Chapter 46 – Looking for Someone
Noticing the change in Kisame's expression, Fugaku smiled faintly. He knew Kisame had already pledged his loyalty, so he dispelled his Susanoo and returned to the ground.
For someone wielding the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, summoning the Complete Body Susanoo wasn't difficult — in fact, it came to him with ease.
"Lord Fugaku," Kisame said, kneeling on one knee, his voice full of fervor, "I, Kisame Hoshigaki, pledge my allegiance! I only hope to offer my strength toward your dream of unifying the shinobi world — so that peace may last forever!"
"Good, good. Kisame," Fugaku said warmly, lifting him up. "Don't worry — that day isn't far off."
Fugaku was already a tall man, standing nearly eye to eye with Kisame.
"You've all worked hard on your return," he said to the others. "Rest for a few days."
Turning to his son, Fugaku instructed, "Itachi — take Kisame to Uchiha Yashiro and have him arrange a residence in the clan compound. Tell him I said so. Tomorrow, bring Kisame to the Hokage Building to process his identity papers."
"Yes," Itachi answered promptly.
Fugaku's gaze shifted to Yakushi Nōnō, who stood obediently nearby.
"Nōnō," he said gently.
"Here!" She straightened, answering quickly.
"Kabuto has returned to the village. You can see him at the orphanage."
Her eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't seen Kabuto in years, ever since Danzō forced him into life as a spy. Memories of the clever, obedient boy she raised at the orphanage flooded her heart. She longed to know how he had grown, whether he had eaten properly, or whether he had suffered terribly in the shadows of his missions.
But at least he was alive — and back.
Seeing her distracted by emotion, Fugaku waved a hand. "That's all. I still have matters to attend to at the Hokage Building. Itachi, take care of Kisame."
"Yes, Father," Itachi replied.
Fugaku nodded once to Kisame and departed.
As soon as he left, Nōnō could no longer contain herself. After hurriedly bidding farewell to the two, she rushed off toward the orphanage.
Kisame leaned toward Itachi and asked quietly, "Tell me… who is stronger, Hokage-sama or the Ninja World's Asura?"
Itachi paused. By "Asura," Kisame clearly meant Uchiha Madara.
After some thought, he answered cautiously, "They should be about the same…"
"Right? I thought so too!" Kisame chuckled, satisfied.
"Come on," Itachi said, "I'll take you to meet someone."
The two left the training grounds.
The manifestation of Fugaku's Susanoo had been brief. It neither lasted long nor caused much commotion, so almost no one in the village noticed. Even if a few had glimpsed it, it would be dismissed as drunken gossip by morning.
And even if spies did report it — what of it? The Complete Body Susanoo was a power only Senju Hashirama himself had ever been able to suppress. Against anyone else, it was an indomitable force.
Back in the Hokage's office, Fugaku leaned back in his chair. With Itachi gone for so long, he had been burdened with paperwork, leaving him drained. Now that his son had returned, he took every chance to ease up during the day.
At night, only Sasuke and Naruto were at home. Both boys had already gone to bed… while Fugaku, truth be told, could never resist the charms of his wife, Mikoto.
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Far away in the Land of Hot Water, a bustling hot spring town thrived.
An uninvited guest arrived — a tall man with waist-length white hair, red lines under his eyes, a red cloak over a brown kimono, and wooden clogs on his feet. His forehead protector bore the kanji for "Oil" (油).
He seemed laid-back, but the occasional sharp glint in his eyes revealed he was carefully observing his surroundings.
His steps carried him to a casino. Looking up at the signboard, he read: Cherry Blossom Casino.
Based on the information he had gathered, Tsunade had been sighted in this town. Knowing her habits, he was certain this was the right place to ask.
Striding inside, he approached the counter.
"Excuse me," he asked politely, "is the legendary 'Big Fat Sheep' here?"
It was daytime, and the casino was quiet. The receptionist, half-dozing at his desk, perked up at the question and chuckled mischievously.
"You're too late. The Big Fat Sheep left a few days ago."
Jiraiya's face remained calm. "Do you know where she went?"
The man waved dismissively. "Who knows? We're a legitimate casino. We don't ask about customers' whereabouts."
"Understood. Thank you." Jiraiya bowed slightly and left.
The staffer, now fully awake, replayed the scene in his mind. White hair… red face markings… a headband with "Oil" on it…
Wait.
His eyes widened.
That was Jiraiya-sama, one of the Legendary Sannin!
Heart pounding, he rushed outside to look, but the tall man had already vanished into the crowded street.
With a long sigh, he returned to the counter and pulled a notebook from the drawer. On its cover were the words: Make-Out Paradise.
He stared at it regretfully. "To think I saw Jiraiya-sama in person and didn't even ask for an autograph… what a waste."
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