"Run, Sasuke, Run…Itachi's coming" For a brief moment Sasuke thought the shadow had just spoken to him. Nevertheless he fled the scene, leaving Naruto to deal with the unpredictable yet cautious opponent.
"I don't want to hurt you…" The shadow spoke but Naruto ignored his words and began his ninjutsu. "Kage Bushin No Justu!" As an army of clones came popping out from every corner of the room. Naruto than commanded, "Alright guys, show this man what we're really made of!" As the clones grabbed hold of the shadow but he flung them away with ease. But the real Naruto was charging up chakra with one of his clones for his Rasengan attack.
"Enough fooling around, this is where your path ends, RASENGAN!" As Naruto charged towards the shadow with lightning speed, it hit directly at the opponent's chest. It was a clear hit, the shadow dropped to the floor. As Naruto went to inspect on his opponent, the shadow than began to transform into a puddle of water. Naruto was shocked; He had been fighting a water clone all this while!
Meanwhile back at the front gate, Itachi easily took care of Iruka while the others planned for a diversion. Kurenai used her ninja illusions and held Itachi in place. Kakashi than dashed towards his opponent with Kunais but Itachi broke free from the spell and used the Magen: Kyoten Chiten on Kurenai. Kakashi stopped what he was doing but couldn't guard against Itachi's lightning fast speed. As Itachi slited the throat of Kakashi, he immediately transformed into wood.
"Kawarimi method; I'm not impressed…" Than Azuma came from behind and slashed Itachi. He than dissolved into a puddle of water. Kakashi shouted to his comrade, "Azuma, watch out!" It was too late; Itachi had slashed his arm with his Kantana which left a deep wound on Azuma's arm. Kurenai rushed to his aid but Itachi stopped Kurenai's tracks and kicked her into the nearby river. As she tried to get back to her feet, Itachi was already behind her, Kantana ready. "This is the end, Kurenai-san…"