Chapter 65: Encounter
On a distant rooftop, Kisame watched the three people bickering below and whispered to Itachi, "Mr. Itachi, I didn't expect both Jiraiya and Tsunade of the Sannin to be here. It seems Konoha's protection of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is tighter than we imagined."
Itachi nodded, his gaze resting calmly on Naruto. "Jiraiya is powerful, and Tsunade's medical ninjutsu and monstrous strength are not to be underestimated. If we strike now, we have no chance of winning."
He paused, then shifted his tone. "However, they can't stay together forever. When they separate, that will be our chance."
"We don't have much time. We need to act as soon as possible."
Itachi Uchiha had been waiting for this moment for a long time.
As a spy for Konoha, his goal was to warn the village. Therefore, he had to wait until a true member of Konoha's high command was present before revealing himself.
Conveniently, Jiraiya was one of the people he considered "high command."
The noise on the street below gradually died down. Tsunade finally let Jiraiya off the hook. The two stood on the corner arguing about something, while Naruto interjected with jokes, trying to lighten the mood.
The two on the roof watched quietly, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
"Looks like we'll have to wait a little longer for them to split up," Kisame whispered.
Not long after, Tsunade stormed off in a huff.
Jiraiya clutched his chest, gasping for air. "That was close... almost died back there."
"Tsunade hasn't changed a bit after all these years. Her temper is still explosive, and she still hits way too hard."
Naruto pouted. "If you hadn't insisted on coming, none of this would have happened."
"They've separated. It's time for our entrance." Kisame was already itching for action. Seeing Tsunade walk away, he couldn't wait to form a hand seal.
Mist began to thicken around them.
The fog rolled into the street from all directions. Naruto waved his hand in front of his face, but it did nothing.
The mist was strange. Just moments ago, the sky was clear, sunlight filtering through the leaves. Now, he couldn't even see the utility pole ten meters away.
"Weird... why is it foggy in the middle of the day?" Naruto wondered.
"Kid." Jiraiya, who had been panting just a second ago, was suddenly crouching beside him, his voice uncharacteristically serious. "From now on, do not leave my side. Stay within five steps."
His hand rested quietly on Naruto's shoulder. "This mist is wrong. It's a jutsu. Someone is making a move."
As soon as he spoke, a splash sounded from deep within the fog, like something massive stirring in water.
Then, a laugh cut through the mist, laced with undisguised killing intent. "As expected of one of the Sannin. Fast reaction."
Two black figures slowly emerged.
The man in front was tall, with strange blue skin, carrying a massive, bandaged sword on his shoulder.
The person behind him wore a black cloak with a high collar that hid half his face, revealing only a pair of crimson Sharingan eyes, fixed calmly on Naruto.
"Itachi Uchiha! Kisame Hoshigaki!" Jiraiya's voice turned ice-cold. He pulled Naruto behind him. "So it is the Akatsuki."
Kisame grinned. "Mr. Itachi, are we really that famous?"
"But since you recognize us, we can skip the introductions. We're here for the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."
Kisame moved with terrifying speed. His words were still hanging in the air when he appeared right in front of Naruto.
He reached out, fingers spread, aiming for Naruto's throat.
"Look out!" Jiraiya's voice was almost simultaneous with Kisame's movement.
With no time to form seals, he relied on years of combat instinct, shoving Naruto back and to the side while lunging forward to block Kisame's hand with his own body.
BAM!
The dull thud of their palms colliding shook the windows nearby.
Jiraiya felt a massive force travel up his arm, numbing his hand. He was forced to take two steps back to steady himself.
He looked up at Kisame, his eyes grave.
This guy's physical strength was even more terrifying than the intel suggested.
Naruto stumbled back several steps, his back hitting a wall before he stopped.
He clutched his aching back, staring at Kisame, who was mere inches away. His heart pounded wildly, but there was no fear in the boy's eyes—only stubborn anger.
He clenched his fists, chakra stirring within him. Although he didn't know what a "Nine-Tails Jinchuriki" was, he knew these two in black meant harm, and their target was him.
"Annoying old man!" Blocked by Jiraiya, Kisame's grin faded slightly. He retracted his hand and grabbed Samehada with the other, swinging the massive blade at Jiraiya's waist.
Jiraiya was ready. He leaped backward, dodging the strike while his hands flew through seals. "Ninja Art: Toad Oil Bullet!"
He spat a glob of thick oil that spread in the air, raining down on Kisame and Itachi, slicking the ground instantly.
"Hmph. Ancient tricks." Kisame flipped Samehada effortlessly, the blade blocking the splattering oil. "You think a little oil can stop us?"
"Oil alone won't stop you," Jiraiya said. "But you seem to have forgotten... oil burns."
"Fire Style: Flame Bullet!"
A fireball, wrapped in heat waves, erupted from his mouth, instantly igniting the oil mist.
BOOM!
Flames exploded in the street, forming a wall of fire that temporarily engulfed Kisame and Itachi.
Heat washed over them. Naruto shielded his face, but Jiraiya grabbed his wrist. "Now! Run to the Hokage's office!"
"I won't run!" Naruto shook off Jiraiya's hand. "They're after me! I can't leave you to fight them alone!"
He stared at the shadowy figures moving behind the wall of fire. There was no retreat in his eyes, only ignited fighting spirit. "I'm not the kid who holds everyone back anymore! I can help with the Rasengan!"
Jiraiya looked at the fire in Naruto's eyes. The kid's gaze was just like his own when he was young—full of refusal to give up.
But he quickly suppressed his emotions, his tone becoming strict. "Listen to me! These are core members of the Akatsuki! You aren't strong enough to fight them yet! Protecting yourself is the best way to help me!"
He shoved Naruto toward the alley entrance. "Go! The ANBU will be here soon!"
Just then, the wall of fire was torn apart by a powerful surge of chakra.
Kisame stepped out of the flames. His cloak was singed, but he looked unbothered. "Run? Not so easy!"
"Water Style: Water Shark Bullet Jutsu!"