"Hey there, my friend, you look a little familiar~"
Naruto lightly tapped the person, discreetly leaving an inconspicuous Flying Thunder God seal on him.
He did this because he knew these two people.
Red clouds and black robes—this uniform was simply classic.
As soon as Naruto saw the iconic uniforms, he had a pretty good idea who these two were.
Rumor had it—or rather, according to intelligence from the pangolin mole inside the Akatsuki, Itachi Uchiha—that the duo of Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki from the Hidden Mist Village would appear in Konoha any day now.
Their purpose for this trip was to either capture him or check on his status as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
Upon seeing the uniforms, Naruto immediately knew their identities.
I mean, it's not like someone would cosplay in an obscure Akatsuki uniform and stroll into Konoha just for the experience, right?
Besides, the chakra emanating from these two proved they weren't just ordinary Akatsuki enthusiasts.
As soon as he saw the two of them sitting there, information about them flashed through Naruto's mind, and his eyes filled with curiosity.
He had seen Itachi Uchiha's face in Danzo's memories, but what did Kisame Hoshigaki look like?
I heard he has a strange and distinctive appearance.
This piqued his curiosity.
How strange can he be?
The pangolin didn't provide any specific details, only mentioning a tall, dark figure.
The newspaper image was so rough I couldn't make anything out!
Naruto glanced at the back of the figure in the uniform.
The person was indeed tall, about the same build as the old man Jiraiya, but Kisame Hoshigaki was completely wrapped up, his head covered by a straw hat, making it impossible to see his features.
What does he look like from the front?
Let me see!
Naruto leaned in, trying to get a good look at what Kisame Hoshigaki looked like.
At this moment, due to Naruto's sudden appearance, the already delicate atmosphere became a bit chilly.
Passersby even felt a slight coldness.
But Naruto seemed completely oblivious, continuing to peer in with curious nonchalance.
Sensing Naruto getting closer, the subtle confident smile on Kisame's face vanished instantly. He moved his hand slightly, and his arm involuntarily tensed up.
If we're discovered and have to fight in the center of Konoha... it will be a chaotic battle.
He had considered all possible scenarios.
The tension was at its peak!
Suddenly, a hand pressed down on Kisame's restless hands.
Kisame looked up and saw Itachi Uchiha slowly shaking his head with a slight movement.
At the same time, slap~
A hand landed on Naruto's shoulder, stopping his advance.
"Naruto," Kakashi said.
One hand on Naruto's shoulder, he gently shook his head. "Don't disturb the 'tourists' who are visiting Konoha!"
Kakashi emphasized the word 'tourists.'
The hand on Naruto's shoulder tightened, as if afraid Naruto would take another step and tear the veil of pretense.
Naruto, of course, understood his hint.
Not only that, even though Kakashi's voice sounded as calm as ever, the familiar Naruto could hear the urgency hidden within it.
That's right, Kakashi was panicking!
This was a busy area of Konoha. If this facade was broken...
Two S-rank rogue ninjas appearing in Konoha, with one of them being a Konoha-native S-rank rogue, would inevitably lead to an unavoidable battle.
Not to mention the potential casualties from a fight in a crowded area.
Just the fact that Itachi Uchiha was known to possess a Mangekyo Sharingan, just like Obito Uchiha, was something Kakashi could not accept.
It was well known that the Mangekyo Sharingan was a strong counter to, and could even completely subdue, Jinchuriki.
Furthermore, Kakashi knew from Jiraiya that an organization called Akatsuki was trying to collect tailed beasts.
And Itachi Uchiha was a member of that organization.
If Naruto was subdued or even captured by this traitor Itachi Uchiha's Mangekyo Sharingan...
Kakashi didn't dare to think about the consequences.
Even if the possibility was slim, Kakashi could not accept its mere existence.
"Huh?"
Naruto turned his head and saw the warning in Kakashi's eyes. He immediately suppressed his urge to cause trouble.
It was a shame he didn't get to see Kisame Hoshigaki's face.
No worries, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future.
Besides, Kakashi's warning was correct.
The appearance of these two was a bit sudden; they weren't originally in Naruto's script.
But since they're here, why not immediately give them a role?
As for accidents?
There will be no accidents!
Kisame Hoshigaki didn't matter; he had already been marked, and his fate was sealed.
As for Itachi Uchiha...
His identity was a bit complicated. Naruto wasn't sure of his stance at the moment.
