he said bluntly.
"I've already guessed anyway." She leaned in playfully. "You have such smooth skin—you can't be over twenty."
Kaito's brow furrowed. "How could you tell that under the mask?"
"I can't reveal that. Let's just say it's a technique my sensei taught me." She winked, hiding the fact she had simply bluffed and struck gold.
So he's between 16 and 19 years old, she thought excitedly. Young, powerful, mysterious… If his face is as perfect as the rest of him, this might just be the man I've been searching for.
Trying not to look too eager, Mei leaned forward again. "Is there something wrong with your face? Is that why you always wear the mask?"
"No," Kaito replied coolly. "I just don't like people knowing what I look like."
"That's fine! Here, eat more!" Mei quickly passed him a second helping, visibly thrilled.
Maybe being hunted down by Yagura wasn't such a curse after all, she thought, smiling dreamily.
Kaito ignored her enamored expression and returned to his corner of the hideout, entering a meditative state to focus exploring the depths of Yang Release.
Time passed quickly—an entire week had flown by in relentless training.
During that time, Kaito's grasp of Yang Release began to solidify. His clones had been working in the background, tirelessly practicing medical ninjutsu and refining the essence of his Sage Body.
Yang Release—the power to give life and enhance vitality. Unlike Fire or Lightning styles, it wasn't about destruction, but creation. It linked closely with medical ninjutsu, the regenerative properties of the Uzumaki, and techniques like the Akimichi Clan's body expansion jutsu.
Last night, while meditating, Kaito sensed a new form of energy pulsing inside him.
Channeling it through his fingertips, he touched the earth… and a seed nearby burst into life, sprouting rapidly into a vibrant flower.
He exhaled sharply. "So this is Yang Release… The power to give life."
His body relaxed slightly, the advancement calming the storm within. Mastery was still distant, but the path was finally visible.
But just as he was about to resume training, a jolt in his electromagnetic sense alerted him. Someone was approaching—fast.
"Judging by that speed… definitely Kage-level," Kaito muttered, his eyes narrowing. "Could it be... the Mizukage himself?"
On the other side of the room, Mei Terumi sat in a daze, resting her chin in her hand as she gazed at him with a dreamy smile.
Ever since she'd pieced together his age and glimpsed a part of his face, she had made a daily habit of admiring him whenever he was deep in meditation. At first, Kaito found it awkward. Now… he just let her be.
He stood, stretching his limbs. "Mei, get ready. There's someone heading this way."
"Huh? Who?" She blinked, startled.
"I believe it's Yagura. The Fourth Mizukage."
Mei's expression turned pale instantly. "Yagura-sama?!"
Her hands trembled slightly as she instinctively stepped closer to him, dread evident in her voice.
---
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