Chapter 18: Shadows in the Leaf

The morning sun hung low over the Leaf Village, its warmth unable to dispel the tension that gripped the streets. Two cloaked figures moved silently through Konoha's bustling marketplace, their faces obscured by the high collars of their black cloaks adorned with red clouds. They walked with purpose, their presence sending subtle ripples of unease through those they passed.

Hidden among the shadows, Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yūhi exchanged a glance. They had been trailing the mysterious pair since they entered the village, their instincts on high alert.

"They're not from around here," Kurenai whispered, her crimson eyes narrowing as she studied the pair's movements.

"No," Asuma agreed, the ever-present cigarette between his lips. "And they're way too calm for strangers in hostile territory."

The two Konoha Jōnin intercepted the cloaked figures in a quiet alley, their weapons already at the ready. Asuma's trench knives gleamed faintly in the light, and Kurenai's hands hovered near her kunai pouch.

"Stop right there," Asuma commanded, his tone firm. "You've got a lot of nerve strolling into Konoha without permission. State your business."

The taller of the two strangers turned slightly, revealing sharp teeth as he grinned. "You Konoha types are always so uptight," Kisame Hoshigaki drawled, his voice dripping with mockery.

Asuma stiffened. "Kisame Hoshigaki... a rogue from Kirigakure. You're a wanted man."

"And him," Kurenai said, her voice quieter but no less tense, her gaze fixed on the second figure. "Itachi Uchiha."

The shorter figure pulled back his hood, revealing a calm, impassive face. His red Sharingan eyes glowed faintly as they locked onto Kurenai. "It's been a long time since I've been home," Itachi said softly, his tone devoid of emotion.

"You're not welcome here," Asuma snapped, stepping forward. "We're bringing you in."

Kisame chuckled, hefting the massive, bandaged blade on his back. "You're welcome to try."

The fight erupted in an instant. Asuma charged Kisame, his trench knives crackling with chakra, while Kurenai engaged Itachi, weaving hand seals for a Genjutsu. The air crackled with tension as the four shinobi clashed, the sounds of steel meeting steel echoing through the narrow alley.

Kurenai's Genjutsu took hold briefly, ensnaring Itachi in a twisted illusion of his own making. She exhaled in relief, but her confidence shattered when Itachi's Sharingan glowed brighter, effortlessly dispelling her technique.

"A solid attempt," Itachi said, his voice calm, "but ultimately ineffectual."

Kurenai barely had time to react as Itachi closed the distance, his kunai a blur. She dodged narrowly, her breath catching in her throat as his movements outpaced hers by a wide margin.

Meanwhile, Asuma found himself struggling against Kisame's sheer brute strength. The rogue swordsman swung his massive blade, Samehada, with an ease that belied its size, forcing Asuma to retreat with each strike. When Kisame finally managed to graze him, Asuma's chakra wavered, his trench knives flickering as the blade greedily absorbed it.

"You're outmatched," Kisame taunted. "Give up while you still have all your limbs."

Asuma and Kurenai were on the verge of being overwhelmed when a familiar figure appeared in a blur of motion. Kakashi Hatake stepped into the fray, his Sharingan already active as he intercepted Kisame's blade with a kunai.

"Sorry I'm late," Kakashi said, his tone casual but his gaze sharp. "I didn't think Konoha would have to deal with the likes of you two."

Itachi's expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of recognition in his eyes. "Kakashi Hatake. The Copy Ninja."

Kisame smirked, stepping back. "Looks like we've got a real fight now."

Kakashi's gaze shifted briefly to Asuma and Kurenai. "Are you two alright?"

Asuma nodded, wiping blood from his mouth. "Barely."

"Kurenai," Kakashi said, his tone firm. "Help Asuma and stay back. These two aren't your average rogues."

Kakashi engaged Kisame with swift precision, his Sharingan allowing him to predict the rogue's movements. He dodged Samehada's strikes and countered with expertly placed kunai, but before the fight could escalate, Itachi raised a hand.

"Kisame, step down," he said. "This one is mine."

