The Great Sage's proposed Genjutsu improvements sounded impressive.
But in Shigure's eyes, Shisui's Kotoamatsukami was already near the pinnacle — a technique capable of rewriting a person's very will from its roots. Truly controlling someone without them ever noticing… that was a power beyond terrifying.
[Great Sage: If the host designates Shisui's Kotoamatsukami as a Mangekyō Sharingan technique, this skill can further enhance its power.]
"Oh?"
That was… far more exciting than expected.
If Kotoamatsukami could be strengthened — even just shortening its absurd cooldown — Shigure would already gain a tremendous advantage. No more waiting decades between uses.
And if the Great Sage could enhance it even further…
'So before I obtain Shisui's other eye, my Sharingan can't evolve into Mangekyō, correct?'
[Great Sage: Correct]
"That's fine."
Shigure wasn't in a rush.
Back in Kirigakure, Shigure placed Hinata in his room to rest.
Before long, a Mist shinobi arrived urgently.
"Lord Shigure! Hoshigaki Kisame has returned!"
The one reporting was Oshiro Mumei, a shinobi renowned for his exceptional Boil Release talent — the strongest user of that nature transformation among Kirigakure's current forces. He was even considered the only shinobi who could contend head-on with Kuji.
With a single punch, backed by the brute force of Boil Release and blistering heat capable of melting through steel, his strikes rivaled Tsunade's monstrous strength.
"Good. Bring him in," Shigure replied calmly.
Mumei hesitated slightly.
"Lord Shigure, Kisame brought back a child as well."
"A child?" Shigure raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
"A boy named Ranmaru. He possesses a special Kekkei Genkai — his eyes glow red."
Shigure's expression sharpened.
Ranmaru's unique Red-Eye ability allowed him to see through matter, sense chakra signatures, detect danger, and even cast chakra-based illusions that interfered with a Byakugan's perception. In some ways, its observational superiority surpassed the Hyūga's prized dōjutsu.
So Kisame found him.
Which meant—
—he must've encountered and defeated Kurosuki Raiga…
"What of Kurosuki Raiga?" Shigure asked.
Mumei responded with complete composure:
"Kisame reported that Raiga refused to return to Kirigakure. So he executed him on the spot."
If he's dead, then so be it.
Kurosuki Raiga was nothing like Kisame. His strength was mediocre at best — even Naruto and his team as Genin managed to defeat him. There was no value in bringing such a man back alive.
"Bring the child as well," Shigure ordered. "But I'll see Kisame first."
Mumei nodded and departed.
A short while later, Kisame arrived at Shigure's residence — bowed low, kneeling before him. Despite his tough exterior, this return to Kirigakure had shaken him.
The Yuki Clan and Kaguya Clan, once thought wiped out, had resurfaced under Shigure's command. New clans — like the Yumujō and the Kozuki — had joined as well, their Kekkei Genkai adding to the Hidden Mist's terrifying revival.
Kisame, in particular, admired the Kozuki Clan.
Their unique In Release could completely erase presence and form — a natural art for assassination. If he had possessed such an ability in the past… how differently his missions might have ended.
And Shigure had managed to restore all of these bloodline clans to Kirigakure. Kisame didn't know how — but the sheer result instilled fear.
"Everything went smoothly," Kisame reported. "But on the way back… I encountered White Zetsu."
Shigure's eyes narrowed.
White Zetsu. Akatsuki.
"And then?"
"He questioned why I wasn't returning to the organization. I told him I was coming back to the Hidden Mist."
That was troublesome.
Now that Akatsuki knew Kisame lived, conflict was inevitable. Would Obito take action personally?
Kirigakure would become a target — not only because of Kisame's defection, but…
…the Tailed Beasts.
Word had already spread across the Shinobi World: Danzo sold Takigakure's Tailed Beast to Kirigakure. Now the village held the Three-Tails, Six-Tails, and Seven-Tails.
Akatsuki would never ignore the opportunity to seize three Tailed Beasts at once.
But that danger was not immediate.
"I had Terumī Mei reorganize the Hidden Mist's clans," Shigure continued.
"The Hoshigaki Clan is among them. Stop hiding in the shadows — return to your family and take back your identity."
Kisame looked up, surprised — then nodded firmly.
He had planned to request this himself.
"Understood."
"You may go. Soon, I will re-establish the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. When the new era begins, you will stand on the front lines."
"Lord Shigure — I will not disappoint you."
This brief return had already shown Kisame more change than he ever expected. The Hidden Mist Village he knew no longer existed.
After Kisame left, Mumei brought the boy — Ranmaru.
Shigure's gaze fell on him.
[Great Sage: Analyzing…]
He was very interested in this Red-Eye Kekkei Genkai — a dojutsu said to rival or even surpass the Byakugan in perception.
A bloodline like that… would have great value.
Ranmaru frowned and spoke first.
"Were you the one who ordered Lord Kurosuki Raiga's death?"
Shigure nodded calmly.
"That's right."
"Why?"
"He abandoned the village — and stole the Hidden Mist's ninja sword, the Kiba twin blades. That alone warranted execution."
"Just for that?!"
"That reason is enough."
Ranmaru's eyes burned with hatred.
"If you hadn't killed Lord Raiga, we would still be together…"
"I'm not interested in your personal world."
The boy flinched.
"…Are you going to kill me too?"
"If I spared you… would you seek revenge?"
Ranmaru paused — then answered honestly:
"No."
"Why?"
"…Because I'm no match for you."
Shigure's lips curled slightly.
"So if you had the power — you would kill me?"
Ranmaru nodded without hesitation.
Good.
"Then I can't let you go."
'Gluttony — Devour.'
Dark matter surged from Shigure's hand, consuming the child's body without a sound.
Leaving behind a potential enemy served no benefit.
[Gluttony: Devouring 10%… 20%… 30%…]
Mumei stood frozen, watching in disbelief. He had assumed Ranmaru, like others, would be granted power by Lord Shigure.
But the boy vanished — and Shigure simply turned and walked away.
That was when Mumei finally understood…
Ranmaru would never return.
...
TN:
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