Alright obviously I owe you readers a huge thank you for helping this story reach over 1000 reviews! I feel like this story has truly gone beyond what I've hoped for, so I'm elated. Anyway that's my two cents on the matter, so how about we get on with the chapter?
Chapter 38: Itachi's Return
"Tsunade of the Sannin?" Hinata muttered. "What could our mission have to do with one of her legend?"
Sarutobi laced his fingers together and stared at the three Chunin in front of him evenly. "She actually has everything to do with your mission." Sarutobi answered while opening up his drawer and retrieving two photos out of the compartment and setting them on his desk.
Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata stared at the photos for a moment before Sasuke opened his mouth to speak.
"I was aware that Tsunade was the former teammate of both Jiraiya and Orochimaru." Sasuke noted while staring at the pictures before him. "But neither of the women in these photos are of the proper age for that fact to be true." Sssuke concluded.
"Very observant Sasuke." Sarutobi offered. "Besides the fact that these pictures are quite dated, I suspect that Tsunade still appears to look this way."
"But how could something of the sort be possible?" Naruto cut in while staring at the two young women in the pictures.
"Tsunade is well known for her medical prowess, and cell manipulation is well within her knowledge." Sarutobi explained to the now flabbergasted trio.
"You mean Tsunade-sama actually forces this appearance upon herself?" Hinata questioned.
Sarutobi simply nodded, while grabbing one of the photos. "The blond one in this photo is Tsunade herself." Sarutobi stated before grabbing the next picture. "This woman you see here is her apprentice and best friend Shizune."
Naruto adjusted his shades. "So these are the women you wish us to retrieve?"
"That is correct." Sarutobi confirmed. "She's been out of the village for a good ten years now, and it's time she returned to her home."
"Obviously there must be some forms of complication here." Naruto investigated. "How can one be allowed to leave for such an extended amount of time without repercussions?"
Sarutobi sighed before he began to explain. "Tsunade is somewhat of a complicated case. She's suffered many unfortunate dilemmas throughout her life here in the leaf. I felt I was obligated to give her the time she needed to grieve and sort things out on her own." Sarutobi stated while observing each of their reactions before continuing. "I guess my decision in doing so was not very wise considering her general distaste for the village seems to have only grown in her time of absence."
"If that's the case what happens if she refuses to come along willingly." Sasuke pried asking the question that was on each of their minds.
Sarutobi took a deep drag of his pipe before he went to shuffling around inside his desk and pulling out an envelope. "I'm sure she'll refuse, but make sure you express the importance that she read what I have written inside of this envelope."
"I assume that Tsunade's return is an order and not a request then?" Naruto noted as he observed the envelope he had taken out of Sarutobi's hand before placing it inside a deep pocket located on his trench coat.
Sarutobi nodded. "I fully expect her to be greatly angered with me for forcing her return. Regardless of that fact she's still an enlisted Shinobi under my authority and she will not disobey a direct order." Sarutobi confirmed.
"I understand that, but what if things aren't as you predicted and Tsunade refuses to accompany us?" Naruto questioned.
"Yes it's not as if we can force Tsunade-sama to return with us if she chooses not to." Hinata piped in letting her opinion on the matter be known.
Sarutobi blew out a steady stream of smoke as his eyes shifted from each Chunin in front of him. "If that is the case I want you to send word to me of this, through one of Naruto's summons." Sarutobi explained. "I'll send someone capable of bringing her back to assist you in your mission." Sarutobi concluded as he pulled out a folder and handed it off to Hinata.
Hinata stared at the folder questionably before Sarutobi started to explain.
"Inside that envelope is all the information you'll need on Tsunade to help you locate her." Sarutobi confirmed. "This mission will be classified as a B-rank, personally ordered by myself. Naruto you'll be the leading officer in this mission, you have one month to complete your assignment. If you haven't completed it by then you are to return regardless of the situation, is that understood?" Sarutobi finished.
"Hai" All three Chunin chorused in unison.
"Very well, you're to leave as soon as you've made preparations for the mission." Sarutobi concluded.
Naruto, Hinata, and Sasuke bowed their respects before exiting out of the Hokage's office.
Once they exited Naruto turned his attention to his two comrades. "May I see that envelope?" Naruto questioned Hinata whom gingerly handed it to him upon his request. Scanning over the key points on the documentation in his hands Naruto turned his attention back to Sasuke and Hinata.
"You have thirty minutes to prepare your gear and meet me back at the south gate where we'll depart." Naruto commanded before disappearing in a swirl of leaves.
"It's like he's been taking charge for years." Sasuke noted before he too disappeared in a swirl of leaves.
Hinata sighed as she thought about how far the Hyuuga compound was away from her current position. "I'll have to remember to get Naruto-kun to teach me how to do that." Hinata summarized before taking off in the direction of her compound.
(Fifteen minutes later)
Naruto had just stuffed the remaining bits of his gear into his rucksack. "That should do it." Naruto confirmed as he slung the bag over his shoulder.