Is he a friend or a foe?
In Danzo's memories, Itachi Uchiha was indeed extremely loyal to Konoha, to the point of being foolishly loyal. For the peace of the village, he didn't hesitate to wipe out his own clan and personally kill his parents, all to save his younger brother.
But after so many years, after years of calm reflection and wandering abroad, what was Itachi Uchiha's current stance?
Naruto really couldn't say.
If that's the case, then he would use this opportunity to test him.
And while he was at it, he would use Itachi to deal a blow to Sasuke.
Put some pressure on Sasuke!
Then, he, Naruto Uzumaki, would step in and put on a show for Sasuke!
Perfect!
Naruto chuckled. The big show was arranged. Now, he just had to get the actors on stage.
Understanding the growing intensity of the warning in Kakashi's eyes, Naruto knew it was time for his exit.
"Sorry, Kakashi-sensei, my hand just moved on its own."
As he spoke, Naruto turned and walked out of the dumpling shop.
"I have some things to do, so I'll be heading out."
As soon as he finished speaking, Naruto vanished into the crowd, moving very quickly.
"That kid..."
Looking at the vanishing Naruto, Kakashi was exasperated.
Even after all this time, he sometimes couldn't understand how Naruto's mind worked.
However, Kakashi's eyes instantly turned cold as he looked back into the shop.
Inside the dumpling shop, the two people who had been eating dumplings were long gone, their seats empty.
"This is troublesome!"
Kakashi sighed inwardly and immediately rushed in the direction he sensed the two had gone.
Although he knew he might not be able to defeat them, Akatsuki was an organization of S-rank rogue ninjas. Allowing such a presence to wander freely in Konoha would have unimaginable consequences.
I hope I run into some help along the way! Kakashi couldn't help but think.
At the same time, the considerate Naruto had already taken care of Kakashi-sensei's worries.
He had already found help for Kakashi.
"Hey, Guy-sensei, working out bright and early?"
Following his senses, Naruto quickly found Might Guy running on his hands.
"Yo, my boy! Want to join me and unleash the sweat of youth?"
Still walking on his hands, Might Guy even managed to maintain a one-handed handstand to give his signature thumbs-up and reveal his sparkling white teeth.
For some reason, seeing those bright white teeth gave Naruto an urge to create a toothpaste brand and hire him as the spokesperson.
The sales would be insane!
But first things first.
"I have to get to work soon, so I don't have time." Naruto muttered. He then lowered his voice and said, "But, I think I just heard Kakashi-sensei mumbling about wanting to challenge Guy-sensei to a duel."
"What?! A duel?"
Might Guy was overjoyed!
In all his years, this was the first time Kakashi had ever sought him out for a duel!
And it might even be the kind of duel where they were both utterly exhausted by the end!
He instantly leaped to his feet, every cell in his body burning!
"My eternal rival, Kakashi! Have you finally realized my strength and want to have a man-to-man duel with me?!"
"Excellent! Let this duel be a declaration of a man's honor!"
Might Guy's eyes were on fire as he looked at Naruto excitedly. "Quick, tell me where Kakashi is right now!"
"I think I saw him heading towards the river," Naruto scratched his head.
As soon as he pointed in the direction, whoosh!
A figure shot out like an arrow from a bow, leaving nothing but a trail of dust.
"Kakashi, I'm coming!"
Naruto: -_-||
Guy-sensei was a little too excited.
But with his strength, which I've seen in the arena, he should be able to handle Kisame and Itachi Uchiha in a full-power burst, right?
I hope they're smart enough not to cause trouble in Konoha and get in my way.
After all, it's not convenient for me to make a move!
As for the rest, there was one last protagonist to find!
Naruto sensed for a moment. "Found you!"
At the same time, Sasuke arrived at the dumpling shop but couldn't find Kakashi.
"Tch~"
He should have known. When was Kakashi-sensei ever on time?
Still, the headache I had on the way here is gone now, so that's good, Sasuke thought.
"Did you know? I think I just saw Itachi Uchiha! That traitor actually dared to come back!"
"What? Where did you see him?"
"Just now, on the street. I think he went towards the river."
Itachi Uchiha?
Hearing that name, Sasuke's head snapped around, but all he saw was a crowded street. He couldn't make out who had said that.
"The river?"
Gritting his teeth, Sasuke no longer cared about his promise to Kakashi and immediately set off.
I must... I must kill that guy!
The protagonist is on his way.
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