"So the 'sea monster' you encountered was actually the Three-Tails, Isobu?"
The Third Hokage frowned deeply, clearly weighing the implications.
After returning to Konoha, Shimizu had gone straight to the Hokage's office without rest, reporting the entire course of the S-rank mission—of course, a carefully filtered version—to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Yes. At first I found it hard to believe as well. But the one that appeared at the port of the Land of Hot Water was undoubtedly the Three-Tails. The Yugakage can testify to that."
"I understand. Frankly, the fact that you returned safely is already a blessing amidst misfortune."
There was a faint note of apology in the Hokage's voice.
He had originally assigned this S-rank mission as a way for Shimizu to relax and clear his mind.
Who could have anticipated the involvement of a monster like Isobu?
"I'll have the situation verified. Once the official documents from the Land of Hot Water arrive, the mission will be processed as agreed—double payment. You've earned it."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage!"
"You're certain the tsunami spread from northwest to southeast? And that the Three-Tails' whereabouts are currently unknown?" Hiruzen confirmed once more, searching for any inconsistencies.
"Yes. Absolutely certain."
"Very well. Return home and get some proper rest during this period."
"Yes, sir. I take my leave."
Shimizu left the office and headed for the exit.
"Someone, fetch Minato… no, Jiraiya. Have Jiraiya come to my office." Hiruzen's voice carried firm authority.
"Yes, Lord Hokage!" came a voice from the air, the response of an Anbu guard.
"Looks like something is about to happen…".
...
Carrying a heavy sense of exhaustion, Shimizu returned to his empty home.
He had saved up for years to buy this place. Some habits from his previous life remained—only with a home of one's own could it truly be called "home."
His apartment was far from the bustling center of Konoha, located on the third floor of a small building. It spanned about a hundred square meters across three rooms, sparsely decorated.
Having been gone for over a month, a thin layer of dust had settled over everything, making the place feel particularly desolate.
He lay down on his bed, replaying his conversation with the Third Hokage.
There shouldn't have been any flaws.
About the mutation.
About his Water Release.
About his Lightning Release.
About the strange fish—
He hadn't mentioned a single word.
He had briefly considered asking about the origin of the creature but ultimately held back. Better to pretend he had never encountered such a being at all.
As long as he could quietly research everything related to the Three-Tails, he believed he could uncover the strange fish's origin himself.
But only if no one knew he might be connected to it.
There was also his theory about combining new techniques with chakra weapons. Who knew when that swordsmith would reply?
And the development of a new Wind Release—
Another formidable goal.
He lacked time.
He hadn't truly rested in far too long.
Slowly, Shimizu's eyes drifted shut.
He had a dream. In it, his strength grew by leaps and bounds, his Chakra reserves surged, and he finally became an elite Jonin.
But throughout the dream, a pair of eyes watched him from the shadows. He struggled to see the voyeur hiding in the dark, catching only a glimpse of pale yellow, vertical pupils...
Orochimaru!!
Shimizu jolted awake.
"…Just a dream." He let out a breath and mocked himself. "Heh, I guess I'm more terrified of Orochimaru than I realized."
Of course he was afraid.
How could he not be?
The first "key" within his body had allowed him to break from chūnin to jōnin, granting astonishing chakra recovery.
Now the second key had given him even more:
Underwater movement.
Extraordinary Water Release affinity.
Chakra gained through eating.
Rapid healing from injuries.
If Orochimaru grew interested in him—
If he discovered all of this—
Wouldn't dissection be a real possibility?
He had once risked giving Orochimaru blood and cellular samples in exchange for the Second Hokage's ninjutsu notes.
Was that truly safe?
Just as he was lost in these thoughts—
Two figures suddenly appeared outside the third-floor window.
Two ANBU from Konohagakure.
"Shimizu Uzuki. Come with us. Someone wishes to see you." Their mechanical voices carried no emotion.
"State your code numbers," Shimizu replied coldly, instantly alert.
It was already night. Two ANBU suddenly appeared at his window and asked him to come out—what were they trying to do?
"Konoha ANBU Second Corps, 8th Briga…"
"Does Danzo want me?" Shimizu cut the ANBU off mid-sentence.
Currently, Konoha's Anbu was split into two Corps.
The First Corps was directly under the Hokage. Squads 1–3 handled internal security within the village, while Squads 4–10 were field-operation units. Shimizu belonged to the Fifth Squad, which frequently carried out missions outside the village.
The Second Corps, however, was jointly overseen by Konoha's top leadership. The First Squad handled interrogations, the Second focused on technical research, Squads 3–5 were responsible for intelligence analysis, and Squads 6–10 were Danzo's personal forces—ANBU who answered only to him.
In other words: Root.
Shimizu immediately understood.
It was Danzo Shimura.
"Yes, Lord Danzo invites you—"
"I'm not going. Anything else?" Shimizu interrupted again.
"…Would you be interested in joining us?" the Root ninja asked in a low voice.
"Am I not already a member of ANBU?" Shimizu replied, puzzled.
"Shimizu Uzuki, you know we are Root. You understand what I mean by 'joining,'" the ninja said bluntly. "Or should I take this as a refusal?"
"That's your interpretation. I never said I refused."
"…So you agree?" The Root ninja's tone softened slightly.
"When did I agree?" Shimizu countered.
"You're playing with me?!"
Shimizu's voice turned cold. "You want to make a move? Here?"
A faint smile curved at the corner of his lips.
"Go ahead. Try."
The two Root operatives exchanged glances. In the end, they turned and left, their harsh words lingering in the air:
"Shimizu Uzuki, don't get arrogant. Jōnin of your level are everywhere in Root. Lord Danzo's favor is your honor, but that doesn't mean he'll indulge you. You'll regret this."
Shimizu knew very well that he carried the label of being aligned with the Third Hokage's faction—even if only peripherally. That alone made him an opposing force to Danzo.
There was absolutely no need to wade into Root's murky waters. What benefit could possibly come from joining Root?
Working under Danzo…
Impossible.
He might appear to be a bold, calculating hero, but in truth he was ruthless beyond measure. Without sufficient strength, entering his domain would mean being devoured whole—bones and all.
So a complete refusal was best.
If he met Danzo in private and some scheme was hatched, he'd never be able to wash the stain off his reputation. Besides, knowing Danzo's personality, there was a 100% chance a trap was already waiting for him to step into.
Better not to meet him at all.
Respond to all changes by remaining unchanged.
Shimizu believed he had handled everything perfectly. He could now continue his cautious development plan in peace.
But what he never expected was that no matter how he tried to avoid it, he would eventually circle back here. These matters would continue to entangle him.
It felt like predetermined fate—unavoidable, inescapable.
Sometimes, when you toss a coin, it lands neither heads nor tails.
It stands upright on its edge.
Such a minuscule probability makes people sigh and say—
"This is fate."