"Man you're so lucky." Fu grumbled from her spot on Naruto's bed. "Why wasn't I asked to go along with this mission, I mean I'm a Chunin too!?"
"I'm sure Hokage-sama assigned this particular team with a purpose." Haku tried to reason. "Maybe you're skill set just wasn't what was required for this mission?"
"Haku-san's most likely right." Naruto added. "And no offense but I'm really looking forward to working with Hinata-chan and Sasuke. Its been ages since me and Hinata-chan have worked together, and Sasuke and I have never had the opportunity to begin with." Naruto explained.
"I still don't see how you and Sasuke got so tight all of a sudden." Fu stated. "I mean just what the hell sparked the change in him?"
"Well I hardly consider me and Sasuke tight as you put it, but even the worse of us can change our ways if only given the opportunity." Naruto confirmed.
"I don't believe Sasuke-san was that bad of a person to begin with." Haku piped in. "He may have been in need of an attitude adjustment, but it isn't as though he was an evil person."
"My sentiments exactly Haku-san." Naruto confirmed. "Well I can't keep the group waiting after I've given them orders to be on time, so it's best I head out."
Haku and Fu nodded their understanding.
"You two take care of yourselves until I get back, and tell Anko-sensei see yah for me would you?" Naruto concluded before clasping his hands together.
"Yeah just make sure you don't die out there." Fu warned. "Or Anko-sensei will probably kill you for it."
"That hardly makes any since Fu-san" Haku cut in.
Fu shrugged "Well you get the point." Fu finished and Naruto simply nodded his head.
"I guess I'll be seeing you guys in a couple of weeks then." Naruto proclaimed as he disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
When Naruto arrived at the south gate, he found Sasuke was already waiting there with his gear strapped to his back. "Good looks like we only need to wait for Hinata-chan to get here then we can move out." Naruto stated to Sasuke.
Sasuke nodded his head in understanding at Naruto's proclamation.
A few minutes later Hinata had finally come bounding up to Naruto and Sasuke a bit winded from traversing such a distance.
Naruto stared at her sympathetically. "Sorry Hinata-chan it slipped my mind that you don't know the Shunshin Jutsu. Had I recalled it I would have given you more time to prepare your things." Naruto confirmed.
"It's fine Naurto-kun" Hinata assured him.
Naruto nodded as he adjusted his glasses. "Alright the first place were heading to is Otafuku town." Naruto explained. "It's located approximately twelve kilometers from Konoha and should be a nice place to begin our search for Tsunade." Naruto finished.
"Why there?" Sasuke asked bluntly.
"The information we were given on Tsunade says she's an avid gambler. Otafuku has many gambling houses and venues, so I figure even if she isn't there someone may have at least seen her." Naruto explained as he turned his eyes on the forest that lied ahead. "Let's get going." Naruto commanded as he Sasuke, and Hinata took to the trees.
(Two Hours Later)
"Damn it why'd you have to drag me along to pick up dango for Anko-sensei?" Fu stated with an irritated expression on her face. "I'd planned to do some training with Shino-kun today."
"Sorry" Haku offered innocently. "It's just doing chores such as this are quite dull without company." Haku concluded with a bright smile.
"With your speed you could have completed this task and been done with it already." Fu accused.
"I don't believe everything needs to be completed in such haste." Haku countered.
"I agree, just mediocre chores like this should be completed as fast as possible." Fu stated only promoting a sigh from Haku in return. "Anyway there's the sho…" Fu stopped mid sentence considering something had caught her attention. "Actually this isn't the shop Sensei wanted her dango from." Fu proclaimed as she ushered Haku past the shop.
"What was the meaning of that?" Haku whispered quietly to Fu once they had passed the shop.
Fu narrowed her eyes, as she spoke in a serious tone. "There were two men in that shop wearing the same outfits as those two guys that attacked me and Naruto-nii back in waterfall village." Fu explained.
"Are you sure?" Haku questioned carefully.
Fu nodded her head. "Black cloaks and red clouds aren't hard to forget." Fu stated tightly.
"How should we approach this?" Haku questioned equally as serious as Fu.
"We need to alert someone, like Anko-sensei." Fu suggested.
"That won't be necessary." A new voice cut in from behind them.
Both girls turned around only to be faced with both cloaked figures whose faces were shadowed by their large straw hats.
"You're just the two people we have been looking for." The shorter of the two spoke in a chillingly cool tone. "So please do not try and resist, and come with us quietly."
'Damn I didn't even sense these guys sneak up on us.' Fu thought nervously. 'They could have just killed us and been on their way, how the hell can we compete with that!?'
Haku was deep in thought as she assessed their situation. 'These two are obviously highly skilled, to suppress their approach so flawlessly. Even if we tried to escape them in this crowd we most likely would fail in our attempt considering how skilled they are. Frankly our only option may just well be to follow them and hope someone else notices these two obviously don't belong here.'
