Kumogakure ANBU Headquarters
The ANBU captain, Tian Xin, swept his gaze across the gathered operatives, his presence commanding silence. "Today's mission: pursue a B-rank rogue ninja, Yuta, fleeing to the Land of Fire's border to join a pirate tribe. Be warned—don't underestimate these pirates. They've got skilled ninja, a sizable armed force, and advanced weaponry. Intel suggests their leader commands a formidable summoning beast. If you die from carelessness, don't expect my sympathy. Weakness has no place in Kumogakure. Understood?"
The Cloud ANBU responded with a unified roar, their voices brimming with confidence. "Of course! Who'd lose to some measly pirates?" Their arrogance was palpable, dismissing the threat as beneath them.
Ye Liangnai, codenamed Jolting Swan, suppressed a smirk. The Land of Fire again? Talk about fate. Not long ago, a clash with Konoha ninja had earned him the moniker White Chill, his reputation rippling through the ninja world. Wonder what this trip has in store. Anticipation sparked in his chest, his mind already strategizing.
Tian Xin's eyes locked onto him. "Let's move out. And you, Jolting Swan—my name's Tian Xin. Remember it."
"Got it, Captain Tian Xin," Ye Liangnai replied with a nod, falling into step with the squad as they departed, their silhouettes vanishing into the morning mist.
On the road to the Land of Fire, Orui sidled up, his grin taunting. "Hey, kid, wanna bet who bags more kills? Picking fights in the base is cute, but let's see you prove yourself out there."
Ye Liangnai shrugged, his tone casual but edged with steel. "Sure, whatever. Just don't cry when I win." Killing wasn't his goal, but he wasn't about to lose to Orui's brute bravado. This guy's all muscle, no finesse. Easy.
Meanwhile, Kirigakure
In a shadowed chamber, Terumi Mei clasped her hands, her thoughts heavy. Little Ye, you must've reached Kumogakure by now. Stay safe—please. Her heart ached with worry, but duty called.
"Lady Terumi Mei, it's time," two ANBU operatives announced, their voices low. "The Six-Tails sealing begins soon."
"Understood." Mei's voice was steady as she donned a crimson mask, her aura shifting. The warmth in her eyes vanished, replaced by a chilling resolve, as if she'd become a vengeful spirit. With a nod, she followed the ANBU, her steps silent but purposeful.
An Island Near the Land of Water
"Don't… come closer!" A pirate's voice trembled, his face pale with terror as he backed away from a lone figure. "You monster—"
Before he could finish, a white blur flashed, and a bone-like spear pierced his skull. The pirate collapsed, blood pooling beneath him, his eyes dimming as life fled.
"I hate being called a monster," the figure growled, his voice low and feral. Kaguya Kimimaro stood amidst the carnage, his body bristling with protruding bones, a crimson dot glowing at his brow. His eyes burned with rage, the slaughter around him a testament to his wrath.
A gentle hand rested on his shoulder. "Easy, Kimimaro. They're just ignorant fools—don't let their words get to you." The speaker, pale and delicate, could've passed for a girl but was unmistakably Mizuki Haku. "Our goal is to grow stronger, to become useful tools for Lord Ye Liangnai."
Kimimaro's scarlet eyes softened, his killing intent subsiding. "You're right. Their opinions mean nothing. All that matters is serving Lord Ye Liangnai." The ground around them was a frozen graveyard, bodies strewn across ice-slicked earth, the air thick with blood and frost.
Haku nodded. "Let's move. We need to find our next target to hone our skills."
Kimimaro turned toward the island's dock, Haku at his side. Unbeknownst to them, a Mist ninja squad arrived shortly after, surveying the devastation. Their leader's face hardened. "The Slaughter Duo? After them. We can't let Kaguya and Mizuki clan remnants run rampant."
"Yes, sir!" The squad pursued, unaware that Ye Liangnai, the one who'd spared Kimimaro and Haku, was now far away, oblivious to the chaos his mercy had unleashed.
Land of Fire, Coastal Border
Ye Liangnai gazed at the island before them, its shores vibrant with blooming flora, waves lapping gently against the docks. "Pirate tribe, huh? If you didn't tell me, I'd think this was a resort," he quipped, his tone light but his eyes scanning for threats.
Tian Xin's voice was cold, his killing intent palpable. "No matter how pretty, it's a den of filth. If they hand over Yuta, they live. If not, I'll wipe them out." He dispatched an ANBU to deliver the ultimatum, his posture radiating menace.
Ye Liangnai's hands moved discreetly, weaving seals. Perception Array. A subtle barrier expanded, alerting him to any ambushes. Better safe than sorry.
Two minutes later, the messenger returned, bloodied and limping. "They refused," he reported, his voice tight with anger. "Said they won't hand over Yuta and dared us to try them. Claimed they don't fear the Five Great Villages."
Tian Xin's eyes glinted with icy resolve. "Then they've made their choice. Full force—leave none alive."
At his command, the ANBU boarded their small vessel, speeding toward the island. Ahead, a massive pirate ship loomed, its deck bristling with rough, scarred men clutching gleaming blades. Their laughter was cruel, their eyes alight with bloodlust.
"Jie jie jie! Just this handful thinks they can take us?" a pirate jeered. "Gotta hand it to the Great Villages—arrogant as hell!"
"They're tough on land, sure, but this is the sea," another snarled. "We're the kings here!"
"These landlubbers are begging to die!" a third roared, drawing hoots from the crew.
The pirate captain raised a hand. "Boys, show 'em who rules the waves!" Cannons swiveled, their barrels glinting ominously. Compared to the pirates' warship, the ANBU's civilian boat was a toy.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Explosive tag rounds—iron balls wrapped in detonation seals—erupted from the cannons, streaking through the air in a fiery barrage, aimed to obliterate Ye Liangnai's team.