At the end of December, the weather was even colder, and it felt as though it was the dead of winter. Occasionally, light snow would fall onto the roads. Most of the animals in the mountains and forests had also begun hibernating, leaving fewer traces of creatures roaming about.
Standing on an enormous tree stump, Kisame gazed into the distance with his narrowed eyes.
The surrounding trees had all been flattened by some sort of sharp object, revealing an extremely desolate mountain landscape. The wind blowing from a distance carried an unbearable chill for ordinary people.
Kisame subconsciously touched the handle of his sword on his back, then jumped down from the tree and walked in a certain direction along the weedy path.
The empty, frigid cave was the meeting place and Kisame's destination on this trip. It has now been several months since he defected frim the village.
Over the past few months, he had exhausted himself just dealing with the hunter nins on his heels. Coupled with the fact he had to deal with a certain extremely annoying bastard. Kisama's mood only soured further.
The annoying bastard was the chatterbox White. White zetsu would always come to strike up a conversation with him from time to time, wanting him to join their mysterious organization and pestering him more diligently than the hunter nins.
Then, Kisame also made up his mind to begin contacting the organization they had mentioned. After all, it was completely different to be invited compared to entering of your own volition. The former would not arouse suspicion in others, while the purpose behind the latter could be easily seen as having ulterior motives.
Therefore, Kisame speculated that the organization must be short on manpower and sorely lacking core members. If they had gathered enough strength, they would not be so obsessed with recruiting him.
White zetsu's persistence only proved this point and was consistent with Kisame's speculation. And so, as he gazed upon the dark cave, Kisame secretly thought to himself that he would follow through with the plan and join up.
Stepping into the expansive cave interior, Kisame found two others had already arrived ahead of him.
The pale-skinned, slender man with long black hair and cold, vertical pupils like a snake's had purple shadow markings around his eyes.
Beside him stood a hunchbacked figure with a black scarf obscuring his face, leaving only his ugly eyebrows and forehead exposed, an intense aura emanating from him.
Both of them wore red, black-trimmed cloak with red clouds and rings engraved with different characters on their fingers, seeming to be awaiting something.
Orochimaru, one of the Sannin.
Sasori of the Red Sand.
Recognizing these two, Kisame's body tensed instinctively and he halted his advance. There was no need to elaborate on the latter, but the former was one of Konoha's legendary Sannin, a well-known heavyweight. In terms of notoriety alone, the Sannin completely eclipsed the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. And emanating from Orochimaru, Kisame sensed a vague feeling of danger, as though being watched intently by a cold snake, putting him on high alert.
Just as intelligence had indicated, this was truly a gathering place for traitors. He could not be careless for even a moment.
"Oh, a newcomer? How rare." Orochimaru remarked. He had assumed this was just a routine gathering, but did not expect a strange ninja to suddenly arrive. This made him raise his eyebrows in surprise, followed by an unsettling chuckle.
Hearing Orochimaru's words, Sasori also glanced up at the newly-arrived Kisame, scrutinizing him closely. "One of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, I see. A rather interesting new recruit has come our way." With that said, he fell silent again, lacking much desire for conversation.
In terms of strength, Sasori tentatively acknowledged Kisame, but his gruesome appearance made him unsuitable as one of his "art". He was far too ugly to exist among his beautiful collections.
"That's right, this is the new member who will be joining us."
White zetsu and Black zetsu appeared beside Kisame as they addressed Orochimaru and Sasori. It was Black zetsu who spoke first.
"Although it took a lot of effort, we finally succeeded." White zetsu then added with a smirk.
"Oh? I have no objections. New recruits are always welcome." Orochimaru said slyly, glancing to Sasori. "What do you think?"
"Do as you wish. The weak ones will be weeded out soon enough." Sasori snorted in response.
"Now now Sasori, no need to say things that would make Kisame feel pressured. Well, Kisame, there's no need to worry too much. Our members are all friendly." White zetsu giggled.
