In the deep bamboo forest, it's silent, almost devoid of the breath of any beasts.
The surroundings have suffered severe damage, with the ground for hundreds of meters being upturned, countless bamboos fallen, mixed with reddish-brown soil.
Everywhere are the brutal scars of destruction, along with the moist aura left by flooding.
"Huh..."
A long breath exhaled from the mouth, the expression on the face looked very fatigued.
On the ground lies a heavily injured ninja, wearing distinctly different bright red armor that even covers half of his face.
He is now completely unconscious, his bright red armor has been mostly damaged, and his chakra is depleted, completely losing the ability to resist.
Kisame sighed heavily again, feeling weary as he picked up the Great Sword Shark Skin and swung it over his back.
Squatting on the ground, he grabbed the back collar of the bright-red-armored ninja, dragging this ninja's body in the lightest way.
Arriving outside the bamboo forest, several Hidden Rock Ninjas lay fallen on the ground, none survived.
A youth wearing a black cloak with red clouds stood among the corpses, his eyes gleamed with scarlet light, the Three-Tomoe Sharingan shining brightly in the dim environment.
He looked expressionlessly at the Rock Ninja bodies on the ground, hearing footsteps from behind, he turned around to see Kisame dragging a ninja over.
Hidden Rock Jonin Han, also the current Five-tailed Jinchuriki of Hidden Rock Village.
In the Ninja Realm, he is known as the "Steam Ninja," skilled in using Boil Style and Fire Style.
On Kisame's black cloak with red clouds, most of it has been damaged, revealing burnt marks on the inner wear.
"Looks like it's done."
Itachi said calmly.
"Don't speak so lightly, this guy isn't an easy opponent to deal with. Luckily we dealt with him before his Tailed Beast Transformation, or else you'd have to lend a hand."
Kisame smiled with his sharp teeth.
From his tone, it seems the victory wasn't very easy.
"In the organization, no one is more suited to handle Jinchuriki than you. For you, resolving battles before the Jinchuriki's Tailed Beast Transformation is rather effortless."
Itachi's gaze fell on the Great Sword Shark Skin behind Kisame, a formidable weapon.
That sword can instantly devour the Tailed Beast Chakra manifested by the Jinchuriki, plunging him into a weakened state.
As long as it's not the Complete Form, Jinchuriki's combat strength is greatly reduced in front of Kisame.
This is why Akatsuki wanted to recruit him.
Kisame's abilities are indeed very suppressive against Jinchuriki.
Indeed, everyone here isn't a simple ninja. Itachi thought silently.
"Perhaps."
Kisame walked to a nearby rock and sat down, tossing Rock Ninja Han's body aside, resting by himself.
It's not a matter of insufficient chakra; within Akatsuki, his chakra amount is top-notch, rivaling Tailed Beasts.
Just after a big battle, he now feels a severe drain of mental and physical strength, needing some recovery.
At this moment, the soil slightly trembles, and Black and White Zetsu emerge from the earth.
"You two have worked hard, the capture of the Five-Tails went smoother than expected."
White Zetsu chuckled.
Kisame lightly snorted, unsatisfied in his response: "Don't speak so lightly, it wasn't you dealing with the Jinchuriki. Now my quota is completed, the next Jinchuriki won't need my capture."
Kisame glanced unintentionally at Itachi.
According to the rules, everyone in the organization needs to capture one Tailed Beast.
His task quota is completed, and he can relax for a long time, just taking occasional other tasks.
Capturing Jinchuriki is genuinely exhausting and perilous. A slight misstep, he could also die here.
"Of course. The successful capture of the Five-Tails is a great start for the organization, it's a reason to celebrate."
Black Zetsu's deep voice echoed, and couldn't hide a trace of excitement.
"Indeed recruiting you was a wise move, if only there were more talents like you."
White Zetsu greedily smiled.
It's the numerous White Zetsus who discovered Kisame's talent.
White Zetsu felt even more proud, indeed he is the greatest contributor to Akatsuki.
If there were more spies like me, Akatsuki wouldn't need to run anymore... Kisame thought slightly speechless.
However, his abilities being relied upon by the organization is good news.
He also remembered his task; in the first few years, as long as Akatsuki doesn't take action against Hidden Mist, he doesn't need to send information to the village, just being a renegade ninja.
Because it's a crucial period to earn trust, he must diligently and loyally work for the organization to gain the leader's trust.
Thinking of the leader, a trace of solemnity flashed in Kisame's eyes.
When he joined Akatsuki, he had sparred with the leader under the guise of practice.
However, that time...didn't reveal anything useful. Even knowing the opponent uses gravity, based on oneself to repel or attract enemies, but the power was fiercely strong.
To deal with the gravitational repulsion and attraction, he had to fight with all his might.
"Next, prepare to seal the Five-Tails, there's a hidden base provided by Hiruko nearby, the sealing ceremony will be held there. Follow us."