Late November.
The weather was much colder than usual, it felt like an abrupt transition from hot summer straight to late autumn, it signaled the imminent arrival of winter.
It had been a while since Kisame became a traitor, defecting from the village. By his rough estimate, counting the days since he departed from the Land of Water, he had been chased and targeted for assassination by the hunter corps a total of six times.
The hunter nins were relentless like grim reapers who had come to collect his soul. Whether during the hot summer or rainy weather, with winter fast approaching, Kisame believed these relentless hunters were still tracking his movements, intent on taking his head as a prize for their perseverance.
Thanks to them, the difficulty of his work in the underground market had increased a lot. Not only did he have to contend with the underground dealings, but also remain vigilant of them searching for him in order to avoid ambushes. He had tried to avoid engagement with them as much as possible, the exact orders from Yagura.
At the same time, upon his departure, he had been given several contingency plans to preserve his life if endangered. These included support from the Land of Demons.
Despite these advantages, Kisame found the situation troublesome. Although he understood the persistent hunters were to reinforce his supposed betrayal in the eyes of others, so people wouldn't doubt his defection.
"Kisame-san, the target has been confirmed. Here is your reward for this job. After deducting the information fee purchased, the total bounty is 7 million ryo. Please confirm it."
The staff at the underground money exchange informed him, presenting a suitcase filled with banknotes.
"No need to check. I want to buy a new information." Kisame replied, taking the black suitcase.
"Please tell me the details."
The staff maintained a respectful and serious work ethic. Regardless of one's strength, looks or status, every bounty hunter was a valued customer. Treating each one as a god was their most basic professional code. Because this was a lawless realm, adhering to certain 'rules' was necessary to restrict bad behavior, otherwise this vital hub in the ninja underworld wouldn't last.
"I need information on Kirigakure's hunter corps. Can I get that?"
Kisame asked with a grin. Unable to divert the chasing troops through Yagura's connections, he had to shake them some other way, otherwise his facade would be compromised.
The staff understood Kisame's plight. Most rogue ninja who joined the black market as bounty hunters faced similar problems after defecting.
"Information pike that is extremely difficult to acquire. Kiri's forces are power, and their hunting corps answers directly to the Mizukage. All we possess currently is fragmented information, which may not benefit Kisame-san much."
The staff didn't wish to deceive Kisame. For a minor village, using certain methods to extract information was feasible. However, a major power like Kiri protected sensitive information of institutions such as Anbu, restricting access to only the Kage and select personnel. If the black market could obtain such detailed internal documents, then its reach would be unparalleled.
The reality was, when facing the five great nations, the underground brokers were at an absolute disadvantage. What allowed them to endure was operating in obscurity were the facilitating wealthy officials and businessmen who wished to conduct dealings anonymously in the ninja world.
"It's alright, as long as you can provide information on their whereabouts, there will be no issues."
Kisame knew acquiring such detailed intelligence would be difficult for the underground brokers. Kirigakure's hunter-nin answered directly to the Mizukage, so access to specifics about the covert unit was restricted.
"Understood, we will dedicate more resources to gathering that intelligence and assisting you, Kisame-san." The staff nodded in agreement.
As for what they could actually obtain, there were no guarantees except for their best efforts. Hearing the staff consent, Kisame nodded and took his leave with his reward in hand.
The space was filled with the stench of corpses, it was unbearable to most. Although incense had been lit to help mask the smell, Kisame's acute senses still picked up the unpleasant odors.
Departing from the money exchange, Kisame set off down the path. Sleeping rough in the wilderness had become routine, it was a common requirement when on missions previously. Surviving off the land was an essential ninja skill.
Passing an overgrown clearing with terrain suitable for cover and escape routes, Kisame decided to make camp there for the night before seeking lodgings in a nearby town tomorrow.
While starting a fire, slight movements in the trees nearby drew his attention. Glancing up, he saw a familiar split black-and-white face belonging to the mysterious creatures called "zetsu."
Lately, this people had sought Kisame out nearly as much as the hunters.
