In the northern reaches of the Land of Water lay only a handful of islands, known locally as the Northern Three Islands. They were a small cluster focused mainly on trade and everyday life.
Standing at the bow of the ship, Kazuyama Gekkō gazed at the island ahead—it wasn't much smaller than the main island of the Land of Water. A sharp glint flickered in his eyes. His instincts told him that this might finally be the right place!
Muren Uchiha: Oh? The Clan Head of the Gekkō's sixth sense?
Nagato: Hmph! Ignorance.
Well, life's often like that—you can't reach the destination without taking a few detours. Of course, Kazuyama Gekkō wasn't thinking anything of the sort.
"Yo, Haku, stop practicing. We're almost at the town."
"Take a break."
Kazuyama Gekkō couldn't help but notice that his small boat was practically turning into an icebox. Ever since Tagitsuhime had given Haku special training, the kid had become completely obsessed, practicing his Ice Release techniques every day. As a result, Kazuyama Gekkō—who had just escaped from freezing lands—found himself right back in an artificial snowfield.
"Got it, Sensei!"
"But Sensei, why is the ice I make still so much weaker than your crystals?"
Haku looked down at the crystal pendant Kazuyama Gekkō had made for him, confusion clouding his expression. He had already been condensing his chakra more tightly, making his ice harder and denser, yet compared to the crystals Kazuyama Gekkō could casually form, there was still a big difference in quality.
"Hahaha, Haku, you've only been learning for a few days and already think you can catch up to me?"
"Good ambition! Keep working at it."
Haku: ...That look on Sensei's face is so annoying...
Mainly because Kazuyama Gekkō's smile was just too smug.
Soon, the two were approaching their destination. But before they even made landfall, Kazuyama Gekkō sensed something off.
Using his insect's vision to observe, he had already noticed the situation at the harbor.
"Haku, once we get ashore, stay close to me. Don't stray too far."
"Something's not right on this island."
Indeed, something was wrong. Mist shinobi could be seen all around the port. It was clear that the island was currently under martial law.
"Transformation..."
Seeing the number of Mist ninjas gathered there, Kazuyama Gekkō immediately activated the Transformation Technique. He needed to hide his identity. If the Mist discovered him, things could get troublesome.
After all, if Konoha's Ghost suddenly appeared in Kirigakure, he'd probably find himself surrounded by the entire village. It might not cost him his life—but it would definitely be a pain to deal with.
Besides, he had snuck in quietly this time.
When the Transformation Technique took effect, Kazuyama Gekkō's appearance shifted into that of an ordinary middle-aged man.
"Whoa, Sensei, that's the Transformation Technique!"
"But... why did you turn into this?"
Haku-chan couldn't quite understand Kazuyama Gekkō's reasoning. He was still just a kid, after all—there were plenty of things beyond him.
"Hehehe, don't worry about it. Just stay close to me. And once we're ashore, don't expose your Kekkei Genkai."
Kazuyama Gekkō stepped into the cabin, unrolled a scroll, and pulled out a pile of goods. These items had been sealed inside for so long they were practically gathering dust. Finally, he had a use for them—miscellaneous trade goods leftover from his old merchant ventures.
He hadn't expected they'd come in handy today. His plan was simple: pose as a merchant bringing in supplies. It was a cover identity he'd used countless times before—one that had never failed him.
...
Because of Kumogakure's repeated raids, the Northern Three Islands remained on constant alert.
As the economic hub of the Land of Water, these islands were vital to the nation's stability. Continued harassment from Kumogakure would only worsen matters for a country already struggling financially. For that reason, under the Daimyō's orders, Kirigakure had dispatched a large number of ninja to garrison the area.
"Who goes there?"
"What brings you to the Northern Three Islands?"
Kazuyama Gekkō had barely stepped ashore before two ninjas stopped him, immediately carrying out a strict identity check.
But Kazuyama was ready for this.
"I'm a merchant here to restock. I just received a new shipment and plan to sell it on the Northern Three Islands," he said smoothly.
"This is my son, Haku."
"My goods are all on the ship. I'll need to hire some laborers to help unload them."
He took out a piece of clothing—its design clearly unlike anything from Kirigakure.
Seeing the merchandise, the two ninjas nodded, then warned, "Alright, just do your business honestly. But don't go any farther north, especially don't sail from the northern coast. Understand?"
"Recently, bandits have been lurking near the borders of the Land of Water. If you don't want to get robbed, stay away."
"Alright, move along. Go ashore."
Kazuyama smiled pleasantly, nodding as he gestured for Haku to follow him onto the island.
Once they stepped onto the bustling docks and streets, Haku's eyes widened in amazement.
After all, he had never seen such a lively town before.
"Hehehe, pretty fancy, huh?"
"Mhm!"
"It's alright. Once our Land of Water journey's over, I'll take you to other nations—you'll see this place isn't all that impressive."
Kazuyama had traveled across many lands over the years and seen countless great cities. Compared to those, this one was nothing special.
Still, there was no denying it—Kirigakure had stationed a lot of ninja here. They were everywhere throughout the town.
He found an inn and rented a room before turning to Tagitsuhime.
"Tagitsuhime, I'm counting on you."
"Try sensing the area—mountains, rivers, gorges, anything like that."
"Actually, forget it. Just do your best and sense the whole island."
Tagitsuhime had been following Haku closely, basking in the cool, refreshing sensation he carried. But hearing Kazuyama's words, she nearly lost her temper—and her self-control.
"Damn you, Kazuyama! You want me to sense the entire island?"
"Do you really think my chakra grows on trees?"
Refining Senjutsu chakra was a slow and painstaking process—especially since they had just been at sea. The rocking of the boat made it nearly impossible to gather natural energy effectively.
And natural energy out at sea? Even if there was any, it would be scarce.
"Heh heh, Big Sis Tagitsuhime, I know it's tough."
"Tell you what—once I swing by the pharmacy, I'll buy every single snakeberry on this island for you, deal?"
"Now come on, give it your best shot."
After all these years together, Kazuyama knew exactly how to hit Tagitsuhime's weak spot.
She was a glutton, through and through.
At the mention of snakeberries, Tagitsuhime nearly drooled.
She nodded vigorously, but not before reminding him, "Snakeberries! You promised!"
"Don't worry, I'll get them for you."
Kazuyama grinned. He was practically swimming in money now, and snakeberries weren't exactly expensive.
As long as he could locate the Akatsuki's base as soon as possible, anything was worth it.