The trio around Fuu were at a loss for words to describe their shock.
She asked excitedly, "Your friend is amazing! Can I be friends with him?"
Kakashi was stunned for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Natsuki is easygoing. He'll probably agree to be your friend. He became this strong in the first place just to protect his friends."
"Really!? That's awesome!"
Fuu was jumping up and down, like a happy little bird.
Looking at her, Kakashi subconsciously thought of Naruto. Both Jinchuuriki, both optimistic and cheerful, and neither of them held any resentment toward the world—something truly rare. The leader of Takigakure must be a good person.
Meanwhile, the Susanoo giant was starting to fall apart from the relentless pounding by the stone giant and constant obstruction by the Kraken. Its entire body was covered in cracks, looking like it could shatter any second.
It wasn't that Itachi couldn't continue supplying ocular power, but he knew it was pointless. His Susanoo was being brutally smashed by the stone giant and the giant octopus together. Maintaining it any longer would only waste chakra.
So, gritting his teeth, he canceled Susanoo.
Then, his Mangekyou Sharingan widened as he locked his right eye onto Natsuki. "Amaterasu (Heavenly Illumination)!"
Fwoosh! Fwoosh! Fwoosh!
Black flames engulfed Natsuki—but he didn't panic in the slightest.
Another Natsuki appeared from atop the stone giant's head, holding an opened scroll which he placed on the ground. He slapped his hands together and performed a sealing jutsu: "Fuuja Houin (Evil Sealing Method)!"
Under the force of the sealing power, the black flames were sucked into the sealing formula.
As for the Natsuki who had been burning all this time? That was just a stone clone.
Itachi's face looked grim. He hadn't expected Natsuki to anticipate his move, wasting his ocular power for nothing. He considered using Amaterasu again, but seeing Natsuki's half-smiling face, he forced himself to stop.
Who's to say this one wasn't another stone clone?
Another attack would be pointless!
He said, "Kisame, looks like we can't complete the mission. Let's withdraw."
Kisame nodded silently. "Got it. Retreat!"
Without hesitation, the two of them vanished from sight.
Natsuki and the others had no intention of giving chase. After a while, confirming they were truly gone, they finally relaxed.
Natsuki dismissed both the stone giant and the Kraken. Just as he landed, Fuu excitedly grabbed his hand, startling him so much that he quickly pulled it back and stopped her from getting any closer.
Fuu looked hurt. "I just wanted to be friends… is that not okay?"
Natsuki quickly replied, "We can be friends. Just please don't be so touchy. I have a girlfriend and I don't want any misunderstandings."
Fuu blinked in realization. "Ah, I see! I was too rash. Sorry, sorry!"
She tapped her head and stuck out her tongue, looking mischievous and cute—it was hard to dislike her. If not for her being a Jinchuuriki, she probably would've had many friends already.
Fuu smiled and said, "Thank you all for saving me! I should introduce myself. I'm Fuu, and my goal is to make a hundred friends. Natsuki is already my friend—what about you two? Want to be my friends too? What are your names?"
Kakashi scratched his head. "I'm Hatake Kakashi. Friends? Sure, why not."
Sasuke, just now recovering from the intense battle, remembered Fuu's identity as a Jinchuuriki. He figured Itachi or other Akatsuki members would come after her again, so he nodded. "I'm Uchiha Sasuke."
"Yay! I've made three more friends!"
Fuu leaped into the air with joy.
Seeing her like that lifted everyone's spirits.
The two Takigakure ninja who had been protecting her also expressed their gratitude, though their injuries were too severe to continue the journey easily.
Just then, Natsuki said, "Those two earlier were from a rogue ninja organization called Akatsuki. They're hunting Jinchuuriki all over. Even the major villages are on high alert. Now that Fuu's identity is exposed, they might come directly to Takigakure. You've seen their strength yourselves—if they attack, your village won't be safe. I suggest you start preparing early."
This...
The two Takigakure shinobi looked troubled.
This was already far beyond what they could handle.
After thinking for a moment, Fuu volunteered, "I can fly using my Tailed Beast's power. I'll go back to Takigakure first and speak with Shibuki. He'll know what to do."
Shibuki was the leader of Takigakure, and Fuu trusted him like family. At this point, he was the only one she could turn to.
She also worried her return might bring danger to the village—but if that was the case, she'd rather be captured herself than bring disaster upon them.
Kakashi, kind-hearted as always, stepped up. "We'll escort you back. There's always a chance the Akatsuki might try something again on the way."
Fuu was moved. "Thank you so much! You're all lifesavers!"
Kakashi just smiled and said nothing.
Suddenly, a note appeared out of thin air. Natsuki quickly caught it and read it, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
Sasuke peeked at the note and smirked. "Heh… The Akatsuki really don't let up. They've launched an attack on Naruto's group! Natsuki, take me with you—I've still got some fire I need to vent!"
"Tenten's sent a message?" Kakashi leaned over to take a look and immediately frowned. "Akatsuki attack? A golden single ponytail and puppets? That's Deidara and Sasori, isn't it?"
Natsuki didn't answer. Instead, he bit his thumb, quickly formed hand seals, and slammed his palm onto the ground. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Technique)!"
Boom! A giant eagle appeared.
Natsuki said, "Kakashi-senpai, you take Fuu and the others back to Takigakure on the eagle. Sasuke and I will head to the battlefield."
Kakashi nodded. "Go. With you there, I feel a little more at ease."
Natsuki waved to Fuu, then placed his palm on Sasuke's shoulder, and whoosh—they vanished.
Fuu was still waving goodbye when her eyes widened.
"Eh!? Natsuki and Sasuke disappeared?!"
"Yeah! They just traveled thousands of miles in an instant!"
A little earlier—
While Fuu and the others were confronting Itachi and Kisame, the Konoha squad encountered Deidara and Sasori.
The two stood in plain sight, making it impossible to miss them.
Naruto recognized the Akatsuki cloaks immediately and halted the group. "Stop! Everyone stop! Those two are dangerous!"
The others were puzzled but obediently paused, curious about the threat. After all, they had dozens of people, including both examinees and proctors.
Even if the examinees couldn't handle it, surely the proctors could?
Tenten immediately summoned her Dragon Eye Telescopic Blade and Infinite Aperture Armor. Dual-wielding the Lightning Blades – Fang, she shouted, "Shino! Neji! Shikamaru! These two are from Akatsuki! They're strong—don't take them lightly!"
Akatsuki? Many had never heard of them.
But Shino, Neji, and Shikamaru knew plenty of hidden intel. They glanced at Naruto and became extremely cautious.
(End of Chapter)
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