"It's you ou again? I've already told you I'm not joining your organization or whatever. Stop bothering me." Kisame's tone conveyed his impatience, clearly wanting to be left alone.
"Don't be so indifferent. We came here sincerely." White zetsu responded. In many instances, Black zetsu remained silent, making him seem all the more dangerous.
"Then you should also know clearly that as a traitor, it is impossible for me to join another organization. A ninja who has repeatedly betrayed his superior doesn't come to a good end."
Kisame said with stark pessimism, rather self-deprecating. This so-called character creation referred to personality conditioning from his spy training. It involved cultivating a targeted personality with a specific purpose, ready to switch at any moment to enter a desired state. To master this ability, Kisame had endured hardships in the Land of Demons intelligence department.
"Indeed, first you betrayed your former leader, Suikazan Fuguki, and then betrayed the Mizukage's trust, becoming a an S-rank rogue... If you don't join somewhere for warmth, you will probably die at the hands of the hunters."
It was Black zetsu who spoke. He stated bluntly, his piercing words exposing hidden truths. while White zetsu's hip-hop smiling face presented a complete contrast. On that entirely black face, no other expression could be discerned.
"Your intelligence.gathering capabilities are truly remarkable. You manage to uncover even the most secret information." Kisame remarked, giving them a deep look.
"The organization doesn't recruit mediocre people. All the ninjas who have joined possess special abilities. Of course, you also possess such abilities. I've heard that you can fuse with your sword which could transform you into a tailed beast. This is the kind of power the organization is lacking."
"You guys seem to know a lot. But again, I'm not interested in joining any organizations or anything like that. Can you let me be in peace for a while?" Kisame expressed.
"Are you content with living such a boring life? What motivated you to defect from the village?" Black zetsu inquired.
"This has nothing to do with you." Kisame's expression tightened, revealing a hint of anger, as if a sensitive chord had been struck.
"You, who are now without a home, are essentially alone. But surviving alone in this harsh world is difficult. Since Kirigakure cannot accommodate your existence, why not try assuming a new identity, survive in this world, and seek a new reason to live for?"
"Reason to live? The more you talk about it, the more absurd it sounds. Does something like that really exist in this world?" Kisame sneered in contempt.
"Yes, our organization is committed to bringing peace to this world. To achieve this, we have allied with a group of powerful people, yet we still lack sufficient combat power. Your inclusion is important."
Black zetsu disclosed, attempting to share more information. He knew that mere words might not sway Kisame's heart. The man had made two betrayals and, before leaving Kirigakure, he had even assassinated the Water Daimyo.
Kisame, at this moment, seemed lost in life. Facing a ninja who had lost both purpose and direction, guidance had to come from an alternative source.
For Black zetsu, witnessing such lost ninjas in the world wasn't uncommon. Ninjas often found themselves in such situations.
"Huh, world peace... What a childish game."
"Regardless, wandering aimlessly like this gives you no sense of purpose. Perhaps you can find more enjoyment in it. How about joining and giving it a try? If you dislike it, you can leave voluntarily in the future." Black zetsu persuasively suggested.
Kisame fell silent, refraining from answering the question. He appeared to be seriously contemplating the advantages and disadvantages of the suggestion.
Black zetsu refrained from pressing more. S-rank rogues were known for their arrogance. Recruiting individuals like Orochimaru had taken considerable effort.
None of these individuals were easy to get along with; they were a group of dangerous existences. Gathering such dangerous rebels together without absolute power to suppress them was unfeasible.
However, Black zetsu held immense confidence in Nagato's strength. Having integrated the Rinnegan and inherited all of Madara's legacy, Nagato was arguably the strongest ninja in the world. In a one-on-one battle, no one could defeat Nagato.
Black zetsu never doubted this fact. Therefore, recruiting these dangerous traitors could make them obedient, thanks to Nagato's suppression.
Having bid farewell to Kisame, Black zetsu already sensed the hesitation and internal struggle within him. Now, all that remained was to test a little more. Sooner or later, Kisame would let go and join the organization.
