As Mingyue spent more and more time in Kirigakure, his existence naturally came into the view of the villagers.
People, especially ninja, came to know that a year ago, the vacant Kaguya clan compound, emptied after their expulsion, was now inhabited by one person.
An ANBU member codenamed "Ming."
His true identity and history were unknown to anyone.
This wasn't strange; the identity of every ANBU member was kept strictly confidential.
Even teammates on a mission often didn't know each other's identities.
However, being qualified to be housed in the Kaguya clan's compound by the Mizukage was quite surprising.
This matter was no secret in Kirigakure.
After all, although Mingyue was low-key, it didn't mean he lived like a sewer rat like Danzo.
It was just that Kirigakure, under Obito's behind-the-scenes rule, was still in the era of the Bloody Mist.
Everyone was too preoccupied with their own survival to care about such things.
However, for a political rival of "Yagura Karatachi," that was not necessarily the case.
The one person in Kirigakure whose influence could contend with Obito's was the highest elder who had served in a high position since the village's founding—
Genshi.
Originally, Genshi was extremely dissatisfied with the "Bloody Mist" rule implemented by "Yagura" and had protested against it more than once.
But how could Obito, the actual manipulator, listen to his commands?
It was only out of respect for the elder's seniority and considerable influence in Kirigakure that he hadn't dared to act against him as he had with the Yuki or Kaguya clans.
Genshi was also constantly trying to seize the highest political power back from "Yagura."
Now, "Yagura" had actually arranged for an ANBU member to live in the Kaguya clan's compound.
This was enough to show the importance of this person to him.
...
...
In a mansion in the western part of Kirigakure.
Genshi, in his seventies and older than Sarutobi Hiruzen and Onoki, sat on the main cushion.
Standing before him were three of his trusted Jonin—
Ao, Heki, and Gonbee.
"Lord Genshi."
The three men bowed in unison to the elder whose political power was comparable to the Mizukage's.
"Regarding the ANBU member codenamed 'Ming' who is now living in the Kaguya compound, you must have heard of him, right?"
The old man sitting upright on the cushion spoke slowly, looking as if he might die in the next second.
Who would have thought that such an old man would live to see the Fourth Great Ninja War 16 years later?
"Yes, Lord Genshi. I also tried to investigate his identity, but I found his history to be a complete mystery, as if he fell from the sky," Gonbee said with a frown.
"To be placed there by that boy Yagura, he must possess considerable strength. Have you ever seen him in action?"
Genshi asked again.
The three Jonin looked at each other, then shook their heads in unison after two seconds.
Heki bowed and said:
"Lord Genshi, that is also a strange thing. This ANBU member 'Ming' is clearly a trusted subordinate of the Fourth Mizu—no, Yagura, but I have never seen him sent on a mission, so... we have no idea what his strength is."
The more they discussed, the more they felt that this "Ming" was truly bizarre.
In the end, they unanimously decided that this person should be investigated.
"Ao, I'll leave this matter to you."
Genshi did not hesitate, directly appointing Ao, who possessed the Byakugan, and ordered:
"Your Byakugan is undoubtedly the most suitable for investigation missions. Go and find out the true face of this 'Ming'."
"Yes!"
Ao knelt on one knee to accept the order.
He had obtained a Byakugan during the Third Great Ninja War. Like Kakashi, although he was not the original owner of the eye, he had trained the Kekkei Genkai that did not belong to him to its limit.
It was just a pity that the fate of a protagonist and a supporting character were ultimately different.
Kakashi's Sharingan could evolve to the Mangekyo.
Ao's Byakugan, however, could never evolve into a Tenseigan.
...
...
Late at night.
As the sun set, Kirigakure returned to its usual humidity.
Mingyue, originally from Konoha, had now completely adapted to Kirigakure's climate.
At this moment, he was in his room with a candle lit, quietly reading the Scroll of Seals.
Water Style: Water Shockwave.
Water Style: Water Severing Wave.
Water Style: Water Dragon Biting Explosion.
...
...
These were all A-rank or higher Water Style jutsu created by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.
For Mingyue, who already possessed the ability of the Flame-Flame Fruit, he had no intention of training in them.
He also didn't have a natural affinity for Water Style.
Mingyue planned to give them to Terumi Mei or a future trusted subordinate.
It was just that although there was a hint of affection between him and Terumi Mei now, it was far from reaching an undying devotion.
Therefore, Mingyue only memorized the hand seals, waiting for the right time to teach them to Terumi Mei.
Suddenly, through his Observation Haki.
Mingyue felt a gaze from afar, staring straight at him.
Five seconds later, the White Zetsu clone also emerged from the ceiling and said to Mingyue:
"Mr. Mingyue, the walls have ears. It's Genshi's trusted subordinate, Ao."
Genshi?
Hearing this name, Mingyue's lips curled slightly. He put away the Scroll of Seals and sneered:
"To be old and not die is to be a thief, huh~"