Chapter 32 From Today On, Surveillance of the Jinchuriki Is Canceled
Hearing Elder Genji's words, Yuto blinked, secretly thinking to himself.
This old fox already considered Mokushita Jirou a dead man. The next clan head of the Mokushita clan had probably already been chosen.
Yuto shrugged. "I never said I would spare Mokushita Jirou's life. It's just that there's something more suitable for him to handle. Besides, we may soon need the power of the Mokushita clan."
"To use the Mokushita clan's strength? That's not a problem. But their clan head has just been declared a rogue ninja. If you give them tasks, they may not act wholeheartedly."
A trace of amusement flickered across Elder Genji's face. Yet he did not ask what Yuto intended for Mokushita Jirou to do. He knew well what questions should and should not be asked.
"Heh, reputation is actually the easiest thing to manage. Whether Mokushita Jirou is Kirigakure's rogue ninja or Kirigakure's hero—what difference does it make to him now?"
Yuto suddenly laughed softly as he looked at Elder Genji.
The elder paused for a moment, then a look of realization flashed in his eyes. He too began to smile.
Rogue ninja or hero, Mokushita Jirou's fate was already sealed. But whether he died as a rogue or as a hero made all the difference to the Mokushita clan.
For a while, the street echoed with their sly laughter, like the sound of two foxes.
Just then, hurried footsteps approached from up ahead.
When the figure passed by Yuto and Elder Genji, her body froze sharply.
"Ah! Elder Genji!"
The figure came to a halt, bowing quickly before him.
"Oh? Yuri, off to take another mission?"
Elder Genji looked kindly at the young figure who had suddenly stopped.
Standing to the side, Yuto raised his brows at the familiar sight. Wasn't this Ringo Yuri?
"Yes, Elder Genji. I just received a B-rank mission."
Yuri lowered her head and answered respectfully.
Elder Genji chuckled. "An old man's chatter is nothing compared to your task. Hurry along."
Yuri lifted her head, about to say something, when she suddenly noticed Yuto standing beside Elder Genji. Her whole body stiffened.
"Well now, long time no see, Yuri."
Yuto smiled lightly and bared his teeth in a grin.
Her expression twisted into bitterness. From Lord Ao's attitude last time, it was clear that this young man's identity was not ordinary.
And now he was walking alongside Elder Genji—it only made things clearer. Could he be the son of the Daimyo of the Land of Water?
Yuri could not help but speculate. Thinking of this, her face grew even more bitter. That girl Haruna had not only fleeced him once, but she herself had secretly leaked information.
Would this youth hold a grudge against her for it?
"Elder Genji, I'll be on my way!"
Without waiting further, Yuri turned and vanished swiftly, leaving Yuto and Elder Genji staring in surprise.
"Lord Yuto, that girl Yuri seems rather afraid of you."
Elder Genji turned his head toward Yuto, curiosity plain on his face.
Yuto rubbed his nose. Even he was a little dazed. Just over one meal? Was that really necessary?
Seeing Yuto remain silent, Elder Genji's eyes showed a hint of admiration as he gazed at where she had disappeared. With a sigh, he said:
"That girl is one of Kirigakure's promising seedlings. In the village, she already bears the title 'Genius of Lightning Release.'"
"Unfortunately, the Thunder Blade Fang, one of the Seven Ninja Swords, disappeared together with the rogue ninja Kurotsuchi Raiga. Otherwise, Yuri would have been the most perfect inheritor of that blade."
The Thunder Blade Fang.
The Seven Ninja Swords of Kirigakure.
Yuri.
Yuto's once vague memories suddenly became clear—so it was her!
———
Conference Room.
The meeting had already ended. Aside from Terumi Mei, who still sat in her seat, everyone else had long since left.
She carefully examined a scroll in her hands, her face showing a trace of solemnity.
"Shunyu was actually able to develop such a technique? Though it failed, it is indeed feasible. But the risk is far too great."
Hmm—
A faint groan sounded nearby. Utakata had just opened his eyes when he felt waves of pain surge through his body.
Where is this?
Not the forest!
His eyes widened sharply. Ignoring the stabbing pain, he leapt to his feet and his body quickly swelled in size.
At the same time, Utakata glanced around warily, scanning the surroundings.
After a moment, he saw a red-haired woman sitting in a chair ahead, quietly flipping through a scroll. Finally, he confirmed there was only one person here.
Terumi Mei closed the scroll, raised her head, and looked at the tense Utakata standing at a distance. She spoke calmly.
"No need to be so nervous. It's only me here."
"You are… the Mizukage!" Utakata's pupils contracted as he looked at her.
"Since you recognize me, then don't bother with tricks. This is the heart of Kirigakure. You cannot escape."
Terumi Mei licked her lips lightly and spoke in an indifferent tone.
So I really lost…
Even summoning Saiken wasn't enough to defeat her?
"In my view, for a jinchuriki, surveillance and isolation are the best approach. However, Lord Yuto does not seem to share my opinion."
Her face showed helplessness as she shrugged.
"From today onward, Utakata, the jinchuriki, you will no longer be monitored. Aside from being unable to freely leave Kirigakure, you will have the same rights as an ordinary ninja."
"As for where you live, that's up to you. You may return to your old place, or live anywhere else in the village—as long as you can pay."
She spread her hands, then tossed the scroll she had been reading toward him. Her voice was calm.
"The contents of this scroll record the secret technique your master Shunyu used on you. It explains in detail its function and effects. Remember—after you read it, either destroy it or return it to the Mizukage's office."
With that, she formed a seal. With a sharp "bang," Terumi Mei vanished from sight.
Utakata stared blankly at the spot where she had disappeared, standing frozen for a long time before he finally began to digest all that she had said.
His hands trembled slightly as he slowly unrolled the scroll, reading carefully through the explanations of the secret technique and its purpose.
Drip. Drip.
Moments later, tears began falling from Utakata's cheeks to the ground.
"Master…"
(End of Chapter)
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