First Battle Against Kisame

Yugakure was a small town where it rained all year round.

The rain carried a chill and seemed like it would never stop. Under the gloomy sky, a heavy atmosphere hung over the entire village.

Xingye and Itachi stood in the forest on the outskirts of Yugakure, scanning everything around them with their Byakugan.

"Brother," Itachi asked quietly, "will Kisame really show up here?"

Xingye nodded. "The system predicts that Kisame will pass through here tonight."

"He's heading to Konoha to investigate the Eight-Tails."

Itachi fell silent for a moment. "The Eight-Tails is in Kumogakure. Why would Kisame think it's in Konoha?"

Xingye smiled faintly. "I deliberately spread that false information."

"I had the Uchiha Clan's intelligence network spread the rumor that the Eight-Tails was in Konoha."

"Kisame is sensitive to chakra. Once he gets close to Konoha, he'll realize the information is false."

"But before then, we'll intercept him."

Admiration glimmered in Itachi's eyes. "Brother, your plans are truly meticulous."

"To deal with the Akatsuki, we can't fight them head-on," Xingye said.

"Every one of them is an S-rank rogue ninja. A direct confrontation would come at a heavy cost."

"We need to use intelligence, planning, and traps to take them down one by one."

Itachi nodded. "I understand, Brother."

Just then, the system chimed.

[System Notification: Target approaching]

[Kisame Hoshigaki, approximately three kilometers away]

[Chakra signature: Massive chakra reserves, highly skilled in Water Release]

A cold glint flashed in Xingye's eyes. "He's here."

Itachi also entered battle mode, his Mangekyō Sharingan slowly opening.

A moment later, a figure emerged from deep within the forest.

He had blue skin, gill-like markings on his face, and a massive serrated sword strapped to his back.

It was none other than Kisame Hoshigaki of the Akatsuki.

Kisame hadn't noticed Xingye and Itachi. He was focused on sensing the chakra around him.

"Strange," Kisame muttered. "I heard the Eight-Tails was here. Why can't I sense it?"

Suddenly, Kisame sensed something.

He stopped abruptly and looked toward where Xingye and Itachi were standing.

"Two impressive chakra signatures," Kisame said with a grin, baring his sharp teeth. "This looks interesting."

Xingye and Itachi stepped out from behind the trees and looked at Kisame calmly.

"Kisame Hoshigaki," Xingye said. "Hello."

Kisame paused. "You know my name?"

Xingye nodded. "I know you're a member of the Akatsuki, and I know why you're here."

"But you won't be leaving today."

Kisame burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Sharingan users from the Uchiha Clan, huh?"

"I never expected to run into two Mangekyō users here."

"But I'm not so easy to deal with."

"I know," Xingye replied. "The Monster of the Mist, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."

"Skilled in Water Release, with enormous chakra reserves."

"But you should also know that the Mangekyō Sharingan has an advantage against Water Release."

Kisame sneered. "Is that so? Then show me how powerful your Sharingan is."

Kisame unslung Samehada from his back. The sword seemed to come alive, letting out a low growl.

"Samehada," Kisame said, "those two have chakra that looks delicious."

Samehada seemed to understand him. Its blade quivered slightly.

Xingye eyed Samehada, curiosity flashing in his eyes.

"Can this sword devour chakra?" Xingye asked.

Kisame nodded. "That's right. Samehada is a demonic blade that can devour chakra."

"Besides, it can return the chakra it devours to its wielder."

"It's my most prized weapon."

Xingye nodded. "It is impressive."

"But it won't be able to devour my chakra today."

Kisame sneered. "Arrogant brat. Let's find out."

Kisame formed Hand Seals. "Water Release: Water Shark Bullet Technique!"

A massive water shark burst out of the water and charged straight at Xingye and Itachi.

Itachi was about to act, but Xingye stopped him.

"Itachi, this is my fight," Xingye said.

Itachi nodded and stepped aside.

