The hotel staff froze the moment Ash stepped inside with Haku in his arms. The waiter stared, horrified, wanting to object — yet the cold look in Ash's eyes made his voice die in his throat.
"Something you want to say?"
Ash's Three-Tomoe Sharingan spun to life, releasing murderous intent.
If this man dared insult Haku… he would be trapped in Tsukuyomi before he even blinked.
"N–Nothing!"
The owner rushed forward, forcing a polite smile.
"S-Sir, apologies! Our staff is new — doesn't know the rules yet. Please, come in! We welcome you!"
Ash dispelled the Sharingan, lifted Haku more comfortably in his arms, and walked inside.
"Buy a few sets of clothes for her," he said calmly.
"Yes, at once!"
As soon as Ash disappeared upstairs, the waiter finally let out a shaky breath.
"Boss… who is he?"
"Are you blind? That's the one the entire ninja world is talking about — Ash Ketchum, wielder of the strongest Sharingan! If we annoy him, our entire livelihood will be gone in an instant!"
Now pale as a ghost, the waiter sprinted out of the inn to buy clothes — praying Ash wouldn't remember his face when he left.
Later…
Haku sat on a chair, hair cleaned, wrapped in warm, fresh clothes.
She ate hungrily, cheeks puffed out, eyes glimmering — like a starving Pidgey finding its first berry.
"Slow down. There's plenty," Ash said with a gentle smile.
"Mmh!"
Haku nodded, still devouring every bite.
Food had been a luxury she rarely tasted.
To her… this was happiness.
Ash's hand suddenly twitched.
A ring on his finger began to glow faintly.
A signal from Akatsuki.
"Haku," he said softly, "finish your meal and rest. We're leaving tomorrow."
"…Okay."
She didn't ask anything — terrified that if she did, this warmth might disappear.
All she could do was cherish every second.
Ash sat cross-legged on the bed, placed his fingers against the ring, and shifted his chakra.
His consciousness blurred—
—until he stood once again upon the giant, stone fingers of the Gedo Statue.
"You called in a hurry," Ash said coolly.
"My puppet body is undergoing a final upgrade," Scorpion replied in his usual flat tone.
Nagato stepped forward, his Rinnegan pulsing.
"There are several missions to distribute. Kakuzu—go to Hot Water Village in the Land of Steam.
Find a man called Hidan. He may possess a form of immortality.
If possible, recruit him. Once completed, you two will become a team."
Kakuzu nodded, already thinking in terms of profit.
"Time is money," he grumbled.
"The organization's financial situation has been… poor lately."
Nagato then turned his gaze to Ash.
"And you. What about Zabuza? Have you found him?"
Ash's expression didn't change — but ice-cold resolve flickered in his eyes.
"I checked him already," Ash said, referring to Zabuza.
"Strength is mediocre. If he can't even reach Kage-level, he's not worthy of joining Akatsuki."
Nagato merely nodded, indifferent.
"Then forget it. A mere rogue swordsman isn't worth the investment."
Zabuza's reputation was large — but empty reputations were everywhere in the shinobi world.
At that moment, Kisame spoke up.
"Mr. Ash, could you tell me your location? My mission is complete."
Despite his shark-like appearance, Kisame Hoshigaki spoke politely — one of the few in Akatsuki who did.
"I'm at a hotel near Kirigakure," Ash replied.
"I've also finished testing Zabuza. Head to the Land of Waves. We'll meet there."
With that, Ash cut the chakra flow and ended the projection.
The next morning — near the Land of Waves
"Brother… where are we going?"
Haku followed closely behind Ash, eyes full of curiosity.
"We're heading to my organization," Ash answered, voice gentle.
"And from now on, you'll stay by my side."
He extended his Aura outward — chakra fused with the guiding power usually associated with Legendary Pokémon. The pulse scanned the surroundings like a spiritual radar.
"…Huge chakra signature detected," he muttered.
"Only someone like a tailless beast could give off that much."
Kisame.
A minute later, the mist parted.
Kisame stepped into view — towering, blue-skinned, gills along his cheeks, and Samehada strapped to his back. His presence radiated lethal strength.
"It's good to formally meet you, Mr. Ash," he greeted calmly.
Ash nodded.
"Haku, stand behind me."
She obeyed quietly, peeking out from beneath his cloak.
"This is Yuki Haku," Ash introduced, placing a reassuring hand on her head.
"My little sister."
Kisame blinked — surprised, but smiling faintly.
"I see. Then I'll welcome her as well."
...
TN:
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