Capturing the tailed beasts with just a few individuals like Orochimaru was impossible. Moreover, the military power of the five major countries was formidable, and it was necessary to dismantle their alliance. Cooperation with Konoha's Danzo was part of the plan.
As long as opportunities arose to weaken the power of the ninjas from the five major countries, they were more than willing to engage in destructive actions within them.
"Can this really attract him? He still seems reluctant, the chances is slim." White zetsu commented.
The main objective of the duo lately was to lure Kisame into joining the organization. While they also kept an eye on Danzo, the formal operation hasn't yet commenced so there was no need to keep an eye on Danzo. Nagato also had considerations for further cooperation with Danzo when a suitable opportunity arose.
Despite Danzo's historical hostility with the Third Hokage, aimed at hindering Konoha's quick recovery, his overall interests still aligned with the village. Maintaining a high level of vigilance is crucial for outsiders like them to avoid jeopardizing cooperation with Danzo.
Recruiting Kisame, on the other hand, shouldn't be as complicated. As a rogue ninja disconnected from his village, he presented a visible advantage. The challenge lay in his apparent lack of attention even after a month of follow-up.
"I've mentioned before that people like him, who have left the village, are prone to confusion in the outside world, losing their life goals. Goals are important for humans."
Black zetsu noted, revealing his deep understanding. In his perspective, humans were boring creatures who lose their direction without goals. It iss during such times of confusion that manipulation becomes the easiest. He had witnessed countless ninja succumb to existential crises through the eras, not knowing the meaning of life while filled with dread and panic.
"I find it to be a troublesome statement."
"I will lead the operation, and you only need to be responsible for providing information. Keep an eye on him. I've already disclosed some information about the organization. Now, as he sinks into frustration, questioning his purpose, we'll soon be able to close the net." Black zetsu said confidently.
"Really? What about Kiri's hunters? Are they also under surveillance?"
"Well, keep on tracking their movements. Kisame is still hesitant to face a powerful force like a ninja village alone."
"I see, hopefully this ends soon. I'm more interested in Konoha affairs." White Zetsu giggled in anticipation. "Ah! And of course, we need another pair of Mangekyou Sharingan. Whether for capturing the tailed beast or dealing with that troublesome Uchiha Ruri, those eyes are really important."
Black zetsu nodded, not disputing White zetsu's perspective. He was also concerned about the situation in Konoha.
"I'm really looking forward to it, the battle between Sharingan and Sharingan. I really can't miss that." White zetsu laughed.
"Just don't forget to focus on the mission. Next, report the current work progress to Nagato-sama."
"Finally, I can take a break. Let's return quickly. Another zetsu will handle monitoring here."
Soon, the two blended into the forest, camouflaging themselves against a large tree, making their presence nearly undetectable.
.....
Land of Demons, Main Shrine
"Then I shall take my leave."
The man seated centrally in the hall stood up, bowing slightly to the figure behind the curtain before exiting the chamber.
Before his cushion lay an unopened letter. A miko attendant stepped forward, collected it from the floor and ascended the dais, presenting the correspondence respectfully.
"Shion-sama..."
A pair of small hands reached out from behind the gauzy drapes, accepting the letter from the miko.
"You may now leave."
"Yes." The attendant bowed once more before retreating silently.
Tranquility returned within the shrine without further noise.
The girl seated formally on the cushion behind the curtain appeared around five or six years of age. Her light blonde hair was tied back with a white headband, dressed in a pristine white priestess robe fitting her petite frame. Mysterious purple light swirled in her eyes, seemingly omniscient, instilling an inexplicable unease.
She was Shion, the newly appointed Miko of the Land of Demons. The sole legitimate heir to that venerated role throughout the ages. As the ultimate authority in the realm, her power reigned supreme due to this special status.
Shion carefully opened the letter just delivered by the envoy from Land of Hiney, a minor nation sharing deep cultural bonds and history with the Land of Demons. They too suffered grievous losses from the ghost army attacks until receiving salvation.
Shion picked up the letter and opened it. After glancing at it, she said softly, "It's as you guessed, Father."
