By the creek in the eastern sector of Konoha.
Two figures appeared, their faces hidden beneath wide hats.
A mysterious man, his features completely concealed, stood silently.
Kenya and Kakashi flickered into view, using Body Flicker to intercept them from opposite sides.
"Wait."
Kakashi narrowed his eyes, his hand hovering near his pouch. "Sorry, I don't recall seeing either of you in Konoha. May I see your pass?"
Kenya, standing in front, didn't answer. Instead, he smiled faintly, his gaze fixed on the shorter of the two.
"I didn't expect this… I thought there were few things left in this world that could surprise me."
The man slowly lifted his hat, revealing a pair of scarlet eyes—the three-tomoe Sharingan, identical to Kenya's.
Kakashi's pupils contracted sharply. His voice trembled as he gritted his teeth.
"Uchiha Itachi!"
He knew the truth of the Uchiha massacre better than most. He could already guess why Itachi appeared here, but this truth was something that could never be made public. If the villagers knew, it would shatter the image of the Third Hokage and the council who governed Konoha.
There had never been evidence—only suspicion—and yet an entire clan had been driven to ruin. Even worse, one of their own had been forced to slaughter them, sparing only a child as part of the deal.
"Even though you know who I am, you don't intend to kill me?"
Itachi's gaze slid briefly toward Kakashi before his Sharingan glimmered faintly.
"What happened?"
Kenya chuckled. "The truth of what you did back then—I made full use of it. For that, I ought to thank you."
Itachi frowned. In Akatsuki, he had only heard rumors: Sarutobi Hiruzen's death, the fall of Sunagakure's second-in-command, and the revelation that Aizen's true identity was none other than Uchiha Kenya—the man believed to have died four years ago.
Kenya had volunteered to investigate the Nine Tails' intelligence, knowing exactly how to bypass Konoha's barrier system. Pain hadn't thought much of it and approved.
But the secret negotiations between Konoha and Sunagakure… those remained outside of Itachi's knowledge.
"So the truth… in other words, the events of that night have been exposed?" Itachi thought grimly. He looked directly at Kenya, eyes calm, his voice steady. "It seems you haven't been idle. You've set much into motion."
"Mutual effort," Kenya said with a faint smile. "But don't misunderstand—the thanks I gave just now were genuine. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have risen to where I am today."
At those words, Itachi's expression hardened.
Before either could continue, the taller figure at Itachi's side removed his hat, revealing a shark-like grin, sharp fangs gleaming in the light.
"Ninja really are something else," he said with a smirk.
Kakashi's eyes widened in recognition. "Hoshigaki Kisame… one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist."
"Hah? Copy Ninja Kakashi…" Kisame sneered. "I heard you fought Zabuza. That must've been interesting. Care for a real match?"
Kenya chuckled, his tone almost playful. "This is getting entertaining. How about this—Kakashi and Kisame, you two go elsewhere. Itachi and I… we have old matters to discuss. After all, not many in this world bear these eyes."
Itachi's heart tightened. Kenya had always supported the Uchiha coup, while Itachi had opposed it. Their relationship had been cold, strained—passing each other without words, only with silence.
But now, the Kenya before him felt utterly different—changed, dangerous.
Kisame grinned at Kenya's suggestion. "Fine. I'll let you two reminisce, Mr. Itachi."
With that, Samehada swung out in a brutal arc toward Kakashi.
Clang!
Kakashi barely blocked in time with a kunai, sparks flying. The impact launched him into the river. Kisame immediately leapt after him, grinning with bloodlust.
On the shore, only two Uchiha remained, their Sharingan locking together.
"What are you planning?" Itachi's voice was low and cold.
"Sasuke doesn't know the truth," Kenya said, the corner of his lips curving slightly. "And Konoha's leaders don't intend to tell him. If he learns it, his hatred will no longer be directed at you… but at Konoha itself."
At the mention of Sasuke, a flicker of emotion stirred in Itachi's eyes, though he tried to suppress it. Kenya noticed.
"What are you after?" Itachi's tone sharpened.
His plan had always been simple: let Sasuke grow stronger, kill him, and become Konoha's hero. The truth was unnecessary—Sasuke could live a life free of the clan's stain, and Uchiha would remain a name of honor, not betrayal.
"Don't mistake me, Itachi," Kenya said coolly. "I don't intend to interfere with Sasuke. He'll come for you as you expect. But what happens after… that's another story."
Itachi's frown deepened, his jaw tightening. "You're too dangerous."
Kenya's smile widened. "I don't need to hear that from the man who killed my parents."
Two gazes—one dark and heavy, the other calm and mocking—clashed like opposing sides of a coin.
And then, in unison, their eyes flared with overwhelming power.
Itachi's Sharingan spun, transforming into a Mangekyō, its shape sharp and deadly.
Kenya's, however, remained the same—three tomoe, unchanging.
"No Mangekyō?" Itachi said flatly. "So you intend to fight me with only that?"
Kenya's scornful smile remained as he slowly drew the blade at his waist—Kyōka Suigetsu.