Hoshigaki Kisame's fate seemed grim.

Naruto had misjudged this point.

Because of his early intervention, Tobi did not declare war at the Five Kage Summit as planned, leading to a series of unforeseen consequences.

Previously, after the Five Kage Summit, the Raikage quickly found Killer Bee's whereabouts, thanks to the united efforts of the major ninja villages forming search teams in the face of impending war.

This time, however, only Kumo formed a search team, slowing the process.

Additionally, Kisame's mission was different this time.

Tobi, a strategic thinker, had previously realized that after declaring war, the Five Great Ninja Villages would protect the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails due to their shared war interests.

Instead of having Kisame bring back the Eight-Tails alone, it was better to have him fake his death and spy on the protection locations, aiming to capture both the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails in one go!

But this time, with Naruto defecting from Konoha, even if war broke out, he wouldn't be protected by the Five Great Ninja Villages!

Different circumstances called for different strategies!

Unable to capture both at once, this time it was divide and conquer!

So, without further ado, Kisame's mission was to defeat Killer Bee and bring him back to the base, firmly in Akatsuki's grasp!

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Splash...!!

In a forest nearly leveled, water splashed as the chakra-drained Killer Bee fell helplessly to the ground.

Previously, Samehada's betrayal was a prearranged act.

In this scenario, there was no need for Kisame to fake betrayal, nor for White Zetsu to act as a decoy!

"Huff, huff, huff..." Kisame panted. "What a troublesome octopus! But now, you should behave..."

Yes, the Eight-Tails had been completely defeated by the man known as the tailless tailed beast!

Rustle, rustle, rustle!!

White Zetsu emerged from the side. "As expected of you, Kisame, always reliable..."

Kisame, shirtless, asked, "Where's the leader?"

White Zetsu replied, "Tobi is busy and can't come right now..."

After all, Sasuke had decided to transplant Itachi's eyes, and Tobi needed to prioritize this task.

White Zetsu thought: Besides, this remote area isn't covered by his Kamui's spatial markers.

He said, "Head east for a hundred miles. There's a village that used to be our hideout. Take the jinchūriki there, and Tobi will meet you..."

Slash!

Kisame grabbed his sword, Samehada, and hoisted the barely conscious Killer Bee onto it. "Then let's move..."

White Zetsu warned, "Be careful. I've received intelligence that Kumo's people are searching for the Eight-Tails. You might encounter them. The Raikage is furious that his brother is targeted again..."

Kisame laughed. "Hmph, the Raikage, with taijutsu even more troublesome than that Konoha beast, is a tough opponent. If Itachi were alive, dealing with him would be easier..."

White Zetsu said, "Akatsuki is currently short-handed. Once the Eight-Tails is ours, we can focus all our remaining strength on the Nine-Tails. Fortunately, Sasuke is still with us. He's chosen to transplant Itachi's eyes and will soon gain new power..."

Kisame mused, "Itachi's brother, huh? Even with Itachi's eyes, he might not see things the same way. The future of Akatsuki is intriguing..."

"Looking forward to your news, Kisame..."

White Zetsu said, then retreated into the ground.

In the night, Kisame, with his sword and the Eight-Tails Killer Bee, headed towards the designated village...

This hundred-mile journey would change his life...