Chapter 137: Acting on Impulse
The inner workings of the Akatsuki organization were far more complex than outsiders could ever imagine. Take Uchiha Obito for instance—his identity wasn't even known to most members. Nagato believed him to be Uchiha Madara, while the majority of the others had never even seen his face. Those who had thought he was simply an eccentric new recruit with a talkative personality. Only Zetsu knew his true identity. Even Itachi had never seen Obito's real face; he only knew that this so-called "Madara" was likely one of the few remaining Uchiha in the world.
This time, the Akatsuki had finally begun acting in earnest, yet things had gone awry from the start. The mission to capture the Nine-Tails was the first true test of the organization's years of preparation and planning—and it was falling apart.
"Itachi, I'll leave Jiraiya to you for now," Obito said. He trusted Itachi's strength. If Itachi were to go all out, even Obito himself couldn't say for certain he could defeat him. Perhaps only Nagato with the Rinnegan could claim a guaranteed victory. But Itachi had too many restraints—his concern for Konoha, and his little brother Sasuke, whom he'd sacrificed everything to protect, ensured that he remained under the organization's leash.
"Understood." Itachi nodded, offering no unnecessary words.
"You've wrapped up your end?" Zetsu asked. "Where's Kisame? Didn't he follow you?"
"Took you long enough to notice me," came Kisame's voice from behind. That familiar shark-like face emerged from the mist, still grotesque even without his previous half-shark transformation.
"Is it done?" Itachi asked.
"More or less. They got away though..."
"You let them escape?" Zetsu grumbled discontentedly.
"So long as we secure the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, the rest is irrelevant. Besides, they weren't easy opponents," Obito said. He understood well the strength of Kakashi and Gai. As for Mizuki—whose presence was still faint and difficult to track—Obito hadn't bothered to consider him a serious threat.
"What if they interfere with Tobi's mission?" Zetsu asked.
"It's been this long, and we still haven't heard back. Let Itachi hold things here a little longer. If there's still no success, we pull out."
Though reluctant, Zetsu understood the chances of success were dwindling.
At this point, a direct assault seemed unlikely to succeed. With Jiraiya present—and possibly other hidden powerhouses—the strength of Konoha was not to be underestimated. Without a flawless plan, launching a full assault would be foolish. That would only come as a last resort.
…
At Konoha Hospital, Mizuki led Naruto and Sasuke to the rooftop. Oddly enough, no one stopped them or questioned the move—not even one curious glance. Although Mizuki was a familiar face, the lack of basic vigilance was glaring.
With White Zetsu's transformation technique, impersonating someone was child's play. If they'd taken the form of someone trusted and approached Naruto, with his level of emotional awareness, they wouldn't even need to fight. They could lead him out of the village with ease.
…
Earlier, when Kisame was finishing off Mizuki's summoned beasts, Mizuki already knew things were going south. The genjutsu barrier had interfered with detection, and coupled with his stealth-enhancing Concealment Technique, Mizuki was still able to hide underwater. But the moment Kisame began going on a rampage, things changed.
Especially in his half-shark transformation, Kisame's chakra-sensing ability skyrocketed. Mizuki's human-pillar clone hiding underwater could no longer freely manipulate the genjutsu barrier.
Eventually, Kisame found his hiding place. Had Mizuki stayed beneath the surface, he'd have been torn to shreds in moments. Reluctantly, he abandoned his hiding spot. Watching Kisame casually launch the massive "Water Style: Five Feeding Sharks," Mizuki surfaced and leapt out of the water, landing near Gai.
"You alright?" Gai asked, having witnessed the fading of the barrier. It was clear something had gone wrong.
"I'm fine," Mizuki replied. "Underwater combat is his turf—I can't keep up."
The battlefield, while suited to Mizuki's support and control tactics, also amplified Kisame's strengths. Mizuki would've preferred a forested terrain. But this lakeside was already the most remote combat-friendly zone available within the village. There was no way the enemy would have followed him into the mountains.
