Ever since the Blood Mist Faction was defeated that day, he was labeled a rebel and imprisoned in the high-security prison.
He naturally was unaware of what happened outside.
"That's the situation. Hoshigaki Kisame, I need your strength."
Yagura stepped forward, standing outside the iron bars, speaking in a calm tone to the person inside.
"..."
Upon hearing Yagura's words, Kisame's face twitched slightly.
The high-security prison, without a doubt, was a place where dangerous criminals who had been stripped of human rights and freedom by the village were gathered.
Few who entered were able to leave.
Kisame had prepared himself for a lifetime of imprisonment here.
But, given the chance to touch freedom and human rights, who would choose to spend their life in this endless darkness?
Before Kisame could speak, Juzo had already spoken.
"Are you serious, Mizukage-sama? Although I don't mind this kid joining the ranks of the Seven-swords Ninja, I've heard that this kid betrayed Suikazan Fuguki. Such a person, who even betrays his superior, should be kept here under guard."
Juzo's intention was simple.
A ninja with a history of betrayal was not worthy of trust.
If Kisame can betray his superior, Suikazan Fuguki, then in the future, he might betray Mizukage himself.
As Mizukage, Yagura's safety was no longer a personal matter but concerned the entire Hidden Mist Village.
A ninja like Kisame, whose loyalty was questionable, was not suitable to be arranged near Yagura, especially while wielding the powerful Shark Skin.
"I'm glad you're worried about my safety, Juzo. But my mind is set, and I won't change it midway."
"You're the Mizukage, no one can refute your opinion. But let me remind you, if he betrays you or even the village in the future, don't regret it."
Juzo sighed, having said all he could, whether Yagura would heed his words, was beyond his control.
Yagura smiled slightly, turned to look at the silent Kisame, and asked:
"What do you think, Kisame? If you agree, I can release you immediately, and you can wield Shark Skin, becoming one of this generation's Seven-swords Ninja."
"I'm truly flattered; I didn't expect you to be such a naive Mizukage. But, as Jonin Juzo said, I've already betrayed Suikazan Fuguki; aren't you afraid I'll betray you someday too?"
Kisame grinned maliciously, baring his teeth.
The meaning was clear; if he could betray Suikazan Fuguki, he could naturally betray Yagura, the Mizukage.
"Forgive me for asking, what was the trigger for you betraying Suikazan Fuguki?"
Yagura looked calmly into Kisame's eyes, meeting his gaze.
Kisame instinctively avoided eye contact, let out a light hum.
"Don't speak as if you understand me. Suikazan Fuguki spoke as if he understood me, and that's why he was successfully ambushed by me. That's the price of trust. Don't you find this world quite fake?"
Before Yagura could respond, Juzo let out a cold snort, displeased as he looked at Kisame:
"Hey, kid, only complaining about how fake the world is here, just shows you lived a very pathetic past. There are many more people in this world who are more miserable and in pain than you. Don't act like you understand all the truths. By your logic, my colleagues and I have lived in vain all these years? To have our entire lives' meaning negated by someone like you is truly frustrating."
Kisame remained silent, it was unclear if he agreed or simply disdained to argue with Juzo.
"Say less, Juzo."
Yagura glanced at Juzo.
"Hehehe, I'm just helping you teach this ignorant junior a lesson."
"Beware of trouble from your mouth."
Yagura shook his head helplessly, pulling out a key to open the cell door.
Kisame walked out of the cell, took a deep breath.
The stifling prison life ended, the fresh air of freedom outside made every cell in his body rejoice.
Looking at Yagura, who was more than a head shorter than him, Juzo voiced Kisame's inner thoughts:
"How does it feel, kid, to look down on Mizukage-sama?"
Yagura's face turned dark, an ominous black aura entwined his body:
"Juzo! Shut up, or I'll kill you!"
Height was his eternal sore spot.
He was satisfied with himself in every other aspect but was only dissatisfied with his height.
It was akin to a curse of some kind of prank.
Juzo shut his mouth, Yagura's murderous aura was truly terrifying.
However, is Mizukage-sama really only 1.5 meters tall? Juzo doubted it.
Yagura refocused his attention on Kisame.
"I won't say much more. If you ever betray, I'll personally take your head."
"That certainly sounds intriguing, something I'd like to try."
Kisame chuckled twice, unfazed by Yagura's threat.
"Follow me. Furthermore, your direct superior from now on will be Juzo, he'll be responsible for guiding you."
"Ha? Me?"
Upon hearing Yagura's words, Juzo's expression froze.
Kisame was a bit surprised, then chuckled:
"I look forward to your guidance, Juzo-senpai. I'll definitely work hard following your lead."
"..."
Is it really safe to place such a dangerous person by his side?
Juzo was quite skeptical that one day Kisame would get a sudden urge and, as he did with Suikazan Fuguki, stab him in the back.