After she finished speaking, a man looking in his mid-twenties emerged from concealment behind the curtain where he had observed unseen. He was Shiraishi, adoptive father to the current miko, Shion. He held considerable power in the Land of Demons.
"I expected such developments sooner or later. So what requests does their daimyo make exactly?" Shiraishi inquired. Assimilating Land.of Honey would not occur smoothly.
It wasn't so simple for the Land of Honey to merge with the Land of Demons. The Land of Denons was essentially a country without a formal name or governing structure. Abolishing the Land of Honey's Daimyo model was a prerequisite for the merger. While the Miko represented ultimate authority akin to a daimyo, externally she held only a prestigious title without any more to it.
In Shiraishi's assessment, there was a fundamental difference between the Land of Demons Miko and the Daimyo from thr various countries. The Daimyo could be replaced but the Miko couldn't. Moreover, the past Miko showed little desire for power, adopting a laissez-faire attitude. As long as certain boundaries weren't crossed, they wouldn't interfere with worldly affairs
So long as the nobility avoided offending the Miko, her non-interference granted them latitude to develop interests independently. And they were wise enough not to make trouble within her territory, otherwise they would be losing the protection she provides.
Considering the chaotic era of frequent wars in the world presently, the Land of Demons' stability attracted many. Based on these factors, even without actual power, the Miko's words carried great influence.
"They hope after losing the daimyo position, they will still be able to retain their status as nobility, plus financial compensation." Shion summarized the letter's content.
This wasn't beyond Shiraishi's expectations..The requests were reasonable rather than overly greedy. It was reasonable to retain the status of powerful nobles. Shiraishi didn't find the noble class itself objectionable, as it was inextricable no matter the era. It was merely a matter of being more or less prominent.
After all, the Land of Demons' economic development was thanks to the Uchiha clan's accumulation of wealth. The Uchiha, Hyuga and Uzumaki clans also made huge military contributions with their inherited abilities. Compared to those ninja clans, ordinary nobles were of less note.
As for financial compensation, that rhetoric seemed deliberately ambiguous...
"In other words, further negotiation and compromise will still be needed...Well, there's nothing wrong with that. After all, merging a country, even a small one, carries huge benefits. It would be unjustifiable without some form of compensation. It seems the Honey Daimyo is quite conservative. He only hopes his family can live in peace."
Shiraishi nodded, seeing through the intentions of the Honey Daimyo. Those who were self-aware were the sort he preferred dealing with. The requests were also based on the basic national conditions.
"I will dispatch envoys to finalize the scope of 'compensation' and cement terms aligning both sides."
The Lands of Snow, Honey and Bears were key in their expansion plan. The Land of Snow was practically in hand already with its national power developing rapidly. Arrangements were underway regarding the Land of Bears as well, it was only a matter of time. Once the Land of Himey was incorporated, the expansion would be foolproof.
"Now, with this resolved, can I go out to play, Father?" Shion's eyes shone with anticipation.
"Have you finished your training for the day? That's very important for you, isn't it?"
"It's sooo boring. And, i won't even be able to become a master quickly, right? If i train too hard, I might turn into an old grandma way too soon, Oh Father..." Shion smiled at Shiraishi, speaking casually without a lady's restraint or elegance.
"Alright. As long as you're mindful of the time, there's no issue."
"Got it. I heard Koyuki-nee's first movie will showing soon. I'm really looking forward to it." Shion said happily.
Shion was acquainted with Koyuki, and they got along very well. Koyuki seemed enthusiastic about the movie industry, able to switch between identities as daimyo and actor. Not only was she a daimyo beloved by her people, but a dedicated actor with excellent talent. Shion admired her balance.
"Just don't neglect your studies, and.. don't always think about playing. Your existence is special."
But Shion still didn't seem to care about training. Unlike Miroku's quiet and calm temperament, Shion's personality was lively with strong interest in new things - not the obedient type, but rather self-centered and a bit willful.
Another problem child? Shiraishi thought, his expression gradually turned more solemn...