"I see," Gai nodded. "Since he's getting serious, I can't afford to waste any more time. It'd be too disrespectful… Gate of Life—Open!"
Until now, Gai had only used the First Gate and the Primary Lotus. With Mizuki's help, he'd been able to evade Kisame's assaults. But now, with Mizuki retreating, he'd have to fight solo.
Mizuki was a bit worried. Gai had used the Sixth Gate—Gate of View—against Kimimaro just days ago. Afterward, he'd fought multiple battles, including the rescue of Hiashi and the fight against Sasori. His recovery couldn't possibly be complete. And now, Kisame, at full strength, stood in front of him.
"Gate of Pain—Open!" As the Fourth Gate activated, Gai's body began to show signs of strain.
"Gate of Limit…" Just as he was about to open the Fifth Gate, the mist thinned.
Mizuki's gaze happened to shift toward Kakashi and Itachi's fight—and noticed Itachi looking back. Not just looking, but with his Mangekyō Sharingan spinning like a windmill.
"Oh no—dodge!" Mizuki shouted as Itachi's gaze fixed on Gai.
Dammit! Isn't this just a show? Why so serious!?
Perhaps the earlier chaos—Jiraiya's fight and Mizuki's flare—had rattled even the normally composed Itachi, making him more aggressive.
"What's wrong?" Gai, caught in the surge of Eight Gates chakra, couldn't respond quickly.
Mizuki had no choice. He stepped in front of Gai, throwing up a chakra shield with all his might.
Before it was fully formed, black flames burst into existence in front of Mizuki and rapidly spread—Amaterasu.
What the hell!? Isn't he supposed to pose first and call out his technique name? Why the sneak attack?! This isn't fair!
The barely-formed chakra shield at least stopped the black flames from consuming Mizuki's chest and head. But his right arm and leg weren't as lucky. The fire began to creep up them, rapidly incinerating everything in its path.
"You okay, Mizuki!?" Gai yelled, stepping forward.
"Stay back!" Mizuki warned. A disposable clone getting burned was one thing. But if Gai got caught, losing an arm or leg was no joke.
Still, he was too late. A single ember landed on Gai's wristguard.
The searing pain of Amaterasu was beyond words. Mizuki forced himself to stay conscious, spread out a scroll, and activated the Fire Sealing Method. The spreading black fire began to retreat, sealed away by his prepared jutsu.
I made this just in case. Never thought I'd actually use it. And to take a hit from Amaterasu? I must be a top-tier supporting cast now…
Naruto had used Tailed Beast chakra to repel the flames. Kankuro just ditched his armor. But Mizuki? He'd had to tank it head-on.
"Are you two okay?" Kakashi dashed over, alarmed.
"I'm fine," Gai said. "Mizuki took the hit for me."
The two turned toward Mizuki's burnt form.
"I'm out," Mizuki said with a weak grin. "You guys handle the rest…"
Suddenly, the last remaining summoned beasts gave warning—something was moving underwater. A massive shark-shaped water projectile burst from the lake and slammed into them.
Gai, quick on his feet, avoided the brunt of the impact. Kakashi and Mizuki weren't so lucky. They were flung across the battlefield and slammed into the far bank.
"Hey, Kakashi," Mizuki wheezed, drenched and bruised, "Why're you trying so hard to save a clone?"
Kakashi coughed up water. "Instinct, maybe? You feel too real."
"Fair enough. But this isn't over." Mizuki passed a scroll to Kakashi. "Give this to my main body."
Then, more seriously: "Get to Naruto. This is all just misdirection. Watch him closely—Itachi left just now. I'll buy you some time…"
As Gai helped Kakashi up and retreated, Mizuki dove back into the lake. With the help of his summoned beasts, he triggered a powerful underwater explosion.
A column of water exploded upward, throwing Kisame back and allowing Kakashi and Gai to escape the fight.
Watching the two Konoha jōnin disappear into the distance, Kisame considered chasing—but ultimately turned around and followed after Itachi.
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