33. Departure, to the Hidden Leaf Village!

Apart from the significant boost in her strength, Ye Cang's attire had become much more revealing and daring than before. Not only did it expose her smooth, beautiful back, but also her flat abdomen and her entire muscular thigh. However, it wasn't that she intentionally dressed so provocatively; it was simply that the special, heat-resistant fabric was too precious, and she had managed to acquire only a small amount. She barely managed to craft this new ninja outfit.

Before dawn, Ye Cang slipped past the village guards and quietly returned home. She opened her wardrobe and selected a black short wig from a neatly arranged row, carefully attaching it to her head and securing it with her ninja forehead protector. Standing before the mirror, the woman reflected there appeared more simple and efficient, her muscular lines apparent, no longer as eccentric as before.

Ye Cang withdrew her gaze and looked out the window. The sun was slowly rising from the distant east. She knew that, somewhere beyond the sky, there was a man who saw the sunrise even earlier than she did.

Kisame.

The one who had changed her fate—what was he doing right now?

"If one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen dies, or if any of the ninja swords go missing, it must be Kisame at work," Ye Cang murmured, smiled, and stepped outside.

Mist Village.

After that night, the next two days passed peacefully, with nothing happening. It seemed Hozuki Mangetsu had successfully gotten through whatever ordeal he faced.

Finally, the day arrived for the team to assemble and head to the Leaf Village for the Chunin Exams. Early in the morning, Mei Terumi and Ringo Yu Yuri arrived at Kisame's doorstep to see their comrade off. The three walked together toward the village entrance.

Halfway there—

"Phss!"

A strange noise suddenly came from a street corner. The three turned to look and saw a tiny figure, less than a meter tall. The person wore a gray cloak, a huge bamboo hat, and was covered from head to toe, resembling a triangular, oversized dumpling. Sneaky and suspicious at first glance.

"Careful, I've never seen this person in the village," Mei Terumi frowned, alert. Yu Yuri immediately drew the sulfuric acid water gun Kisame had given her earlier, ready to fire at a moment's notice.

At that moment, Kisame stopped them and said, "You two head back. He's a friend of mine—he must have something to discuss."

He walked toward the figure.

"What friend?" Yu Yuri asked suspiciously, curious and wanting to follow, but Mei Terumi pulled her back.

"Let's go," Mei Terumi said.

...

Kisame entered a deserted corner. The dumpling-like figure glanced around, confirmed no one was nearby, then lifted the bamboo hat to reveal his true identity—a slime.

"Boss, I've already adapted to my new abilities. This height and build are currently the most stable form for my chakra," Hozuki Mangetsu grinned and winked at Kisame, though he had no eyebrows.

"Quite a unique look," Kisame nodded. To be honest, when he first saw this dumpling monster, he was startled, thinking he had run into Black Zetsu. By his calculations, Black Zetsu hadn't yet become Uchiha Madara's 'embodiment of will' at this point, and was still dressed like a dumpling monster, even sharing a similar essence with Mangetsu—a puddle of liquid, expelled from Kaguya Otsutsuki's body.

"Boss, in this state, I'm afraid I can't participate in the Chunin Exams. The Third Mizukage's mental state has been unstable lately. I'm worried that once he goes to the Leaf Village, he might cause trouble," Mangetsu said seriously.

"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on things," Kisame replied, then instructed Mangetsu, "Your task is to stay in the Mist, further develop your abilities, and keep an eye out for suspicious people and activities."

"Understood," Mangetsu agreed readily. Furthermore, he volunteered to acquire the strongest of the Seven Ninja Swords, the Twin Swords—Flatfish, currently held by an elite jonin of the Hozuki clan, and promised to deliver it to Kisame.

"I'll be waiting for your good news," Kisame patted his subordinate's shoulder, then turned and left the corner.

Soon, he arrived at the village entrance, the assembly point. It was a team of over fifty people. Besides the Third Mizukage himself, the dark unit led by Togusa Noeito, and some accompanying personnel, the rest were all participating genin. The original thirty-member team had been reduced to twenty-seven; Mangetsu, Mei Terumi, and Ringo Yu Yuri were absent due to injuries. Ironically, these three had been highly anticipated, personally chosen as seed candidates by the Third Mizukage.

The crowd buzzed with discussion. Some worried that without these three prodigies leading the charge, the others would struggle against the talented genin from the Leaf. Others saw it as a great opportunity to shine.

The Third Mizukage's eyes narrowed into nearly closed slits, observing everyone's reactions. His gaze swept over the group, finally resting on Kisame. He had some impression of Kisame, and Mangetsu had mentioned him before, seeming to admire him greatly.

Sigh.

The Third Mizukage sighed. At this point, there was nothing to be done—he could only pick the tallest among the short.

He spoke, "Kisame, come here."

With the Mizukage's command, the crowd immediately quieted. The Mist genin made way for Kisame, who walked through the crowd to stand before the Mizukage.

The Third Mizukage gave him a few words of encouragement, hoping he would perform well, and instructed an elite ninja to bring a high-quality ninja sword as a reward.

"I will not let you down, Lord Mizukage," Kisame accepted the sword with both hands and bowed.

"Set out," ordered the Third Mizukage, then stepped into his palanquin.

Thus, the team set off in grand procession.

Not long after leaving the village, Togusa Noeito, carrying the Blunt Blade—Kabutowari, approached Kisame.

"Kisame! There are still a few days before we reach the Leaf. If you have any questions, whether about the Chunin Exams or training, ask me freely."

Nearly forty years old, Togusa Noeito was straightforward and bold. He had been instructed by the Third Mizukage to help Kisame cram and improve quickly.

"Thank you, sir. I do have some questions I'd like to consult you on," Kisame replied courteously, though his eyes kept glancing at Kabutowari's blade, calculating.

A few days later.

The Mist team, after their arduous journey, finally arrived safely at the Leaf Village in the Land of Fire. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, personally came out to greet them and arranged for the Mist group to stay at the village’s hotel.

Before the Chunin Exams officially began, Kisame and the others had a few days to freely explore, acclimate to the Leaf’s climate and cuisine.

Unexpectedly, trouble arose on the very second day after their arrival.