Kisame was mentally prepared for this, but every time such a thing happened, he still felt troubled.
And this embarrassing life was just the beginning.
The road ahead would be even more difficult.
The only good thing was that among the ninja pursuing him, there wouldn't be anyone who specialized in countering his Water Style Ninjutsu.
This was a mutual understanding between Yagura and him in secret.
After all, with such a large number of ninjas from the Hidden Mist Village, there would always be some with special abilities that could counter Kisame's techniques.
If that happened, Kisame would inevitably find himself in a deadly situation.
Such a situation would be avoided as much as possible.
When necessary, taking drastic measures would be acceptable.
The swishing sounds from behind never ceased, as the Ninja of the pursuit team continued to relentlessly chase after Kisame.
For the Hidden Mist Village, an S-Class Renegade Ninja at large could pose a threat to the stability and safety of the village and country.
Especially since Kisame, as a member of the Seven-swords Ninja, knew too many secrets about the Hidden Mist. If he leaked these secrets, it would create an extremely unfavorable situation for the village.
Such a dangerous and unstable renegade ninja must be eliminated as soon as possible, which is the very purpose of the pursuit team's existence.
"So annoying, these guys. If this goes on, they'll keep chasing relentlessly."
Setting aside the pursuit teams from other villages, Kisame was well aware of the Hidden Mist Village's persistent attitude in hunting down fugitives.
Their hatred and rejection of traitors reached an almost twisted and perverse level.
Once encountered by them, it wasn't easy to shake them off.
Kisame delved deeper into the forest, as the surrounding dense fog began to thin. He escaped the area covered by the Hidden Mist Jutsu, and the bright moonlight once again shone upon the land, bringing new light into the dark forest.
The sound of footsteps from the pursuing ninjas had unknowingly vanished from his ears.
"Hmm?"
Kisame raised his eyebrow, sensing that something was off.
Given the Hidden Mist's attitude towards renegade ninjas, there was no way they would let him off so easily.
Kisame was prepared for a tough battle, accepting that he might not escape.
However, the pursuing ninjas had mysteriously disappeared, making Kisame feel that things were getting strange.
As Kisame pondered on it, the ground ahead began to tremble as if something was about to emerge.
Without hesitation, Kisame jumped back and gripped Shark Skin tightly, showing a vigilant expression.
What emerged from the ground couldn't be called a normal human being.
Half black and half white, surrounded by pitcher-plant-like foliage, it resembled a hybrid creature made from two personalities.
"Who are you?"
Kisame didn't lower his guard.
In fact, after this strange creature appeared, he became even more alert.
Just like the intelligence suggested, it was extremely skilled in concealment. The presence of such a creature could only be detected at the moment it revealed itself.
"Just call us Zetsu."
The half-black, half-white creature giggled.
The white half laughed and answered Kisame's question.
"You?"
"Yes, my name is White Zetsu, and this is White Zetsu. Zetsu is our combined name. But why are you so wary? You should be grateful that we diverted the Hidden Mist's pursuit team for you."
The left part, White Zetsu, said cheekily.
The right part, Black Zetsu, remained expressionless, seemingly led by White Zetsu, silently watching Kisame with a penetrating gaze.
But Kisame could vaguely sense that the silent Black Zetsu was far more dangerous than the cheeky White Zetsu.
"I didn't ask for your help. If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way."
Kisame placed Shark Skin on his back, turned decisively, and prepared to leave.
"If you continue like this, it's going to be hard for you to survive in the Ninja Realm, peculiar man Hoshigaki Kisame of the Hidden Mist Village."
Breaking the silence, Black Zetsu spoke.
"Have you investigated my information? Looks like you came prepared."
Kisame slightly turned, his eyes narrowing into a dangerous squint.
"We come from an organization, hoping you can join us. Once you join, the Hidden Mist's pursuit team will no longer be a threat to you. You've seen our excellent ability to mislead enemies. Even the most elite pursuit team from the Hidden Mist can be tricked by the illusions we create."
Black Zetsu said.
He understood that for Kisame, the biggest pressure currently was the problem of survival.
And this pressure came from insufficient information about himself, making it easy for the Hidden Mist's pursuit team to target him. Every escape required a considerable amount of effort to flee safely from their ninjas.
"Sorry, although you did help me, I'm not interested in joining any organization. Can you please not bother me?"
Kisame frowned, a clear expression of dissatisfaction appearing on his face.
"Don't rush to refuse. We came here today to establish contact and help solve a tricky situation for you. As a renegade ninja who left the village, the village will undoubtedly prioritize hunting you down, and only we can help you."
Black Zetsu was persuasive, not rushing to recruit Kisame into the Akatsuki, but slowly revealing their plan.
"Hmph, boring. Let's just forget about it today, and don't bother me again. I'm not known for my patience."
Kisame snorted coldly, not taking Black Zetsu's threats to heart.
He turned and immediately used the Instantaneous Body Jutsu, disappearing from the dark forest.
"Oh dear, recruitment failed. He left without hesitation, seemingly not even bothering to listen to our nonsense."
White Zetsu laughed mischievously.
"No, we didn't expect to succeed in one go, but our sincerity will eventually sway him."
Black Zetsu looked in the direction Kisame left, said this, and slowly sank into the ground, disappearing alongside White Zetsu.