After letting out a sigh, Itachi's body began radiating senjutsu chakra, catching Jiraiya's attention.
Just as Gamabunta was about to take off, a massive red one-horned serpent's spectral image emerged from Itachi, coiling tightly around the giant toad.
Gamabunta's body, ready to launch into flight, was suspended mid-air like a kite caught in an invisible thread.
Itachi had made his move, stepping in to stop Jiraiya.
He didn't want Jiraiya to recklessly rush forward and lose his life in vain.
The Akatsuki's hideout wasn't far from here. If Jiraiya pursued at full speed, it would take less than an hour to catch up.
Konan, having resolved not to see Jiraiya, would undoubtedly flee at top speed.
By the time Jiraiya reached her, it would likely also be the moment he encountered Pain...
While Konan wasn't Jiraiya's match, Jiraiya was completely in the dark about the Akatsuki's inner workings. He was at risk of suffering a grave defeat—perhaps even dying that very night.
Especially in his current unstable state of mind.
---
"Red Moon, is it? Don't block my way—I have urgent matters to attend to!"
Jiraiya's expression darkened at Itachi's interference.
However, considering the possibility that this individual might be Orochimaru's disciple, he softened his tone slightly.
"Don't…"
Before he could finish, Itachi interrupted, clearly irritated that Jiraiya had mistaken his codename.
"Chasing after a girl like this? That's no way to win her over. Girls hate that sort of behavior."
Sensing Jiraiya was ready to take action, Itachi offered his advice in a calm tone, pretending to be oblivious to the situation.
He acted as though he didn't understand their history.
As though he hadn't heard anything just moments ago.
---
"Red Moon! I'm not chasing her—she's my disciple. I really do have important matters to address. Please, step aside," Jiraiya said, his tone serious as he explained.
The sight of Gamabunta's increasingly strained expression, his face turning a shade of purple, only heightened Jiraiya's sense of urgency.
The natural energy radiating from Itachi's body was proof that he had entered Sage Mode. His mastery of senjutsu was clearly superior to Jiraiya's own.
Even if he fought, Itachi's determination to hold him back would make getting through nearly impossible.
Resigned, Jiraiya tried explaining once more.
---
"Let it go. Forced love isn't sweet," Itachi said dismissively, clicking his tongue as if pondering something before letting it go with a cryptic comment.
With so many eyes on them, there wasn't much more to say.
Besides, Jiraiya wasn't the type to heed others' advice.
Words would accomplish nothing here.
This was a moment where strength could speak louder than anything.
Even persuading others with virtue required a foundation of power.
Itachi's red serpent spectral figure seemed to tighten its hold on Gamabunta, as though ready to crush the toad entirely. Jiraiya, alarmed, hastily released the summoning jutsu.
---
"Why can't I get through to you? She's my student! Do you understand that?"
Frustrated, Jiraiya snapped at Itachi, his temper flaring.
This kid was acting like an imbecile.
If it weren't for the sheer power of Itachi's Sage Mode, Jiraiya would have resorted to force to teach him a lesson in humility.
Konan's figure had already disappeared into the night, and Jiraiya had no plans to continue the chase.
He guessed she was still somewhere in the Land of Rain. After all, while she could escape him now, she couldn't escape forever.
At least now, Jiraiya's mind had settled somewhat.
---
"Oh, well, that's good. You two aren't suited for each other anyway."
Itachi dismissed Jiraiya's explanation, pretending not to take his words seriously.
"You…"
Jiraiya, infuriated by Itachi's feigned ignorance, nearly lost his cool.
This person was somehow more aggravating than Orochimaru.
"Ah, forget it. Let's find a place to have a drink," Itachi suggested nonchalantly, as though bored with the whole affair. He deactivated his Sage Mode, signaling his intention to de-escalate.
"Hm?"
Jiraiya, surprised by Itachi's sudden change in demeanor, gave him a long, probing look, sensing an underlying intention behind his actions.
However, his thoughts were soon interrupted.
Not far away, he spotted a familiar silhouette.
As for Shizune standing nearby, he dismissed her presence entirely.
"Tsunade... It's been a long time…"
The mischievous expression Itachi had imagined didn't appear. It seemed Jiraiya wasn't in a good mood after all.
Even seeing the woman he loved the most didn't stir any passion in him at this moment.
This revealed just how much Konan meant to him.
Or rather, how much the four disciples meant to him.
Kakashi followed quietly behind Jiraiya, as he still had things he wanted to discuss with him.
Itachi, meanwhile, found a tavern, ordered a table full of food and drink, and prepared to have a good meal with Jiraiya and the others.
But the next second, he froze in disbelief.
Seeing Kakashi reminded him that he, too, was wearing a mask. How on earth was he supposed to eat?!
"Blood Moon, what's your relationship with Orochimaru? Why are you looking for me this time?"
In the somewhat silent atmosphere, Tsunade's voice broke through with a puzzled question.
"Orochimaru? He's a friend of mine," Itachi replied.
Hearing Tsunade's question, Itachi got a straw from the bartender and took a sip of his drink.
...
"A friend? Where is Orochimaru now? And why did you stop me earlier?"
Jiraiya chimed in after hearing Itachi's response, his gaze shifting from Tsunade's face and... other features.
"Orochimaru's whereabouts are a secret. As for why I stopped you, it's because you wouldn't catch up to her anyway. Even if you did, it'd be pointless—there's a good chance you'd end up dead," Itachi said calmly, taking another sip from his drink through the straw.
Kakashi remained silent but imitated Itachi's actions, seemingly trying to learn from him—and perhaps even doing better than his teacher.
"What do you know? Why would you say that?"
Seeing that Itachi was unwilling to reveal Orochimaru's location, Jiraiya focused on his later statement and asked further questions.
Meanwhile, Tsunade was placing food on Shizune's plate and gnawing on a chicken leg herself, as if she hadn't eaten in ages.
...
"There are some things I'm not unwilling to tell you, but the timing isn't right yet."
After finishing his drink, Itachi stood up and said, "Jiraiya, you're too weak right now. There's nothing you can do. Even with the help of the two sages..."
"The bill's paid. Everything you want to know, I already know. When you feel strong enough, come find me again."
Itachi left, his parting words as arrogant as ever.
Jiraiya seemed to be deep in thought. When Itachi mentioned the two sages, it became clear that this Blood Moon knew far more than he initially appeared to.
He didn't seem to be speaking aimlessly.
Tsunade, still holding her chicken leg, looked at the dazed Jiraiya with narrowed eyes before reverting to a calm expression.
She no longer involved herself in matters of the ninja world.
Kakashi, on the other hand, was completely puzzled. He didn't understand much of what was said but chose not to ask further.
He wasn't particularly interested in these matters anyway.
...
Itachi didn't have much of an agenda in saying all this to Jiraiya.
Jiraiya was a character he liked. He didn't want Jiraiya to die.
It was as simple as that.
Without Jiraiya, the ninja world felt like it was missing something.
And since his stance didn't conflict with Jiraiya's, they wouldn't become enemies.
He was merely following his heart.
... read more inpatreon
belamy20