Something's Off With You

Under the watchful eyes of the assembled ninja, the two Intelligence Department ninja began verifying Ye Liangnai's identity.

If Ye Liangnai really turned out to have been replaced, Mei Terumi would undoubtedly be held responsible and would likely be forced from office.

At that point, the position vacated by Mei Terumi would inevitably trigger a reshuffling of power.

Then the Elder Council would truly stand unrivaled.

"Could he be an impostor? Heh heh, this is getting quite interesting!"

Ringo Ameyuri and the other two were also rather curious about this.

Qian Taikang was practically straining his eyes, eager to hear the answer he wanted from the Intelligence Department ninja.

Five minutes later, the results were out!

But it was not the result Qian Taikang wanted.

Because—

"Ye Liangnai's identity has been confirmed. He is the genuine article, with no impersonation involved!"

The moment he heard this result, Qian Taikang exploded.

He lunged forward and grabbed the expressionless Intelligence Department ninja by the collar. "Impossible! How could Ye Liangnai be the real one?!"

"Tell me this isn't true! You made a mistake!"

He was completely hysterical!

"Lord Qian Taikang, please do not question our capabilities!"

"Our work here is done. Farewell!"

The Intelligence Department ninja shook off Qian Taikang's hand and left with his companion.

Proud and composed!

"Oh my, someone must be terribly disappointed!"

"I wonder what kind of idiot would say that I wasn't myself!"

Ye Liangnai's mocking words came at that moment, instantly turning Qian Taikang's face livid with rage.

He shot back, "Brat, don't get cocky! Do you really think you're so impressive?"

"You only graduated as a genin at twelve. This is all you'll ever amount to!"

Ye Liangnai merely shrugged indifferently. "I decide what my future holds. You don't get a say!"

"More importantly, shouldn't you give me an explanation? An apology, perhaps?"

"Your slander gave my mind and soul a terrible fright!"

"Surely a person of your standing can grant me such a small request!"

Qian Taikang was so furious he wanted to vomit blood!

A small request? Wasn't this just slapping him across the face in public?

And his mind and soul had been frightened?

Ye Liangnai killed people so ruthlessly—would he really be frightened by something like this?

"Hehehe, that's right, Qian Taikang. Don't you owe little Ye an apology?"

Mei Terumi joined in then, smiling brightly.

The siblings' combined attack was perfect!

"You two, don't push it too far!" Qian Taikang's expression immediately darkened.

What a joke. Apologize to Ye Liangnai? Where would that leave his dignity?

Mei Terumi raised a brow. "Too far? When you slandered my little brother, why didn't you have that awareness?"

"Qian Taikang, if anyone has gone too far, it's you!"

"You..."

Qian Taikang's eyes nearly spat fire, yet he had no way out.

After all, Mei Terumi and Qian Taikang were both people of considerable status.

The surrounding ninja either lacked the standing to intervene or simply had no desire to, such as the Seven Ninja Swordsmen!

So unless someone gave him a way out, Qian Taikang would lose all face today!

Fortunately, his savior arrived!

"Hehe, how about this? This old man will apologize to you on his behalf, and we'll let this matter end here. What do you say?"

An aged voice rang out at that moment.

An elderly man, frail with age and leaning on a large cane, appeared before them.

At the sight of him, everyone present hurriedly bowed. "Elder Genryu!"

This old man was none other than Kirigakure's second-in-command, Elder Genryu, a man of immense power!

"Since Elder Genryu has spoken personally, we'll do as you say."

Mei Terumi said this without the domineering air she had displayed before.

Strictly speaking, she and Yuan Long were figures of the same rank.

Qian Taikang was nothing more than a clown!

Yuan Long? Is that the old man from the original story who seized control of Kirigakure after the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, died?

What a terrifying old man. Even Danzo probably didn't hold such status!

But unfortunately for him, now that I'm here, Elder Yuan Long, the power of Kirigakure would be better off in the hands of my sister Mei Terumi, the future Fifth Mizukage!

Ye Liangnai glanced at Yuan Long and thought to himself.

As a transmigrator with a system, there was no way he could avoid stirring up trouble!

"Ye Liangnai, right? You're truly a dependable young talent."

"I hope that, like your sister, you can become a pillar supporting Kirigakure!"

Yuan Long looked at Ye Liangnai and praised him.

Anyone unaware of the situation would have thought the two were quite familiar.

"You flatter me, Elder. I'll do my best!"

Of course Ye Liangnai would not obediently fall for Yuan Long's hollow praise!

Seeing that Ye Liangnai had not taken the bait, Yuan Long gave him a meaningful look before leaving with Qian Taikang.

With the farce over, Ye Liangnai left with Mei Terumi as well.

Seeing that the entertainment was over, Ringo Ameyuri and the other two also departed, awaiting their upcoming Anbu assignments.

Unlike Konoha, Kirigakure graduates entered the Anbu to carry out missions and grow stronger.

After taking the Chunin Exams, they could choose for themselves whether to become public-facing ninja.

Or remain Anbu members and face life and death at every moment.

After returning home.

Ye Liangnai said, "Having your fate controlled by others really is unpleasant!"

"Sis, are you willing to have someone pressing down on you? This can't go on forever!"

Mei Terumi narrowed her eyes at his words. "Little Ye, that way of thinking is very dangerous. You weren't like this before."

"Sometimes I truly wonder whether you've become a different person."

"How did one fall change you so much? Everything is different from before!"

Then, without waiting for Ye Liangnai to answer, she sighed. "How could I not want that? But achieving it is far too difficult!"

"Yuan Long is the Elder. His influence runs deep, and I cannot easily contend with him!"

Ye Liangnai's lips immediately curled upward. "Difficult? Not necessarily!"

"Sis, where there's a will, there's a way. As long as we work hard, we can definitely succeed!"

Mei Terumi said, "Little Ye, I used to be as naive as you, but reality is cruel!"

"My strength and influence are still far behind the Elder's."

"Besides, the Fourth Mizukage still hates Kekkei Genkai ninja!"

"I have all this ability, yet I cannot use it. How could it be easy to contend against Yuan Long's Elder Council?"

Hearing Mei Terumi's sigh, Ye Liangnai said, "Sis, what if I could rapidly increase your strength?"

Mei Terumi immediately looked at Ye Liangnai in surprise. "You have a way?!"

"Of course. Why don't you try it first, Sis?"

Ye Liangnai said with a smile. Mei Terumi's skill panel had already appeared in his vision.