Under the watchful eyes of Kirigakure's shinobi, the Intelligence Division's ninjas conducted Ye Liangnai's identity verification. If they found evidence of substitution, Terumi Mei would face severe consequences—likely stripped of her position. The resulting power vacuum would spark a brutal reshuffling, with the Elder Council poised to dominate.
"Is he a fake? Heh, this is getting interesting," Ringo Ameyuri muttered, her eyes glinting with curiosity. Suigetsu Hozuki and Shima Isshin exchanged intrigued glances beside her.
Chinda Takaya's gaze was ravenous, his anticipation palpable. He was desperate for the Intelligence Division to deliver the verdict he craved.
Five minutes later, the result came.
And it wasn't what Takaya wanted.
"Ye Liangnai's identity is confirmed. He is the genuine article—no substitution detected."
The announcement hit like a thunderclap. Takaya exploded, lunging forward and seizing the Intelligence ninja's collar. "Impossible! Ye Liangnai can't be real!"
"Tell me this is a mistake! You botched the test!"
His voice was raw, hysterical.
"Lord Takaya, do not question our competence," the Intelligence ninja said coldly, prying Takaya's hands off. "Our work is done. We're leaving."
With that, they walked away, their demeanor aloof and unshaken.
"Well, well," Ye Liangnai's mocking voice rang out. "What a letdown for someone. Who was the genius saying I wasn't me?"
Takaya's face flushed a furious purple, his humiliation complete. He whirled on Ye Liangnai, spitting venom. "Don't get cocky, brat! You think you're a hot stuff? A Genin at twelve—you'll never amount to more than that!"
Ye Liangnai shrugged, unfazed. "My future's mine to shape, not yours. But speaking of shaping things, how about an apology? Your little stunt left me traumatized—mentally, emotionally, the works."
He leaned in, his grin razor-sharp. "Surely a big shot like you can grant a small request like that, right?"
Takaya's blood boiled. Small request? This was a public slap to the face! And traumatized? The kid who'd carved through thirty shinobi like butter was claiming to be scared?
"Pfft, he's got a point, Takaya," Terumi Mei chimed in, her smile wicked. "You owe little Ye an apology."
The sister-brother duo struck in perfect sync, their words a coordinated assault. Takaya's face darkened, his voice a low growl. "Don't push me, you two!"
Mei's brow arched, her tone cutting. "Push you? Where was this restraint when you were slandering my brother? If anyone's overstepping, it's you, Takaya."
"You—!" Takaya's eyes blazed, but he was cornered. Their statuses were too high for bystanders to intervene, and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, watching with amusement, had no intention of helping. Without a way out, Takaya's dignity was bleeding out.
Then, salvation arrived.
"Now, now," a raspy voice interjected. "How about I apologize on his behalf, and we call it even?"
An elderly figure shuffled forward, leaning on a gnarled cane. His presence commanded instant respect, the crowd bowing low. "Great Elder!"
Yuan Long, Kirigakure's second-in-command, wielded power that dwarfed even Takaya's. His authority was unmatched, his influence a shadow over the village.
Mei's sharp demeanor softened. "If the Great Elder speaks, I'll respect your decision."
In truth, she and Yuan Long were peers in rank. Takaya? A mere pawn by comparison.
Ye Liangnai's eyes flicked to the old man, his thoughts racing. Yuan Long? The geezer who seized control after the Fourth Mizukage's death in the original story? More powerful than even Danzo. But sorry, old man—Kirigakure's future belongs to my sister, the Fifth Mizukage, Terumi Mei.
As a transmigrator with a system, Ye Liangnai wasn't here to play nice. He was here to shake things up.
Yuan Long turned to him, his voice warm but calculated. "Ye Liangnai, a fine young talent. I hope you'll grow to be a pillar of Kirigakure, like your sister."
To an outsider, it sounded like praise from a kindly elder. But Ye Liangnai saw the trap—flattery meant to bind him.
He smiled, sidestepping the bait. "You're too kind, Great Elder. I'll do my best."
Yuan Long's eyes lingered, a flicker of intrigue passing through them. This kid wasn't as pliable as he'd hoped. With a subtle nod, he beckoned Takaya and left.
The spectacle over, Ye Liangnai followed Mei home. Ringo, Suigetsu, and Shima dispersed, awaiting their ANBU assignments. Unlike Konoha, Kirigakure's graduates joined the ANBU for missions, honing their skills in the crucible of death. Only after the Chunin Exams could they choose to serve openly or remain in the shadows.
At Home
Ye Liangnai tossed his katana onto a table, his voice low. "Having my fate in others' hands? Not a fan, sis. You okay with someone lording over you? This can't go on."
Mei's eyes narrowed, a spark of suspicion flaring. "That's dangerous talk, little Ye. The old you didn't think like this."
She studied him, her voice softening but probing. "Sometimes, I wonder if you're even the same person. A fall changes you this much? You're like a stranger."
Before he could respond, she sighed, her tone heavy. "Don't think I haven't dreamed of breaking free. But it's not that simple. Yuan Long's power is vast—far beyond mine."
Ye Liangnai's grin was sly, undeterred. "Hard? Maybe not."
He leaned in, his voice brimming with confidence. "Sis, nothing's impossible if we fight for it. We can make it happen."
Mei's expression was wistful, her idealism long tempered by reality. "I was like you once—naive, full of fire. But the world's cruel, Ye. My strength, my influence—they're nothing compared to Yuan Long's. And the Fourth Mizukage's hatred for Bloodline Limit users ties my hands. Challenging the Elder Council? It's a fantasy."
Ye Liangnai's eyes gleamed, his voice a quiet challenge. "What if I could skyrocket your strength, sis?"
Mei's head snapped up, shock flashing across her face. "You… you have a way?!"
He grinned, his vision already summoning her skill panel. "Wanna find out?"