Back when Kisame infiltrated Konoha with Itachi, Naruto had been just a child.
Aside from being the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Kisame didn't pay much attention to Naruto.
In just a few short years, his growth had been astonishing.
First, he took down two of Kakuzu's hearts in one blow, and not long ago, he defeated Pain, the leader of Akatsuki.
Now, even Tobi felt threatened by him, forcing a series of strategic moves.
Kisame said gravely, "You're someone Akatsuki will eventually take, and you've taken the eyes he wanted. Our positions are irreconcilable. I can't see why you'd save me."
Naruto replied, "Things happen suddenly, and reasons are found later."
Kisame said, "Even so, whatever your intentions, I won't act as you wish."
Naruto smiled under his mask. "I understand. That's why I admire you..."
"Ugh..."
"Ah..."
The Raikage and Killer Bee were still down, not yet recovered. Surviving such a heavy clash at that speed spoke volumes about their strength.
Darui and the Kumo ninja rushed to aid them.
Darui said, "Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, it's you again. Wasn't causing a scene at the Five Kage Summit enough? We gave the boss information to let you off, and you still come back. Why?"
Naruto glanced at Killer Bee, reining in his memories, and said calmly, "He saved his brother as he wished. I also want to save someone. Isn't that fair?"
Darui narrowed his eyes. "Someone you want to save... that Akatsuki shark, but he doesn't seem to appreciate it. What's your goal?"
Naruto shrugged. "I have no obligation to tell you more~."
Darui said loudly, "Then let's speak with jutsu!"
—Storm Release: Laser Circus!
Storm Release, a combination of water and lightning, had both the destructive power of lightning and the control of water. Laser Circus shot multiple powerful lasers from Darui's hands at Naruto!
Naruto raised his hand, a translucent barrier forming in front of his palm, his left eye glowing with dōjutsu power.
—Preta Path!
Whoosh!
The lasers from Storm Release weakened instantly, completely absorbed by Preta Path.
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Naruto lowered his hand, saying indifferently, "Stop. I have no intention of fighting you now..."
Darui gritted his teeth. "Tch, what a boring eye!"
Naruto reached for his mask, which had a single hole for his left eye.
"Kisame-san, I know you won't abandon your position, so forgive my rudeness..."
As he removed the mask, Naruto turned to face Kisame, his right eye's three tomoe spinning into the four-pointed Mangekyō Sharingan!
A dark red glow emanated from his eye!
—Kotoamatsukami!
Buzz!
This technique subtly influenced the target, making them act according to the caster's will without realizing anything was amiss.
Without any resistance... everything went smoothly!
The ground broke open, and Kisame's arm reached out.
Naruto extended his hand, pulling Kisame up with a smile. "Kisame, pleased to work with you."
Kisame dusted off his clothes and said politely, "Likewise..."
"What!?" Darui couldn't believe his eyes. "How is this possible? Kisame's attitude was clearly ungrateful. How could a man who faced death without fear betray his position for a single act of kindness!?"
The glow in Naruto's right eye faded, returning to three tomoe. He put the mask back on, covering his right eye.
He extended his left hand towards Darui.
—Banshō Ten'in!
Whoosh!
A powerful pull drew Samehada from Killer Bee's back into Naruto's hand!
Slash! Slash!
Samehada resisted, spikes protruding from the hilt, making Naruto's hand bleed profusely. Yet he remained unfazed, gripping Samehada tightly.
Rustle, rustle, rustle, rustle...!
Samehada's blade flailed wildly, but unable to break free, it began absorbing Naruto's chakra, swelling!
Naruto smirked, activating Preta Path, reversing the absorption to drain Samehada's chakra.
In terms of absorption, Preta Path was superior.
Samehada conceded, its large blade shrinking and drooping.
"Chirp, chirp, chirp..." Samehada, thoroughly subdued, made a pleading sound.
Clang!
Naruto tossed Samehada at Kisame's feet. "Here you go."
Kisame picked up Samehada. "A fellow betrayer, we'll continue to rely on each other, Samehada..."
Samehada returned to its master, and Hoshigaki Kisame had now joined Naruto's ranks!
Such was the power of Kotoamatsukami!
Naruto bandaged his bleeding left hand, looking at the blood-stained ground. He placed a kunai with an explosive tag there.
Raising his left hand, he placed it on Kisame's shoulder and said to the stunned Darui, "Farewell..."
Whoosh!
The Flying Thunder God Technique activated, and Naruto left with Kisame!
Boom...!
The explosive tag detonated, obliterating the blood-stained ground!
Rustle, rustle, rustle.
In the distant grass, a small snake, flicking its tongue, watched with resentful eyes. "Tch, not leaving a drop of blood. Naruto is no longer the reckless kid he once was, showing the caution of an old fox. No wonder even Orochimaru-sama was..."
...
"Ugh..."
As soon as Naruto left, the Raikage and Killer Bee regained consciousness.
Raikage: "Where's that Akatsuki shark bastard!"
Killer Bee: "Where's my Goodkid?"
Darui: "Taken away..."
The Raikage exploded. "What!! Uzumaki Naruto again!!! If I get my hands on him, I'll have his head!!!!"
Though Killer Bee was disappointed to lose Samehada, he still improvised a song: "..."
Raikage looked over. "Bee..."
Killer Bee looked back. "Brother..."
Slash!
"Running around causing trouble!!" The Raikage's iron claw gripped Killer Bee's head.
"Ow, ow, ow, Brother's scolding as always WEI~~~~...!!!" Killer Bee's pained cries echoed.
Darui and the Kumo ninja exchanged glances, each smiling wryly.
...
Naruto brought Kisame back to where Konan and Orochimaru were waiting.
They were all old acquaintances.
Kisame smiled. "Konan, Orochimaru, I didn't expect we'd work together again..."
Orochimaru smiled. "I didn't expect it either. Can I study your Samehada this time?"
Konan asked, "The goal is achieved. Should we return to Amegakure?"
At dusk, with warblers flying and grass growing, the scene reminded Naruto of his training days. After training, he always went to a certain place...
Now, he might never go there again.
"Before that, there's a place I need to visit..."