Not giving Fu the chance to try something reckless Haku answered for them. "Very well we will accompany you without a fight."
Fu looked at Haku as though she grew another head.
"A wise decision on your part." The shorter man stated as he ushered them to follow his lead.
"Are you fucking nuts?" Fu whispered tightly to Haku although she was sure the two could most likely hear her.
Haku didn't answer but focused her mind onto concentrating on a technique she'd been working on. 'Feel the chakra mold the chakra' Haku mentally thought as they traveled escorted by the two cloaked figures.
Fu began to look increasingly nervous as they exited out of the safety of the village. 'Shit what the hell is going through Haku's mind to let us get this far away from the village. We were better off just attacking them while we had the chance!'
"Your corporation is most appreciated" The shorter man spoke once again. "Now if you could, you wouldn't mind telling us where Naruto-kun is currently located would you?"
Fu debated on telling the two to shove it but Haku had other plans.
In a blink of an eye Haku had turned to face the two men and shouted. "Water style: Violent Water Wave!" A blast of concentrated water shot from Haku's mouth and barreled towards the two men.
Their eyes slightly widened underneath the shade of their hats 'A seal less Jutsu.' They both thought before the taller of the two men griped the hilt of the bandaged contraption strapped to his back. Swiftly pulling it off he blocked the incoming water stream with little difficultly.
Not wasting anytime Fu was already flying through hand seals. "Lighting Style: Lighting Pulse!" Fu's body became engulfed in electricity and she shot towards the shorter man with blinding speed. Driving her fist as hard as she could she buried it into the man's gut.
The man let out a low grunt before dispersing into a flock of crows.
"What the hell!" Fu muttered as a heavy pressure connected with the side of her face sending her skidding painfully across the ground.
"Fu-san!" Haku shouted as she dodged an overhead swing from the tall man. His bandaged weapon dug deep into the ground as Haku narrowly avoided it. Clasping her hands together Haku shouted. "Ice style: Sheer Cold!" A blast of icy water shot form Haku's mouth and connected with the bandaged weapon freezing it to the ground.
The tall man chuckled. "Hehe well I'll be, if it isn't the apprentice of my old comrade Zabuza."
Haku's eyes slightly widened as she leapt back to put in some distance. "You know of Zabuza-sama?"
"I know it's been a long time." The man chortled, as he yanked his bandaged weapon out of the ice it was frozen in. "But it's really rude to forget an acquaintance." He added as he removed his hat from his head revealing blue tinted skin, filed down teeth, and a mist headband with a slash running through the middle of it.
Haku's eyes widened. "Kisame Hoshigaki." Haku muttered. "One of the seven swords men of Mist."
"Hehe, so you haven't forgotten me then?" Kisame chuckled out. "Truly I'm honored."
"Of course, how can one forget someone as vile and cruel as you?" Haku spat as she eyed the sword in Kisame's grip. "It's only fitting that you would have been given the most atrocious of all seven swords, Samehada."
"Hehe" Kisame snickered as he positioned Samehada on his shoulder. "So tell me, how did you, an apprentice of a rouge ninja like Zabuza end up here in the leaf village? I'd think you'd be a bit bitter considering it was the leaf's fault that Zabuza's dead."
"You don't understand the circumstances, and I have no intentions in explaining them to you." Haku confirmed as she reached into her sash and pulled out a hand full of senbon.
"That's enough Kisame" The last cloaked figure cut in as he came walking up to Kisame's side. "We don't have the time to play around, for Konoha's forces will surely come with the commotion we've already caused."
"Were already here." A new voice interrupted as Kakashi landed smoothly in front of Haku and eyed Kisame and his partner.
Fu rubbed her aching cheek as Anko helped her to a standing position. "Thanks Sensei" Fu offered while turning her attention back to the proceedings.
Asuma, and Kurenai soon appeared on either sides of Kakashi.
The cloaked man tilted his hat somewhat. "It's been a long time Kakashi-senpai, Asuma-san, Kurenai-san."
"That way you speak as though you know us, I'm to assume you were originally from this village then?" Kakashi interrogated.
"Indeed." He answered simply as he unbuttoned his cloak somewhat and removed his straw hat.
Kakashi's one visible eye widened in surprise. "So it's you… Itachi Uchiha."
Asuma's cigarette nearly fell from his mouth. "You've got a lot of guts to show your face here after what you've done."
Itachi's face showed no sign that he was affected by Asuma's words.
Meanwhile Fu and Haku both had quirked eyebrows.
"Itachi Uchiha? But I thought Sasuke was the only Uchiha alive." Fu stated to Anko.
Anko narrowed her eyes as she sized up Itachi. "Sasuke's the only Uchiha left in our village, and it's all do to that gaki in front of us." Anko explained. "He single handedly murdered his entire clan but left one alive, his own kid brother."
Haku's eyes widened "You mean to say this man is Sasuke-san's brother?"