'Friendly, really?' Kisame mentally scoffed. The ninjas gathered in the organization were all infamous S-rank criminals. Calling them 'friendly' was an outrageous claim.
Just as Kisame was about to speak his piece, rainbow-colored ripples suddenly appeared nearby. The rioples intensified, manifesting into three humanoid shapes. The projections of three more members joining them.
Unlike Orochimaru and Sasori's corporeal forms, these three had clearly choosen to project clones rather than travel here personally.
Three people, two men and one woman. Although it was just a projection, Kisame could roughly see the appearance of these three people clearly.
The arrivals were none other than Nagato, Konan, and Hiruko.
Glancing over those assembled, Nagato's gaze settled upon Kisame. "Welcome to Akatsuki, Hoshigaki Kisame of Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsman."
"Akatsuki? Is that the name of the organization" Kisame asked inquisitively. Black and White hadn't disclosed the name of the organization when recruiting him.
The organization's name was privy only to inner members; utterly useless to non-members. This stringent secrecy proved Akatsuki took secrecy seriously. Aside from Kiri, the other major villages likely knew nothing of this group's existence.
"Yes. Now, with you being a member, you're a companion. Your affairs are also the organization's affairs." Nagato stated simply.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm here out of necessity with nowhere else to go. If your Akatsuki can truly provide me with a purpose, then i look forward to it. I hope it won't be too boring, and if it gets boring, I hope i won't be restricted by you." Kisame snorted, maintaining a pessimistic outlook on the future.
"Don't worry, you won't be bored." Nagato said affirmatively. He had learned from Black zetsu that Kisame had a deep sensitivity to the concept of 'trust,' given his history of betrayal. It was a significant hidden pain for him. Convincing Kisame to trust the Akatsuki would be a gradual process.
"For his strength, can we trust him?" Hiruko, who had been silent, suddenly interjected.
"Strength-wise, we can assure you. His ninjutsu is well-suited for capturing tailed beasts and the jinchuriki." Black zetsu replied.
This was precisely what Black zetsu valued in Kisame. The powerful sword which had a notable suppressive effect on Jinchuriki and tailed beasts. With cooperation from other members, capturing the tailed beasts would become easier.
Orochimaru, with a slightly gloomy tone, mentioned, "I've heard that the current Mizukage is the Three Tails Jinchuriki. He can perfectly control the three tails, much like Kumo's Eight Tails. He's a powerful and perfect Jinchuriki." He glanced at Kisame, seeking confirmation of this information.
After a moment's hesitation, Kisame nodded, confirming the authenticity of this information. "The Fourth Mizukage is indeed a perfect jinchuriki. He is the strongest ninja in Kiri. Not even Samehada can restrict him that much."
Kisame admitted. In a one-on-one fight, he wasn't Yagura's opponent.
But what was important was the current guards close to Yagura, Ao, Terumi Mei, and the newly added genius Hozuki Mangetsu, made it challenging to approach him.
While the Five Kages were powerful, the Jonin guards protecting them were not to be underestimated.
"No, don't underestimate yourself. This information alone holds significant value." Nagato reassured Kisame.
To address Kisame's uncertainty, Black zetsu explained, "I forgot to mention, our organization's plan has three stages. The second stage involves capturing the tailed beasts. The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, will become our target sooner or later. We hope you can provide more information about him."
'So they desire his intelligence after all..' Kisame sneered internally. But the situation had already reached this point.
"After my betrayal, the next likely candidate replacing me as guard will probably be from the Hozuki clan. Hozuki Mangetsu."
"Likely? So, not certain?" Orochimaru asked.
Kisame nodded, shrugging, "Yes, it's likely that Mangetsu will become Yagura's new guard."
"That kid's reputed as a genius, so Kiri will doubtless capitalize on him." Sasori chimed in.
