Kirigakure, A Dimly Lit Tavern
The air was thick with the scent of sake and grilled fish, the low hum of conversation filling the cozy tavern. Terumi Mei, her cheeks flushed a rosy red from drink, leaned across the table, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she teased Ye Liangnai. "Heard you took down a few more A-rank ninja, Little Ye! Not bad—turning into a big shot known across the ninja world!"
Ye Liangnai sipped his fruit juice, his expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. "Tch, just a bunch of idiots chasing the bounty on my head," he said, waving a hand dismissively. "They weren't even that tough—just annoying, buzzing around like flies. I'm about ready to lose it."
His casual tone belied the truth. Those ninja hadn't been pushovers—some had pushed him to his limits, their battles fierce and grueling. But they were dead now, and Ye Liangnai wasn't one to dwell on the past. Let the world think what it wanted; he'd write his own story.
Mei's laughter rang out, bright and melodic, like silver bells chiming in the misty air. "Only you'd call A-rank ninja 'not that tough,'" she said, her smile widening. Her charm was magnetic, her flushed beauty drawing restless glances from nearby shinobi. But one look at her reputation—the woman who'd snapped an Elder's son's neck without blinking—kept their impulses in check. Desire was one thing; survival was another.
Elsewhere, A Shadowy Room
In a secluded chamber, Elder Yuan Long's eyes glinted with malice as he stared at a scroll, its title stark: Infiltration Plan: Kumogakure. At its end, the name of the chosen operative stood out—Ye Liangnai. His lips curled into a venomous sneer. "Laugh while you can, Terumi Mei. Soon, you'll never smile again."
The plan was his masterpiece, a dagger aimed at Mei's heart. "This time, you'll know what it's like to lose someone you love," he muttered, his voice dripping with spite. "Ye Liangnai, you'll die in Kumogakure, and there's nothing she can do about it."
When Yagura had assigned the mission, Yuan Long had seized the opportunity, nominating Ye Liangnai without hesitation. His prodigious skill, daring, and cunning made him the perfect candidate—no one could argue otherwise, not even Mei. Yuan Long had already greased the Elder Council's wheels, ensuring the decision was ironclad. Mei's fury would be impotent against his machinations. Perfect.
The Next Day, Elder Council Chambers
"What?! Sending Ye Liangnai on this mission? Are you all insane?!" Mei's voice thundered through the chamber, her eyes blazing as she slammed her fist on the table. As an Elder, her influence was significant, but the news that Ye Liangnai was chosen to infiltrate Kumogakure ignited her rage. "He's barely been out of the academy a month! There are dozens more qualified—why him?!"
Her gaze locked onto Yuan Long, her eyes flashing with icy killing intent. "Yuan Long, your vendetta's so blatant it's pathetic."
Yuan Long's smirk was cold, his tone dripping with mock innocence. "Vendetta? Don't sling mud, Mei. I'm merely following Lord Mizukage's orders to select a candidate. If Ye Liangnai's name came up, well, that's just fate." He leaned forward, his voice sharp. "His strength, courage, and intellect make him ideal for this task. If you disagree, give me a better candidate and a reason. Otherwise, your words are meaningless."
In the Elder Council, Yuan Long's authority was unmatched, his word nearly law. Mei's jaw tightened, her mind racing. He's right—damn it. Ye Liangnai's brilliance was undeniable, his recent exploits making him the obvious choice. Fresh from prison, Mei lacked the leverage or alternatives to counter Yuan Long's logic. She was cornered.
"Since there's no objection, let's vote," Yuan Long said, his smile smug. "Lord Mizukage awaits our decision." The outcome was predetermined—three votes for Mei, nine against. A crushing defeat.
"I protest!" Mei snapped, her sleeve snapping as she stormed out. "Lord Mizukage won't approve this so easily!" She marched to Yagura's office, determined to overturn the decision.
But her hopes were futile. A true Yagura might have reconsidered, but Uchiha Obito, pulling the strings, relished sowing discord. Fueling Mei's resentment was his goal, and he approved the mission without hesitation, his decision final.
"Damn it!" Mei returned, her face a storm of fury. Yuan Long's triumphant grin made her blood boil—she wanted nothing more than to rip his head off and kick it like a ball. But she was powerless, trapped by the system she'd sworn to serve.
Ye Liangnai's Quarters
"What?! Me, infiltrate Kumogakure as a spy?!" Ye Liangnai's voice was a mix of disbelief and outrage, his eyes wide as he processed the news. "You've got to be kidding me! I'm fresh out of the academy, with zero undercover experience. This is a death sentence!"
His mind reeled. Just say you want me dead and be done with it. Why the runaround? But the Mizukage's orders were clear: Ye Liangnai was to join the ANBU Cipher Corps for training and prepare to infiltrate Kumogakure. The command was non-negotiable, a blade at his throat.
"How could Lord Mizukage make such a brain-dead decision?!" Mei's voice trembled, her teeth grinding as fury sparked in her eyes. For the first time, a dangerous thought took root: Maybe the Mizukage needs to go. A leader this incompetent is a liability. Her loyalty wavered, her protective instincts screaming.
Ye Liangnai gripped her arm, his voice low but firm. "Calm down, Sis. Don't do anything rash." His own anger burned, but he forced clarity through the haze. "We lost this round, but it's not a total defeat. The Cipher Corps is my chance to get close to Kisame Hoshigaki—perfectly, without raising suspicion. Yuan Long and 'Yagura' handed us this opportunity on a platter."
Mei's eyes softened, but worry creased her brow. "Even so, infiltrating Kumogakure alone is suicide. If you're exposed, you're dead—no escape. Your fighting style's too recognizable, Little Ye. One battle, and your cover's blown. How will you survive?"
Ye Liangnai's grin was defiant, a spark of cunning in his eyes. "If my usual style's a giveaway, I'll switch it up. I've got another chakra nature, remember? It's time to put it to use."
Mei's frown deepened, her voice hesitant. "But—"
"No buts, Sis," Ye Liangnai cut in, his tone resolute. "We can't fight this mission—we have to play their game." His fists clenched, his gaze blazing with determination. "But this is the last time they pull this crap. Let's make a pact: when I return, we take control. No more pawns—we'll shape our own destiny."
Mei's expression hardened, her nod firm. "Deal. But you better keep your promise and come back safe, Little Ye."
His grin widened, brimming with confidence. "Count on it." Then, a sly glint crept into his eyes, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Heard Yuan Long's got a stash of rare scrolls—ninjutsu, genjutsu, taijutsu, sealing, barriers, you name it. Think he'd mind 'lending' me a few to study? After all, he's so generous."
Mei's lips twitched, catching his drift. Yuan Long had played dirty, but Ye Liangnai wasn't above a little payback. And as for Uchiha Obito, hiding behind his Kamui? Keep smirking, pal. Your day's coming.