"That's right." Kakashi confirmed as he removed his headband from over his concealed eye revealing his hidden Sharingan. "He's incredibly skilled, so you two stay out of this and leave it to the adults." Kakashi commanded.
"Are you looking to take me on Kakashi?" Itachi questioned calmly. "You know as well as I do that your efforts would prove futile.
"Don't be so arrogant you little punk." Kurenai piped in. "As skilled as you are, we have numbers on our side."
Itachi turned his attention to Kurenai and stared at her with his all ready active Sharingan. "Tell me do you believe that four Genin could best two Jonin?"
"What are you trying to say?" Kurenai returned.
"That you're so outclassed it would be as if you are mere Genin in comparison to our own strength." Itachi replied with no doubt in his proclamation.
"Bull shit!" Anko piped in. "We get it you're strong, but we aren't that weak either!"
"I don't mean to belittle your skills Anko-san, I only speak the truth." Itachi explained casually.
"Cut the crap Itachi." Anko spat. "Judging by that outfit, it looks like you joined that group of rejects that are after the tailed beast."
"She's a toothy one." Kisame added in as he pointed Samehada towards Anko. "You're the one that had it out with Zabzua right?"
"What if I am?" Anko returned.
"Hehe, then I'd love to see the power that bested little Zabuza-chan with my own eyes." Kisame challenged.
"Well come and get it then!" Anko fired back as she outstretched her hands towards Kisame. "Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!" A barrage of snakes fired from Anko's sleeves and barreled towards Kisame.
Kisame grinned a wide toothy grin as he pulled up Samehada and slashed it downwards shredding the incoming snakes easily. "Too easy!" Kisame goaded as he slammed Samehada down and flipped through some hand seals. "Water style: Rising Water Slicer." Kisame shouted.
A jet of water sprang from the ground and traveled like a sharks' fin on the surface of the water towards Anko.
"Damn" Kakashi muttered as he made to charge in to assist Anko but was cut off by Itachi.
"Your fight will be with me." Itachi stated as he delivered a swift kick towards Kakashi's head.
Kakashi brought up his forearm to block the blow but was still sent skidding back from the blunt force of Itachi's kick.
Meanwhile Fu was already reaching into her bag. Whipping out a scroll from it she spread it flat across the ground and slammed her palm onto it. "Summoning Iron Wall!" Fu shouted as a cloud of smoke appeared and a steel wall a good ten feet tall stood in its place.
The jet of water hit the steel wall with heavy pressure but the wall didn't budge.
Kisame grinned "Not bad, but try this own…" Kisame shouted but was intercepted as Asuma tried to decapitate Kisame with his trench knives, only to have them blocked by Samehada who had moved on it's own to defend it's master.
"What the hell" Asuma grunted as he battled with the sword that had a life of its own.
"Hehe sorry, but Samehada isn't a fan of sneak attacks." Kisame stated as he drove his fist into Asuma's gut sending the bearded Jonin flying.
"Now where was I…" Kisame began only to stop when he took sight of the tiger made completely of fire charging towards him.
Anko grinned as she watched her Jutsu sprint towards Kisame.
"I'll shred this thing to ribbons!" Kisame shouted while grabbing Samehada by the hilt and bringing it straight onto the tiger.
"I wouldn't have done that." Anko stated as the tiger literally exploded point blank in Kisame's face.
Kisame's eyes widened as he was engulfed in an explosion of fire.
Itachi looked in his partner's direction for a brief second but it was enough time for Kurenai to ensnare him within a Genjutsu.
Itachi had a bored expression on his face as a tree began to grow around his body trapping him into it.
"It's over." Kurenai's voice echoed as she emerged from within the tree and positioned her kunai to strike Itachi.
"This level of Genjutsu will have no effect on me." Itachi proclaimed and Kurenai suddenly found herself ensnared within the tree with Itachi looking straight at her.
'Shit a counter Jutsu' Kurenai thought as she bit down on her lip drawing blood to dispel the Genjutsu.
She came to just in time to dodge under a swipe of Itachi's kunai. Unfortunately she wasn't fast enough to evade his follow up kick and was sent hurdling towards the nearby stream.
Haku quickly leapt and caught Kurenai while simultaneously firing small ice needles from her mouth towards Itachi.
Itachi skillfully parried the incoming needles, before returning his attention back to Kakashi who'd tried to plunge a Chidori though his back. Itachi easily caught Kakashi by the wrist.
"You're Jutsu is remarkable, but you lack the speed to Kill me" A voice sounded from behind Kakashi.
Kakashi's eyes widened. 'A shadow clone, the speed at which he uses Jutsu is unreal.' Kakashi thought as the Itachi behind him drove his Kunai into his back.
Kakashi grimaced before collapsing into a puddle of water.
'Water clone' Itachi summarized as he felt something latch on to his ankle.
"Earth style: Head Hunter Jutsu!" Kakashi shouted and both Itachi's were dragged into the ground to head level.
Kakashi and a clone sprang from the ground and eyed the two Itachi's they had trapped to their necks. "It's over Itachi." Kakashi proclaimed.