Xingye watched the oncoming water shark as his Mangekyō Sharingan slowly spun.

Susanoo!

Orange chakra instantly enveloped Xingye, and a massive suit of samurai armor emerged from it.

The water shark slammed into Susanoo with a thunderous crash.

But Susanoo didn't budge, and the water shark instantly dissipated.

Kisame's pupils contracted. "Susanoo?"

"When did the Uchiha Clan produce such a young genius?"

Xingye didn't answer. He attacked at once.

Susanoo wielded a Chakra Blade and slashed at Kisame.

Kisame blocked with Samehada, but Susanoo's strength far exceeded his expectations.

Clang!

Kisame was knocked back several steps, and Samehada let out a pained growl.

"Not bad," Kisame said. "But not enough."

Kisame formed Hand Seals. "Water Release: Five Feeding Sharks!"

Five water sharks charged at Xingye from different directions, cutting off every avenue of escape.

Xingye sneered as the pattern of his Mangekyō Sharingan shifted.

Amaterasu!

Black flames surged from Xingye's eyes, setting all five water sharks ablaze.

Amaterasu was an inextinguishable black flame; even Water Release couldn't put it out.

The sharks quickly vanished in the flames, while the black fire continued spreading toward Kisame.

Kisame's expression changed, and he quickly retreated to avoid Amaterasu.

"What is that fire?" Kisame asked in shock.

"This is Amaterasu, the inextinguishable black flame," Xingye said.

"Once it ignites, it keeps burning until its target is completely consumed."

Kisame broke out in a cold sweat. For the first time, he felt death threatening him.

"Uchiha Xingye," Kisame said, "you're really strong."

"But I'm not so easy to beat, either."

Kisame suddenly looked at Itachi.

"Another Uchiha," Kisame said. "You're not going to fight?"

Itachi opened his eyes, a strange light shining in his Mangekyō Sharingan.

"Brother can handle this fight alone," Itachi said calmly.

Kisame roared with laughter. "Hahaha! Brothers standing together, huh?"

"Then let's see how well you two work together."

Kisame formed Hand Seals. "Water Release: Water Formation Wall!"

A massive wall of water rose, trying to block Amaterasu's spread.

But Amaterasu passed right through the wall and kept burning.

Kisame's expression darkened further. Samehada had caught fire, letting out a pained growl.

"Damn it," Kisame cursed. "That sword is my most important weapon."

Xingye looked at Kisame and said calmly, "You can surrender."

"I can extinguish Amaterasu and save Samehada."

"In exchange, you have to join me."

Kisame paused. "Join you?"

Xingye nodded. "I'm building a force to oppose the Akatsuki."

"You're strong. I need allies like you."

Kisame was silent for a moment, then sneered. "I may not be a good man, but I have my principles."

"Since I joined the Akatsuki, I won't betray them."

"The Akatsuki's ultimate goal is the Eye of the Moon Plan," Xingye said.

"Do you know what that is?"

Kisame shook his head. "I don't know. I only follow Lord Obito's orders."

"The Eye of the Moon Plan is to plunge the entire Shinobi World into the Infinite Tsukuyomi," Xingye said.

"Everyone will become a puppet, living forever in a false dream."

"It's a betrayal of the entire Shinobi World."

Kisame's expression changed. "The Infinite Tsukuyomi? They're going to trap the entire Shinobi World in an illusion?"

Xingye nodded. "That's right."

"And the mastermind behind the Akatsuki isn't the Madara Uchiha you think it is."

"The real mastermind is a being called Black Zetsu."

"He's using Obito and the Akatsuki for one purpose: to revive Kaguya Otsutsuki."

Kisame was shocked. "Black Zetsu? Kaguya Otsutsuki? I've never heard of those names."

"You will," Xingye said.

"The Akatsuki is being used by Black Zetsu."

"If you keep serving the Akatsuki, you'll only end up as one of Black Zetsu's pawns."

