The second son of the Hokage family was born with birthmarks all over his face, but this news was overshadowed by the return of the former Hokage, Uzumaki Raiden.
The following day, the news that the Fourth Hokage, Uzumaki Raiden, had become the principal of the Ninja Academy spread throughout Konoha Village.
"Have you heard? The Third Hokage-sama stepped down as the principal of the Ninja Academy and was replaced by the Fourth Hokage, Uzumaki Raiden-sama!"
"I've heard that Master Raiden is very powerful, but can he really manage the academy? I heard he didn't stay there for long at all!"
"Hey, are you doubting Master Raiden's ability? The reform of the Ninja Academy system was proposed by him. Under his leadership, the academy will definitely produce a strong backup force for the village."
Early in the morning, Uzumaki Raiden stepped out of his small courtyard and made his way toward the village. Behind him, Kisame Hoshigaki, carrying his massive sword on his back and wearing a fox mask, followed closely.
The kunoichi from the Mist Village had been placed in Uzumaki Raiden's home to serve as his housekeeper, while Kisame had become his personal guard.
Uchiha Itachi, Kakashi, and the others had returned home after accompanying Uzumaki Raiden the previous day. Raiden did not interfere with their assignments, leaving Minato to arrange their duties.
"Who?!"
As Uzumaki Raiden and Kisame entered a dense forest near Konoha, Kisame suddenly drew his sword, blocking Raiden's body as he coldly growled toward the woods ahead.
Uzumaki Raiden sensed the approaching presence and smiled.
"Kisame, go ahead. Don't hold back."
Raiden clasped his hands in front of his chest, his gaze deep and composed. The moment he gave the order, Kisame instantly lifted his sword and charged toward the target.
His speed was astonishing. In the blink of an eye, he reached a massive tree and swung his blade at its trunk.
Boom!
With a loud crash, the massive tree, thick enough to be encircled by five people, toppled. From behind it, a figure swiftly leaped out, bypassed Kisame, and dashed toward Uzumaki Raiden.
"So fast!"
The speed of the intruder was incredible. Under his mask, Kisame's face showed a hint of surprise as he quickly turned and began forming hand seals.
"Water Release: Earth Spring Technique!"
Kisame's hand seals were rapid. Just as the intruder was about to reach Uzumaki Raiden, a large hole suddenly formed in the ground ahead, releasing a powerful surge of water that engulfed the figure.
"Got him!"
Kisame secretly rejoiced and cautiously approached. But just as he neared the water column, the trapped figure suddenly vanished into thin air.
"What?"
Kisame was momentarily stunned. In the next instant, he felt a chilling sensation at his neck.
At some point, the figure had appeared behind him, pressing a kunai against his throat.
"This is… What kind of technique?!"
Kisame's eyes widened in shock. Despite the blade at his neck, his expression remained calm under the mask. He could sense that the attacker harbored no killing intent.
"It's just a simple Clone Technique."
A cold voice sounded from behind. A handsome young man stepped forward—none other than Uzumaki Raiden's disciple, Uchiha Shisui.
"Master, you're back!"
Uchiha Shisui withdrew his kunai, approached Uzumaki Raiden, bowed respectfully, and then looked up at him with a bright smile.
"Good, you've made great progress."
"As expected of my disciple. Even in my absence, you never slacked in your training. Very good!"
Uzumaki Raiden smiled and patted Shisui on the shoulder in approval.
"This person is actually Lord Raiden's disciple?"
Kisame's expression shifted upon hearing Shisui's address to Raiden. He hadn't expected the one who had subdued him in an instant to be Raiden's disciple—and so young at that.
Although Kisame hadn't used his full strength, he knew that, based on Shisui's previous display, an average Jonin from the Mist Village wouldn't last more than twenty moves against him.
The revelation made Kisame reevaluate his understanding of Uzumaki Raiden. To think that someone so formidable was his disciple!
"Thank you, Master, for your praise."
"When you returned, I was on a mission outside the village. I only heard of Itachi's return last night, so I came to find you early this morning."
Uchiha Shisui explained before turning his gaze toward Kisame and curiously asking, "Master, who is this?"
Kisame's movements had been precise and efficient, his combat instincts sharp, and his ninjutsu execution flawless. Shisui could tell that he was no ordinary ninja, yet he had never seen him in the village before, which piqued his curiosity.
"His name is Kisame Hoshigaki, my subordinate. He's someone I trust."
Uzumaki Raiden gestured toward Kisame as he introduced him to Shisui.
"Take off the mask. You should get to know each other."
At Raiden's words, Kisame nodded and removed his mask, revealing his distinctive shark-like features. Seeing his face, Shisui was momentarily stunned—those jagged teeth were unmistakable.
He knew that people with such dental features were from the Mist Village.
"He's…?"
Shisui muttered softly, surprised that Uzumaki Raiden had a Mist ninja as his subordinate.
"Shisui, don't be alarmed. From now on, he is a Konoha ninja."
"You are comrades."
"Come with me if you're free. I'm heading to the Ninja Academy."
Uzumaki Raiden lightly patted Shisui's shoulder. Though Shisui was still curious about Kisame, he chose to trust Raiden's judgment and didn't dwell on it.
Nodding, Shisui extended his hand toward Kisame with a bright smile.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Kisame."
"My name is Uchiha Shisui. I look forward to working with you."
Shisui's politeness contrasted sharply with his battle-ready demeanor from earlier. Kisame hesitated for a moment before reaching out and shaking his hand.
"Kisame Hoshigaki."
This was their first meeting, and both left a strong impression on each other.
As he observed the two, Uzumaki Raiden silently nodded, a thought forming in his mind.
"Shisui, as far as I know, there is an organization called 'Akatsuki' operating in the ninja world."
"They take contracts from small nations to wage wars and also engage in assassinations, escort missions, and intelligence trafficking."
"I've encountered some of its members. Their ambitions are significant, and one day, they will impact the entire ninja world."
"I intend to establish a new organization within the village to monitor and counter Akatsuki, gathering intelligence on their activities."
"Akatsuki's power is formidable. I need strong allies to help me."
"Shisui, will you assist me?"
As Uzumaki Raiden walked toward Konoha, Kisame and Shisui followed behind him, listening intently. At Raiden's request, Shisui's expression changed slightly before he responded without hesitation:
"Master, it is my duty!"
(End of this chapter)