When Kisame and Itachi infiltrated Konoha together, Naruto was just a child.
At that time, aside from being the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Kisame didn't think much of him.
But in just a few years, Naruto's growth was so rapid. He defeated Kakuzu in one blow and recently took down Akatsuki's leader, Pain.
Now, even Obito saw him as a serious threat and had to make plans accordingly.
Kisame spoke in a low voice, "You're the one Akatsuki will take eventually. You took the eyes he wanted. Our positions are at odds. I can't see any reason for you to save me."
Naruto replied, "Things happen suddenly, and the reasons come later."
Kisame responded firmly, "Even so, no matter what you're planning, I won't do as you wish."
Naruto smiled under his mask, "I understand. That's why I admire you."
Raikage and Killer Bee were still on the ground, struggling to recover. Surviving such a powerful blow at that speed was a testament to their strength.
The Kumo Shinobi, led by Darui, rushed forward to assist. Darui spoke, "Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, it's you again. You caused quite a scene at the Five Kage Summit. Isn't that enough? You helped the boss, then he let you go, but now you're still here. Why?"
Naruto glanced at Killer Bee, his past memories momentarily fading. He replied calmly, "He saved his brother as he wished. Now, I want to save the people I care about, too."
Darui stared at Naruto. "The person you want to save... is that Akatsuki shark? But he doesn't seem to appreciate your kindness. What's your real goal?"
Naruto shrugged. "I don't owe you an explanation~."
Darui raised his voice. "Then let's talk through ninjutsu!"
—Storm Release: Laser Circus!
Storm Release, a blend of water and lightning, combines the power of lightning with the precision of water.
From Darui's hands, vapor turned into sharp beams of energy, firing straight at Naruto.
But Naruto calmly raised one hand. A translucent sealing barrier spread from his palm, and his left eye lit up with chakra.
—Gakidō!
Whoosh!
The storm lasers lost power instantly and were completely absorbed into the barrier.
Naruto lowered his hand and said flatly, "Enough. I'm not here to fight you."
Darui clicked his tongue. "Tch... what an annoying eye!"
Naruto then reached for his mask, a single-hole mask revealing only his left eye.
"Kisame," Naruto said as he turned to face him,
"I know you won't betray your beliefs, no matter what. So forgive me for what I'm about to do..."
He removed the mask.
In his right eye, the three-tomoe pattern twisted into a Mangekyō Sharingan, marked by four hooked magatama forming a cross.
A deep red glow pulsed from his eye.
—Kotoamatsukami!
Buzz...
The effect was silent and subtle. The target wouldn't even notice anything strange, only that their thoughts naturally aligned with the will of the caster.
There were no obstacles—everything went smoothly.
The ground cracked open, and Kisame reached out an arm.
Naruto grabbed it and helped him up, smiling. "Kisame, please guide me."
Kisame brushed the dirt off his clothes and replied calmly, "No, I am the one who should learn from you…"
"What?!" Darui was stunned.
"That's impossible! Hoshigaki Kisame clearly didn't accept his help earlier. How could a man who faced death so fearlessly change sides just because he was saved?!"
Naruto's right eye dimmed, and the Mangekyō Sharingan reverted to its usual three-tomoe form. He calmly put his mask back on, covering his right eye.
Then he raised his left hand behind Darui.
—Bansho Tenin!
Whoosh!
A strong gravitational force yanked Samehada off Killer Bee's back, pulling it into Naruto's hand.
Snap! Snap!
Samehada struggled violently. Barbs pushed through the bandage on the handle, cutting Naruto's palm and making him bleed. But Naruto stayed calm and gripped the sword tightly.
Rustle, rustle, rustle…!
The blade thrashed around wildly. Failing to escape, Samehada began draining Naruto's chakra, and its body expanded.
But Naruto smirked.
Gakidō activated in his hand, reversing the drain and absorbing Samehada's chakra instead.
When it comes to chakra absorption, Gakidō was far superior.
Samehada gave in. Its large, swollen body quickly shrank and hung limp in Naruto's hand.
"Chijiji…"
Samehada let out a weak sound, completely subdued, as if begging for mercy.
Bang!
Naruto tossed Samehada in front of Kisame. "Take it back."
Kisame bent down and picked it up. "You've become a traitor too. I'll take care of you from now on, Samehada…"
Samehada returned to its original owner, Hoshigaki Kisame.
But Kisame now stood on Naruto's side.
That was the power of Kotoamatsukami.
Naruto wrapped his bleeding hand in a bandage. He glanced at the blood-stained ground beneath him, then stabbed a kunai with an explosive tag into the dirt.
He placed his left hand on Kisame's shoulder and said to the speechless Darui, "Well then... we'll be going now."
Swish!
The Flying Thunder God Technique activated, and Naruto vanished with Kisame in a flash of light.
Boom!
The explosive tag detonated, reducing the bloody ground to rubble.
Rustle, rustle, rustle...
In the bushes far away, a small snake flicked its tongue, ready to move.
Its narrow pupils glinted with frustration.
"Tsk… not even a drop of blood left behind."
The current Naruto was no longer the reckless kid of the past.
Now, he was as cautious as a seasoned fox.
No wonder even Lord Orochimaru had...
...
"Hmm…"
As soon as Naruto left, Raikage and Killer Bee began to wake up.
Raikage growled, "Where's that Akatsuki shark bastard?!"
Killer Bee looked around, confused. "Where's my Goodkid?!"
Darui answered with a sigh, "He was taken away…"
Raikage exploded in anger. "What did you say?! Uzumaki Naruto again?! If I ever catch him, I'll take his head off myself!"
Killer Bee was upset about losing Samehada, but he still managed to freestyle a sad little rap.
Raikage turned and glared. "Bee…"
Killer Bee looked up. "Brother…"
Snap!
"You're always running around and causing me trouble!!"
Raikage's iron grip clamped down on Killer Bee's head.
"Ahhh! Big bro's beating is as hurt as ever~~~!!!"
Killer Bee's screams echoed through the area.
Darui and the other Cloud Shinobi just looked at each other and gave awkward smiles.
…
Meanwhile, Naruto had already taken Kisame back to where Konan and Orochimaru were waiting.
Old faces, old allies.
Kisame gave a toothy grin. "Konan, Orochimaru… never thought we'd end up working together."
Orochimaru smiled slyly. "What a surprise indeed. Say, could I take a look at your Samehada sometime?"
Konan asked, "We've achieved our goal. Should we return to Amegakure now?"
The evening sky was painted in fading light. Birds flew across the horizon, and the grass swayed gently.
The peaceful scene made Naruto think of the days he used to train.
Back then, after practice, there was always one place he would go.
But now… he probably couldn't return there anymore.
"Before that," Naruto said quietly, "there's somewhere I need to visit first…"
.
.
TO BE CONTINUED
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