Raikage's Office, Kumogakure
In the past, defectors facing the Fourth Raikage's scrutiny would grovel, their voices trembling with pleas. "Lord Raikage, please believe me!" or "I'd never deceive you, I'm no spy!" Their desperation was predictable, their words a rehearsed script of loyalty. But Ye Liangnai—posing as Kira—was different. His calm dismissal of surface-level intel, pointing instead to the secrets in his mind, was a bold move that threw the Raikage off balance.
"Interesting," the Raikage rumbled, a spark of curiosity in his eyes. "Very interesting. Alright, let's see what's in that head of yours." With a subtle glance, he signaled an ANBU operative behind Ye Liangnai. The ninja nodded, escorting Ye Liangnai out for interrogation.
Two hours later, Ye Liangnai returned, his face pale, sweat beading on his brow, his expression strained from the mental probe. The Raikage's gaze sharpened. "Well? Anything off about his memories?"
The ANBU shook his head. "Nothing irregular. His memories check out." He hesitated, then added, "But there's little about White Chill, despite your interest."
The Raikage's eyes narrowed, pinning Ye Liangnai. "You're from Kirigakure, yet you know almost nothing about White Chill. Care to explain, Kira?" His tone carried a lethal edge, as if a wrong answer would seal Ye Liangnai's fate.
Ye Liangnai's response was unruffled, his voice steady. "White Chill's a big name in Kirigakure, sure, but I just got back from a long mission. I've heard of him—everyone has—but I haven't crossed paths with him. No deep intel. Isn't that normal for someone in my position?"
Internally, he sent a silent thank-you to Kirigakure's ANBU. Their forged memories were flawless, seamless enough to fool Kumogakure's probes. Kirigakure's isolation helped—its inner workings were a mystery to outsiders—but the craftsmanship of the deception was a lifeline. Nice work, guys. You bought me a foothold.
The Raikage studied him, then leaned back. "You're a cool-headed one. Hard to picture you pulling something as reckless as assassinating the Mizukage." His words were a mix of praise and probing, testing for cracks.
Ye Liangnai's smile was faint, deflecting effortlessly. "Only because you've given me room to think, Lord Raikage. Kirigakure stifled my nature—here, I can breathe."
The Raikage's lips twitched, flattered despite himself. Clever kid. "Fine," he said, his voice firm. "On behalf of Kumogakure, I officially welcome you, Kira. You'll join the ANBU—stick to what you know best. Serve well, and this village won't let you down." He clapped a heavy hand on Ye Liangnai's shoulder, the gesture both welcoming and a subtle reminder of his power.
"Yes, Lord Raikage!" Ye Liangnai bowed, his face a mask of gratitude, though his mind was already racing. As he left, the Raikage's voice lowered, speaking to Mabui and Darui. "He's got something about him, this Kira. But trust? Not yet. The real test starts now."
Ye Liangnai hadn't heard, but he didn't need to. He knew the Raikage's acceptance was provisional, a leash rather than a lifeline. Time will tell, he thought, stepping into the misty streets of Kumogakure. Kirigakure, you'd better not screw this up for me. His success hinged on the village playing its part, maintaining the illusion of his defection without leaks or missteps.
Kumogakure ANBU Headquarters
An ANBU operative led Ye Liangnai to the headquarters, a fortress of stone and steel nestled in the mountains. After registering his identity and donning the standard Cloud ANBU gear—dark armor with lightning motifs—he was introduced to his new comrades.
"This is Kira, former Kirigakure Special Jonin," the escort announced to the assembled ANBU. "He's defected to join us, codename 'Jolting Swan.' Don't give him a hard time—look out for him, got it?"
The words were friendly, but the glares from the Cloud ANBU were anything but. Their eyes burned with suspicion, their postures radiating hostility. Look out for me? Yeah, right—more like 'watch my every move.' Ye Liangnai's lips quirked. If I want respect, I'll have to earn it the hard way. Strength speaks louder than words.
The escort handed him a slim manual. "ANBU Code of Conduct. Memorize it by tomorrow. Your first mission starts then." Without another word, he left.
Ye Liangnai faced the room, bowing slightly. "Looking forward to working with you all," he said, his tone polite but firm.
A burly ANBU sneered, stepping forward. "Newbie, you'd better brace yourself. Our rules aren't like Kirigakure's. Here, strength talks—seniority means nothing. Tomorrow's mission? Don't drag us down, or we'll gut you."
Ye Liangnai's smile didn't falter. "Oh, I'm ready." As the ANBU turned away, he added, his voice carrying a sharp edge, "But you've got one thing wrong. Kirigakure's just as cutthroat—strength rules, and we've got a strict hierarchy to match. Seniority? That's a Konoha thing. And if you drag me down on the battlefield, I won't hesitate to cut you down. Dead weight doesn't survive."
The room froze, the air thick with tension. His words were a gauntlet, a direct challenge to their pride. The burly ANBU—Orui, as his comrades called him—whirled back, his face a mask of fury. "Don't get cocky, newbie!" he roared, his fist crackling with electricity as he lunged. "Lightning Style: Thunderstorm Strike!"
The punch aimed for Ye Liangnai's head, its power enough to crush stone. The other ANBU jeered, their voices a chorus of disdain. "He's done for—pissing off Orui? Idiot."
"Orui's the strongest in raw power," another said. "His defense is unbreakable—even Jonin struggle to dent it."
"Let him learn his place," a third sneered. "Outsiders don't get to strut here."
"Orui, don't kill him!" one called, half-mocking. "Lord Raikage won't like cleaning up your mess!"
Orui grinned, his fist inches from Ye Liangnai's unmoving form. "What's wrong, kid? Scared stiff?" He laughed, confident. "Don't worry, I'll leave you breathing—barely."
Ye Liangnai's voice cut through, calm and unshaken. "Six-Pillar Flame Array." A hexagonal, crimson barrier materialized, enveloping him in an instant. Orui's fist slammed into it, the lightning fizzling harmlessly against the unyielding shield.