At the end of December, the weather got even colder, and it felt like it was completely winter. Occasionally, light snow would fall on the road.
Most of the animals in the mountains and forests have also begun to hibernate, and there are fewer signs of walking around.
Standing on a huge tree stump, Kisame looked into the distance with his tiny eyes.
All the surrounding trees were flattened by some kind of sharp object, revealing an extremely desolate mountain scenery.
The wind blowing from a distance is also mixed with an unbearable chill.
Kisame subconsciously touched the handle of the Samehada sword behind him, then jumped off the tree stump and walked in a certain direction along the overgrown path.
The empty cave without any warmth is the meeting point.
It is also the destination of Kisame's trip.
Thinking about it carefully, it has been several months since he defected and left the village. In these few months, just dealing with the Kirigakure chasing troops behind him to capture him has already made him exhausted.
Coupled with the fact that he had to face a very talkative annoying person, Kisame's mood became even worse.
This talkative person is Bai Jue.
She always comes over to chat with him from time to time, trying to get him to join a mysterious organization, and is more diligent than Kirigakure's pursuit troops to trouble him.
In view of this, Kisame also made up his mind and began to contact the organization they talked about.
After all, being invited proactively and entering on your own initiative are completely different concepts.
The former will not make others suspicious, while the purpose of the latter can easily be seen through as having ulterior motives.
Therefore, Kisame also deduced that this organization must have insufficient manpower.
The core members are too lacking.
If they gather enough strength, they won't be so obsessed with themselves and eager to join them.
And Bai Jue's approach proves this point.
It is consistent with the speculation made over there. Next, just follow the plan. Kisame thought to himself as he looked towards the dark entrance of the cave.
Entering the cave, we found that the space inside was very large.
After entering, Kisame found that two people had already arrived first.
He was a slender man with pale skin and long black hair. He had cold vertical pupils like a snake, and there were purple eye shadows beside the corners of his eyes. A snake crawled out of his sleeves and was playing with his fingers.
Next to him, there was a hunched man with a black scarf on his face, his ugly eyebrows and forehead exposed, and a fierce aura rushed towards his face.
Both of them were wearing black coats with red clouds, and rings with different words engraved on their fingers, as if they were waiting for something.
Orochimaru.
Red sand scorpion.
When he saw these two people, Kisame's body tensed subconsciously and he stopped moving forward.
Needless to say about the latter, the former is one of the Sannin of Konoha and can be said to be a well-known figure.
In terms of reputation alone, the Sannin are completely superior to the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
And from Orochimaru, he felt a vague sense of danger, as if he was being stared at by a cold snake, and his body reacted unnaturally with vigilance.
As mentioned in the intelligence, this is indeed a rebel ninja concentration camp.
Don't be careless for a moment.
"Oh, are there any newcomers? This is a rare thing."
I thought it was just a simple gathering, but I didn't expect that a strange ninja would suddenly show up.
This made Orochimaru raise his eyebrows in surprise, and then chuckled, but the laughter gave people a bad feeling.
After hearing Orochimaru's words, Scorpion also raised his head and looked at Kisame who came here, took a deep look and said:
"Are the Seven Ninja Swordsmen here? It looks like there's a very interesting newcomer here."
Then he shut up, not wanting to talk much.
I agree with him in terms of strength, but in terms of appearance, the other party is not suitable to be a 'puppet' in his hands.
too ugly.
It really can’t be kept as one’s own collection.
"That's it. This is our new companion who is about to join us."
The humanoid form of White Zetsu and Black Zetsu merged into one, emerged from the ground, stood beside Kisame, and said to Orochimaru and Scorpion.
It was Black Zetsu who spoke.
Then Bai Jue smiled and said, "Although it took a lot of effort, I finally succeeded."
"Really? I don't have a problem. After all, being able to join new people is a good thing. Scorpion, what do you think?"
Orochimaru chuckled and turned to look at Scorpion.
Xie snorted and said, "You can just decide for yourself on this kind of thing. Anyway, the weak will be eliminated soon."
"Scorpion, if you say that, it will make Kisame feel a lot of pressure. Well, Kisame, you don't have to worry too much, the members in the organization are still very friendly."
Bai Jue chuckled heartlessly.
Friendly? Kisame was speechless at Bai Zetsu's comment.
The people here are all S-class rebellious ninjas who are famous in the ninja world. If this can be considered friendly, it is really an outrageous comment.
Just when Kisame was about to speak, rainbow-colored ripples suddenly appeared not far from them, and then the ripples became more and more violent, forming a human shape.
Three rainbow-colored ripples appeared one after another, and three other people joined in.
