Under the watchful eyes of the gathered ninjas, two Intelligence Division operatives began verifying Yoru Ryo's identity.
If they proved Yoru Ryo was an imposter, Terumi Mei would face severe consequences—likely forced to step down.
Her vacant position would spark a power shuffle.
The Elder Council, already hungry for control, would seize the opportunity to tighten their grip.
"An imposter? Heh, this is getting interesting!"
Ringo Ameyuri, Hozuki Suigetsu, and Shima Isshin watched with keen curiosity.
Senta Yasu's eyes burned with anticipation, desperate for the Intelligence Division to deliver his desired verdict.
Five minutes later, the results came.
But they weren't what Senta Yasu wanted.
"Yoru Ryo's identity is confirmed authentic. No impersonation detected!"
Senta Yasu exploded.
He lunged forward, grabbing an operative's collar. "Impossible! How can Yoru Ryo be the real deal?!"
"Tell me this isn't true! You screwed up!"
Utterly hysterical!
"Lord Senta Yasu, do not question our competence!"
"Our work is done. Farewell."
The operative shook off Senta Yasu's grip and left with their partner.
Arrogant, yet composed.
"Oh, dear, someone's disappointed!"
"What kind of fool would claim I'm not real?"
Yoru Ryo's mocking voice rang out, turning Senta Yasu's face a furious shade of red.
He shot back, "Don't get cocky, brat! You think you're untouchable now, huh?!"
"Graduating as a Genin at twelve? That's your life's peak!"
Yoru Ryo shrugged, unfazed. "My future's mine to shape, not yours."
"More importantly, don't you owe me an apology? You know, for the slander."
"My spirit and heart were traumatized!"
"Surely a great lord like you wouldn't deny me this small request!"
Senta Yasu nearly spat blood.
Small request? This was a public slap to his face!
Traumatized spirit and heart?
This kid, who slaughtered without blinking, was traumatized by words?
"Giggle! That's right, Senta Yasu. You owe Little Ryo an apology!"
A smooth voice interrupted, carrying a dangerous undertone.
Terumi Mei stepped forward, smiling—
But her eyes?
Cold.
Predatory.
"Don't push it, you two!" Senta Yasu's face darkened.
Apologize to Yoru Ryo? That'd shred his dignity!
Terumi Mei raised an eyebrow. "Push it? Where was this conscience when you slandered my brother?"
"If anyone's crossing lines, Senta Yasu, it's you!"
"You…"
Senta Yasu's eyes blazed, but he had no way out.
Both he and Terumi Mei held high ranks.
The surrounding ninjas either lacked the status to intervene or chose not to—like the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
Without a lifeline, Senta Yasu's reputation was toast.
Luckily, his savior arrived.
"Very well. On his behalf, I apologize. Let's put this matter to rest, shall we?"
An aged voice echoed.
An elderly man, frail and leaning on a massive cane, appeared.
At his sight, the crowd saluted. "Great Elder!"
This was none other than Kirigakure's second-in-command, Great Elder Genryu, a titan of influence.
Terumi Mei took a deep breath.
Then—she smiled.
"Since it's Elder Genryu himself who's speaking, I suppose it would be… inappropriate to refuse."
Her tone was gracious, yet non-submissive.
Genryu? The old man who, in the original story, seized Kirigakure's reins after the Fourth Mizukage's death?
What a terrifying geezer. Even Danzo couldn't match this clout!
Too bad, Genryu. I'm here now. Kirigakure's power belongs to my sister, the future Fifth Mizukage, Terumi Mei!
Yoru Ryo glanced at Genryu, his thoughts racing.
As a transmigrator with a system, sitting idle wasn't his style!
"Yoru Ryo, is it? A promising young talent."
"May you, like your sister, become a pillar of Kirigakure!"
Genryu's praise sounded warm, as if they were old friends.
"Great Elder, you flatter me. I'll do my best."
Yoru Ryo sidestepped Genryu's flattery, refusing the bait.
Noticing Yoru Ryo's resistance, Genryu gave him a knowing look, then left with Senta Yasu.
The farce ended. Yoru Ryo followed Terumi Mei home.
Ringo Ameyuri's trio, seeing the show was over, dispersed to await their Anbu assignments.
Unlike Konoha, Kirigakure's graduates joined the Anbu for missions that pushed them to their limits, forcing them to grow stronger through sheer survival.
At Home
"This feeling of others controlling my fate? It's disgusting!"
"Sis, you okay with someone lording over you? This can't go on!"
Terumi Mei's eyes narrowed. "Little Ryo, that's a dangerous thought. The old you wasn't like this."
"Sometimes, I wonder if you're a different person."
"How does a single fall change you so much? You're nothing like before!"
Before Yoru Ryo could respond, she sighed. "How could I not want change? But it's too hard!"
"Genryu, as Great Elder, has vast influence. I can't challenge him easily."
Yoru Ryo's lips curved into a smirk. "Hard? Not necessarily!"
"Sis, where there's a will, there's a way. With effort, we'll succeed!"
Terumi Mei shook her head. "Little Ryo, I was once as naive as you. Reality's cruel."
"My strength and influence pale compared to the Great Elder's."
"And the Fourth Mizukage despises Bloodline Limit ninjas!"
"With my abilities suppressed, defying Genryu's Elders' Council is a pipe dream."
Yoru Ryo grinned. "Sis, what if I could skyrocket your strength?"
Terumi Mei's eyes widened. "You have a way?!"
"Of course. Wanna try it, Sis?"
Yoru Ryo smiled, his vision shifting to [Terumi Mei's Skills Panel].