In the perpetually rain-soaked Land of Rain, a caravan of weary travelers arrived at the gates of Rain Shinobi Village. This caravan, originating from the Land of Water, transported a rare medicinal herb unique to the region an essential ingredient for advanced medical treatments and experimental concoctions.
Due to the scarcity of this material, the officials overseeing trade in Amegakure expedited the inspection process, allowing the caravan to proceed without unnecessary delays. In a country dominated by a single hidden village, there was no doubt where such goods would be delivered directly to Hanzo the Salamander's Rain Shinobi forces.
It had taken nearly a month for the caravan to traverse the treacherous route from the Land of Water to Amegakure. Their swift and uneventful journey, however, was not merely a stroke of luck it was the result of an escort team that proved far more formidable than anticipated.
Initially, the caravan had hired standard shinobi from Kirigakure to ensure their safety, as was customary. Such missions, classified as C-rank, typically did not require the presence of elite warriors. However, the caravan's leader, a seasoned trader who had traveled across multiple nations, quickly noticed that the team accompanying them was anything but ordinary.
Not only were bandits and rogue ninja swiftly dispatched without hesitation, but even experienced mercenaries fell with alarming efficiency. The precision, decisiveness, and eerie calm with which these "guards" eliminated threats far exceeded that of average Chūnin. It was enough to make even an uninformed observer wary.
Yet, understanding that curiosity often led to unnecessary complications, the caravan master chose to remain silent.
Upon arrival at Rain Shinobi Village, negotiations proceeded smoothly. The cargo was delivered to its intended recipients, and the payment was distributed among the caravan members. Business had been concluded, and it was time to prepare for the return journey to the Land of Water.
However, amidst the general atmosphere of satisfaction, three individuals unexpectedly announced their resignation from the caravan.
Though mildly surprised, the caravan master did not question their decision. In a world fraught with uncertainty, such departures were not uncommon. After all, people came and went some seeking fortune, others seeking something far more elusive.
These three, however, were different.
Moving with quiet purpose, they left the merchant convoy and navigated through Amegakure's labyrinthine streets, eventually arriving at an inconspicuous hut tucked away in the shadows of the towering structures.
Inside, Mizuki Ryosuke removed his rain-soaked cloak and released the Transformation Technique, revealing his true identity.
Following his lead, two others did the same.
The individuals who had so seamlessly blended into the caravan were none other than Kaguya Yuta, Ryosuke's ever-loyal right hand, and Momochi Zabuza, the rising executioner of the Mist.
Indeed, the three "merchants" who had just parted ways with the caravan were actually high-ranking members of Kirigakure, executing a meticulously crafted infiltration plan.
Rather than force their way into Rain Shinobi Village, they had opted for subtlety first disguising themselves as standard Mist Shinobi assigned to protect the caravan, then replacing three low-profile workers within the convoy before passing through the village gates undetected.
However, this mission had not been a hasty endeavor.
A month earlier, Hoshigaki Kisame had already infiltrated Amegakure, leading an elite force of the White Shark Unit a secret division of highly skilled operatives under Mizuki Ryosuke's direct command. Their task had been to lay the groundwork for the Mizukage's covert arrival, securing safe houses and embedding markers to guide him.
Few within Kirigakure were privy to this information. Even among the highest ranks, no more than five individuals knew of the Fourth Mizukage's clandestine excursion.
Now, in the safety of the White Shark Unit's designated "safe house," the three infiltrators could finally discard their disguises and regroup.
Zabuza, scanning the room, quickly located the telltale White Shark markers subtle but distinct signals embedded in the environment that ensured their security.
"Impressive work, Zabuza," Ryosuke remarked, his approval evident.
A flicker of pride crossed Zabuza's face as he dropped to one knee.
"Your will is absolute, my lord! I stand ready to carve a path through any who oppose you!"
For Zabuza, this moment was significant.
Hoshigaki Kisame and Kaguya Yuta two of Ryosuke's most trusted subordinates had long overshadowed him. Despite his fearsome reputation in Kirigakure, he had never before been given such a direct opportunity to demonstrate his worth before the Mizukage himself.
Now, at last, he had earned a moment in the spotlight.
Or so he thought.
Before he could bask in his accomplishment, an unmistakable killing intent filled the room.
Yuta Kaguya, his muscular frame radiating suppressed hostility, glared at Zabuza with barely contained malice. The sheer pressure of his presence sent a chill through the air.
Zabuza, still kneeling, instinctively tensed.
Had he miscalculated?
He had only been trying to prove his loyalty, so why did Kaguya Yuta seem ready to tear him apart?
"Stand down, Zabuza."
Ryosuke's voice, though calm, carried undeniable authority.
At the command, Zabuza rose swiftly, suppressing his unease.
"Understood, my lord."
Yet, Yuta's glare remained unrelenting.
He had not missed Zabuza's little display of devotion.
It was one thing for Kisame to occupy the role of Ryosuke's "number one confidant." But now, Zabuza seemed eager to compete for that same position?
Unacceptable.
Yuta Kaguya's fingers clenched into tight fists.
Zabuza, belatedly realizing his mistake, felt a trickle of sweat form at the back of his neck.
Perhaps, in his eagerness, he had overlooked a crucial detail.
But before tensions could escalate further, a sudden knock at the door shattered the moment.
"Tuk tuk, tuk tuk, tuk."
A coded sequence.
Recognizing the pre-arranged signal, Zabuza immediately composed himself and moved to open the door.
A tall, lean figure stepped inside, rainwater dripping from his long cloak. Slowly, he raised his hands to lower his hood, revealing a scarred, shark-like visage.
Hoshigaki Kisame had arrived.
His lips curled into a toothy grin, his gill-like scars stretching with the motion.
"Looks like I made it just in time."
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