Chapter 87: The Demon Shark and the Snow Maiden

The next day.

In the early morning, the Snow Maiden woke slowly and realized she had overslept. Hastily donning her pajamas, she hurried to the kitchen, where she found Kisame, wearing an apron and wholly absorbed in frying eggs.

“Mr. Kisame, let me do it,” she said, rushing forward. How could she allow him to handle such chores?

Kisame turned and gave her a gentle smile. “It’s all right, I’m almost done making breakfast—for three. You were so exhausted last night; go back and rest a bit more. I’ll bring your breakfast to you in bed.”

His words warmed her heart, and her cheeks flushed again.

Last night... she had indeed been tired. Yet it had also been the happiest night of her life.

At breakfast, Kisame devoured a hundred egg whites in one go, replenishing the protein he’d lost.

The Snow Maiden stared, dumbfounded, and felt a bit frightened by the sight.

Sensing her unease, Kisame explained that he had been confined in a prisoner transport for days, unable to eat properly or maintain his training, resulting in some loss of muscle and protein.

He needed to make up for it.

“Prison transport? Mr. Kisame, what happened?” she asked, concern filling her voice.

“It was a misunderstanding. I’ve already spoken with the ninja escorting me—they’ve returned to their village,” Kisame replied, weaving a small lie to spare her worry.

The Snow Maiden said nothing more. Understanding and empathetic, she could see through Kisame’s clumsy but well-intentioned deception.

Kisame went out into the courtyard to train, working up a sweat.

As he performed weighted single-leg squats, he sorted through his thoughts.

Though only in his teens, counting memories from his previous life, Kisame was a man in his thirties. Matters between men and women need not be treated as taboo or avoided—let things take their natural course. He had no need to remain celibate.

There was another reason.

On this trip to Hozuki Castle, if he truly succeeded in devouring the Box of Ultimate Bliss, he couldn’t predict what he might become. Perhaps he would be transformed into something no longer human, like Full Moon of the Hozuki, losing even his gender—nothing left below.

So, while he was still a man, last night had ensured he would have no regrets.

Days passed in this manner.

One morning, after finishing his workout, Kisame lay on the mat. The Snow Maiden used both hands and feet to massage him, easing his muscles and fatigue.

“Your technique is getting more skilled,” Kisame remarked, enjoying her touch.

“Thank you for your praise. I’m very happy,” she whispered softly by his ear, leaning in close.

It was clear that their behavior towards one another had grown far more intimate, as close as any true husband and wife.

“By the way, I’ll be going to prison tomorrow,” Kisame said abruptly.

The Snow Maiden trembled, her hands pausing.

Happy days always seem brief.

She had long prepared herself for Kisame’s departure, but when the day truly arrived, her heart was flooded with sorrow.

Over the past few days, Kisame had told her about the Hozuki Castle prison and his purpose there.

The Snow Maiden had heard of that dreadful place, for members of her own clan had been imprisoned there, dying shortly after.

As a woman, she naturally did not wish for her man to undertake such a perilous journey, but she understood Kisame’s ideals and ambitions.

He was determined to grow stronger—strong enough that no one could ever control his fate.

“Mr. Kisame, I have something for you,” she said, producing a small box and handing it to him nervously.

It was a gift, though she feared Kisame might not like it.

He opened it and found a protective charm, hand-sewn by the Snow Maiden, shaped like a white snowflake—delicate and beautiful.

“I love it. Please put it on for me,” he said, reassuring her and dispelling her worries.

Relieved, she smiled with joy and hung the charm around Kisame’s neck, then kissed his forehead.

“This time, my trip to Hozuki Castle might last a few months at best, or up to a year or two. While I’m gone, you’ll be caring for the child alone. Take good care of yourself. Do you still have the summoning scroll for the shark I gave you?”

Kisame reminded her, asking gently.

“I do,” she replied, running to the bedroom to retrieve the scroll.

Kisame felt reassured and handed her two more scrolls, allowing her to summon additional sharks.

She was a bloodline ninja, not overly powerful, but formidable enough to handle most Jonin. If true danger arose, she could summon sharks and escape along the river outside.

In a few years, once Bai grew up, he would be able to protect his mother.

Kisame spent his last night with the Snow Maiden.

The next day.

Under her reluctant gaze, he left the Land of Water, heading west.

Several days later.

Kisame traveled swiftly, crossing half the Land of Fire in a cloud of dust, passing by the Hidden Leaf Village.

He had no intention of resting or lingering here, only wished to check on Might Guy’s progress before continuing onward.

After all, Guy had ingested three monster cells, making him Kisame’s most remarkable creation.

In the woods outside the Leaf, the “Transform” tattoo on Kisame’s right shoulder activated, enveloping him in a watery blue glow.

He disguised himself as a common villager and entered the Leaf Village.

Using his connection to the monster cells, Kisame quickly located Might Guy, who was moving rapidly through the village.

“Let my youth blaze!” Guy shouted.

On the riverbank dam in the Leaf, Might Guy, clad in a green bodysuit, sprinted like lightning.

He had failed to advance to Chunin for four consecutive years, his skin had inexplicably turned red, and his hair stood up in wild spikes, making him look nearly deranged.

These circumstances made him even more ostracized and ridiculed—a dead last—with no friends in the village except Kakashi.

Guy, however, paid no mind.

Over the past three months, he felt his strength had soared.

Today, he would challenge Kakashi.

This time, Guy vowed to astonish Kakashi, to show him the splendid transformation wrought by burning youth.

Kisame hadn’t expected such a spectacle upon arrival.

He had intended to intervene himself, to assess Might Guy’s progress, but now someone else would do the honors.

He followed Guy to the training grounds on the village outskirts, pretending to rest as he took a seat in the stands.

Guy didn’t notice him.

After a while, Kakashi arrived late.

To Kisame’s surprise, Kakashi was not alone; he was accompanied by two young, beautiful women.

One had red hair, the other black.

They were Kakashi’s mentors—Kushina Uzumaki and her close friend, Mikoto Uchiha.

The two women chatted and laughed, carrying a pile of shopping bags, and settled into the stands.

They were only a few meters away from Kisame.