Chapter 300: Reentering the Hidden Mist Village
Chapter 300: Reentering the Hidden Mist Village
After successfully recruiting ten Hyuga Byakugan users and ten Uchiha Sharingan users, along with other elite members from smaller clans, Tonari's plan to expand and strengthen ROOT was well on its way.
With everything in place, Tonari didn't linger at the Uchiha Compound. He gathered Itachi and Shisui and headed directly to their usual training ground.
---
On the way, Tonari couldn't help but notice Itachi's longing gaze.
"Missing your little brother already, Itachi?" Tonari asked with a teasing grin.
Itachi nodded earnestly, his cheeks slightly flushed.
"Haha, nothing to be embarrassed about. It's normal to want to protect someone precious. That desire will make you stronger."
Shisui, walking beside them, also nodded thoughtfully.
Tonari placed his hands on both their shoulders.
"If you both want to protect your loved ones, you need to get stronger. Never forget that."
"Yes, Sensei!" They both replied energetically.
---
When they finally reached the training ground, Tonari turned to Shisui.
"By the way, Shisui. The Chunin Exams are coming up, and this time it's an international event. You're going to represent Konoha, so you better get ready to take the top spot."
Hearing this, Shisui's eyes lit up with determination.
"I will do my best, Sensei!"
Tonari glanced at Itachi, noticing his subtle envy.
"You'll have your chance, Itachi. For now, focus on ninja school. With your looks, you might even charm a few girls along the way."
Itachi's face turned crimson, while Shisui couldn't help but laugh at his flustered reaction.
---
Misty Return
Elsewhere, in the Land of Water...
The air was thick with moisture, and the dense white mist made it feel perpetually gloomy.
Tonari and Kisame Hoshigaki moved steadily through the misty terrain, the ground squelching beneath their feet.
"Back to your homeland, Kisame. How does it feel?" Tonari asked with a smirk.
Kisame took a deep breath, relishing the moist air.
"It feels… familiar. There's nothing like the scent of the Land of Water."
Tonari nodded, his eyes glinting with calculated intent.
"We're here to find someone."
Kisame's interest piqued.
"Someone important?"
Tonari nodded.
"Yes, and I'm sure he'll be here sooner or later. But it looks like things have changed in the Hidden Mist Village."
They reached a high vantage point, overlooking the village surrounded by mountains.
Even from a distance, Kisame caught the faint scent of blood.
"There's a faint blood scent… but not as strong as I remember. The Hidden Mist… doesn't feel like the Blood Mist Village anymore."
Tonari glanced at him, slightly amused.
"Interesting. It seems like the Third Mizukage is no longer in power. Someone new has taken over."
Kisame frowned.
"If it's not the Hozuki Clan, then who?"
Tonari rubbed his chin, musing.
"My guess? Yagura Karatachi."
Kisame's eyes widened slightly.
"The Wielder of the Coral Palm? That guy?"
Tonari nodded.
"He's known for his coral manipulation techniques. Despite his childish appearance, he's a formidable fighter. Plus, he has strong political connections within the village. I wouldn't be surprised if he became the Fourth Mizukage."
Kisame scoffed lightly.
"Looks like I missed quite a bit after leaving the village. The Blood Mist Era might be over."
Tonari smirked.
"Let's find out for sure. We'll enter quietly. You know the layout better than I do."
Kisame nodded, leading the way. The two moved swiftly and silently, blending into the mist like shadows.
---
Once inside, the village seemed quieter than usual. People walked cautiously, and the tension was palpable.
Tonari and Kisame stopped by a small, local eatery.
"Boss, one grilled eel bowl," Tonari ordered casually.
The owner smiled.
"Coming right up!"
The food arrived swiftly, and Tonari was impressed by its freshness and flavor.
"Not bad," he muttered.
As he finished eating, the door swung open with a loud creak.
A tall, muscular man with shark-like features stepped inside. His face was partly covered with bandages, and he carried a massive blade on his back—Kubikiribocho.
Tonari's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Zabuza Momochi…"
Kisame glanced back, smirking.
"Ah, the Demon of the Hidden Mist. Looks like he hasn't changed."
Zabuza shot a glance around the room, his gaze landing on Tonari and Kisame.
Tonari smiled faintly.
"Enjoying the peace?"
Zabuza snorted, plopping down at a nearby table.
"Peace? Tch. Nothing but weakness. I preferred it when blood flowed like water."
Tonari raised an eyebrow.
"Bold words, considering the Blood Mist Era is over."
Zabuza's expression hardened.
"That puppet Mizukage is nothing but a spineless coward. If I could, I'd slit his throat myself."
Tonari's eyes glinted.
"Interesting… You don't seem too happy about Yagura's reign."
Zabuza sneered.
"That baby-faced brat doesn't deserve to be Mizukage. The old man's way was the right one—kill or be killed."
Tonari leaned back.
"I see… so, would you be interested in changing the regime?"
Zabuza's eyes widened, then narrowed suspiciously.
"What are you implying?"
Tonari's voice lowered.
"Nothing concrete yet… but if you're disillusioned with the way things are, you're not alone."
He flicked a glance at Kisame.
"Let's just say… things might get interesting soon."
Zabuza seemed to consider it, but remained silent, merely grunting in acknowledgment.
---
After leaving the eatery, Kisame looked at Tonari.
"What are you planning with Zabuza?"
Tonari grinned.
"Nothing for now. But having pawns in the Hidden Mist can be useful."
Kisame chuckled.
"He's not one to be controlled. You sure about him?"
Tonari nodded confidently.
"People like him… are driven by ambition. They just need a little push."
Kisame glanced back at the eatery, where Zabuza still sat, brooding.
"Got it. I'll keep an eye on him."
Tonari grinned.
"Good. Let's continue our investigation. I still need to find that one person."
Kisame's eyes glinted with curiosity, but he didn't press the matter.
They moved deeper into the Hidden Mist, their presence cloaked in the dense fog.
Tonari knew he was close to his target.
The game had only just begun.
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