Naruto : Cruel Rebirth

Naruto had misjudged Kisame's fate. 

Due to his early intervention, Obito did not declare war at the Five Kage Summit as planned, causing a ripple effect. 

In the original timeline, after the Five Kage Summit, Raikage quickly discovered Killer Bee's whereabouts. This was thanks to the collaborative search efforts of all the major ninja villages, united in the face of war. 

This time, however, only Kumogakure formed a search team, significantly slowing progress. 

Additionally, Kisame's mission was different this time. 

Obito, a master strategist, once realized that declaring war would unite the Five Great Nations, ensuring the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails would be heavily guarded. Rather than having Kisame attempt to capture the Eight-Tails alone, he had him fake his death to infiltrate and uncover their hiding places. This way, they could capture both Jinchuriki in one move. 

But now, with Naruto defecting from Konohagakure, the Five Nations wouldn't protect him even if war broke out. 

Different circumstances demanded different strategies. Instead of trying to capture both at once, the new approach was to divide and conquer. 

This time, Kisame's mission was straightforward: defeat Killer Bee, capture him, and bring him back to the Akatsuki base. 

---

Splash! 

In a forest nearly flattened by battle, water splashed violently. Killer Bee, his chakra drained, collapsed weakly to the ground. 

It turned out that Samehada's apparent betrayal in the past had been an act all along. 

Under the current circumstances, there was no need for Kisame to stage a defection or for White Zetsu to act as a decoy. 

Panting heavily, Kisame said: 

"Such a troublesome octopus… But this should keep you in line now." 

The Eight-Tails had been completely defeated by the man known as the tailless beast. 

---

Rustle, rustle. 

White Zetsu emerged from the shadows. 

"As expected of you, Kisame. Reliable as always." 

Bare-chested, Kisame asked: 

"What about the leader?" 

White Zetsu replied: 

"Tobi is busy and can't make it right now." 

This was because Sasuke had decided to transplant Itachi's eyes, a task Obito needed to prioritize. 

White Zetsu thought to himself: 

"In this remote area, even Kamui doesn't cover the space here." 

He continued: 

"Head east for a hundred kilometers. There's a village we used as a base before. Take the Jinchuriki there, and Tobi should meet you soon." 

Kisame grabbed Samehada and slung the barely-breathing Killer Bee over it. 

"Then let's get moving." 

White Zetsu warned: 

"Be careful. I've received intel that Kumogakure is already searching for the Eight-Tails. It's likely you'll run into them. Raikage is furious that his brother has been targeted again." 

Kisame laughed. 

"Raikage, huh? With Taijutsu even tougher than that rare beast from Konohagakure, he's a tough one. If Itachi were still alive, taking him down would've been much easier." 

White Zetsu said: 

"At the moment, Akatsuki is facing a shortage of manpower. Once the Eight-Tails is truly under our control, we can concentrate all our remaining strength to deal with the Nine-Tails. Fortunately, Sasuke is still on our side. He has chosen to transplant Itachi's eyes and will soon gain new power." 

Kisame remarked: 

"Itachi's younger brother... Even with Itachi's eyes, what he sees might not be the same as Itachi. The future of Akatsuki is really something to look forward to." 

"Then I'll wait for your news, Kisame," said White Zetsu before disappearing back into the ground. 

Under the night sky, Kisame carried his sword and the unconscious Eight-Tails, Killer Bee, heading toward the agreed village. 

It was this journey of a hundred miles that would rewrite his destiny. 

--- 

————— ----

You can read 10 advanced chapters at my patreon.com/YeyeQiu