"What he did was nothing more than resistance," Genji said calmly. "No matter how one looks at it, it was entirely justified. As for Hōzuki Mangetsu and Ringo Ameyuri, there's no way to place the blame on Clan Head Chiba either."
Mei Terumi nodded lightly. "That's true. If I had been in his position… I would have done the same." A faint smile curved her lips. "Still, I find myself very interested in this Yuki Chiba. Kirigakure desperately needs someone like him-powerful, composed, and decisive."
Genji inclined his head in agreement. "Indeed. This is a time of transformation for the village. Talent like his is precisely what we need." He paused briefly, his voice carrying measured intent. "So… Mei Terumi, I want you to make the trip personally. Go and recruit Clan Head Chiba to Kirigakure."
Mei's eyes flickered with intrigue, a subtle smirk appearing at the corners of her mouth. "…Very well. Yuki Chiba, is it?" Her gaze sharpened with curiosity. "I'm very interested in seeing just how capable you really are."
Genji and Mei's curiosity was more than justified. What unsettled them most wasn't just his terrifying strength-it was that the rumors surrounding Yagura Karatachi's manipulation, the very truth that had shaken Kirigakure to its core, had been orchestrated by Chiba himself. How had he known? Secrets even Genji and Mei were unaware of, yet Chiba acted with absolute certainty. This was why Genji insisted Mei personally extend the invitation.
On the surface, the village appeared to be entering a period of reform. In reality, it was the deepest darkness before dawn. With Yagura withdrawn from public life and old rumors resurfacing, hatred toward the Yondaime Mizukage surged among the people. Many blamed him for dragging Kirigakure into ruin. Among them was Momochi Zabuza.
Zabuza had lived through the Blood Mist's most brutal era. To graduate from the academy, he had been forced to slaughter all his classmates. Branded the "Demon of the Mist," he was no less a victim of the system. Once he gained power, he quickly understood the root of Kirigakure's decay and gathered like-minded shinobi to form a rebel faction. More than once, they attempted to assassinate Yagura. And now, that force had not only survived-it had grown stronger.
Worse yet, the Rokubi Jinchūriki, Utakata, had vanished without a trace. Since the First Five Kage Summit, Kirigakure had possessed both the Sanbi and Rokubi; Yagura himself was the Sanbi Jinchūriki, now mentally broken. If Utakata were lost as well, Kirigakure would truly be finished. That was why Genji needed strength. Immediately.
Meanwhile, under Chiba's leadership, the Yuki Clan grew stronger each day. Hostile forces in the surrounding regions were subdued one after another-some destroyed, others forced to submit. Survivors were absorbed into the Yuki Alliance. Hōzuki Mangetsu, Ringo Ameyuri, former clan head Yuki Yoru, and the elders had become core pillars of Chiba's power. Amid the chaos engulfing the Land of Water, the Yuki Clan rose swiftly and forcefully.
"Lightning Release, Lightning Fang!" Ringo Ameyuri called, swinging Kiba with explosive precision. The twin blades clashed, chakra and raw power erupting outward. Thunder roared across the sky, lightning crackling and shattering a massive boulder into dust.
Chiba and young Yuki Haku watched the scene with fascination. Haku clapped excitedly. "Amazing! Amazing! You're incredible, big sister!"
Chiba chuckled. "Your talent with Kiba surpasses even Raiga Kurosuki. Giving you that blade was the right decision." Ringo felt a surge of joy at his praise but hid it, true to her tsundere nature. Instead, she turned to Haku.
"Haku," she said, smiling, "do you want to become stronger?"
Haku nodded eagerly. "Yes! I want to become strong too! I want to protect my mother, Brother Chiba, and all our clan!"
Ringo laughed. "Then I'll teach you." Haku's eyes sparkled. "Really?! Thank you, Master!" Just like that, Ringo had taken on a disciple. Chiba watched with quiet satisfaction. Yuki Yuki had awakened Ice Release, but her gentle temperament made her unsuited for battle. Haku, who had lacked proper guidance, was ready for instruction.
At that moment, Mangetsu entered the courtyard. "Lord Chiba, someone from Kirigakure has arrived… and it's Mei Terumi herself."
Chiba's eyes narrowed slightly. So she had finally come. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "Good. Let's go meet her."
As Kirigakure's future Godaime Mizukage and the village's most renowned beauty, Mei Terumi had long intrigued Chiba. Politically, she was his greatest rival. Personally… she was equally compelling. Inside the council hall, Yuki Yoru and the elders accompanied her. Chiba stepped forward, meeting the young kunoichi's gaze.
She appeared younger than he remembered-less mature, less seductive, yet purer and more vivid. Beneath that gentle beauty lay an unyielding will. Women like this were the most dangerous.
Mei, seeing Chiba for the first time, was equally surprised. Days of hearing his name had not prepared her for the man standing before her. Far younger than imagined, yet each of his actions, each glance, betrayed overwhelming capability. From exposing Yagura's manipulation, defeating Kurosuki Raiga and Biwa Jūzō, saving the Yuki Clan, and subjugating Mangetsu and Ringo-everything pointed to a single truth: this was a terrifyingly powerful shinobi. And yet, he looked barely fifteen or sixteen.
Her breath caught. "…Y-you… you're Yuki Chiba?"
Chiba smiled lightly, calm and confident. "A pleasure. Mei Terumi."