The sewer was dark.
Kisame and Deidara walked forward along the slick passage. Moss covered the walls, and the air was thick with the stench of decay.
Deidara pinched his nose. "This place is disgusting."
Kisame said nothing. His hand rested on Samehada, feeling its pulse.
Samehada was trembling.
Not in fear, but excitement.
"What did you sense?" Kisame asked quietly.
Samehada let out a low hiss.
Kisame stopped.
Someone stood in the passage ahead.
The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura.
His figure flickered in and out of view in the darkness, faint light reflected in his eyes.
Deidara warily took a step back. "Another Water Clone?"
Yagura did not answer. He merely looked at Kisame, his gaze calm.
"You finally came," Yagura said softly. "I knew you would come here to find me."
Kisame tightened his grip on Samehada. "Waiting for me?"
"Yes." Yagura nodded. "Because this is where you killed your superior, Suikazan Fuguki."
Kisame's pupils contracted slightly.
Yagura continued, "Right here in this passage. You pierced his heart from behind, then took Samehada."
Deidara glanced at Kisame. "So that's how it was. You've had quite the eventful life."
Kisame said nothing.
Yagura took a few steps forward. "Back then, your eyes were cold. Just like they are now."
"What are you trying to say?" Kisame's tone was flat.
"I'm saying you can come back." Yagura stopped. "Kirigakure has changed."
Kisame smiled. "Changed?"
"Yes." Yagura's tone was earnest. "The Blood Mist Era has ended. There are no longer meaningless killings in the village, no more twisted rules."
"The children can play in the streets. Civilians can live in peace without constantly guarding against and suspecting one another. Teammates can speak openly from the heart." Yagura looked at Kisame. "Isn't that what you wanted?"
Kisame tapped the hilt of Samehada with