Unlike Orochimaru and Scorpion, they obviously didn't use their own bodies to come here, but a ninjutsu similar to projection, to project a clone of themselves here.
The new Sannin appeared, two men and one woman.
Although it was just a projection, Kisame could still roughly see the appearance of these three people.
These three people are naturally Nagato, Xiaonan, and Beiruhu.
They came here almost at the same time using projection.
After Nagato arrived here, he glanced at everyone first, then focused on Kisame, and said to him: "Welcome to join Akatsuki, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of Kirigakure Village, Gansaki Kisame."
"Xiao? Is this the name of the organization?"
Kisame asked.
When White Zetsu and Black Zetsu came to find him, they did not reveal the specific name of the organization.
The name of the organization cannot be leaked out at will. It is only useful to internal core members.
In other words, external non-staff personnel may not know that the name of the organization is Akatsuki.
Kisame could see that Akatsuki was very secretive. Regardless of Kirigakure, the rest of the great country ninja villages knew nothing about this organization.
"Yes. Now that you have joined Akatsuki, you are a companion. Your business is also the organization's business."
Nagato said this.
"Don't get me wrong, I just came here to give it a try because I had nowhere else to go. If Xiao can really bring me more meaning, then let me look forward to it. I hope it won't be too boring. Too boring If so, I don’t want to be restricted by you.”
Kisame snorted, seeming to remain pessimistic about the future.
"Don't worry, you won't be bored."
Nagato affirmed.
He had already learned from Black Zetsu that Kisame was a ninja who was extremely sensitive to the word 'trust'.
Because of his two experiences of betraying his boss, it can be said that it was a huge pain in his heart.
It seems that it will take a long process for the other party to convince Xiao.
"So, can we trust you in terms of strength?"
The one who suddenly interrupted the exchange between the two was Bei Liuhu, who had been silent since arriving here.
Black Zetsu replied: "In terms of strength, we can guarantee that his ninjutsu characteristics are also very suitable for capturing tailed beasts and jinchūriki."
This is what he valued about Kisame.
That big sword, Samehada, has a good suppressing effect on the jinchūriki and tailed beasts.
Together with other members, you can easily capture the tailed beast.
Orochimaru raised the corner of his mouth, and his voice was a little sinister: "I heard that the current fourth generation Mizukage of Kirigakure, Gotachibana Yagura, is Kirigakure's three-tailed jinchūriki. It seems that he can perfectly control tailed beasts just like Kumogakure's eight-tails. .It is a powerful and perfect Jinchuuriki."
He looked at Kisame with inquiring eyes, as if confirming the authenticity of this information.
Kisame hesitated for a moment, nodded, and recognized the authenticity of this information.
"The fourth generation is indeed a perfect Jinchuuriki. He can be said to be Kirigakure's strongest ninja. Even my sword, Samegagi, cannot restrict him too much."
Kisame told the truth.
In a single fight, he was indeed no match for Yagura.
The most important thing is that the ANBU guards beside Yagura, as well as Ao, Terumi Mei, and the newly joined prodigy Kito Mangetsu...
It can be said that it is difficult to get close to Yagura.
The Five Kages are indeed powerful, but the Jonin guards protecting them cannot be underestimated.
"No, there is no need to belittle yourself. This information alone is of high enough value."
Nagato said.
As if aware of Kisame's doubts, Black Zetsu explained: "I forgot to explain, our organization's plan is divided into three stages. The second stage is to capture the tailed beast, the fourth generation Mizukage of Kirigakure Village, Gotachibana Yagura. , will become our hunting target sooner or later. If possible, I hope you can provide the organization with more information about the Mizukage."
Is this what is called surrender? Kisame chuckled inwardly.
Things will indeed come to this.
"After I leave, the person who will replace me as one of the candidates for the fourth generation guard is probably Gui Leng Man Yue from the Gui Leng clan."
"Estimate? Does that mean you're not sure?"
Orochimaru asked.
Kisame nodded and said helplessly: "Yes, it's just that Kiden Mangetsu is more likely to become Yagura's new guard."
"After all, he is a genius ninja who is called a prodigy. Kirigakure will not abandon such a person."
Scorpion also spoke.
Kirigakure Kito Mangetsu, a ninja whom Kirigakure calls a prodigy, is able to skillfully use seven ninja swords, including the sword Samehada in Kisame's hands.
It can be said that he is one of the most famous genius ninjas in Kirigakure's contemporary era.
Even they have heard of such talented young people.
It was confirmed by Kisame that such a genius boy must not be a simple person.
"In other words, it has the same nature as Konoha's Hatake Kakashi, right?"
It was Beiliuhu who said this.
