Fuguki stood atop the Water Tower, overlooking the entire Hidden Mist Village, and spoke to Kisame.
No, it's not like that. Kisame thought to himself silently, rejecting Fuguki's assessment of him.
He believed Fuguki didn't understand his inner feelings at all.
The reason he admired the Seven-swords Ninja and wanted to join them wasn't to become a ninja who betrayed the village's interests.
It's because the Seven-swords Ninja were emblematic heroes of the Hidden Mist Village, who had contributed immensely to the stability of the village, and that's why he aspired to be like them.
Furthermore, he hoped that one day he could become a hero who protected the village in such a way.
However... Fuguki's current choices were undoubtedly a betrayal of the village; he was the village's 'traitor'.
The sincere feelings he once had for following the Seven-swords Ninja gradually faded, and he even began to question whether following such people was truly the right thing to do.
Initially, he thought the Blood Mist Faction was merely representing the village's extreme forces but essentially hoped the village would grow stronger... Yet, Fuguki's current actions made it hard for him to agree.
Despite this, the other party was still his superior.
Kisame was filled with confusion, beginning to doubt the correctness of his own existence.
No matter what, betraying a comrade or selling out a comrade could never be deemed as 'correct'.
He would surely go to Hell after death.
◎
Hidden Cloud Village, built amidst towering peaks shrouded in clouds and fog, with thunder always rumbling in the sky.
In the office of the Raikage Building, the Fourth Raikage's astonished voice was heard:
"What, the Troy Squad that made contact with the Hidden Mist Ninja has lost contact? What's going on?"
"Sorry, Lord Raikage, we are puzzled by this too, but the Troy Squad that left the village for five days has not sent any messages back. They should have returned two days ago."
The Hidden Cloud Jonin who came to report the matter shook his head helplessly, indicating he didn't know why the Troy Squad was delayed.
"Could it be the Hidden Mist people are up to something? They pretended to trade with us, then backstabbed us?"
The Fourth Raikage speculated.
"We can't conclude that yet, Lord Raikage."
Speaking was a girl with dark skin.
Her name was Mafui, although only fifteen, she was one of the top Chunin in the village, proficient in the Space-Time Secret Jutsu: Heavenly Transfer Jutsu from the Hidden Cloud, and adept at assisting in management with a keen mind.
With the recommendation of Hidden Cloud Jonin Dodai, she was appointed as the Fourth Raikage's personal secretary, advising him.
"If it wasn't the Hidden Mist people, how did the Troy Squad disappear? Besides, only we and the Hidden Mist people know about this."
The Fourth Raikage insisted.
"This hypothesis cannot be ruled out, but to understand the truth of the matter specifically, let's proceed on two fronts, send more people to contact Suikazan Fuguki from the Mist while also investigating the disappearance of the Troy Squad."
However, Mafui had little hope concerning the investigation into the Troy Squad.
Despite being separated by just a sea from the Land of Water, it was a rarely inhabited region, making investigation extremely difficult, and if they went missing there, it might become an unsolved mystery.
"In that case, assign another squad for the contact with Suikazan Fuguki."
The Fourth Raikage contemplated this plan, realizing that it was feasible, even if they wanted to investigate, they needed to understand specific reasons and slowly gather intelligence to find out the exact cause of Troy's disappearance.
"Also, don't forget to monitor Konoha, especially the Yellow Flash, this must be done seriously. I leave this matter to you, Mafui."
The Fourth Raikage said solemnly.
"Yes, Lord Raikage."
Mafui nodded, just starting this job but already adapting to the role, a little more time synchronized and she'll assist the Fourth Raikage in better managing the village.
◎
In the blink of an eye, more than ten days have passed, October.
Itachi wandered within the Uchiha Clan Land holding a baby, occasionally showing a gentle smile.
In July, his mother Uchiha Mikoto gave birth to a healthy brother—the baby he is now holding in his arms.
The brother's name was Sasuke, Uchiha Sasuke.
Rumor has it, it shares the same name as Hiruzen Sarutobi's father, clearly indicating that the name Sasuke reflects that his parents have fervent hopes for the child's future to become a great ninja.
After becoming a brother, Itachi felt as if some emotion in his heart suddenly ignited, distinctly different from the paternal affection—a somewhat more special feeling.
At the same time, he had to shoulder the responsibility of protecting his brother, living on as a true elder sibling.
To this end, he still needed to grow stronger; only by becoming stronger could he protect all of it.
Become Hokage and change the pessimistic world through people's eyes.
However, today he wants to spend good time with his brother.
"Sasuke..."
Itachi gently caressed Sasuke's rosy cheek, involuntarily showing a smile.
Then, he sensed someone coming close to him.
The voice was very familiar:
"You are... Itachi, right?"
Itachi turned his head and saw a face as youthful as his own—a girl, with black long hair and a tear mole under her eye corner.