"Well, I know. I've already had someone cover for me in Hidden Mist Village, and Kisame's substitute is prepared in the village. So, I shall take my leave."
Yagura did not hesitate to leave Kisame alone here and departed from the reception room by himself.
Even though the Land of Demons isn't far from the Land of Water, and they can reach it directly via sea route, Yagura worries that if he's away from the village for too long, something unexpected might happen, so he needs to return to Hidden Mist Village as soon as possible.
"Well then, during this half year, I ask for your guidance, Mr. Chiba Hakushi."
Kisame's cheerful laughter echoed in the reception room.
◎
Spy.
Definitely not a very good term.
Kisame never thought he would step into such a field.
However, Kisame does not have any rejection towards it. For him, completing tasks regardless of type is essential, as long as it's a task, it must be completed perfectly.
A ninja cannot retreat because a task is difficult.
Executing tasks means forsaking life and death, proceeding with the resolve to die, this is the most basic mindset.
Ninja battles and espionage aren't child's play - betrayal, disguise, slaughter, and even hurting one's companions in front of others if necessary to hide one's identity.
Kisame has seen many Hidden Mist Ninja who served as spies and retired.
Although they successfully retired, were protected by the village, and received plentiful wealth for a peaceful life.
But due to various psychological issues, their lives after returning to the village aren't happy or reassuring, instead filled with guilt and struggle.
That's the reality Kisame has seen firsthand.
Espionage tests a person's psychological endurance.
Being proven to have a talent for espionage is, to some extent, recognition of a ninja's psychological endurance, although this recognition isn't entirely delightful.
But it's already stated, since you're a ninja, you must complete your tasks flawlessly.
No matter how difficult the tasks are, they can't be reasons for giving up halfway.
Stepping onto this path means blood and storms, witnessing the true darkness of the Ninja Realm.
Nameless heroes, heroes despised by others, Kisame doesn't feel this to be a burden.
Challenging missions are the meaning of a ninja's existence.
Yagura only gives him half a year to receive espionage training in the Land of Demons, after which he will return to Hidden Mist Village, possibly taking on a spy role and leaving the village.
Not wanting to conduct espionage training tasks within Hidden Mist Village is probably due to too many eyes, and Kisame, who is already unwelcome in the village, would surely face layers of obstruction from the high echelons during spy training, leading to Yagura's plan failing.
This is why Yagura brought him to the Land of Demons, because only here, Kisame's information won't be exposed, and he won't be hindered by the Hidden Mist high echelons.
Kisame naturally understands this, which is why he begins learning the skills to become an outstanding spy in the espionage department in the Land of Demons.
Still, what kind of organization is Akatsuki that warrants Yagura treating it with such caution?
Kisame has become slightly interested in the organization he will join in the future.
It's said to work in pairs, and he hopes that upon joining, the organization will assign him a powerful partner who can get along well.
Challenging oneself and strengthening one's power is also a necessary growth path for ninjas.
◎
"Mom, I'm going out on a mission; I'll be back the day after tomorrow."
At only eight, Itachi has already become an excellent ninja.
A year ago, he graduated from Ninja School with top honors.
Becoming the most representative genius of the Uchiha Clan.
That alone is enough to make Itachi the pride of the Uchiha Clan.
However, Itachi doesn't find it particularly special; graduating as the top student from Ninja School feels nothing more than a readily achievable accomplishment, not worth much praise.
Although his father Fugaku hosted a banquet for him at the time, to be honest, it rather made Itachi feel helpless.
Luckily, he has now officially joined the Jonin Squad, following an Instructor Jonin to execute missions, focused more on honing his skills to quickly strengthen himself.
However, there's one thing that bothers Itachi.
That is he hasn't activated his Sharingan yet.
He doesn't even know how to activate Sharingan, something his father Fugaku hasn't elaborated on.
"Be careful on your way."
Uchiha Mikoto smiled and nodded, admonishing Itachi with those words.
"I understand."
Itachi doesn't believe he's a careless ninja, no matter whether the opponent is strong or weak, he must go all out, as it's a form of respect to others.
The principle of giving one's all even in small matters is one of Itachi's favorite.
"Big brother, remember to bring me some gifts when you come back."
A boy younger than Itachi appeared next to Mikoto, speaking to Itachi.
"Sasuke, don't say that; Itachi is going to do missions."
Mikoto helplessly looked at her younger son Sasuke, who was pestering Itachi.
But to little Sasuke, he probably doesn't understand how dangerous missions can be for ninjas.
At first, she didn't want Itachi to graduate from Ninja School so quickly; once graduated, it meant Itachi would become a real ninja.