"I expected more from you Kakashi-senpai." One of the Itachi's stated.
Kakashi eyebrows rose as he dived out of the way just as both Itachi's exploded with tremendous force rocking the foundation they were standing on.
When the dust settled Both Itachi and Kisame were standing on the water Kisame was grinning fiercely while Itachi had an unreadable expression on his face.
"I warned you, you were fighting a hopeless battle yet you refused to listen." Itachi explained while observing each of their flabbergasted expressions.
"Damn these two." Anko spat with a frustrated look displayed on her face.
"Their certainly more skilled then I gave them credit for." Asuma added in.
"I grow tired of this meaningless confrontation I'll end it now." Itachi proclaimed as his Sharingan began to spin.
Kakashi's eyes widened once again. "Quick everyone close your eyes!"
Everyone instantly did what they were told, apart from Kakashi who left his one Sharingan eye open.
(Elsewhere)
Sasuke and Hinata traversed the bustling streets of Otafuku city. They were currently charged with visiting any gambling houses to ask on the whereabouts of Tsunade. Naruto for his part was securing them a hotel room figuring they would spend at least one full day in Otafuku.
As they walked a sleazy looking vendor beaconed them over. "Hey kids why don't you try your luck at my station?" The man questioned as he dropped a ball on the table and placed a cup over it. "It's simple enough just try to remember where the ball is." He explained while adding four more cups into the mix.
"Not interested." Sasuke replied tightly as he made to walk away but Hinata grabbed him by the arm.
"Wait, we may be able to get information from this man if we win." Hinata reasoned.
Sasuke sighed as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. "These kind of guys are nothing but cheats, we may never win." Sasuke countered.
"But you're forgetting your eyes." Hinata explained. "With your eyes tracking the ball will be simple."
"Fine" Sasuke agreed as he walked back up to the vendor. "We'll play your game, but instead of a cash wining we want information."
"Sure sure anything you want kid." The man agreed as he outstretched his hand. "By the way there's a fifty ryou entrance fee."
"That hardly sounds reasonable." Hinata piped in.
"Take it or leave it kid." The man retorted.
Sasuke rolled his eyes before digging in his pockets and slapping the money onto the table. "Let's begin." Sasuke commanded as his eyes turned crimson but the vendor hadn't noticed.
The vendor chuckled as he lifted the cup to show the ball was there. "Just so you know the ball is really here." The man stated before placing the cup back over the ball.
The vendor began to shuffle the cups around at a surprising speed but Sasuke was easily able to follow. After a solid minute of this the man stopped rotating the cups and eyed Sasuke. "So what cup is it in?" The man questioned casually.
"It's in your lap." Sasuke answered with a smirk.
"What was that?" The man returned with a raised eyebrow.
"I said the ball is in your lap, you damn cheat." Sasuke answered angrily as he grabbed the man by the collar of his shirt and brought him face level.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about!"
"Please don't try to deceive us." Hinata warned the man. "Were ninja after all so common scams like this are quite easy to see through."
The man narrowed his eyes while wrenching himself from Sasuke's grip. "Fine you got me, I'll tell you what ever you need to know."
"Good, now tell me what you know about Tsunade of the Sannin." Sasuke commanded.
(Konoha)
"Directing your comrades to close their eyes was a wise decision." Itachi acknowledged "However not doing the same was quite foolish." Itachi concluded and Kakashi suddenly found himself in a strange world.
The sky appeared red while he himself looked to be shaded black and gray. It all looked like a twisted painting of sorts. To top it off he was strung up in a crucifix position on a wooden cross. "Where the hell am I?" Kakashi demanded to know as he watched Itachi emerge from the ground.
"Space and time are at my complete control in this realm." Itachi answered. "Welcome to the world of Tsukuyomi, the ultimate Genjutsu." Itachi finished as hundreds of replicas of himself emerged from within the ground each wielding a katana in hand.
Kakashi bit down as hard as he could on his lip, but nothing resulted from it.
"Don't underestimate the power of this Genjutsu." Itachi stated. "Such methods to counter it will prove a waste of time, now let's begin shall we?" Itachi offered as he and his replicas got to work on driving their katanas' into Kakashi's exposed body.
On the outside world Kakashi collapsed to one knee.
"Kakashi are you alright!" Anko shouted.
Kakashi took a moment to try and catch his breath. 'What an incredible Jutsu. Although it felt like days it happened in only an instant.' Kakashi summarized.
"That's quite cruel of you Itachi." Kisame broke in. "To use the Tsukuyomi on a leaf ninja."
"Tsukuyomi, what is that?" Kurenai questioned from her position next to Haku.
"Hehe" Kisame chuckled. "That Jutsu is used to break the victims' sprit; frankly I'm surprised he's still alive let alone standing. You must haven taken it easy on him." Kisame added.
Kakashi shot a quick glance towards Fu's direction. 'Shit I don't know how much help I can be at this point. If they go after Fu now where screwed.'