Kisame hesitated, but at Itachi's glance, he lowered his blade. "Don't take too long. I hate waiting."

Itachi turned his full attention to Kakashi. "I've heard of your prowess with the Sharingan. Let's see if the stories are true."

The battle between the two notorious Sharingan users was intense, their movements a blur as they exchanged blows. Kakashi's skill and experience were evident, but it quickly became clear that Itachi's mastery of the Sharingan was unprecedented. He was faster, his attacks more precise, and his composure unshaken.

"You're impressive for someone who isn't an Uchiha," Itachi said, his tone almost respectful. "But this is where it ends."

Kakashi's heart sank as he saw Itachi's eyes shift, the tomoe in his Sharingan spinning into a new shape. He knew what was coming.

"Close your eyes!" Kakashi shouted to Asuma and Kurenai. "Now!"

The moment Itachi activated the Mangekyōu Sharingan, Kakashi braced himself, thinking he could withstand it. But he was wrong.

The world around him shattered, plunging him into a hellish illusion. Tsukuyomi gripped his mind, subjecting him to what felt like days of torture in mere seconds. When the technique ended, Kakashi collapsed to the ground, his body trembling and his energy spent.

With what little strength he had left, Kakashi looked up at Itachi. "Why... why are you here?"

Itachi's expression didn't waver. "We are here for the legacy of the Fourth Hokage... Naruto Uzumaki."

Kakashi's eyes widened, but before he could respond, darkness overtook him.

Itachi's Mangekyōu Sharingan faded, its intense power subsiding as he turned his impassive gaze toward the fallen Kakashi. The Copy Ninja lay on the ground, his body trembling from the mental strain of Itachi's Tsukuyomi. Asuma and Kurenai stood nearby, battered but ready to defend their comrade, though they both knew they were outmatched.

"Kisame," Itachi said calmly, "finish this."

Kisame grinned, hefting Samehada onto his shoulder. "With pleasure." He stepped forward, the massive blade humming with anticipation as it approached Kakashi's unconscious form.

Asuma gritted his teeth, raising his trench knives. "Over my dead body!"

Kurenai moved to intercept, her kunai ready, but the overwhelming aura of Kisame's chakra froze her in place.

Just as Kisame swung down with his blade, a blur of green shot into the fray, and Kisame's attack was deflected with a loud clang. Kisame staggered back, growling in frustration.

"Who the—" Kisame began, but his words faltered as a familiar figure stood before him, his stance confident and his teeth practically sparkling.

"You dare harm my comrades in the presence of youthful flames?" Might Guy declared, his voice booming with righteous energy.

Kisame tilted his head, a smirk forming. "What does that mean… and who's this guy supposed to be?"

Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly. "Might Guy... a Taijutsu specialist. He's no ordinary opponent."

Guy glanced back at Asuma and Kurenai, his expression briefly serious. "Get Kakashi out of here. I'll handle this."

Kisame chuckled, stepping forward with Samehada at the ready. "You think you can take me on by yourself, Green Bean?"

Guy's grin widened. "Let's find out."

The two clashed in an explosion of speed and power. Kisame's raw strength met Guy's unparalleled taijutsu, their strikes creating shockwaves that rippled through the clearing. Despite Kisame's monstrous strength, Guy held his ground, his movements precise and calculated.

Itachi observed the fight silently, his expression unreadable. After a few moments, he raised a hand. "Enough, Kisame."

Kisame paused, his smirk fading into a frown. "What? But I'm just getting started!"

"It's time to leave," Itachi said, his voice calm but firm. "Reinforcements will arrive soon, and we don't need to escalate this further."

Kisame grumbled but complied, shouldering Samehada. "Fine. But I was looking forward to cutting that guy down."

Guy stepped back, his gaze never leaving the two Akatsuki members. "You're not going anywhere without a fight!"

"We have no interest in unnecessary battles," Itachi replied, his Sharingan glinting faintly. "Our objective lies elsewhere."

With that, the two Akatsuki vanished into the shadows, leaving the Konoha shinobi alone in the clearing.

