Mingyou Disappeared?

"I understand, Raikage-sama!"

"Roger, Raikage-sama!"

Instantly, the Land of Lightning ninjas in various locations, those skilled in Fire Release and those skilled in Wind Release, began forming hand seals rapidly.

"Fire Release: Cremation Technique!"

"Fire Release: Garuda!"

"Wind Release: Gale Palm!"

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

As the ninjas unleashed their ninjutsu one after another, waves of fire soared into the sky, accompanied by powerful gusts of wind. The wind accelerated the air, causing the flames to burn even more fiercely.

The Fourth Raikage's idea was indeed effective. Under the scorching hot air currents, the thick fog was quickly dispersed.

At least within this courtyard, it was now possible to clearly see the surrounding situation.

"Hmm? Where's Uchiha Mingyou?"

The Fourth Raikage's eyes were like torches, and like a skyrocket, he flew to various high points, searching for Mingyou's trail.

Most of the other Land of Lightning ninjas did the same, looking around, hoping to find Mingyou's whereabouts.

But unfortunately, Mingyou seemed to have suddenly vanished into thin air, simply disappearing.

No matter how much these people searched, it was all in vain.

"Darui, has there been a breach in the barrier?"

The Fourth Raikage's voice was like thunder as he summoned Darui to inquire about the barrier's status.

If the barrier had indeed been broken and Uchiha Mingyou had escaped, then continuing to waste time here would be a pointless endeavor.

"No, Raikage-sama, the barrier is still intact. The personnel releasing the barrier are on the periphery and couldn't have been attacked."

Darui shook his head, denying this possibility.

"Idiot, you must find him for me." The Fourth Raikage was so angry that his features were almost twisted together, and he raised a fist and slammed it into a wall beside him.

Bang~~

A loud noise echoed as the Raikage blasted a huge hole in the concrete brick wall.

"Yes! Raikage-sama."

Immediately, the Land of Lightning ninjas nodded in agreement, not daring to delay even for a moment.

Once this Raikage-sama really lost it, they might even be punished.

Whoosh~~

Whoosh~~

For a time, within this rather spacious daimyo's residence, figures flashed and leaped about.

They either rushed into the various rooms to search carefully, or climbed onto the rooftops, shading their eyes as they looked around.

Many had even jumped into the lake to investigate, wanting to see if Mingyou might be hiding underwater.

"This little guy is really interesting."

Mei Terumi giggled, covering her mouth.

Mingyou was leading the Land of Lightning ninjas around by the nose, which she found quite amusing.

"Hehe, Mei Terumi-neechan, you flatter me."

Chōjūrō, who had been following beside her, suddenly chuckled.

"Chōjūrō? You"

Mei Terumi was a little confused. Why had the little guy who used to call her Mizukage-sama suddenly changed his form of address?

She even vaguely felt that something was wrong with this Chōjūrō. The usually shy little guy wouldn't talk to her like this.

"Shhh~~ That's right, it's me, Uchiha Mingyou."

Mingyou made a shushing gesture, signaling Mei Terumi to keep her voice down, so as not to attract the attention of the surrounding Land of Lightning ninjas.

"When did you exactly."

Mei Terumi was shocked. Chōjūrō had been following her, never leaving her side.

She hadn't even noticed when Chōjūrō had been switched out.

"Don't worry, neechan. Chōjūrō is fine; he's doing well."

Mingyou explained softly, to allay her suspicions.

After Mingyou killed a number of Land of Lightning ninjas, he took advantage of an opening to suck Chōjūrō into the Kamui Dimension.

"Oh? You little guy are really interesting. Aren't you afraid I'll summon the Raikage-dono over here?"

Mei Terumi smiled, her beautiful eyes looking at Mingyou playfully.

"Not afraid." Mingyou shook his head, not taking her teasing words to heart at all.

Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that Mingyou was completely fearless.

Since Mingyou could escape once, he was certain he could escape a second time, a confidence born from his own strength.

At the same time, Mingyou also saw Mei Terumi's desire to win him over.

Such a good opportunity to have Mingyou owe her a favor, how could Mei Terumi possibly let it slip away?

Mei Terumi stared at Mingyou for a good while, but she couldn't find any flaws in him.

In the end, she sighed softly and asked, "Alright, what exactly do you want?"

"You know," Mingyou said with a meaningful smile. "Take me out of here."

Mei Terumi frowned slightly. "Little brother, that's very risky. Why do you think I would help you instead of informing the Raikage?"

Faced with Mei Terumi's question, Mingyou didn't panic, but smiled confidently. "I believe you are a smart woman, and you won't pass up this opportunity to befriend the Uchiha."

"And as you can see, the Uchiha Clan is hated by everyone right now and needs a place to stand."

"Alright, I agree to your request." A hint of joy flashed in Mei Terumi's eyes. This was exactly what she was waiting to hear from Mingyou. "But now is not the best time to leave. I hope you can wait patiently."

"I can," Mingyou nodded, agreeing readily.

Now was the most sensitive time for the Fourth Raikage. He wouldn't let go of any detail here, wanting to dig out Mingyou's hiding place.

If Mei Terumi were to propose going outside the barrier at this time, it would definitely arouse suspicion.

Of course, Mingyou wasn't without ways to break through the barrier and leave.

With so many powerful ninjutsu at his disposal, it wouldn't be difficult for Mingyou to get out.

It's just that the Uchiha Clan had really become the target of public criticism. First, they defected from Konoha, then Mingyou offended Ōnoki, and now there's the scheming Fourth Raikage to contend with.

It all seemed to be working against the Uchiha.

To take the Uchiha clansmen back to the Land of Waves to continue living? That was absolutely impossible.

The Fourth Raikage already knew about that place. It probably wouldn't be long before he sent out many spies to investigate the Land of Waves.

So the choice Mingyou could make now was to befriend either the Fourth Kazekage or the Fifth Mizukage.

But this was only to befriend them, it didn't mean the Uchiha would really depend on the Land of Water or the Land of Wind.

Although the Land of Wind had a vast area, it also had a harsh environment, with constant wind and sand, making it unsuitable for living.

The Land of Water was the most remote, and although it had the smallest area among the five great nations, it was also the safest.

Because it was located in the deepest part of the ocean, surrounded by many islands, making it very difficult for others to attack.

That's why Mingyou chose to cooperate with Mei Terumi, which could also be considered as selling her a favor to befriend her.