Orochimaru frowned slightly when he heard Kakashi, but didn't say much.
"In addition, beside the fourth generation, there is a white-eyed ninja, his name is Ao."
"White eyes!?"
The information revealed by Kisame shocked everyone.
Nagato also widened his eyes.
Roll your eyes?
Isn't that the blood inheritance limit of Konoha?
And because the Hyuga clan has extremely strict control over the boundaries of blood inheritance, there has never been any news that ninjas from other ninja villages have Byakugan.
How is this going?
While everyone was thinking wildly, Kisame said: "About ten years ago, Kirigakure Village implemented a secret plan to capture the Hyuga clan ninjas. That plan was successful. This is also the reason why Kirigakure has the Byakugan."
Having said this, Nagato, Scorpion, and Konan looked at Orochimaru and Beiruhu.
The two of them used to be ninjas of Konoha, especially Orochimaru, who was the top ninja of Konoha. If there really was an accident in the Hyuga clan where the ninjas of the clan had an accident, then the two of them must have some information.
Iruhu raised his eyebrows and replied: "I don't know about this. But I do vaguely remember that one day more than ten years ago, Konoha did have an enmity with the Kirigakure Village because of something. Orochimaru, do you know?"
Orochimaru nodded, exhaled slightly and said: "Speaking of which, this incident happened before Chiba Shiraishi and the three of them defected. At that time, a clan ninja from the Hyuga clan disappeared. That Hyuga clan clan member went missing when he went out to visit relatives. I know how I leaked my whereabouts and mysteriously disappeared in the sea near the Kingdom of Water. According to the investigation of Konoha ANBU, although no definite evidence has been obtained, it has been speculated that it was the Kirigakure ninja. Looking at it now, the top management of Konoha at that time There is no error in conjecture.”
After being confirmed by Orochimaru, everyone had different thoughts.
No matter what, having Byakugan in Kirigakure Village is a big trouble.
According to Kisame's explanation, this Kirigakure ninja with Byakugan is still the guard beside Mizukage Yagura, which makes it even more troublesome.
"It seems that it is not easy to get close to this Mizukage."
Bei Liuhu remembered something, and a shadow appeared in his eyes.
Rolling your eyes...that was really a very unpleasant memory.
"Yes. And no matter what, I have done my best to leak this information. So, if you want to deal with the fourth generation then, I will not take action."
Kisame said in a self-deprecating tone.
"Hmph, even if you defected from the village, do you still have old feelings for the people in your hometown? This might become your biggest weakness and get you killed."
Scorpion gave Kisame a piece of advice.
Kisame said nothing and seemed not to refute this.
"The purpose of calling everyone together this time is to introduce new companions. In the days to come, I also ask you to be friendly with each other. Beiruhu, you don't have any teammates yet, do you want to form a team with Kisame?"
Nagato asked Beiruhu for his opinion.
Bi Liuhu shook his head and said: "I stay in the research laboratory all year round and rarely go out. Even if I are in the same group with someone like me, it is of no use. He is not suitable for me."
After saying that, he formed a seal with his hands, and the rainbow-colored figure swayed on the spot, then melted into the air and disappeared.
Nagato stared at the spot where Beruhu originally stayed for a while, and then turned to look at Kisame.
"In this case, I can only accept this period of time and act alone. In terms of intelligence, Bai Jue will share it with you, which can allow you to avoid the pursuit of Kirigakure's hunting troops."
"No problem. But, as a newcomer, I still want to know more things about the organization."
There was a sense of distrust in Kisame's words, and Nagato could feel it, so he nodded.
"It's not the right time to explain. However, when the organization's purpose is achieved, your purpose will also be achieved."
"What an arrogant statement. I will remember your words."
Kisame didn't hesitate and turned around to leave.
Black Zetsu and White Zetsu nodded to Nagato and left behind Kisame.
◎
Asuka looked at everything in front of him curiously.
Different from the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere of the school, the expressions of people passing by in the corridor looked serious.
They were all wearing white overalls and white coats, and they looked like they were in a hurry.
Arriving in front of a door, Shiraishi gently opened the door and smiled at Asuka who was following him: "Come in, Asuka."
"Yes, Dad."
Asuka nodded vigorously and followed Shiraishi into the room.
The space inside the room was larger than expected. As soon as he entered, Asuka's eyes widened and he was shocked by the things in the room.
This should be an extremely huge underground workshop, with mechanized equipment from the floor to the decoration.
In the center of the room, there are many technicians wearing white work clothes, working hard there.
They started their research around a 'monster' wrapped in a steel-colored shell, which seemed to be some kind of tool that could carry people.
