Might Duy—the strongest force in the current Hidden Leaf Village. Without question!
This unremarkable Genin from Konoha, who had spent most of his life running menial errands like finding lost cats or hauling cargo, unexpectedly erupted during the Third Great Ninja War. Single-handedly, he crushed the Hidden Mist Village's elite Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, completely derailing Kirigakure's entire battle strategy.
Just thinking about that outcome left Yoru speechless.
Should he try to stop the Seven Swordsmen from carrying out their mission?
The Mizukage's orders had already been given. Stopping them was out of the question. In fact, even he himself had to carry out a near-suicidal mission—and had to leave immediately. There was simply no time to worry about anything else.
Besides, this was the Village Hidden in the Bloody Mist.
Any unnecessary move would only draw unwanted suspicion—especially for someone like him: an unawakened Yuki clan member, shunned by his own kin.
Destroying the mission scroll, Yoru pushed open the chamber door and stepped out of the secret room.
"Order all members of Squad One to equip and assemble at the training field in ten minutes."
"Understood, Lord Yoru."
Respectful voices echoed from the darkness, followed by faint chakra fluctuations.
Ten minutes later, sixteen individuals stood before Yoru. Each wore a chilling white-patterned ANBU mask.
To ensure the growth of the village, the Second Mizukage, Gengetsu Hozuki, had modeled the Hidden Mist's ANBU and Ninja Academy after the systems created by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. As a result, the ANBU here operated similarly to Konoha's: four-person squads, four squads per platoon.
Including Yoru, Squad One had seventeen members in total.
"Lord Yoru, Squad One is assembled."
"Direct orders from the Mizukage."
Yoru swept his gaze across the group, his voice cold and sharp.
"Destroy Konoha's supply base. We move out—now."
"Yes, sir!"
With Yoru's command, every ANBU operative followed their respective squad leaders without question. No one hesitated.
This was the kind of ninja molded by the Bloody Mist—willing to carry out suicidal missions without a second thought. The most efficient killing machines in the entire shinobi world.
"Hey, Yoru."
Just as he was about to set off, a crisp and clear female voice stopped him in his tracks.
At the entrance to the training ground leaned a figure with long reddish-brown hair, clad in the same Hidden Mist ANBU uniform. She gazed at Yoru as he stepped out.
"Can I come with you on this mission?"
"This is Squad One's assignment, and you're the squad leader of Squad Two," Yoru replied indifferently, sparing only a glance at her graceful yet youthful figure. "Besides, the army is about to move to the front lines. I'm sure you have your own mission to carry out, Terumi Mei."
"Why so formal, calling me Terumi Mei?" she huffed softly. "You act like we're strangers. I just didn't want to be apart from my dear senior for too long. I'll miss you."
...Do you even believe that yourself?
Hearing this, the corners of Yoru's mouth twitched beneath his mask.
After graduating from the Ninja Academy, Yoru had been taken in by the Hidden Mist elder known as Master Gen.
That same year, Terumi Mei was also recruited, and since Yoru was two years older, he naturally became her senpai.
"Captain Terumi Mei, we are in the ANBU. Please address me as Captain Yoru."
"Fine, fine—Captain Yoru. But I really don't want to work with that fat pig, Fuguki Suikazan!"
Just thinking of her assigned mission made Terumi Mei visibly frustrated.
She was clearly a combat genius with two kekkei genkai, yet the Third Mizukage had placed her in the intelligence-oriented Squad Two, under the command of none other than Jinpachi Munashi, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
It wasn't that Terumi Mei had a problem with fat people. It was just that Jinpachi was... filthy in other ways.
Despite being a vice-captain in the intel unit, he was notorious for leaking information to other villages for personal gain.
This behavior wasn't exactly a secret among the higher-ups. Most of the time, it was just trivial intel anyway—everyone had some skeletons in their closet.
But having just joined ANBU, Terumi Mei was deeply disgusted by this so-called "famed" ninja of the Hidden Mist.
"The village is now at war with Konoha. Intelligence is the most critical element. You can't let your personal feelings jeopardize the mission."
Yoru's tone was calm:
"Follow the main force to the front, scout enemy territory, gather intel, and rendezvous with Lord Yagura. That is your duty."
"Hmph, you're just looking down on me!"
Terumi Mei scoffed:
"You're a genius on par with Senior Yagura. A rising star in the Mist, feared as the 'Bloody Mist Blade' of the ANBU. And what am I? Nothing! You totally look down on me!"
"...As long as you know."
"Argh! You're the worst!"
Watching the defeated girl storm off in frustration, Yoru let out a quiet chuckle, then used Body Flicker to catch up with his squad.
This mission was already extremely dangerous. Even if they didn't run into Might Duy, it would still be high-risk.
No matter how close he was to Terumi Mei, he would never let her get caught up in this one.
One Day LaterLand of Fire – Forest Region
Yoru led Squad One's ANBU shinobi swiftly through the dense trees.
Along the way, they passed several Hidden Mist temporary camps. But to maintain secrecy and save time, they didn't stop at any of them—instead pushing deeper into the Land of Fire.
"Lord Yoru, according to the intel unit's latest report, Konoha has spread its forces thin. The most important locations appear to be Futata Village and Jinnan Town."
A slender masked figure stood atop a towering tree, whispering to Yoru.
"Lord Yagura's forces are stationed at Jinnan Town, facing off against Konoha's main army. That location is where nearly half of Konoha's elite forces are gathered—it's their most important front-line stronghold. The remainder of their elite are reportedly at Futata Village."
"Futata Village is stockpiled with critical supplies. It's currently one of Konoha's main logistical hubs. According to intel, the village is heavily guarded, with many bloodline clans inside—including users of the Sharingan and Byakugan. It'll be difficult to attack."
"You idiot, Yukiko! Of course we're going after Futata Village!"
A red-haired ANBU with vertical braids snorted:
"Even with Lord Yoru here, we can't afford to escalate into a full-scale battle with Konoha's main forces. But if we can destroy their military supplies and sever the supply line, we'll strike a huge blow to their morale—and provoke a reaction from their main forces."
"Who knows? We might even get lucky and capture a bloodline ninja or two to bring back!"
"You—!" Yukiko retorted angrily.
"Yuyuri is right."
Yoru's voice was low and steady:
"Our mission is to sow chaos and draw enemy fire—not face their main force head-on."
"Yukiko, scout the area and plan our retreat route. Yuyuri, Mangetsu—prepare for battle. We're entering Konoha territory. Yumi, stay on alert and be ready to heal the wounded at a moment's notice."
"Yes, Lord Yoru!"