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Chapter 44 - Chapter 44: True or False?

Chapter 44: True or False?

Samehada—one of the Seven Ninja Swords of the Mist—is a living, sentient blade. It not only absorbs chakra from opponents but can also store it for later use, allowing its wielder to accelerate regeneration and recover stamina in battle. When fused with Samehada, Hoshigaki Kisame's strength multiplies dramatically, transforming him into a monstrous, shark-like being.

Fugaku had provided this information personally to his son before they set out.

Now, Uchiha Itachi, Yakushi Nonō, and Kisame walked the main road toward the Hokage Building.

Kisame observed the bustling village with curiosity. The streets teemed with life—merchants calling out prices, shinobi hurrying by, children playing in alleys. It was a stark contrast to the oppressive silence of Kirigakure, a place long haunted by civil strife and bloodshed.

This... this was peace.

Konoha truly lived up to its name as the leader of the Five Great Shinobi Nations.

Kisame couldn't help comparing it to his homeland—and found Kirigakure came up sorely lacking.

Of course, his appearance drew attention.

Villagers turned to glance at the towering, shark-faced man with dark blue skin and razor-sharp teeth. Murmurs followed him, but no fear—only curiosity.

Nonō was about to suggest he wear his hood again to avoid unwanted stares, but Itachi calmly spoke first.

> "Kisame, the villagers aren't hostile. They're just curious."

Kisame flashed a toothy grin.

> "I'm used to it."

Nonō studied him silently.

Long indigo hair, slit-pupiled golden eyes, gilled cheeks, and jagged teeth—he looked more like a sea monster than a man. But as a seasoned intelligence operative, she had seen stranger. Her training under Danzō had taken her across the Shinobi World, through shadows and blood. Even so, Kisame was... unusual.

> If Kirigakure hadn't been so isolated, Danzō likely would've ordered her to infiltrate it long ago.

---

They arrived before the Hokage Tower, its structure familiar to all who had grown up in Konoha.

Itachi allowed a small, rare smile before it vanished behind his ever-calm expression.

> "We're here."

Kisame looked up, comparing it to the Mizukage's building. Functionally similar, but the architecture differed. Still, even the Mizukage's tower had been modeled after this place—it all came from Konoha.

He chuckled softly to himself.

The three stepped inside.

The lobby bustled with activity—shinobi coming and going, mission boards filled with postings.

Itachi gestured toward a busy corridor.

> "That's the Mission Assignment Desk. Lower-level missions—D-rank, C-rank, and some B-rank—are picked up there. Higher-level missions must be authorized directly by the Hokage."

> "You'll be free to take missions on your own soon. The pay here is better than what you're used to in the Hidden Mist."

Kisame nodded thoughtfully. The Land of Water's economy was poor—isolated, underpopulated, and unstable under the Fourth Mizukage's reign. In contrast, the Land of Fire was fertile, peaceful, and prosperous.

He already knew which side of the line he wanted to stand on.

> "Hello," Itachi said to a clerk at the counter. "Please inform Hokage-sama that we've returned from our mission and would like to deliver the report."

The shinobi—an Uchiha—recognized Itachi immediately.

> "Of course, Young Master Itachi."

Though Itachi could have simply walked in unannounced, he respected procedure.

While they waited, curious whispers echoed from shinobi nearby.

> "Hey, check that guy out—doesn't he look weird?"

> "He's not from here, is he?"

> "Look at his headband—it's from Kirigakure!"

> "Why would a Mist shinobi be here?"

Despite their low voices, both Kisame and Itachi could hear every word. They made no response. Kisame continued to look around calmly.

Itachi glanced sideways at him. Even under scrutiny, Kisame didn't flinch.

His father was right—this man was a true asset.

Moments later, the Uchiha clerk returned.

> "You may proceed. Hokage-sama is waiting."

Itachi nodded and took the lead. Kisame followed. Nonō trailed behind.

As they reached the office door, Itachi raised his hand to knock—but it opened on its own.

Nara Shikaku stood there, smiling faintly.

His eyes rested a beat longer on Kisame.

> "Hokage-sama is inside," he said with a polite nod.

> "Thank you."

Itachi remained respectful—never arrogant or aloof in front of Konoha's leadership.

Shikaku gave a small wave and stepped into an adjacent room.

As they entered, Itachi offered a brief explanation.

> "He's the Hokage's Assistant. Equivalent to your village's chief strategist, but with less autonomous power."

Kisame acknowledged it with a grunt.

---

Inside, Uchiha Fugaku sat on a sofa in the reception area, his expression unreadable.

But when he saw Kisame's towering figure, his eyes lit up.

He stood and gestured to the opposite couch.

> "Sit."

Since this was his father, Itachi sat without hesitation. Kisame and Nonō followed suit.

Kisame stared at the man before him.

Broad shoulders, a stern face—this was the man who had seized power in Konoha. The Fifth Hokage. The one rumored to bring true peace to the Shinobi World.

His golden eyes gleamed with something close to reverence.

Without thinking, he stood up again and asked bluntly:

> "Itachi said… you have a way to unite the Shinobi World. Is that true?"

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