"Now if you would Fu-chan, please come with us." Itachi offered.
Fu tensed at Itachi's demand.
"It's useless to resist us." Itachi stated. "The only thing you control at this point is the amount of people that will die today."
"To hell with that!" Anko shouted. "You'd better be prepared to go through me if you think you're going to lay your hands on either of my gaki's!"
"Do you insist on fighting us with your eyes closed?" Itachi questioned.
"You're damn right I am!" Anko challenged.
Itachi shut his eyes. "Very well, Kisame make them disappear from this world." Itachi commanded.
Kisame flashed a blood thirsty grin as he sprang towards Anko in the others but something had wrapped onto him and flung him back towards Itachi. Kisame was sent skidding across the water with terrific force and impacted with the far wall on the opposite side.
Itachi narrowed his eyes as he watched Jiraiya of the Sannin land in the water in front of him with a rhino sized toad on his side. "So two more of you reveal yourselves' huh?" Jiraiya stated as he observed Itachi. "And Itachi Uchiha is one of them no less."
Meanwhile Kisame pushed the rubble away from his body and made his way back to Itachi's side. "I'm going to shred you to pieces!" Kisame roared before he took note of who it was that attacked him.
"And Kisame Hoshigaki, my, my I just may have my plate full with dealing with you two." Jiraiya proclaimed, just as Kakashi collapsed onto the water and began to sink underneath.
Jiraiya sighed as he walked over and picked up Kakashi from out of the water and slung him over his shoulder. 'Itachi's just as dangerous as they say for him to beat Kakashi into such a state.' Jiraiya assessed.
"Jiraiya-sama don't make contact with Itachi's eyes or you'll be trapped in the same Genjutsu Kakashi was placed in." Asuma warned.
"Don't worry; I know how to deal with people like Itachi." Jiraiya replied. "That's why I summoned ol Gamaoumoku, he's blind and in no way susceptible to visual Jutsu." Jiraiya explained.
"So what's your plan then?" Kurenai added in.
"I'll take on these two myself" Jiraiya answered while handing Kakashi off to Asuma. "At least until the Anbu that are on their way here to arrive."
"Even if you are a Sannin you're in over your head if you think you can take the two of us." Kisame stated as he shifted Samehada towards Jiraiya.
"No" Itachi cut in. "We did not come here to fight a Sannin, were pulling out." Itachi ordered.
Kisame grit his teeth at being denied the challenge. "Just when things were getting fun." Kisame grumbled as he and Itachi disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
Jiraiya watched them go before he leapt on top of Gamaoumoku. "I'm going to locate Naruto." Jiraiya explained. "They most likely headed for Otakfuku town."
"Why are you heading there?" Anko cut in. "I really doubt Itachi and that fish man know that Naruto is out of the village let alone in that town."
"I don't want to risk it." Jiraiya confirmed.
Anko nodded her agreement and jumped on top of the toad with Jiraiya. "Then I'm going with." Anko stated firmly.
Jiraiya simply nodded his head and Gamaoumoku took one huge leap and they were out soon out of site.
(Sometime later)
Itachi looked over the horizon with Kisame at his side.
"I told you we should have just followed the nine-tailed brat when we saw him leave the village with those other two kids." Kisame mumbled. "But instead you wanted to try and capture the seven-tailed gaki first."
"If we'd captured Naruto-kun first the village would have increased security on the seven-tailed Jinchuuriki." Itachi explained. "If things would have gone according to plan we would have captured the seven-tails and picked up the nine-tails on the way." Itachi concluded.
"So now what?" Kisame questioned. "There's no doubt that the Sannin Jiraiya will join up with the nine-tails to keep an eye on him."
"Well just have to arrive at Otafuku before he does then." Itachi replied bluntly as he stood up. "Let's go Kisame."
(Otafuku Town)
Sasuke and Hinata found themselves in a shady gambling house, by directions from the vendor that tried to scam them. The place was more then inviting considering the men believed they could get an easy win over the two kids that had seemingly stumbled on to their little game.
"So you kids looking to have a little fun then?" one of the men spoke up as he dealt out another hand of cards to his fellow gamblers.
"No, were looking for the whereabouts of Tsunade of the Sannin." Sasuke explained.
"Hehe, so kid you are looking for an easy payoff then?" The man questioned as he puffed on a substance Sasuke was more then sure wasn't tobacco.
"What makes you believe that's the case?" Hinata piped in.
"Come on I'm sure you know what they call Tsunade of the Sannin." The man returned.
"Uh lady Tsunade?" Hinata questioned unsurely.
Each man playing the game of cards let out low chuckles. "No little girl I mean her nickname the legendary sucker."
"Legendary sucker?" Sasuke repeated. "Why do they call her that?"
"Because she'll give you unbelievable head!" Some random among the group piped in as another man slapped him upside the head.
