"Kakuzu, you are not of Kirigakure, yet you act with impunity here, slaughtering as you please. We are outraged beyond measure. I challenge you to a hunt at Crescent Lake—where we shall stake the honor of our village in battle."
—Biwa Jūzō.
Holding the challenge letter in his hand, Kakuzu found it rather amusing. He and Nagato had been here for months now, never once pausing in their campaign of destruction. The Mizukage, Mufu, likely understood that Kakuzu had come for him, which was why he had yet to show himself. Or perhaps the one controlling him from the shadows had forbidden it. Either way, once this battle concluded, the reign of the Third Mizukage would likely be over.
While the true powers remained in hiding, their subordinates were eager for action.
Biwa Jūzō—a bold young man.
Kakuzu accepted the challenge. A few days later, he arrived at Crescent Lake with Nagato in tow.
The lake was vast, shrouded in thick mist. The sheer volume of water and natural fog made it an ideal battleground for Kirigakure's shinobi. Jūzō had chosen his ground wisely.
...
An hour passed.
Then another.
Kakuzu furrowed his brows. "Is this some kind of joke?" Was this upstart treating the challenge like a child's game?
Annoyed, Kakuzu considered razing Kirigakure to the ground. Nagato could only offer an awkward smile.
"Kakuzu-sama, perhaps we should move forward. There may have been a delay—after all, Kirigakure is also at war with Konohagakure right now."
Kakuzu said nothing, merely stepping forward. He and Nagato walked across the water of Crescent Lake, reaching the opposite shore. They continued into the nearby forest when Nagato suddenly tensed.
"I smell blood."
His Rinnegan scanned the surroundings, searching for hidden enemies. Kakuzu merely crossed his arms, observing in silence. For months now, Nagato had been the one to fight, reducing Kirigakure's forces to a pitiful state. Given how difficult Kakuzu was to deal with, it made sense that the village's shinobi would attempt an ambush. But wasn't this a little dishonest?
The letter had promised a one-on-one duel, yet here they were, resorting to trickery.
More importantly, was Biwa Jūzō really the type to play such underhanded games?
As they moved closer, figures began to take shape in the mist. They could even hear voices.
A wet squelch echoed through the air.
A katana was slowly withdrawn from Biwa Jūzō's body.
The executioner standing before him had a shark-like face, gills along his cheeks, and an eerie presence.
Hoshigaki Kisame.
"Why… Why betray the village?" Jūzō rasped, his life ebbing away.
He had his grievances with Kirigakure. He had even considered defecting.
But he hadn't acted on it.
He was still one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
Yet here was Kisame, striking him down and claiming the Executioner's Blade as his own.
"Heh heh heh." Kisame let out his signature chuckle. "To play both protector and executioner—to shift between roles endlessly—this world of shinobi is nothing but hypocrisy. This… is my farewell to the 'village.' Now, rest in peace."
With another thrust, the katana sank into Jūzō's chest.
He coughed up blood, letting out a final scream before falling silent forever.
Kisame swung the Executioner's Blade in a slow arc, testing its weight.
"Not bad."
Yet despite his words, a flicker of hesitation crossed his face.
The blade was strong, but something about it felt… off.
"The Executioner's Blade won't give you what you truly seek. Let it go."
A voice rang out. Kisame didn't flinch.
He had protected comrades with his own hands.
He had killed them with his own hands.
He had watched as a kunoichi, one who had held a special regard for him, smiled as she died by his blade—saying she didn't blame him.
Who could know the turmoil in his heart?
His already fractured soul had long since twisted, giving him his own unique perspective on the shinobi world.
"I never expected to meet the infamous Kakuzu on the eve of my defection. Are you here to kill me or stop me? Heh heh heh."
Kisame's laughter remained unchanged. Whether out of apathy or supreme confidence in his own strength, it was difficult to tell.
Kakuzu formed a quick seal.
A massive summoning scroll appeared, unrolling in midair. From within, a bandaged sword emerged.
Sensing a familiar chakra, Samehada stirred. Its mouth opened slightly, and its spiked body twitched as if trying to break free from its bindings.
Kakuzu flung the blade through the air. Kisame caught it effortlessly.
Feeling the immediate resonance between himself and Samehada, Kisame's casual grin faded slightly.
Kakuzu was right. This was the weapon meant for him.
"Who do you want me to kill?" Kisame's shark-like teeth glinted as he spoke.
Kakuzu chuckled. "If there's anyone to kill—it's you. Nagato, have some fun with him."
Nagato didn't hesitate. His hands came together, and in a flash, he launched himself at Kisame.
Kisame remained unfazed. He had seen countless battles—he knew how to handle himself.
Tiger, Ox, Monkey, Rabbit, Rat, Boar, Rooster, Ox, Horse, Dog, Tiger, Dog, Tiger, Snake, Ox, Monkey, Rabbit.
"Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique!"
A torrential surge erupted, a tidal wave crashing forward with immense force. It roared through the battlefield, threatening to swallow Nagato whole.
Nagato was taken aback. He had never encountered someone with such an overwhelming amount of chakra.
"This… is beyond normal shinobi standards."
A bead of sweat formed on his brow.
Facing such a powerful water release, he couldn't afford hesitation.
"Earth Release: Earth Flow River!"
Nagato slammed a hand to the ground. The earth convulsed and churned, a counterforce rising to meet the raging waters.
The two jutsu clashed with an earth-shaking explosion, reshaping the very terrain around them. Trees, rivers, and land alike were swallowed in the violent upheaval.
As the dust settled, Nagato and Kisame stood atop opposing ridges, staring each other down.
Kisame let out another chuckle. "Impressive, kid. Looks like I'll have to go all out."
Even the legendary Rinnegan didn't seem to shake his confidence.
Because he, Hoshigaki Kisame, feared nothing.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
Fanfic is finished on Patreon (262 chapters in total.)
Patreon(.)com/Jixo (for only $4.50, read this entire fanfic)