31 Itachi
The greeting landed like a stone dropped into still water.
Naruto's stride slowed first. Kakashi stopped an instant later, his visible eye sharpening as he took in the figure standing calmly in the clearing ahead. The forest seemed to quiet around them, even the wind holding its breath.
"Long time no see, Naruto-kun. Kakashi-senpai."
The man stood with an easy posture, hands relaxed at his sides, black cloak marked with red clouds hanging open just enough to show the mesh armor beneath. A straw hat shadowed his face, but the voice was unmistakable.
Naruto's jaw tightened.
"So," Naruto said, voice steady but cold, "you finally decided to show your face."
Itachi Uchiha lifted his head slightly, red Sharingan eyes glinting beneath the brim. "I was hoping we could talk."
Kakashi stepped half a pace forward, subtly placing himself between Naruto and Itachi. "Funny place for a reunion. River Country isn't exactly a sightseeing spot."
Behind them, Shizune stiffened, already channeling chakra into her hands. Chiyo's eyes narrowed, sharp and calculating, taking in every detail of Itachi's stance.
"You're one of them," Chiyo muttered. "Akatsuki."
Itachi inclined his head, almost polite. "That is correct."
Naruto's hand drifted toward his wrist seal without him even thinking about it. The air around him felt heavier, chakra pressing against his skin like a warning.
"Where's Gaara?" Naruto asked.
Itachi didn't answer immediately. His gaze flicked to Naruto, then away, as if weighing something invisible. "Alive. For now."
That single phrase hit like a punch.
Kakashi's chakra spiked. "That's not good enough."
Before anyone could move, another presence slid into the clearing, footsteps slow and deliberate. A tall man with blue skin, gills flaring slightly as he grinned wide enough to show rows of sharp teeth. Same cloak. Same red clouds.
"Well, well," Kisame said cheerfully, resting Samehada against his shoulder. "Looks like we caught something big. The Nine-Tails himself."
Naruto felt Kurama stir, a low growl echoing through his chest.
Told you, brat. They smell trouble like sharks smell blood.
Chiyo clicked her tongue. "Two Akatsuki members. This keeps getting better."
Itachi raised a hand slightly, palm outward, stopping Kisame. "Not here. Not yet."
Kisame raised an eyebrow. "You getting sentimental again, Itachi?"
"This is not the place," Itachi replied calmly. "And they are not our objective right now."
Naruto took a step forward despite Kakashi's warning glance. "You're blocking our path. Move."
For a moment, Itachi just looked at him. Not as an enemy. Not even as prey. Something unreadable passed through his eyes.
"The path ahead leads to death," Itachi said. "Turn back."
Naruto let out a short, humorless laugh. "You really think I'd do that?"
"I know you won't," Itachi replied. "That is why I'm saying it."
The tension snapped.
Kisame shifted his grip, Samehada whining eagerly. Kakashi's Sharingan spun fully open. Shizune lowered into a combat stance, chakra flaring around her fists. Chiyo's fingers twitched, puppet seals ready.
Naruto felt it then. The familiar heat. The surge.
"Then step aside," Naruto said, voice hard as steel. "Or I'll make you."
Itachi met his gaze one last time.
"So be it."
The forest exploded into motion.
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