"I didn't expect that we'd meet again so soon, Kisame-senpai."
Momochi Zabuza appeared on the rooftop of the Ninja Academy, gazing at Kisame Hoshigaki, who had been waiting there.
Kisame looked at Zabuza and said slowly in his distinct voice, "You got the order to come here too? Looks like we're really fated to work together."
Just then, a crisp voice rang out.
"Are you two Kisame Hoshigaki and Momochi Zabuza? You're early."
Minazuki Ao stepped onto the rooftop, eyeing them with a curious expression.
Kisame and Zabuza turned their gazes to Minazuki Ao, both unfamiliar with him.
The Ninja Academy trains shinobi, but it's not the only path. A large clan like the Minazuki has its own internal training methods, and Minazuki Ao had never attended the public academy. He was trained strictly within his family.
Compared to the academy's training, the clan's was more intensive and personalized—better in both targeted instruction and the strength of the teachers.
"The water is clear without the moon," Ao said cryptically.
"Just like you, I was chosen by Master Arakawa."
"The principal of the academy?"
"The famous Arakawa-sama?"
"Come to think of it, he did say something about early graduation."
Kisame and Zabuza exchanged surprised looks, their expressions growing excited.
Just then, a flash of golden light erupted in the sky—radiant like a second sun. The brilliance faded, revealing Arakawa Zenkichi standing atop the rooftop.
"Yo~ everyone's here early."
Zenkichi gave a lazy wave, standing casually before them.
Minazuki Ao spoke with respect, and both Kisame and Zabuza bowed their heads in greeting.
"No need for formalities."
"As usual—let's start with introductions."
"Name, hobbies, dreams, pet peeves—that's the drill."
Zenkichi waved his hand casually.
"My name is Momochi Zabuza. My dream is to become the Mizukage."
"I don't particularly like anything. I hate troublesome stuff."
"And even though we're teammates, don't drag me down—"
Zabuza stepped forward with an indifferent expression.
"Wants to be Mizukage? Ambitious." Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹✶𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲✶𝗻𝗲𝘁
"Kill your teammates? Cold-blooded."
"Momochi Zabuza, that mindset is dangerous."
Zenkichi gave his measured opinion.
In the original timeline, Zabuza had always been ambitious. After failing to assassinate the Mizukage, he became a rogue ninja bent on upheaval.
If Zenkichi hadn't stepped in, Zabuza would likely have killed every student in the graduation exam, just as the records showed.
Zabuza scowled slightly, feeling like punching someone.
"I'll fix your attitude in due time."
Zenkichi tilted his head toward Minazuki Ao and Kisame.
"My name is Mizunashi Yukine. I want to become the Mizukage and restore my clan."
"I like sweet things and hate anything bitter."
Ao paused thoughtfully before finishing.
"Likes and dislikes don't have to be just about food," Zenkichi said with a smirk, "but whatever."
"Your turn, Kisame Hoshigaki."
"My name is Kisame Hoshigaki. I want to become a great shinobi."
"I don't particularly like or dislike anything."
Zenkichi raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"
Kisame nodded. "That's it."
Zenkichi clicked his tongue.
"You've even discarded your likes and dislikes?"
Kisame replied solemnly, "Personal attachments are liabilities on missions."
Zenkichi shook his head.
"A ninja that self-aware at your age? That's terrifying."
He was a true shinobi—one who wouldn't hesitate to kill comrades or even himself for the mission. His mental discipline was downright chilling.
In the Akatsuki, where most were driven by their own chaos, Kisame was one of the few with unshakable conviction.
And his talent matched his will.
Not only did he have an enormous chakra reserve, but he also managed to tame Samehada—the infamously uncooperative blade.
"Come with me. I'll show you how mission intake works."
"Starting today, you'll begin with entry-level missions."
Zenkichi tucked his hands into his pockets and walked downstairs in a relaxed stride.
Outside Kirigakure, by the riverbank, Kisame and Zabuza were fishing.
Zabuza and Kisame were casting nets by the water's edge, while Mizunashi Yukine was walking atop the river, casting nets with precise chakra control.
Her efficiency was clearly superior.
"I already taught you how to walk on water. Use it!" Zenkichi lounged beneath a sun umbrella, reclining on a deck chair and sipping tea from a small table he had set up.
"Lord Arakawa, this isn't fair!"
"There's no way she learned that water-walking from you. She clearly knew it already!"
Zabuza shouted, annoyed.
"That was taught by her clan elders. So what?"
"Once you learn something, it's yours. Doesn't matter where it came from."
"Or do you expect enemies to give you a fair fight on the battlefield?"
Zenkichi responded casually while pouring himself another cup.
Zenkichi glanced at him lazily.
"Still upset? The one who should be upset is Mizunashi Yukine."
"You're all learning new skills, but she's just repeating something she already mastered."
Zabuza froze, then silently turned back to fishing.
He couldn't argue with that.
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