belamy20

Chapter 30: Kisame Hoshigaki, Successfully Recruited

Added 2025-04-19 00:26:21 +0000 UTC

"I’m curious—what exactly do you need my help with?"

"Someone like me… can actually be of use to you?" Kisame Hoshigaki’s shark-like face twisted into a grin.

"Silent Barrier Jutsu!"

Yoru swiftly formed hand signs, creating a barrier that enveloped the two of them.

Kisame’s hand immediately went to the hilt of his sword, his gaze sharp with suspicion. "What’s the meaning of this?"

"Heh, no need to be so tense. I’m not here to fight."

Yoru chuckled, signaling for Kisame to relax. Then, taking a deliberate step back to show he meant no harm, he continued:

"Don’t you think Kirigakure has become… hollow?"

"Comrades who fought side by side one moment turn into your executioners the next."

"This village suffocates hope. Nothing feels real—no trust, no safety."

Kisame’s eyes narrowed slightly before he smirked. "So what if it’s hollow? It’s survived this long."

"Get to the point. We don’t have much time—the ANBU have eyes everywhere."

Yoru smiled inwardly. This is working.

"I plan to gather those who still care and change Kirigakure—to shatter this false reality."

"To build a village where people can truly live, where justice exists, conflicts are resolved, and people can thrive."

"Kisame Hoshigaki… I need your strength. Will you join me?"

For a moment, Kisame only laughed—a low, dangerous sound. "And what if I report your little rebellion? You’d be dead before sunrise."

"This is treason. I could cut you down right now and face no consequences."

Yoru met his gaze steadily. "No, you won’t."

"Because you’re Kisame Hoshigaki—a man who refuses to drown in the blood of his comrades."

The words struck deeper than any blade. Kisame fell silent, his expression unreadable.

Finally, he spoke again, voice edged with warning: "Then prove you can back up your words."

"Fail, and I’ll take your head myself."

Yoru didn’t flinch. "If I didn’t believe in this, I wouldn’t have asked. Welcome aboard, Kisame."

Outwardly, he radiated confidence—but inside, his palms were slick with sweat.

Kisame noticed but said nothing, only asking: "When do we move?"

"Soon. Wait for my signal. Until then… get stronger."

With that, Yoru dispelled the barrier—just as an ANBU patrol passed by. The timing was flawless.

"What are you two doing here? Acting suspicious…" one ANBU member demanded.

"Just asking Kisame for advice on code-breaking. His expertise is unmatched."

Yoru’s lie came effortlessly, his face betraying nothing.

"Ah, Yoru?" The ANBU stepped closer, recognition dawning. "Well, learn well. Kisame’s the best in the cipher division."

With that, they left, none the wiser.

Yoru exhaled quietly before resuming his training.

But during a break, he couldn’t help reflecting:

His original plan had been to earn enough enhancement points to reach jonin-level strength, rally allies, and eventually overthrow the Fourth Mizukage.

Yet, as the saying goes—no plan survives first contact with reality.

The mission to infiltrate Kumogakure had upended everything.

The Next Day – Mizukage’s Office

"Yoru, your cover in Kumo will be ‘Kira,’ a B-rank missing-nin who attempted to assassinate the Mizukage after rebelling against Kirigakure’s tyranny."

"To sell the deception, ANBU will hunt you in earnest. Be prepared."

"Your decision to adjust your combat style and learn Lightning Release is wise. It’ll help maintain your disguise."

"The mission lasts six months. Record every scrap of intel you uncover."

"Succeed, and I’ll grant you a jonin rank upon your return."

Yoru nodded, following Mei Terumī out for his physical transformation. Without it, the ruse would fail.

As for the Mizukage’s promise?

Jonin rank? Others might crave it… but not me.

ANBU Headquarters

The transformation process was tedious, painful, and slow. Reshaping one’s entire appearance was no simple task.

Two hours later, Yoru barely recognized himself in the mirror:

Short silver-white hair. Piercing blue eyes. A face hardened by maturity, his voice now deeper. Only his height remained unchanged—tall for his age, easily passing for sixteen or seventeen.

"Not bad. You look the part," Mei remarked, studying him critically.

She then led him to a training ground.

"Consider this a farewell test. Show me what you’ve learned from the Elder."

"I need to gauge your progress." She settled into a ready stance.

Yoru didn’t refuse. He, too, wanted to see how far his unenhanced skills could take him.

"Then here I come… Sister."

His fighting style as the "White Flash" relied on: