In the bustling streets of Konoha, two figures clad in black cloaks adorned with red clouds strolled silently through the village.
"Itachi, it's been a long time since you've been back here, hasn't it?"
The deep, hoarse voice of Hoshigaki Kisame broke the silence.
"Yeah," Uchiha Itachi responded softly, his tone laced with an almost imperceptible sadness. "A long time… I hadn't realized how much Konoha has changed."
"Tch, getting sentimental now?" Kisame chuckled. "How about we grab a bite to eat before we get to business?"
Itachi nodded. "Let's go."
They soon found themselves at a quiet dango shop, where they took a seat and ordered tea.
"I have to say," Kisame mused as he sipped his drink, "Orochimaru really did a number on Konoha. Wiping out all four of the top dogs in one go… that's not easy."
Itachi remained silent.
Years ago, he had struck a deal with the Third Hokage and Danzo, agreeing to eradicate his own clan in exchange for Sasuke's life.
Now, with those men dead, the truth behind his actions might never be known.
"At least… Sasuke should be safe now."
Itachi had heard about Sasuke's exploits during the Chūnin Exams—his victory over Gaara, his contributions during the Konoha Crush. But with the village in turmoil, there were sure to be forces trying to sway his brother down the wrong path.
That was why he had returned. To observe. To warn Jiraiya.
But just as he was lost in thought—
"Hm?"
Two familiar figures appeared at the far end of the street.
"Kisame," Itachi said calmly. "We should go."
Kisame followed his gaze and smirked. "Oh? Hatake Kakashi, the famous Copy Ninja. Looks like our cover's blown."
Without another word, the two disappeared into the crowd.
On a nearby rooftop, Might Guy stretched his arms.
"Hey, Kakashi, didn't we have a competition today?" he said enthusiastically. "Now's the perfect time to—"
"Not now, Guy," Kakashi interrupted with a sigh. "There's trouble in Konoha."
Might Guy blinked before following his friend's gaze. His expression hardened when he saw the two cloaked figures.
"That attire… Akatsuki!"
Jiraiya had briefed Konoha's top jōnin about the organization. There was no mistaking it.
The two exchanged a glance before moving in pursuit.
At a riverside near Konoha, Kakashi and Guy intercepted their targets.
"It's been a while, Kakashi."
Itachi stepped forward, removing his hood. His Sharingan gleamed ominously.
Kakashi lifted his headband, revealing his own Sharingan. "You've got guts, coming back here after what you did."
Might Guy cracked his knuckles. "A man who slaughtered his own clan… no way we're letting you leave without a fight!"
"Tch, things just got annoying." Kisame smirked, throwing off his cloak and resting Samehada on his shoulder.
"So, you're the famous Copy Ninja," he said. "I'm Hoshigaki Kisame, pleased to make your acquaintance."
Kakashi's gaze darkened. "S-Class missing-nin from Kirigakure. Wanted for assassinating the daimyo of the Land of Water."
"Ah," Guy scratched his head. "Sorry, never heard of you."
Kisame's eye twitched. "Not only do you look ridiculous, but you're really pissing me off."
"Looks like you're not going to leave peacefully," Itachi murmured.
Boom!
The battle erupted.
Kisame lunged first, swinging Samehada toward Guy.
"Leaf Strong Whirlwind!"
Guy countered with a powerful kick, forcing Kisame back.
Both fighters landed in the river, creating ripples across the water.
"Heh, you're stronger than you look," Kisame admitted.
On the other side, Itachi flicked his wrist. Several shuriken shot toward Kakashi.
Kakashi dodged, flipping onto the water—only for high-speed water jets to pierce toward him.
"So fast!"
Kakashi immediately formed hand seals. "Water Barrier!"
The jets slammed into the barrier, sending waves splashing in all directions.
Kakashi landed beside Guy.
"Guy, don't underestimate them," he warned. "Itachi is no ordinary Uchiha. He was an ANBU captain at thirteen."
But before Kakashi could finish—
Whoosh!
A kunai struck his back.
Except—
He dissolved into water.
"A water clone?!" Kisame exclaimed, just as—
Bang!
Guy's nunchaku slammed into his side, sending him staggering.
"You really should focus on your fight," Guy grinned. "I'm Konoha's Proud Blue Beast!"
Kisame grinned. "Then you must be a rare breed of idiot."
Their weapons clashed again.
Meanwhile, Kakashi and Itachi squared off.
"You're not an Uchiha," Itachi observed. "Yet you've mastered the Sharingan to this degree."
His Mangekyō Sharingan spun ominously.
Kakashi's eye narrowed. "So, it's true. The Mangekyō Sharingan…"
Itachi was taken aback. He knows?
"Sasuke was right," Kakashi muttered. "This isn't something a normal Sharingan can fight against."
"Guy!"
"Got it, Kakashi!"
Guy suddenly moved, launching a Leaf Great Whirlwind kick straight at Itachi, forcing him to dodge.
Itachi frowned. He predicted my movement without looking at my eyes…
"Heh," Guy smirked. "All thanks to Kakashi's Sharingan."
Years of sparring against Sharingan users had honed his ability to fight without relying on direct eye contact.
Kisame performed hand seals. "Water Style: Great Water Bomb!"
But—
Kakashi mirrored him perfectly, launching the exact same jutsu.
Their attacks collided, sending shockwaves across the water.
"Tch, this guy's a real pain," Kisame muttered.
Just then—
Yuhi Kurenai and several ANBU operatives appeared.
"Tch, more pests."
Itachi's eyes narrowed. "Kisame, we're leaving."
Kisame smirked. "Fine, fine."
"Water Style: Exploding Water Shockwave!"
A massive wave engulfed the area, obscuring everything in sight.
And when the water receded—
The Akatsuki duo was gone.
Orochimaru's Hideout – Sound Village
Orochimaru clenched his trembling hands, his face contorted in pain.
"Damn it… it's getting worse. Is this what it feels like to lose one's soul?"
Kabuto Yakushi approached, holding a medicine bottle.
"Orochimaru-sama, your medicine."
Orochimaru scoffed. "This does nothing but provide psychological comfort!"
He took a deep breath. "Have you found Tsunade?"
Kabuto nodded. "According to our intel, she's in Tanzaku Town. Her distinctive features make her easy to track."
"Good." Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Prepare our forces. Bring me Uchiha Sasuke as well."
"But, Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto hesitated. "Our spies report that Sasuke has already left Konoha... and he's heading straight for Tsunade."
Orochimaru's lips curled into a wicked smile.
"Perfect. Then… it's time we paid her a visit."
Tanzaku Town
Shizune sighed as she followed Tsunade out of the casino.
"Lady Tsunade, we lost so much money… again!"
Tsunade merely shrugged. "Eh, luck always comes back around."
Just then—
A figure in white appeared before them.
"Wow," Shizune blinked. "What a handsome young man…"
Tsunade's eyes narrowed.
She had a feeling this one had come looking for her.
"Tsunade-sama, we need to talk."
Sasuke held out a scroll.
Tsunade scoffed. "And why should I listen to you, kid?"
Sasuke simply handed her the scroll.
Tsunade opened it—
Her smile disappeared.
Her expression turned deadly serious.