Kisame left directly afterward and found Shisui, who was waiting in the town ahead.
Shisui did not ask why Kisame had arrived in the town even later than he had.
After all, he had more or less guessed by now that Kisame was an undercover agent sent by Kirigakure to infiltrate the Akatsuki Organization.
And so, after meeting, the two exchanged knowing smiles and continued on toward Takigakure.
Though perhaps it was only an illusion, their relationship seemed to have grown even closer now.
Maybe it was because they had discovered that they were both undercover agents.
Before, they had merely regarded each other as partners they needed to guard against.
Whenever they did anything, they had to remain wary of the other.
Now, things were different. They were the same kind of people, and even the distance between them had diminished considerably.
Of course, neither of them would foolishly ask something childish like, "Are you an undercover agent for Kirigakure (Konoha)?"
They both understood without saying anything, so they would not act recklessly.
While Shisui, Kisame, Sasori, and Deidara were rushing toward Takigakure, the chaotic battle within Takigakure had yet to end.
Leaving aside the brotherly battle between Hozuki Mangetsu and Hozuki Suigetsu, the old friends Raiga Kurosuki and Biwa Juzo were also fighting fiercely.
Their strength was roughly equal. One excelled at Water Release and wielded Kubikiribōchō; the other excelled at Lightning Release and wielded the Kiba blades!
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The sound of metal clashing echoed through the forest from time to time.
Kubikiribōchō and the Kiba blades collided again and again.
Overall, Raiga Kurosuki was at a slight disadvantage in close combat.
After all, Kubikiribōchō was meant for close-range fighting, while the Kiba blades were meant for long-range attacks.
However, for some unknown reason, Raiga Kurosuki