Hozuki Mangetsu, a genius known for skillfully using all Kiri's seven ninja swords, including Kisame's own sword, Samehada. He was undoubtedly one of the most renowned genius ninjas of this time in kiri. Such a genius, even they had heard of. Confirmed by Kisame, they understood that he wasn't an ordinary person.
"In other words, is he similar to Konoha's Hatake Kakashi?" Hiruko asked.
Orochimaru frowned slightly at the mention of Kakashi but didn't comment further.
"In addition, beside the Fourth Mizukage, there is also a ninja with the Byakugan, his name is Ao."
"Byakugan!?"
Kisame's revelation surprised them all.
Byakugan? Konoha's treasured bloodline. The strict control over the kekkei genkai by the Hyuga clan meant that the Byakugan were exclusive to Konoha. So how was it possible?
As they pondered this unexpected information, Kisame explained, "About ten years ago, Kirigakure executed a plan to secretly capture a Hyuga. The plan succeeded, leading to Kirigakure having a ninja with the Byakugan."
Nagato, Sasori, and Konan directed their attention to Orochimaru and Hiruko, both of whom were former Konoha ninjas and might have insights into this matter.
Hiruko raised his brows, "I don't know about that. But I vaguely recall some dispute between Konoha and Kiri occurring over an unspecified incident more than ten years ago. Orochimaru, do you remember?"
Orochimaru nodded and let out a light breath. "Yes... and this happened before Sakumo's team defected. At that time, a ninja from the Hyuga clan disappeared. That Hyuga was on a mission with two others, but they somehow had their whereabouts leaked and they disappeared mysteriously in the waters near the Land of Water. According to the investigation by the Anbu, although no definite evidence was obtained, it was inferred that this was the work of Kirigakure. Looking at it now, Konoha's speculation at that time wasn't wrong."
With Orochimaru's confirmation, different thoughts arose among the group. Kirigakure having Byakugan was a significant concern. According to Kisame, the Byakugan ninja also served as the guard beside Mizukage, adding to the complexity.
"It seems it will be troublesome to approach this Mizukage."
Hiruko eyes clouded briefly. Byakugan.... an unpleasant memory.
"I've done my best to leak this information. I won't be taking action when you decide to deal with the fourth." Kisame reiterated bluntly.
"Hmph...still harboring sentimental feelings despite betraying your former village? Such attachments may cost you your life." Sasori warned critically.
Kisame remained silent, not offering a rebuttal.
"My purpose for summoning everyone today was introducing a new ally. Going forward, please get along well together. Hiruko, you don't have teammates yet. Would you like to form a team with Kisame?" Nagato proposed.
"I stay in the lab and rarely go out. Even if we're on same team , I will contribute little. He doesn't suit me presently."
After these words, Hiruko used a hand sign, his figure shimmered with rainbow colors, then dissolved into the air, disappearing.
Nagato gazed at the vacant spot where Hiruko had been for a while, then turned to Kisame. "Considering this is the case, you'll have to act alone. White zetsu will share intelligence to help you evade Kiri's hunters."
"Fine by me. Though as a newcomer, I have more questions still about this organization..."
Kisame's tone carried hints of lingering distrust that Nagato detected, he nodded but chose not to pry deeper for now. "It isn't suitable to explain everything for now. But once our goal is achieved, you will find purpose as well."
"Quite an arrogant statement. I'll remember your words." Kisame replied, turning to leave without hesitation.
Black zetsu and White zetsu nodded at Nagato, following Kisame's departure.
....
Asuka looked at everything in front of him curiously.
Unlike the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere at school, the expressions of the people passing by were all serious. They were dressed in white overalls or coats, looking like they were in a hurry.
When they came to a door, Shiraishi gently pushed it open and smiled at Asuka following behind, "Come in, Asuka."
"Yes, Father." Asuka nodded vigorously, following Shiraishi into the room.
The space was larger than expected. As soon as he entered, Asuka's eyes widened in shock at the contents.
It seemed to be an enormous underground workshop. From floor to decor, everything was mechanical equipment.
