"I don't know his identity for certain," Chen Xing said calmly, "but the one who controlled the Fourth Mizukage possessed a Mangekyō Sharingan and was highly skilled in space–time ninjutsu."
Mei Ming's expression changed instantly. She stood up from her chair, disbelief flashing across her face.
"A Mangekyō Sharingan… and space–time techniques?"
Either ability alone would be rare among shinobi. Together, they represented an overwhelming threat. Ordinary Sharingan users could not maintain long-term control over a Kage-level ninja, but a Mangekyō wielder… that was different.
"Have you seen him?" she asked sharply.
The anger in her voice was not directed at Chen Xing but at the unseen enemy who had turned Kirigakure into the "Blood Mist Village."
Chen Xing shook his head.
"No. But I know fragments of information."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Nine years ago, during the Nine-Tails attack on Konohagakure, a masked Uchiha infiltrated the village using space–time ninjutsu. He manipulated the Nine-Tails with the Sharingan and attacked the village while the Fourth Hokage was distracted."
Mei Ming listened silently.
"Afterward," Chen Xing continued, "Konoha suspected the Uchiha clan because of the Nine-Tails' control. Their isolation worsened, eventually contributing to the clan's downfall."
Her green eyes widened slightly as she absorbed the implications.
"You know too much," she said slowly. "Where does all this information come from?"
Chen Xing smiled faintly.
"When I destroyed Danzo's Root headquarters, I found records. Danzo collected secrets from every village."
Mei Ming's gaze sharpened.
"You infiltrated Root?"
"He tried to eliminate me first," Chen Xing replied lightly. "I simply returned the favor."
She studied him carefully. Danzo Shimura's reputation had reached even Kirigakure; the man was known for ruthless methods and hidden operations.
"And the masked Uchiha?" she pressed. "Do you know his name?"
Chen Xing shook his head again.
"Not definitively. But he moves through space as if it were intangible. Ordinary attacks struggle to touch him."
Mei Ming fell silent, clearly troubled. The idea that a single shinobi had manipulated both Kirigakure and the Nine-Tails attack suggested a conspiracy far larger than she had imagined.
After a moment, her expression softened, returning to its usual teasing composure.
"Well," she said, leaning forward slightly, "you promised me shocking information. I suppose you succeeded."
Chen Xing leaned on the desk with a grin.
"Then does that mean you'll fulfill my small request?"
Mei Ming laughed quietly.
"Little troublemaker… are you serious?"
"Of course."
She stepped closer, her smile playful but controlled.
"Close your eyes."
Chen Xing obeyed.
A moment later, he felt a brief, cool touch against his cheek — a light kiss, gone almost as quickly as it came.
When he opened his eyes again, Mei Ming had already returned to her chair, looking thoroughly amused.
"Don't get greedy," she said lightly.
Chen Xing touched his cheek and laughed.
"I'll take it."
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