Asuma and Kurenai quickly moved to Kakashi's side, helping him to his feet. His breathing was shallow, and his eyes were glazed with exhaustion.

"Let's get him to the hospital," Guy said, his usual cheer replaced by a rare tone of seriousness.

The group retreated to Konoha, moving as quickly as they could while keeping Kakashi stable. Once they arrived at the hospital, the medics took over, placing Kakashi in a private room to recover.

As they stood outside his room, Guy turned to Asuma and Kurenai. "Itachi Uchiha's presence in the village cannot be known. Especially not by Sasuke."

Kurenai nodded solemnly. "Agreed. If Sasuke finds out his brother was here, he'll act recklessly."

Later that day, Sasuke arrived at the hospital, his brow furrowed with concern. He had heard rumors of Kakashi being injured and wanted answers.

When he stepped into the hall outside Kakashi's room, he found Aoba Yamashiro speaking with one of the nurses. Aoba, unaware of the need for secrecy, turned to Sasuke and began speaking without hesitation.

"Sasuke, it's incredible what happened! Your brother, Itachi Uchiha, was here in the village—"

The words hit Sasuke like a thunderclap. His body went rigid, and his Sharingan flared to life. "What did you say?"

Aoba's eyes widened, realizing his mistake too late. "I—I shouldn't have—"

Sasuke's fists clenched, his mind racing. Itachi... here? The thought sent a surge of rage and adrenaline through him. Without another word, he turned on his heel and bolted down the hallway, his heart pounding.

"He's going after Naruto," Kurenai said, her voice filled with dread as she and Asuma rushed after him.

Sasuke sprinted through the streets of Konoha, his focus razor-sharp. His thoughts were a blur of anger and determination. If Itachi's after Naruto, I'll find him first. I'll protect Naruto... and I'll finally make Itachi pay.

Asuma and Kurenai followed at a distance, their expressions grim. "We have to stop him before he does something reckless," Asuma said, his tone urgent.

But Sasuke was already gone, vanishing into the forest in pursuit of his brother—and his chance for revenge.

Jiraiya and Naruto arrived in the bustling town just as the sun dipped below the horizon. Lanterns illuminated the streets, and the sounds of merchants and chatter filled the air. After a long day of travel, Naruto was eager to rest, but Jiraiya seemed preoccupied. His eyes darted toward a young woman who was glancing his way.

"Naruto," Jiraiya said, clapping the boy on the back. "Why don't you head up to our room? I've got... adult matters to attend to."

Naruto scowled, rubbing his shoulder. "What? You're ditching me again for some dumb girl? You're the worst, Pervy Sage!"

Jiraiya grinned unapologetically. "You'll understand when you're older, kid. Now go. I'll be up later."

Grumbling under his breath, Naruto made his way to their room, slamming the door behind him. He threw himself onto the bed, arms crossed. "Stupid old man," he muttered. "Always leaving me behind."

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. He rolled his eyes, assuming it was Jiraiya already crawling back. "You forgot your key, didn't you, you—" he opened the door, and his words died in his throat.

Standing before him were two cloaked figures, their black robes adorned with ominous red clouds. One was a tall, shark-like man with a massive, bandaged sword resting on his shoulder. The other had dark hair and piercing red eyes, the tomoe of the Sharingan spinning slowly.

"Naruto Uzumaki," the man with the Sharingan said, his voice calm and measured. "We need you to come with us."

Naruto took a cautious step back, his eyes darting between the two strangers. "Who the heck are you?"

Itachi Uchiha's expression didn't waver. "There's no need for introductions. You will come quietly."

Kisame smirked, his sharp teeth glinting in the dim light. "Or not. I'm fine with cutting you up a little."

Naruto's instincts screamed at him to run, but curiosity held him in place. "How do you know who I am? And what do you want with me?"

"The Nine-Tails," Itachi replied simply, his crimson gaze locking onto Naruto's.

Naruto's breath caught. They know about the Nine-Tailed Fox?

