Naruto leapt back, his hands moving in a blur as he wove together a series of complex hand signs. His gaze was sharp, focused, his Chimera-gan analyzing every single detail in Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan, capturing the subtle DNA changes and chakra pathways. His unique eyes processed not just the visual aspect but the underlying biological differences that gave rise to the Mangekyō's abilities.
With a final hand sign, Naruto summoned a clump of cells before him, infusing it with chakra and raw intent. The cells responded instantly, morphing and growing as Naruto directed. This wasn't just any Saibō Ningyō; he was taking it to a new level.
The clump of cells transformed, its pale, amorphous form shifting rapidly, darkening in tone. Within moments, the skin thickened and toughened, mimicking Kisame's distinctive blue hue and muscular build. The transformation was almost perfect—the clone now had the imposing presence of the rogue Swordsman, right down to the fierce, shark-like features.
But the most striking addition came when Naruto channeled his understanding of the Mangekyō. The clone's eyes swirled, and an unmistakable Mangekyō Sharingan bloomed in each eye. The design was unique to the Saibō Ningyō, a combination influenced by Itachi's Mangekyō but shaped by Naruto's unique genetic power.
Naruto stepped back with a smirk, feeling the clone's power resonate. "Now we're talking," he muttered, watching as the Saibō Ningyō cracked its knuckles, standing between him and the two Akatsuki members with a grin that mirrored Kisame's.
The Mangekyō Sharingan in its eyes gleamed dangerously, an ominous warning as it took on a battle stance, fully prepared to face off with Kisame and Itachi.
Kisame's eyes widened in surprise, and he let out a low whistle, examining the Saibō Ningyō with a mix of fascination and irritation. "Well, now, would you look at that! It's almost like looking in a mirror." He grinned, revealing his shark-like teeth. "Kid's full of surprises. Didn't expect him to pull something like this."
Itachi, on the other hand, narrowed his gaze, his Sharingan spinning as he assessed the Saibō Ningyō. "This jutsu… it's different from anything I've seen. That eye of his—the Chimera-gan—isn't just observing us. He's copying us, down to the genetic level." For a moment, he regarded Naruto with a look of quiet respect. "Naruto, you're more formidable than I anticipated."
Before either Akatsuki member could speak further, the Saibō Ningyō lunged at them. Moving with Kisame's incredible physical strength and Itachi's Sharingan foresight, it closed the distance in an instant, launching a rapid series of precise, powerful strikes. Kisame barely blocked a punch that sent him skidding back, his feet digging furrows into the ground. He quickly countered with a swipe of Samehada, but the clone dodged, maneuvering with Itachi's speed and precision.
The Saibō Ningyō turned its attention to Itachi, who sidestepped and parried with ease, but even he was forced to back up as it pressed forward relentlessly. Its blows landed with unnatural power, each strike regenerated almost instantly, leaving no visible damage. Kisame, seizing the opportunity, swung Samehada toward its exposed side. The weapon's scales slashed into its flesh, but the cells reformed in seconds, knitting together as though nothing had happened.
The clone's regeneration impressed and unsettled them both. Kisame grunted in annoyance, frustrated as his strikes left no lasting damage. "Regenerates faster than Samehada can tear it apart… This thing's starting to annoy me."
Itachi, maintaining his calm, scanned for weaknesses. "He's created a near-perfect mimic, but it's not invincible. There has to be a limit to how much chakra Naruto can provide to sustain it."
The Saibō Ningyō, however, didn't give them time to strategize, surging forward with renewed ferocity, each hit carrying a mix of Kisame's raw strength and Itachi's precision. Kisame and Itachi were both pushed further back, thrown off by the clone's ability to match their moves and regenerate from every blow. As Naruto watched, he smirked, crossing his arms in satisfaction.
Naruto observed the two Akatsuki members carefully, his Chimera-gan analyzing their every movement, every twitch of surprise and calculation in their expressions. They probably think I'm gonna burn out, he thought with a faint grin, glancing at the Saibō Ningyō as it continued to attack Kisame and Itachi with relentless precision. They're expecting me to run out of chakra soon, and for this clone to fade away.
But Naruto knew better. The Saibō Ningyō wasn't like his regular clones, whose existence depended on his chakra. Once they're fully formed, they're separate. They don't drain me anymore. They can act on their own. He suppressed a smirk, keeping his poker face as he watched the Saibō Ningyō land a heavy blow against Kisame, forcing him to stumble back, irritated.
Not that they're entirely wrong, he admitted internally. Creating something this complex took a lot out of him, and he could feel the burn of chakra depletion in his bones. Making this Saibō Ningyō wasn't exactly easy.
But seeing Itachi and Kisame on the back foot, thrown by his jutsu, made the exhaustion worth it.
Just as Naruto was holding his ground, analyzing Kisame and Itachi's every move, a familiar presence filled the air. In a swirl of smoke and chakra, Jiraiya appeared beside him, his face serious yet brimming with confidence.
"Well, well, Naruto," Jiraiya said, glancing at the Saibō Ningyō and then at Itachi and Kisame. "Looks like you're in some intense company."
Naruto grinned, catching his breath. "About time, Ero-Sennin."
Jiraiya ignored the nickname and focused on the two Akatsuki members. "I don't know what business you have with my student, but it ends here. I won't let you lay a finger on him."
Kisame chuckled, gripping his massive sword, Samehada. "You talk big, but we're not just here for a friendly chat." His gaze flickered to the Saibō Ningyō, a hint of frustration beneath his grin. "That little creature of yours is a real pain, kid."
Itachi, however, watched Jiraiya intently, his Mangekyo Sharingan pulsing slightly as he weighed their options. "Kisame," he said quietly, with a tone that commanded attention. "It's time to leave."
"But Itachi," Kisame started, clearly eager for the battle to continue. Yet he saw the look in Itachi's eyes and backed off, his grin fading. "Fine," he muttered, sounding slightly disappointed.
With a blur of movement, Itachi's hands formed a series of hand seals. The air around him and Kisame shimmered, distorting as if bending to Itachi's will.
"We'll meet again, Naruto," Itachi said, his voice calm yet holding an ominous edge. "Next time, you may not have the luxury of others standing in our way."
And just like that, they vanished, retreating from the scene in a swirl of chakra and smoke, leaving Naruto, Jiraiya, and the Saibō Ningyō alone in the Hall.