A Birthday Gift Delivered Right to the Door

The Land of Water, isolated far out at sea.

As a typical island nation, the Land of Water bore some resemblance to the erstwhile British Empire of the real world, controlling most of the maritime routes in the shinobi world and reigning as the lord of the seas. In its foreign policies, it followed that classic British doctrine, consistently pursuing a policy of continental balance.

Through years of off-shore balancing, Kirigakure’s relations with the major shinobi villages had remained decent; even when occasional conflicts arose, they quickly faded. In such an era, although Kirigakure never officially allied with other powers, it maintained close exchanges with neighboring villages, frequently sending people to Konoha and Kumogakure to participate in the Chunin Exams.

Sometimes, too, Kirigakure would play host, inviting shinobi from other villages to come and learn together.

Now, only three days remained before the Kirigakure genin would assemble and set out for Konoha to take part in this year’s Chunin Exams.

“What brings you here?”

Kisame pushed open the door and saw Mei Terumi and Ringo Yugiri standing at the threshold, both smiling warmly, with Yugiri holding a large box in her arms.

Kisame was a bit surprised.

He had just returned home and was planning to find a moment to visit them in the hospital, only to learn they had already been discharged—and had even come to see him.

“Kisame, we really have to thank you this time. If you hadn’t defeated the Steel Duo, the two of us would probably be rotting in some wilderness, never to return,” Mei said, her face sincere and her gratitude heartfelt.

“We’re teammates—this is what I’m supposed to do. But I hope you’ll keep this a secret for me. After all, a shinobi like me— the sooner my true strength is revealed, the sooner I’ll meet my end.”

“You can rest assured,” Yugiri interjected, promising earnestly. “We’ve never told anyone about what you did.”

Both she and Mei knew that Kisame came from a humble background, often treated as cannon fodder by the village and sent on dangerous missions. He always kept his strength hidden to protect himself.

“Oh, and one more thing.” Mei opened the box Yugiri was holding, revealing an exquisitely made birthday cake. She smiled at Kisame. “Happy birthday!”

Kisame was momentarily stunned.

He had never celebrated his birthday before—this was the first time in his life. Outside, the cold wind howled and rain lashed the doors and windows, but inside, the three teammates sat warmly around the hearth, sharing birthday cake in an atmosphere of rare coziness.

“Kisame, I’m sorry—my injuries haven’t healed yet. I won’t be able to take part in the Chunin Exams this time,” Mei said, her gaze dim with regret.

“Me neither,” Yugiri added, looking dejected. Her wounds weren’t as severe, but her elders were worried and forbade her from going.

It didn’t matter much; they were still young, and the Chunin Exams were held twice a year. At worst, they could participate next time, when Kirigakure would be the host.

“It’s alright. Don’t blame yourselves. I can get through this on my own,” Kisame replied.

His real reason for going to the Konoha Chunin Exams was not just to participate; more importantly, he intended to gather intelligence that interested him.

“We believe in you,” Mei said. Having seen Kisame’s strength, she knew his participation in such an exam was sheer bullying.

“Promise me you’ll use your limitless taijutsu to teach those Konoha brats a lesson—show them what you’re truly capable of!” Yugiri cheered, waving her fists in excitement.

“No problem.” Kisame grinned and nodded.

It was getting late.

Kisame took up his umbrella and personally sent the two teammates home. On his way back, he picked up some groceries and daily necessities, returning finally to his house.

Unexpectedly, someone was waiting at the door.

It was Mangetsu Hozuki.

Once again, he had come.

“At last you’re back, Kisame Hoshigaki. Do you have any idea how much I’ve suffered waiting for you this month?” Mangetsu spoke in a low, lingering tone, almost like a resentful spouse.

“What do you want?” Kisame asked impassively.

“Why, to celebrate your birthday, of course.” Mangetsu flashed a wicked smile, approaching Kisame step by step.

“Did you come alone?” Kisame narrowed his eyes and asked, while quietly sensing his surroundings. There were no other shinobi nearby.

“Hmph, to deal with you, I’m more than enough.” Mangetsu’s expression suddenly turned cold, his intentions finally laid bare. “Today, not only will I avenge my humiliation, but you’re going to confess everything you know about the missing swords.”

He had had enough of playing games with Kisame.

His patience was gone; now he intended to capture Kisame first and interrogate him later—no matter what, he would pry the information from him.

As soon as he finished speaking, Mangetsu raised his hands, forming seals in rapid succession. A barrage of water bullets shot toward Kisame.

Water Style: Water Drizzle Technique.

Kisame unslung his trusty ninja blade and charged forward. With a few swift swings, he shattered every water bullet. Then, pressing the attack, he launched a series of fierce blows at Mangetsu.

“My, you’re as energetic as ever,” Mangetsu taunted as he dodged, never missing a chance to sneer.

Occasionally, Kisame’s blade would strike Mangetsu’s body, but what would have crippled an ordinary man was easily negated by Mangetsu’s Hydrification Technique.

“Kisame Hoshigaki, aside from your dirty tricks, is this all the skill you have?” Mangetsu shouted, leaping into the air with arms wide.

With a “bang!”, a scroll appeared in his right hand, summoning a massive sword, broad as a door panel.

At the same time, water from his body surged into his left arm, swelling it until it dwarfed Kisame’s own.

Water Style: Grand Water Arm Technique.

This jutsu greatly enhanced the strength of his arm, granting it monstrous power capable of shattering steel and stone.

“Ha ha ha! Take this!” Mangetsu laughed crazily, gripping the giant sword in his left hand and bringing it crashing down on Kisame from above.

Kisame raised his blade to block, but his steel ninja sword—his lifelong companion—snapped instantly.

He staggered back a dozen steps, the force splitting open the skin at the base of his thumb.

“Do you recognize this blade?” Mangetsu lifted his chin, pointing the sword’s tip at Kisame from afar.

“Of course I do.” Kisame tossed aside the broken blade and gazed at Mangetsu’s sword, speaking calmly:

“The Severed Blade—Executioner’s Greatsword. It’s two and a half meters long and incredibly heavy, impossible for most to wield. Its most unique quality: during battle, it absorbs iron from the blood of its victims, enabling it to repair itself. For that reason, it’s known as a blade that never breaks.”

Mangetsu nodded, showing off. “You know your swords. It took all my pleading—and even the intervention of the Third Mizukage—to persuade Master Juzo Biwa to lend me this blade, even if only temporarily.

I’ll be taking this Executioner’s Blade to the Chunin Exams and sweeping aside every Konoha ninja—I’ll take first place, no doubt. But first, I’ll test it on you!”

Kisame began to laugh as well.

“I was just wondering why you came to celebrate my birthday without bringing a gift. Now I see—how mistaken I was.”

He stared at the Executioner’s Blade in Mangetsu’s hands, baring his sharp white teeth, grinning like an overgrown youth filled with delight.