Chapter 30: Rogue Ninja, Kill Without Mercy
As Elder Genji spoke, the previously noisy conference room quieted once again.
Everyone present cast complicated glances at Genji and Terumi Mei. From Lord Yuto's expression, it was obvious to all that the two of them had not discussed this with him beforehand.
Such a major decision, if it were only Genji, would still be understandable—but for Terumi Mei to also have such boldness, it made the others secretly view her with newfound respect.
"Lord Yuto, regarding the elder's appointment, do you have any objections?"
Terumi Mei looked toward Yuto. Her face was calm, yet inwardly she felt uneasy. Before acting she hadn't been nervous, but now that it was done, she found herself tense.
Yuto rolled his eyes. To ask for his opinion only after the announcement had already been made—what was the point?
But this matter brought him no harm at all. On the surface, it resolved his awkward position, while in name, it granted him the authority to wield Kirigakure's power openly.
Although without this title Yuto could still command the village's forces, it always seemed as if he were overstepping. Now, with the identity of an elder, no one could question him—such authority was inherent to the role.
Thinking of this, Yuto gave Genji a serious look. This solution harmed neither him nor Terumi Mei. Truly worthy of someone who had lived this long.
Seeing Mei waiting anxiously for his answer, Yuto couldn't help but smile. "No problem, Lady Mizukage."
At his response, a flicker of embarrassment crossed Mei's eyes, though her expression remained stern.
Genji, who had been standing quietly to the side, visibly exhaled in relief. Even he had not been certain Yuto would agree. Things had turned out far more smoothly than expected.
"Before Lord Yuto officially assumes his position, allow this old man to issue one final order. For what follows, I must trouble Lady Mizukage to assist."
Genji spoke with solemn respect, and Mei simply nodded lightly without a word.
"From this moment, due to the actions of Anbu Vice-Captain Tsuchida Masamitsu and Kinoshita Clan Leader Kinoshita Jirou—who allowed the Six-Tails' jinchūriki Utakata to defect, causing the deaths of two chunin and inflicting grave loss and fear upon the village—I hereby declare them rogue ninja, to be killed without mercy!"
The words fell cold and heavy.
What! Impossible!
Tsuchida Masamitsu froze in disbelief, then leapt to his feet and roared, "Genji! How vicious can you be—to pronounce death just like that!"
"And me! I am the clan leader of the Kinoshita! How dare you label me a rogue ninja! Do you not fear the Kinoshita clan will revolt?!" Kinoshita Jirou also sprang up, shouting furiously.
"Hmph, enough noise."
With a cold snort, Terumi Mei stomped against the floor and charged straight toward Tsuchida Masamitsu.
Tsuchida Masamitsu's expression changed drastically. He hadn't expected Terumi Mei to attack without the slightest hesitation.
He hurriedly pulled a kunai from his pouch and flung it toward her, while his body retreated in a burst of speed. At the same time, his hands flashed through seals as he shouted, "Earth Style—Earth Wall!"
In an instant, a massive wall of earth rose up before him. His expression eased slightly. The purpose of this jutsu was not to block Mei's assault, but to use the wall as cover to escape.
Yet before he could act, a soft incantation drifted from ahead.
"Boil Release—Under the Clever Mist."
A thick white mist spread out in a blink. The towering earth wall that shielded him didn't even resist—it melted away the moment it touched the vapor, crumbling into sludge.
In the span of a breath, the white mist engulfed Tsuchida Masamitsu.
"Ahhh!"
A bloodcurdling scream echoed as the mist touched his skin. Before everyone's eyes, his body corroded into nothing, erased in moments until not even a trace remained.
This was a technique that could even melt holes through Uchiha Madara's Susanoo! Though it seemed to last several heartbeats, in truth the battle had ended in an instant.
Watching, Yuto couldn't suppress a chill in his heart. Mei's Lava Release and Boil Release were both techniques that reduced enemies to sludge—perfect tools for erasing corpses.
Escape!
On the other side, Kinoshita Jirou heard the screams and lost all will to fight. He turned to flee. But after only a few steps, he stopped, his face twisting in bitter despair.
For before him stood none other than Lord Yuto himself. To think of running in front of him was foolish—there was no escape.
Yuto raised his hand slightly to halt Terumi Mei, who was preparing to strike from behind.
"Tell me, is it true that all of your Kinoshita clan have golden hair?"
Yuto eyed the man's blond locks with curiosity.
Jirou froze, bewildered why Lord Yuto would ask something so odd now of all times. But at least it meant his life was not immediately forfeit. He hastily answered, not daring to withhold anything.
When Yuto confirmed the clan's hair was indeed golden, a mischievous glint flashed across his face, as if a new scheme had formed.
His figure flickered and appeared behind Jirou. Before the man could react, his eyes rolled back and he collapsed unconscious.
"Take Kinoshita Jirou to the prison. Guard him well, and secretly monitor the entire Kinoshita clan. Any sign of unusual activity—kill them."
Yuto's voice was calm as he looked to one corner of the room.
At once, two masked figures in black Anbu uniforms appeared. They bowed respectfully, lifted Jirou, and departed. Yuto's body flickered once more, returning him to his seat.
Only then did the others in the chamber fully react. Their faces were filled with shock, their bodies cold with fear. Moments ago, these high-ranking figures had sat beside them—now, one was dead, another dragged away.
(The End of This Chapter)
Hey readers! If you're eager to dive into advanced chapters, consider joining our Patreon. By joining, you'll get access to 20 chapters ahead and enjoy 8 new chapters per week. Plus, we have 8 more exciting fics with the same chapter release rate, giving you a total of 64 chapters per week! Join now and keep the adventure going!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/anish_44