"Master Raiden, do you mean... you've learned the Planetary Devastation Jutsu?"
"The legendary ninjutsu that only the Sage of the Six Paths can perform?"
Hatake Kakashi looked at Uzumaki Raiden in surprise, unable to believe what he had just heard. His father had once told him legends about the Sage of the Six Paths, including how the moon in the sky today was created by his ninjutsu. The technique responsible for its creation was this so-called Earth Explosion Star.
Uzumaki Raiden had actually learned this legendary ninjutsu—how could that not be shocking?
"The Sage of the Six Paths can perform it? Not exactly."
"Planetary Devastation Jutsu only requires mastery of Yin-Yang Release and the corresponding hand seals, but no one in the ninja world possesses both Yin and Yang chakra at the same time."
"But I'm different—I'm the Jinchūriki of Kurama!"
Uzumaki Raiden smiled casually. He didn't bother hiding it from Kakashi and the others. This technique greatly enhanced his sealing power. If he encountered Madara, he might have to make him taste its power. Even in his prime, as long as Madara hadn't reclaimed the Rinnegan, he wouldn't be a match for Raiden.
And reclaim the Rinnegan? Was it really that easy?
"Heh."
Thinking about it, Uzumaki Raiden chuckled, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Meanwhile, in the Land of Water, Kisame Hoshigaki had just received his latest mission.
Inside the Land of Water's Intelligence Department, Kisame Hoshigaki stood with Samehada on his back. He looked down at the shark-faced young man kneeling before him and spoke:
"Kisame, I have an important mission for you."
"Lately, there's been constant friction between our village and Konoha. I plan to send a team of intelligence operatives into the Land of Fire to gather information on Konoha's movements."
"I've already chosen the personnel. Your job is to escort them safely into the Land of Fire and return once they have infiltrated."
"My request is simple."
"If the intelligence team is intercepted by the enemy, you must ensure that the information does not fall into their hands—by any means necessary."
"Do you understand?"Kisame Hoshigaki was now the head of the Mist's Intelligence Department, overseeing all intelligence operatives and even a portion of the Anbu. As a former member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, his name carried great weight in the Mist.
After all, he was the man who had once fought Konoha's Fourth Hokage, Uzumaki Raiden, and managed to retreat. During that battle, five of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen perished in the Land of Fire, with only Jūzō and Kisame Hoshigaki surviving.
In the years since, Jūzō had defected, while Kisame Hoshigaki had risen to a high position in Kirigakure. Kisame was now one of his subordinates.
"Yes! I understand!" Kisame nodded firmly.
He was no stranger to these kinds of tasks. After years in the Anbu, he had long grown accustomed to them. Protecting intelligence? Only the dead could keep secrets.
Though this mission seemed like a simple escort, its true purpose was to make him an executioner—an executioner of his own comrades.
Despite the grim nature of the task, Kisame showed no sign of hesitation before his superior. Though he felt some discomfort, he accepted the mission with a serious expression and left the base.
Once outside, Kisame made his way to the designated meeting point, where the operatives should have already gathered. His mind preoccupied with thoughts of the mission, he soon arrived at the village entrance. There, he found the six intelligence officers he was to escort to the Land of Fire.
The team consisted of five men and one woman—their leader—a beautiful girl with long, dark yellow hair. Female members in the Intelligence Department were rare.
"Mr. Kisame? Are you the jōnin escorting us this time?"
"That's great! If it's Mr. Kisame, this mission will definitely go smoothly!"
The girl seemed familiar with Kisame and approached him cheerfully. Seeing her enthusiasm, Kisame's eyes widened slightly. He had never met someone like her in this village. Her bright personality left a strong impression on him.
However, he quickly suppressed any unnecessary thoughts, turned away, and spoke coldly to the group:
"I assume you all understand the mission. Let's not waste time—move out!"
Kisame's tone was distant. He had no interest in interacting with these people more than necessary.
Could he not recognize the admiration in the girl's eyes? Of course, he could. Despite his ruthless nature, he had a sharp mind—otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to partner with Itachi in the future. He sensed the girl's feelings, but precisely because of that, he had to create distance.
Emotions were a burden for a ninja like him.
The girl seemed to notice Kisame's cold demeanor. A look of disappointment flashed across her face, but she quickly composed herself, clapped her hands, and said, "Is everyone ready? Then let's go!"
With that, she leaped onto a tree branch. The others followed her lead, and Kisame trailed silently behind.
Since the Third Ninja War, Konoha had successfully defeated the Mist, expanding the borders of the Land of Fire after absorbing the Land of Whirlpools. The border troops of Konoha had also moved their defenses to a small island near the Land of Water.
Konoha's border forces weren't just there to guard the nation—they were primarily tasked with monitoring Mist's movements. The most difficult part of Kisame's mission was sneaking past Konoha's defenses and slipping into the Land of Fire.
The group traveled at a moderate pace. Since they were still within Mist territory, there was no need to rush. They took their time, conserving energy for the crucial crossing ahead.
After a few days, they reached a small island near the border. Before crossing, the team decided to take a final rest.
"Mr. Kisame, why don't you join us for a meal?"
The group had stopped in the woods. Before crossing into enemy territory, they needed to be at full strength. During the break, the blonde girl noticed Kisame sitting alone and approached him.
"Please don't get too close to me."
Kisame glanced at her, gripped his sword, then closed his eyes without another word.
The girl's expression darkened, but she silently returned to the group, eating with her teammates while occasionally glancing in Kisame's direction.
Even after everyone had finished their meal, Kisame hadn't joined them.
Once lunch was over, they resumed their journey. Kisame took the lead, increasing his pace.
In the dense forest, the girl watched Kisame's back before making up her mind. Quickening her step, she caught up with him.
"Mr. Kisame, what you said earlier... does that apply only until the mission is over?"
She smiled at him, her eyes soft and kind.
Kisame remained silent, turning his head slightly to avoid her gaze as he continued walking.
At that moment—
A sharp whistle pierced the air, followed by a storm of kunai flying out from the darkness, embedding themselves into the trees. A moment later, flames erupted, engulfing two Mist ninja at the rear of the team.
"Konoha's ninja?!"
"We just left the Land of Water—how did they find us so quickly?!"
(End of Chapter)