Things called crawlers were used instead of wheels, and many long tube-like steel objects were loaded on them, with hollow interiors.
The dark hollow gives people a very scary and intimidating feeling.
Although the structure is rough, even primitive, and extremely ugly, the technicians here have put a lot of effort into the design and thought hard to perfect this 'monster' machine.
All of them looked at the steel monster seriously with a certain kind of obsession in their eyes.
This kind of steel monster can make people feel the passion and firm will of the makers.
They all realized that once this kind of thing comes out, it will definitely bring a completely new trend to the ninja world. People like them can also be famous throughout the ages and be recorded in the annals of history for future generations to admire.
Shiraishi turned his head and noticed Asuka's side face. His eyes were already shining, and he was staring at the steel monster in the center of the workshop. It was just like when he encountered a novel toy when he was a child, he also showed this expression at that time.
"Dad, is that a 'toy' too?"
The little boy pointed at the extremely hard steel monster and said.
It was completely different from all the toys he had ever played with.
No, he had never seen anything like this outside, but this kind of thing immediately attracted his eyes and mind, and he was immersed in it.
"Do you like what's inside, Asuka?"
Shiraishi stroked Asuka's little head.
"Yes, I like it."
Asuka raised his head and nodded solemnly to Shiraishi.
He could see that the adults surrounding the steel toy were working with an extremely serious attitude.
They were immersed in their work, completely unaware that someone was inspecting their research work not far away.
This kind of wholehearted devotion touched Asuka very much.
These adults must be very serious about building the best 'toys' in their minds.
It's like finding your soulmate.
Looking at his slightly excited son Asuka, Shiraishi nodded slightly.
Ever since he knew that Asuka's ninja talents were very limited, he had consciously wanted Asuka to take another path.
There are many paths in this world, and becoming a ninja does not necessarily mean you can achieve success in the eyes of others.
Loving one's own career and ideals is also a great success in Shiraishi's view.
The most important thing for people is not how they live in the eyes of others compared with others, but to constantly break through themselves and know what they need in their hearts.
In Shiraishi's opinion, Asuka has such qualities.
You will not change yourself because of other people's opinions. You will maintain your pure mind and look for things that you find interesting in this world.
Interest is the most difficult thing to cultivate.
This is also the real reason why he brought Asuka here this year.
Ichiji has found her own way, and Asuka needs to find her own way too.
Aya will officially go to school next year, and it is still unclear what his talents are. However, according to Shiraishi's own observation, Aya's ninja qualifications, although not as outstanding as Ichiki, are still quite good.
"This is one of the most important R&D bases in our Kingdom of Ghosts, mainly developing military and civilian equipment. If you want to be a member of this place and develop your favorite 'toys', then you can only continue to accumulate knowledge , it is possible to do this only by honing your hands-on creative abilities. This is also the reason why I have asked you to hone your basic knowledge in the past two years. Chakra subject is a very important subject. "
Many things in the ninja world are linked to chakra.
The researchers here may not be powerful ninjas, and they may not even know how to use ninjutsu, but their understanding of chakra and general ability are not comparable to ordinary ninjas.
For scientists, chakra knowledge is something that must be mastered.
Understand the structure of chakra and break down its mysteries, rather than just treating chakra as an energy activated by ninjutsu.
This kind of knowledge is actually very one-sided.
For scientific workers who seek to know the truth, understanding the structure of chakra and not simply sticking to the form of 'technique' is what they pursue.
Unfortunately, such people do not receive special attention in the current ninja world, and not many people support their research.
Ninjas are too obsessed with the power of the technique itself and forget that things like chakra can bring more convenience.
This is also what Shiraishi considers to be a 'change'.
Chakra is not only a tool that can kill people, but it can also benefit mankind.
Just like natural energy.
The difference between such things is what they are used for by humans.
"I'll do it, Dad."
Asuka responded seriously.
This is the first time Shiraishi has seen Asuka respond so seriously.
"Then I'll look forward to your performance. As agreed two years ago, I will find you a teacher who can enlighten you in this area of knowledge, but the school's courses should not be left behind. Of course, the ninja exam can be relaxed a little. Just for a moment, as long as you can pass the actual combat test."
Shiraishi took the initiative to lower Asuka's performance requirements in the ninja combat test, but he didn't want to lower the requirements too low, otherwise Liuli would have objections.
It's not that Asuka doesn't have ninja talents at all, it's just that compared to those geniuses, he doesn't look that outstanding.
"Um."
Asuka nodded heavily.
"Okay, you can observe as you like here. However, you are not allowed to disturb the work of the employees here. Just observe from a distance. In the evening, I will come to take you home."
Shiraishi touched Asuka's head and left with a smile.
