Making the Act Real

He was covered in wounds, blood seeping out from time to time as he panted without pause.

But this was not an act. He really had nowhere left to run.

He had thought these Mist Ninja were actors cooperating with his performance.

But when Ye Liangnai had only intended to put on a little show to deceive the Cloud Ninja, only to be stabbed in the heart and nearly die, he suddenly came to his senses.

He might have been deceived. Perhaps these people truly wanted to kill him!

After all, Yuan Long, who wished nothing more than for him to die, was still in Kirigakure!

"What a pity. We already gave you a chance!"

"Since you did not cherish it, we can only fulfill that lord's instructions and snuff you out here!"

"Hehe, what a wonderful place. No village ahead, no inn behind—perfect for a lonely ghost like you!"

"Get him! Kill this brat, and when we return, we can focus even more on dealing with his sister alongside that lord!"

With that, the group of Anbu pounced like tigers.

"Yuan Long!!!"

Ye Liangnai instantly guessed who the lord they spoke of was.

"So what if you figured it out? We received Lord Mizukage's approval to turn this act into reality."

"Even if we kill you, it will only be considered using too much force and failing to hold back. Your sister cannot do anything to us!"

"Die!"

The leading Mist Ninja roared sharply, his Cold Light-flashing blade stabbing toward Ye Liangnai.

Around Ye Liangnai, there was also a cluster of blades glinting with Cold Light.

Ye Liangnai had already lost too much blood, and his reactions were a little too slow.

"Damn it, there's no choice. I can only use Water Style ninjutsu. So be it if I'm exposed—my life comes first!"

Ye Liangnai was not some stubborn fool who would still cling to the identity of Yura at a time like this.

But just as Ye Liangnai was about to use a Kirigakure technique, a voice suddenly came from behind him. "If you want to kill him, you'll have to ask whether we agree!"

"Lightning Style: Lightning Pillar!!"

A blinding expanse of lightning instantly illuminated an area dozens of meters wide, forcing the Mist Ninja to retreat at once.

They gathered together in defensive formation to guard against a sneak attack.

But when the lightning faded and the Mist Ninja's vision returned, there was already nothing left at the spot.

Ye Liangnai had vanished, and those who saved him had not left behind the slightest trace.

"Damn it, chase them! We absolutely cannot let that guy escape!"

The leading Mist Ninja's expression turned ferocious as he let out a low roar and shot after them.

"Yes!"

The Mist Ninja answered coldly, then all followed behind him in pursuit.

But in the Land of Lightning, no matter how capable the Mist Ninja were, they could not possibly surpass the local residents—the Cloud Ninja.

Thus, the Mist Ninja regrettably lost their target.

"Damn it!!!"

After losing Ye Liangnai's trail, the Mist Ninja let out a sky-shaking howl of resentment.

It was no wonder he reacted this way. He had already exposed Yuan Long's information, yet Ye Liangnai had been successfully rescued by the Cloud Ninja. How could Yuan Long possibly spare him?

Even if Yuan Long spared him, with Ye Liangnai's terrifying talent, once he grew stronger and returned to Kirigakure in the future, he would still be dead for certain.

But no matter how furious he was now, it was already useless.

Ye Liangnai's successful rescue was an established fact. The proper thing to do was think carefully about how to explain himself to Yuan Long when he returned.

Elsewhere!

"Yura, right? We are Cloud Ninja, here to save you! Please do not move around. Just follow us to Kumogakure!"

The extremely weak Ye Liangnai was slung over the shoulder of a tall Cloud Ninja while a thin Cloud Ninja spoke to him.

"Looks like I've been saved. You all arrived at just the right time!"

Ye Liangnai grinned, feeling as though he had survived a great calamity.

But inwardly, he cursed bitterly, Yuan Long, huh? Very good. You could not wait to make a move against me so soon?

I'll remember this grudge. Once I get back, just watch how I deal with you!

A day later, the group arrived at Kumogakure!

"A severe wound to the heart, and serious injuries everywhere else on his body as well?"

"If this were an act, then they truly went all out. They were completely trying to take his life!"

"Throw him into the hospital first. Let his wounds heal before we discuss anything else. Of course, we cannot ease up on surveillance either!"

"Once he recovers, take him to the Anbu immediately for testing and see whether his background checks out!"

"To escape from the hands of so many elite Mist Ninja Anbu, this guy certainly has some skill."

"If he truly can be of use to me, he would be a worthwhile talent!"

In response to the request for instructions from the Anbu captain in charge of this mission, the Fourth Raikage gave his orders.

The Anbu immediately accepted the order and withdrew!

Two days later, Kumogakure Hospital!

"You're finally awake. You suffered such serious injuries, yet you still managed to travel that far. Your body is really tough!"

When Ye Liangnai opened his eyes again, the first thing he saw was a young female medical ninja.

"Hehe, then I should thank all the Gods and Buddhas. They blessed me and allowed me to survive again!"

Ye Liangnai sat up and looked around. "Compared to Kirigakure's oppressive atmosphere, the atmosphere here is truly much better. It makes people feel very relaxed."

"Hmph, of course. Otherwise, why would you risk your life to come here?"

"Enough, I won't talk to you anymore. Lord Raikage ordered that once you woke up, you were to report to him!"

With that, the female medical ninja flicked her little ponytail and left.

"She really does not beat around the bush. So decisive and straightforward! Is this Kumogakure? It feels pretty good!"

Ye Liangnai got out of bed. The wound on his chest had already healed more than halfway and did not affect his ability to move.

He strapped on the blade beside his bed, got dressed, and headed to the Raikage Building.

The guards there had likely already received the Raikage's instructions.

Upon seeing Ye Liangnai arrive, they immediately "invited" him toward the Raikage's office.

"Yura, a B-rank rogue ninja from Kirigakure. Former Special Jonin of Kirigakure. Proficient in Lightning Style and swordsmanship."

"You defected after failing to assassinate the Mizukage because you could no longer bear Kirigakure's crushing pressure, correct?"

"However, just how credible is this information? How can I be sure there is any truth in it?"

The Fourth Raikage stood with his arms crossed, looking up at Ye Liangnai as he questioned him.

Beside him stood a capable female ninja with bronze skin and her hair tied in a bun, as well as a silver-haired ninja with the character for "lightning" tattooed on his arm.

Mabui and Darui!

"This information is easy to obtain, and the possibility of forgery is too great. Why does Lord Raikage need to confirm it with me?"

"Even if I said it was true, would Lord Raikage believe me?"

"Why not learn about something deeper instead, such as..."

Ye Liangnai pointed to his head and said, "The information about Kirigakure stored in here. Lord Raikage needs that very much, does he not?"

Ye Liangnai's relaxed composure and refusal to follow the usual script made the Fourth Raikage pause for a moment.