Before he could process the revelation, Kisame stepped forward, raising his massive sword, Samehada. "Let's make this easy, kid. Hold still while I take off a leg."

Naruto's muscles tensed as he prepared to fight, but before Kisame could strike, the sound of crackling lightning filled the air. Sasuke appeared in a blur, his Chidori illuminating the hallway. His face was twisted with rage.

"Itachi!" Sasuke roared. "I'll kill you!"

Sasuke lunged at his older brother, the Chidori aimed for Itachi's chest. But Itachi moved faster than Sasuke could react, catching his wrist mid-strike. The Chidori fizzled out as Itachi twisted Sasuke's arm, slamming him into the wall with a sickening crunch.

"Sasuke!" Naruto shouted, taking a step forward.

"Stay back," Itachi said coldly, his Sharingan now focused on Naruto. "This doesn't concern you."

Naruto gritted his teeth, his hands forming a seal. "Like hell it doesn't! Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Dozens of clones appeared, rushing at the two Akatsuki members. Kisame swung Samehada, tearing through the clones with ease. Naruto gathered his chakra, trying to summon Gamabunta, but as he began the summoning process, Samehada absorbed the chakra, leaving him drained.

"Not so fast," Kisame taunted, raising his sword again.

Before Kisame could strike, a massive toad appeared between him and Naruto, its tongue whipping out to block the attack. Jiraiya landed behind Naruto, his expression uncharacteristically serious.

"You two really need to do your homework," Jiraiya said, his tone mocking despite the tension. "If you think you can take my student, you're sorely mistaken."

Naruto turned, relief washing over him. "Pervy Sage! About time you showed up!"

Jiraiya ignored the nickname, his focus on the intruders. "Let me guess. You used that girl to lure me away. Sloppy work, Itachi."

Itachi's gaze remained impassive. "Your presence complicates things. Kisame, we're leaving."

"Already?" Kisame asked, disappointed. "I was just starting to have fun."

As Kisame hesitated, Sasuke staggered to his feet. His voice was hoarse but determined. "I'll kill you... Itachi... I swear it."

Itachi turned to Sasuke, his expression unreadable. "You're still weak. You lack the hatred necessary to defeat me."

In a blur, Itachi closed the distance, delivering a devastating series of blows that left Sasuke crumpled on the ground. Kneeling beside him, Itachi activated his Mangekyōu Sharingan. "Let me remind you of your place."

Sasuke's screams filled the air as Itachi's Tsukuyomi forced him to relive the night of the Uchiha massacre, the memories playing out in agonizing detail. When Itachi finally released him, Sasuke collapsed, his mind broken.

Naruto charged forward, but Kisame moved to intercept him. Before the shark-man could strike, Jiraiya slammed his hands together, summoning a massive flood of viscous, sticky liquid that encased the hallway.

"What the hell is this?" Kisame growled, struggling to move.

"My Toad Mouth Bind," Jiraiya said with a smirk. "I've caught bigger fish than you."

"Kisame, now." Itachi's eyes narrowed.

Before Jiraiya could further ensnare them, a black flame erupted, consuming the sticky substance and creating an escape route. The two Akatsuki members vanished into the night, leaving Jiraiya and Naruto standing amidst the wreckage.

Naruto rushed to Sasuke's side, his heart pounding. "Sasuke! Wake up!"

Sasuke didn't respond, his breathing shallow and his eyes glazed with fear. Jiraiya placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder, his expression grim. "There's nothing more we can do for him here."

At that moment, Might Guy appeared, delivering a flying kick to Jiraiya's face. "Enemy attack!"

"Guy, stop!" Naruto shouted. "He's on our side!"

Guy froze mid-strike, blinking in confusion. "Oh. My apologies."

Jiraiya groaned, rubbing his face. "Great timing, as always."

Guy crouched beside Sasuke, his expression serious. "Kakashi's in the same state. Whatever Itachi did to them, it's beyond anything we can heal."

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed. "Then there's only one person who can help: Tsunade."

He stood, his resolve firm. "We're finding her. No matter what."