"Don't listen to this pervert." He stated. "They call her that because literally anyone can beat her in a bet, and she doesn't have enough sense to quit while she's ahead."
"I see, but do you have any idea of where we could locate her?" Hinata questioned.
The man put his hand in a thinking pose. "I believe she may have headed to Crater city." The man confirmed. "But that was about two weeks ago, so she might have already left from there."
Hinata smiled brightly and bowed to the men. "Thank you for your time." She offered to them as she and Sasuke left.
"We should probably search for Naruto-kun to inform him of what we've learned." Hinata stated to Sasuke.
Sasuke nodded his agreement. "Can you locate him with your Byakugan?" Sasuke questioned.
Hinata's answer was to place her hand in a hand seal and mutter "Byakugan." The veins around her eyes protruded enough to be visibly seen. "After a quick search Hinata located Naruto on the far side of town in a hotel room.
"I guess Naruto-kun's managed to get us a hotel room." Hinata acknowledged while leading the way towards Naruto's position.
(Meanwhile)
Naruto observed the room he was in as he set all of their belongings into the corner of the room. 'Maybe I should have gotten us two rooms?' Naruto pondered to himself taking note that there were only two beds. 'I know were dating but Hinata-chan may feel it awkward to share the same bed as me.' Naruto confessed to himself before a knocking sounded on his door.
'They've already located me?' Naruto wondered as he made his way towards the door, and made to open it but stopped. 'Wait this chakra doesn't feel like Hinata-chan's or Sasuke at all. It's more concentrated, dark, and powerful.' Naruto assessed.
On the outside of the door two figures waited patiently for the door to open. It didn't take long for the door to open revealing Naruto.
Naruto's eyes widened as he spotted the red clouds, but what really caught his attention was the shorter man's eyes.
"Naruto-kun please come with us if you will." Itachi offered in a smooth tone.
Naruto hesitantly stepped out of the room and positioned in himself between both Kisame and Itachi.
"You know who we are, don't you Naruto-kun?" Itachi questioned.
"You're Akatsuki" Naruto confirmed.
"Then you know you can not wish to defeat us on your own then." Itachi stated. "So do not resist us."
"Why don't I cut off a leg just to make sure?" Kisame offered while grabbing the hilt of Samehada.
Naruto grinned. "Why don't you take that sword and shove it?" Naruto stated before his body exploded catching the two Akatsuki members off guard.
The hotel rocked from the explosion and people were all ready gather outside to see what had happened.
Meanwhile the real Naruto darted out of the room powering up a Rasengan as he ran. The smoke was blown away from the force of the Rasengan and Naruto spotted Kisame who was shakily lifting himself to a standing position.
"Damn brat wait until I get my hands on h…arggh" Kisame grunted as Naruto drove his rasengan into his exposed stomach. Kisame yelled in pain as Naruto's rasengan sent him bashing through a nearby wall.
"Interesting Naruto-kun." Itachi stated as he appeared behind Naruto.
Naruto's eyebrow's shot above the rim of his shades. 'How could he recover so fast from my exploding shadow clone?' Naruto wondered as his Kikai sprang from his trench coat and latched onto to Itachi.
Itachi made no sound bust dispersed into a flock of crows confusing Naruto in the process.
"You're more skilled then I would have thought." Itachi's voiced echoed from seemingly all directions. "Rasengan at your age, truly an accomplishment."
"Enough show yourself" Naruto demanded coolly.
"Very well." Itachi agreed.
Naruto suddenly felt the pressure of someone cramming their fist into his gut sending him skidding across the ground painfully.
Itachi had suddenly appeared almost out of thin air in front of Naruto.
"A camouflage Jutsu?" Naruto assessed while coughing up a bit of blood.
"Yes" Itachi answered before a small smirk graced his lips. "Its been quite a while hasn't it little brother?" Itachi questioned.
Down the far hall both Sasuke and Hinata were standing with their Sharingan and Byakugan active.
"It has Itachi." Sasuke spat.
Itachi then turned his body in Sasuke's direction. "The only question now is, what will you do?"
"Don't try to egg me on." Sasuke replied. "I know at my current skill level I can't win against you."
Itachi's eyes slightly widened at Sasuke's proclamation, but as quickly as it had happened it was gone. Even so Sasuke had caught it with the sharp vision of his Sharingan.
"Let me guess, you expected me to recklessly charge in?" Sasuke questioned.
"Indeed little brother." Itachi confirmed. "I guess you aren't as foolish as you once were." Itachi acknowledged.
"Enough just what the hell are you doing here attacking Naruto?" Sasuke demanded to know.
"Were here to collect the fourths legacy." Itachi explained casually.
"Not if I have something to say about it!" Sasuke shouted as he gripped his wrist and lighting infused chakra began to accumulate around his hand.
"No Sasuke, that's exactly what he wants you to do." Hinata warned. "We need to keep a clear head if were to defeat him."
Sasuke let his rage die at Hinata's explanation and the chidori in his hand faded away.
