After hearing that voice, Uchiha Itachi frowned subconsciously.
The masked man was acting as "Tobi" again.
But… both he and Kisame had been recruited personally by this guy. So what was the point of putting on this clown act now? Was it just to mislead enemies… or was he playing some deeper game?
Honestly, even Obito himself was a bit confused right now.
He had clearly arranged for Konoha to receive the mission.
So why the hell were Itachi and Kisame here instead?
When it came to Uzushio Village and the surviving Uchiha, Konoha shouldn't be sitting quietly. Even if Jiraiya had secretly reached some agreement with them, there was no way Danzo would just sit on his ass and do nothing.
If he couldn't stir conflict between Konoha and Uzumaki, then all his scheming over the past few days would go straight to shit.
Finding a chance, Obito casually leaned toward Kisame and tried to probe:
"So… what's the mission about?"
Kisame squinted at him.
Then smiled.
And said absolutely nothing.
Obito: "…Tch."
Yeah, Kisame's loyalty was great—just not when you're trying to pull information out of him.
Too damn loyal.
Soon, Black Zetsu and White Zetsu arrived on the scene. After hearing everything, the expression beneath Obito's mask became… complicated.
So he hadn't even needed to use genjutsu.
Kado had panicked on his own and gone straight to the black market for backup.
Well… that worked too.
In fact, it might even be better.
The more people involved, the more the existence of Uzushio Village would spread.
And once every nation started paying attention?
Chaos would follow.
Exactly what he wanted.
Late at night… Land of Waves
Shisui and the others randomly found a house to stay in for the night.
The elderly owner eyed them cautiously at first—strangers showing up this late? Suspicious as hell.
But after some persuasion from the younger members of the family, they were eventually let in.
"You folks aren't from the Land of Waves, are you?"
Dazuna placed bowls of rice and miso soup in front of them, asking casually by the stove.
Shisui accepted the food with a polite nod.
"You're right. We're travelers—wandering through the ninja world. We came here to stay a few days and experience the local culture."
"Ninja world, huh…" A glint flashed in Dazuna's eyes.
"Well, that's impressive. But honestly? There's nothing here but seawater and poverty. If you want a proper trip, you should go to the Land of Hot Water instead."
Shisui smiled slightly.
"Have you traveled before, sir?"
Dazuna sighed.
"When I was young, yeah. Went all over. But now? Home's still home—even if it's poor."
He paused, expression darkening.
"…Would be better if we weren't being squeezed dry by that damn shipping company."
"Kado's company?" Shisui asked. "Isn't he supposed to be a big businessman?"
"Big businessman my ass," Dazuna snorted.
"That bastard and his men control everything—food, supplies, trade. We survive because they let us survive."
He let out a heavy sigh.
Before he could say more, a child nearby puffed out his chest and interrupted:
"Grandpa, don't say stuff like that! Dad's already planning to fight back against Kado. One day, we'll overthrow him!"
Dazuna gave the kid a look.
"Kid… it's not that simple."
Kaiza (the foster father) stepped forward and said firmly:
"Don't lose hope. As long as we unite with the villagers, we can bring Kado down."
Then he glanced at the guests awkwardly.
"…Ah, sorry. We shouldn't be talking about this in front of you."
Dazuna sighed again, then forced a smile.
"It's late. You should all get some rest. And… leave early tomorrow."
"Kado doesn't like strangers. If he finds out you're here, he'll squeeze you dry—or worse."
After dinner, the three gathered in the living room.
Zabuza snorted.
"That old man definitely figured out we're ninjas. That whole speech about Kado? Yeah, that wasn't random."
Shisui nodded.
Of course he knew.
To a ninja, even the smallest change in expression was obvious. Ordinary people couldn't hide anything.
Haku, who had been quiet until now, asked softly:
"Shisui-sama… do you think ordinary people like them can really resist someone like Kado?"
Zabuza didn't even hesitate.
"No chance."
"With Kado's money, he can hire jōnin-level fighters easily. Hell, these villagers wouldn't even survive against his bodyguards, let alone real ninjas."
"No matter how hard they try, it's useless—unless they get ninja support."
"And look at them. Broke as hell. They can't afford that."
Haku lowered his head slightly.
"…So no one can save them?"
"It was like this in the Land of Water… and now here too…"
Zabuza shrugged.
"Who the hell is gonna help for free? This place is dirt poor. No profit, no reason to care."
"We finish the mission, then we leave. Simple."
At that moment, Shisui suddenly remembered Naruto's words.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"No."
"Other villages might ignore civilians… but Mianma-sama won't."
"If he decides to deal with Kado, he won't ignore the people here."
Zabuza scoffed.
"Yeah, right. Every ninja village is rotten at its core. You think Uzushio is some holy exception?"
But when he saw the unwavering look in Shisui's eyes… he shut up.
Haku nodded seriously.
"I believe in Mianma-sama too."
Zabuza rolled his eyes.
"Haku, you're from Kirigakure. Stop acting like you've already switched sides, will you?"
"But you and Lord Mangetsu both call him 'Mianma-sama,'" Haku replied innocently.
"…Tch."
Zabuza had no comeback for that.
"Looks like your training's been too light lately. When we get back, I'm doubling it."
Haku: "…Yes, Zabuza-san."
Meanwhile, Shisui ignored their bickering.
His mind was focused on one thing—
Finding Kado.
Only by locating him could they complete the mission.
As for the future of the Land of Waves…
He trusted Naruto.
Suddenly—
A crow flew in through the window and landed on Shisui's shoulder.
It dropped a note.
Shisui opened it. No signature.
Just one line:
"Be careful. Kado has hired powerful ninjas. You don't want this mission to fail."
Zabuza and Haku immediately moved closer.
"From Uzushio?" Zabuza asked.
Shisui nodded, his expression turning serious.
"Kado's hired reinforcements."
"We need to speed things up… find him before they do."
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