In the center, many technicians in white overalls worked around a monster-like machine wrapped in steel-colored shell. It appeared to be a vehicle capable of carrying people, using treads instead of wheels for movement. On it were many long, hollow steel tubes giving off a terrifying intimidating aura despite the rough, even primitive structure.
But the technicians had clearly put much effort into designing and perfecting this monster machine. They all had a kind of obsession in their eyes as they gazed seriously at the steel beast. It embodied the enthusiasm and determination of its creators.
They knew once operational, it would bring revolutionary winds of change to the ninja world and cement their names in history books for generations as innovators.
Noticing Asuka's awed look, Shiraishi saw his eyes shining as he stared transfixed at the central steel hulk like encountering a fascinating new toy. He'd had that same look on his face before as a child.
"Father, is that a 'toy' too?"
Asuka asked, pointing at the formidable steel monster. It was totally different from any toy he had ever played with. He had never seen anything like it outside, yet it immediately captivated his gaze and thoughts, immersing him completely.
"Do you like what's in there, Asuka?" Shiraishi stroked his head.
"Yes, I like it!"
Asuka nodded solemnly to Shiraishi. He could see the adults were utterly devoted to their work on the steel toy, completely unware to being observed. He was deeply moved by such dedication to building the perfect toy in their minds.
Seeing his son's slight excitement, Shiraishi also nodded slightly.
Since learning of Asuka's very limited talent as a ninja, he had consciously wanted Asuka to take another path. There were many roads to success besides becoming a ninja. Loving one's career and ideals was also great achievement in Shiraishi's eyes.
The most important thing wasn't comparing oneself to others or worrying about external opinions, but constantly breaking through internal barriers to understand one's true needs and passions.
Shiraishi felt Asuka had these qualities. Not changing due to other people's judgments, maintaining a pure heart, seeking out interesting things in the world. Interest was the most difficult subject to cultivate.
This was the real reason he had brought Asuka here today. Kazuhime had found her path, now Asuka needed to find his.
As for Cai, who would officially start school next year, his talent as a ninja was still unclear. But in Shiraishi's observations, while not as good as Ichihime's, was quite decent.
"This is one of our countrys' most important research and development bases, mainly for developing military and civilian equipment. If you want to join and create your favorite 'toys', you'll have to continue building knowledge and honing yout creative skills. That's why I had you polish foundational knowledge these past two years. Chakra principles are very important."
Many things in the ninja world linked back to chakra. The researchers here might not be powerful ninjas, perhaps not even using ninjutsu, but their knowledge about chakra surpassed ordinary ninjas.
For scientists, chakra knowledge was important. Understanding its structure and mysteries rather than just viewing chakra as ninjutsu fuel. That perspective was one-sided.
Those who sought the fundamental truths regarded fathoming chakra's structure as more worthwhile than clinging to 'Jutsu' forms. Unfortunately, such people received little support or attention in today's ninja world.
Ninjas had become obsessed with jutsu power itself, forgetting chakra's conveniences. This was another "change" Shiraishi believed in. Chakra wasn't solely a killing tool, but something that could benefit mankind.
Like natural energy. The difference lay in its applications by humans.
"I'll do it, Father." Asuka responded seriously.
It was the first time Shiraishi had seen him take something so seriously.
"Then I look forward to your achievements. As agreed two years ago, I will find someone to guide you in this knowledge, but don't neglect your school courses. You can relax a little regarding the ninja exam. Just passing the practical combat test will suffice."
Shiraishi took the initiative to lower Asuka's expected ninja performance, but didn't want the bar set too low either, unless Ruri would object. Asuka wasn't totally without talents, just less brilliant compared to geniuses.
"Mm." Asuka nodded heavily.
"Okay, observe as you like, but don't disturb the workers. Just watch from afar. I'll come get you tonight." Shiraishi said, patting Asuka's head with a smile before leaving.
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