"You don't look very sad?" White Zetsu asked curiously, tilting his head.
"Sad? Ninja have no need for such unnecessary emotions." Kisame held out his hand and caught a drop of icy rain. "People like us were doomed to die badly from the moment we became ninja. Itachi simply took one step ahead of me."
He gently clenched his fist, crushing the raindrop.
"This false world is full of lies and betrayal. Perhaps only within the dream of the Infinite Tsukuyomi can true reality be found."
Kisame turned around and looked at Zetsu. "Does the leader have any new orders? Now that Itachi is gone, this 'partner' of his should find something to do. Otherwise, having too much free time makes people think too much."
"Of course."
Space twisted, and a figure wearing a spiral mask stepped out of the void.
Obito's voice was low and cold. "Kisame, put away your melancholy. This is not the time to mourn the dead."
"Madara." Kisame gave a slight bow, his respectful tone carrying a trace of amusement. "I'm not feeling melancholy. I just feel... a little lonely."
"Then go make some noise." Obito said coldly. "Konoha has already obtained Itachi's eyes, and Naruto Uzumaki's power is continuously growing. We need to accelerate the collection of the Tailed Beasts."
"Who is the next target?"
"The Three-Tails." Obito's lone eye gleamed red behind his mask. "In other words, Yagura, the former Mizukage who has been hiding in Kirigakure and barely clinging to life."
Kisame's eyes narrowed slightly, and the curve of his grin widened.
Kisame stroked Samehada's rough hide. "How interesting. As a former member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, hunting my own former superior is simply... a man's romance."
"Pain will accompany you." Obito said. "This time, failure is not an option."
"Pain..."