Late November.
The weather has become much colder than usual, feeling as if it has transitioned directly from the sweltering summer to deep autumn, and winter is just around the corner.
It's been some time since I became a renegade ninja and left the village.
Kisame roughly counted and calculated that since leaving the Hidden Mist Village, he has been pursued six times by the Hidden Mist's hunting squads.
The pursuit squads of the Hidden Mist Village are like grim reapers from hell coming to earth, haunting him relentlessly.
Whether in the scorching summer or the rainy weather, with winter approaching, Kisame is certain that this group is still seeking traces of him, determined to take his head, tirelessly persistent.
Thanks to these guys, his work in the Underground Black Market has become much more challenging.
Not only does he have to manage black market dealings, but he also has to be mindful of the pursuit squad tracking him to avoid ambushes.
This group knows very little and will show no mercy to a renegade ninja like him.
Avoid if possible, that was the advice Yagura gave him.
Meanwhile, after leaving, he was given many trump cards that could be used in life-threatening situations. Including various things from the Land of Demons to aid his path as a renegade ninja, useful for future intelligence gathering and self-protection.
However, Kisame still finds it troublesome.
Even though he knows the hunting squad's relentless pursuit is meant to make the espionage theatrics a hundred percent genuine, leaving no doubts.
"Mr. Kisame, the target has no issues, this is your reward for this mission. After deducting the intelligence purchase, it totals seven million ryo in bounty. Please verify."
The underground exchange built beneath a dried-up well is a crucial facility for the underground black market to undertake work.
The staff verified Kisame's hunt target and, with a serious nod, presented the prepared reward, a black briefcase filled with seven million ryo in cash, respectfully offering it to Kisame.
"No need to verify. I want to purchase new intelligence."
Kisame said as he took the black case.
"Please go ahead."
The staff maintained a respectful, attentive work attitude.
Irrespective of strength, any bounty hunter is a respected customer of their black market.
Viewing every customer as a god is their fundamental professional ethic.
Precisely because this is a lawless zone, a form of 'rule' is necessary to maintain order; otherwise, it wouldn't be Ninja Realm's most extensive gray platform.
"I need intelligence on the Hidden Mist pursuit squad, can it be obtained?"
Kisame asked with a grin.
Unable to stop the pursuit squad through Yagura's connections, otherwise, the espionage wouldn't play out authentically.
But finding another route to avoid the Hidden Mist pursuit squad is also an option.
The staff knew Kisame's predicament; indeed, renegade ninjas joining the Underground Black Market for bounty hunting often face such issues.
"It's very difficult to acquire this, the Hidden Mist Village is powerful, and the pursuit squads are a direct ninja agency under the Mizukage. We only get fragmented information, which may not be useful to Mr. Kisame."
The staff did not deceive Kisame.
If it's a small nation's ninja village, they can utilize methods to get substantial intelligence.
But the larger nation's ninja villages, especially important institutions like Anbu, do not release information externally, belonging solely to the Five Kage's ninja identity.
If the Underground Black Market could obtain detailed intelligence on this, they would practically control everything.
The reality is, facing the Five Great Nations' ninja villages, the Underground Black Market is at an absolute disadvantage.
The reason for its existence is that this complex gray platform specializes in handling matters for wealthy or high-ranking individuals in Ninja Realm who wish for anonymity.
"No worries, just providing me their whereabouts will suffice."
Kisame understood the challenge for the Underground Black Market platform; the Hidden Mist pursuit squads are a secret unit under the Mizukage, and their detailed intelligence is beyond outsiders' reach.
"Understood, we'll have someone keep an eye out for that intelligence to assist you, Mr. Kisame."
The staff nodded and agreed.
As for the effectiveness, he couldn't guarantee; they would only do their best.
Seeing that the staff agreed, Kisame nodded, taking the reward and leaving.
The space continually reeking of corpses and decay was indeed intolerable for an ordinary person.
Even after processing with scents to dull the odor, Kisame, sensitive to smells, could still detect discomforting scents.
Leaving the exchange, Kisame set off along a trail.
Accustomed to living in the wild over time, Kisame didn't mind.
Previously during missions, he often did the same.
Surviving outdoors is a fundamental survival skill for ninjas.
Passing an open area, Kisame noticed it was quite secluded, with terrain favorable for escape. Even if attacked by enemies, he could use the surroundings for cover, making retreat easier.
Thus, Kisame decided to spend the night here, settling temporarily for the night and seeking shelter again in town tomorrow.