At that moment Kisame came walking through the hole his body had created in the wall. His chest where Naruto had hit him with the rasengan was already healing, and he appeared to be taking chakra from his sword.
"Not bad brat." Kisame stated with a wide grin. "I honestly questioned if one as small as you could house the most powerful demon in existence."
Hinata's eyes widened upon hearing Kisame's words. While Sasuke face never changed considering he had his suspicions about Naruto to begin with.
"But Itachi, as far as I knew, the entire Uchiha was wiped out. So what's this kid doing with same eyes as you?" Kisame questioned.
"He's my little brother." Itachi answered simply.
"Is that so?" Kisame stated with a chuckle. "Then why don't you take care of business with him while I pay the nine-tailed brat back for hitting me with that Jutsu?" Kisame offered.
"Very well" Itachi agreed as he stepped to the side to allow Kisame to get at Naruto.
Naruto raised himself to a standing position and clasped his hands together. 'Anytime you're in the mood fox!' Naruto mentally shouted.
A dark laughter came from the recess of Naruto's mind as he felt his body being over powered with chakra.
"Ah so that's the power of the nine-tails." Kisame stated. "It's truly a cold and terrifying chakra as many have claimed it to be. But never the less it won't do you any good!" Kisame proclaimed while slashing his sword downwards cutting off Naruto's chakra supply.
"What the hell, happened to my chakra?" Naruto questioned.
Kisame grinned. "My Samehada here has a nasty tendency to eat chakra." Kisame explained as he positioned his sword to strike once again. "How about we get rid of one of these troublesome limbs?" Kisame announced while swinging his sword downward only for it to be blocked by a toad wearing forearm protectors.
"Sorry were late gaki, but traffic was a bitch." Anko stated as she and Jiraiya appeared behind Naruto.
"Anko-sensei, Jiraiya-sama?" Naruto muttered.
Kisame narrowed his eyes. Things just hadn't been going his way, and to top it off Itachi hadn't seemed to care about their plans being foiled time after time.
"So you two just don't know when to give up huh?" Jiraiya questioned. "So be it, I guess the only way to end this is to end your lives." Jiraiya stated evenly as he eyed his two opponents.
"Your persistence is equally as unyielding as our own." Itachi countered.
"Maybe Jiraiya replied with a grin as he slammed his hands on the floor. "Summoning Toad Mouth Bind!" Jiraiya shouted and the room they were in slowly became covered in a fleshly pink substance.
"What the hell is this?" Kisame questioned.
"This is the inside of Iwagama's stomach." Jiraiya answered. "I hope you two never wanted a glorified death, because I doubt being digested and turned into waste is high on the latter."
Hinata squeaked at hearing they were inside a toads' stomach.
"Hinata, Sasuke stay still!" Jiraiya warned.
"Kisame were leaving." Itachi ordered. Kisame nodded his agreement and took off right after Itachi.
"You two won't be going anywhere." Jiraiya proclaimed as tendrils of flesh shot towards Itachi and Kisame and chased them around the corridor.
"Damn" Kisame grunted. "That flesh is closing in on us fast, if we don't escape."
Itachi simply closed his eyes and concentrated on what needed to be done.
Meanwhile Jiraiya's eyes widened as he stood up and sprinted around the corner. To his surprise a massive hole had been burned into the wall and small black embers remained.
"What the hell is this?" Jiraiya wondered as he observed the flames.
Meanwhile Hinata was tending to Naruto, while Sasuke stood a bit off to the side quietly.
"Hey gaki you're alright aren't' you?" Anko questioned Sasuke.
Sasuke lifted his head and nodded. 'I could sense it; he's still far ahead of me.' Sasuke thought sourly as he turned his attention back to Naruto. 'I need to get stronger if I'm ever to protect those new bonds I now hold.' Sasuke concluded.
A short minute later Jiraiya returned.
"I take it they escaped then?" Anko questioned.
Jiraiya nodded his head as he slouched down on the side of the wall. "We'll have our hands full dealing with one of Itachi's caliber." Jiraiya confirmed.
(Meanwhile)
Itachi and Kisame were leaping through the trees at a brisk pace.
"Why is a retreat necessary for you?" Kisame asked carefully. "I think you would have been a match for Jiraiya." Kisame added.
"There's no point in being hasty with matters that can be dealt with slowly." Itachi answered. Besides after using Tsukuyomi I'll need to rest to regain my full strength" Itachi concluded.
Ok peeps there you have it chapter 38. I don't have much to talk about with the story so let's discuss the manga? First off wow I have no idea how many chapters it's been since Hinata confession, but yet nothing has been done about it. With that aside it looks like Naruto is going to be doing a little training with killer B to learn how to fully use the Kyuubi's chakra. And I have to say about time. Also it appears Kabuto has become badass which I highly approve of considering I love his character. And what are your thoughts about the final coffin Kabuto summoned any guess to whose corpse was inside it, that actually was enough to scare Madara? But as always please review and I'll see you with the next chapter!