Kisame fell silent. He might have been ruthless, but he still had his pride. He couldn't accept being used.

Xingye continued, "Kisame, you've always wanted to find a master truly worthy of your loyalty."

"The Akatsuki isn't what you're looking for."

"But I can offer you a better choice."

"Join me. We'll destroy the Akatsuki and stop the Eye of the Moon Plan."

"Then we'll build a new order—a Shinobi World without betrayal or deceit."

Kisame looked at Xingye, his eyes filled with conflicting emotions.

"What you've said," Kisame asked, "should I believe it?"

"You don't need to believe me," Xingye replied. "You only need to trust your own judgment."

"You know the Akatsuki's plan is wrong, don't you?"

Kisame was silent for a long time, then finally nodded.

"That's true," Kisame said. "I also think the Eye of the Moon Plan sounds strange."

"But I have no choice. I can only follow Lord Obito."

"Now you have a choice," Xingye said.

"Join me, or die here."

Kisame looked at Xingye, then turned to Itachi.

"Itachi," Kisame said, "you've joined their side?"

Itachi nodded. "That's right."

"The Akatsuki's plan is wrong. I chose to join my brother and help stop them."

Kisame fell silent for a moment, then finally made his decision.

"All right," Kisame said. "I surrender."

"I'll join you."

Xingye smiled faintly and deactivated his Mangekyō Sharingan. Amaterasu went out as well.

Kisame let out a sigh of relief and checked on Samehada.

Fortunately, Samehada hadn't been badly damaged. There were only a few scorch marks on its blade.

"Kisame," Xingye said, "welcome aboard."

"Next, I need you to do three things."

"Go ahead," Kisame said.

"First, return to the Akatsuki and keep playing your part," Xingye said.

"Don't let anyone find out you've betrayed them."

"Second, secretly gather intelligence on the Akatsuki, including their plans, base locations, and members' movements."

"Third, when the time comes, I'll have you work with us to undermine the Akatsuki from within."

Kisame nodded. "Understood."

Xingye continued, "And there's the Eight-Tails."

"I need you to report to the Akatsuki that the Eight-Tails is in Kumogakure, but Kumogakure's defenses are formidable and we need more manpower."

"That way, we can divide the Akatsuki's attention and buy ourselves time."

Kisame nodded. "All right."

Xingye said, "Itachi, go back with Kisame."

"Keep playing your part in the Akatsuki, and secretly help Kisame gather intelligence."

Itachi nodded. "Understood, brother."

Kisame looked at Itachi. "Itachi, so you really are a double agent."

Itachi said calmly, "For a more important goal."

Kisame burst out laughing. "Hahaha! You really are brothers—both of you Uchiha have lofty ambitions."

Xingye said, "Kisame, Itachi, things will be dangerous for a while."

"The Akatsuki won't be easy to deal with. You'll need to be careful."

Kisame said, "Don't worry. I may not be the strongest, but I'm not easy to kill either."

Itachi said, "I'll be careful, brother."

Xingye nodded. "All right. You can go back now."

"I'll contact you and pass along information."

Kisame and Itachi turned and left, disappearing into the forest.

Xingye stood alone, watching in the direction they had gone.

"The first step is complete," Xingye murmured. "Next, I need to win over more members of the Akatsuki."

The system's notification sounded again.

[System Notification: Successfully recruited Kisame Hoshigaki]

[Received traits: Recruitment (Blue), Water Release Mastery (Blue), Samehada Affinity (Purple)]

[Plundered from Kisame: Water Release Chakra (Blue), Perception (Green), Stealth (Green)]

Xingye felt a surge of joy. His strength had increased once more.

Water Release Mastery and Water Release Chakra greatly enhanced Xingye's Water Release abilities, while Samehada Affinity made him much more adaptable to chakra-absorbing weapons.

"Akatsuki," Xingye said, his eyes glinting coldly. "Your end is near."

Xingye turned and prepared to return to Konoha.

The next battle was already close at hand.