The river surface was calm.
Four figures stood facing each other. Two wore black ceremonial robes embroidered with red clouds and bamboo hats.
An enigmatic aura emanated from them, laced with a faint killing intent that made anyone who approached shiver involuntarily, their hair standing on end.
Standing opposite them were Kakashi and Asuma Sarutobi.
If not for the summons from the Elder Council, based on the original story, Kurenai Yuhi would have been there as well.
"Uchiha... Itachi! I can't believe you would dare return." Kakashi's face was grim.
He'd already made a name for himself throughout the ninja world with just one Sharingan, earning the moniker "Copy Ninja Kakashi."
Yet, facing him was Uchiha's genius, who awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan at a young age and instigated a clan massacre that shook the very foundations of the ninja world.
In terms of ruthlessness, ambition, and danger, Kakashi knew he was no match.
Konoha had just weathered a devastating war.
The Hokage was dead, power within the upper echelons had shifted, and the village was in a vulnerable state, burdened by the task of rebuilding.
Yet, Itachi chose this moment of weakness to infiltrate Konoha.
Kakashi had no confidence in defeating them alone. He could only cooperate with Asuma, stalling for reinforcements.
"Kakashi, be careful. The one beside him is likely no pushover either. Matching outfits... Looks like they've joined some organization." Asuma's expression mirrored Kakashi's, his eyes filled with caution.
They were well-known Jonin in Konoha, yet the two facing them seemed relaxed, clearly not taking them seriously.
"Interesting. It appears, Itachi, you've run into acquaintances. Then allow me to introduce myself." Kisame Hoshigaki removed his hat, revealing his distinctive shark-like face, it was a memorable figure.
After all, even in the entire ninja world, few possessed such an appearance.
"I am Kisame Hoshigaki, former member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, an S-rank missing-nin wanted by the Land of Water, and now Itachi's companion."
He declared his S-rank missing-nin status without a hint of shame, as if boasting about it.
"I know you. One of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. You wield the blade Samehada," Kakashi replied. "May I ask why you two have come to our Konoha?"
"We heard Konoha suffered a great disaster, even losing the Third Hokage. Itachi returned to pay his respects to his homeland."
"I was merely accompanying Itachi on the trip. Since you've come to obstruct us, we won't be polite." Kisame grinned, revealing rows of sharp, jagged teeth like a saw.
His expression grew more ferocious. "Moreover, we've heard whispers of several new geniuses popping up in Konoha. As fellow strong individuals, we'd like to meet these promising young ninjas."
'How arrogant!'
This shark-face completely disregarded them.
Asuma was instantly filled with rage, his cigarette burning down to the filter.
"Kakashi-senpai, Asuma-san. Long time no see." At that moment, Itachi stepped forward, offering a greeting.
"I've simply returned for a visit, harboring no ill intentions. Please, don't mind us. I'd rather not kill you two." The seemingly casual words carried an underlying threat that sent shivers down their spines.
Those familiar with the original story knew the deeper meaning behind Itachi's appearance. With the Third Hokage's death, Konoha was leaderless.
Itachi's appearance in Konoha was a message to Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, and the other Konoha elders who knew the truth of the Uchiha massacre, a reminder of their agreement.
Uchiha Itachi was still alive. If they dared break their promise and harm his younger brother, Sasuke, Konoha would pay the price.
"Heh. As expected of a lawless missing-nin, speaking as if no one else in the world matters.
"You two may be strong, but what makes you think that Konoha is a place where you can parade around like a marketplace?!"
Fire Style: Ash Pile Burning!
Asuma roared, his fury transforming into a fire style jutsu. A sea of flames erupted across the wide river.
He was already frustrated, still reeling from the loss of his father.
These arrogant missing-nin had only added fuel to the fire.
The Fire Style jutsu Asuma unleashed was several times more ferocious than usual.
In the blink of an eye, a raging inferno completely engulfed Itachi and Kisame.
"Impressive! Your ninjutsu mastery could be considered in the entire ninja world. Too bad, you seem to have forgotten where I'm from."
Kisame grinned, his rows of jagged teeth clicking together.
His hands blurred into afterimages as he rapidly formed hand seals.
Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique!
BOOM!!
The entire river surface exploded upwards as if the river itself was reversing its flow.
"I can create an ocean even in a desert! And you dare use Fire Style against me on a river?" Kisame roared with laughter, his expression arrogant.
The massive volume of water rapidly rose, extinguishing the surrounding flames before surging forward in a roaring torrent.
Kakashi and Asuma were now like tiny boats in a tsunami, in constant danger of being capsized.
Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique!
At some point, Kakashi had up his headband, his single blood-red Sharingan beneath the scar fixed on Kisame. He had copied the same jutsu.
"As expected of the Copy Ninja Kakashi. You've certainly put that eye to good use." Even Itachi couldn't help but offer a faint praise.
The two Water Style jutsus collided with a deafening roar, creating a massive cloud of water vapor.
Waves surged like a tsunami, pushing towards both sides of the river.
However, Kakashi's chakra reserves and mastery of the Water Style were inferior to Kisame's.
He was quickly pushed back.
Still, he managed to halt the immediate onslaught, buying enough time for him and Asuma to escape the jutsu's range.
"Heh, is this all the Konoha ninja have to offer? It's been a while since I've had a chance to cut loose. Let's have some real fun today." Kisame taunted loudly.
He formed a series of complex hand seals once again.
"Water Style: Five Feeding Sharks!"
In the entire ninja world, even among the later powerhouses, only Kisame meticulously formed hand seals for every jutsu. Unlike other overpowered individuals who could launch devastating attacks with a clap of their hands or a single shout.
Ferocious shark forms rapidly swam through the river. In the blink of an eye, they located Kakashi and Asuma hidden within the dense mist.
Wind release: Chakra Mode!
Asuma's body was enveloped in a pale blue aura, doubling his speed.
Chakra Blade: Straight Line!
Facing the sharks, he charged forward instead of retreating, relying on his enhanced speed to slice through the shark swarm.
Meanwhile, Kakashi's right hand crackled with the lightning of Chidori as he rapidly dashed across the water surface towards Kisame.
"So fast!" This jutsu finally surprised Kisame.
He realized Kakashi had locked onto him.
Without using a substitution technique, he couldn't dodge at this speed.
"Enough. Don't make too much noise." Itachi stepped forward, his Sharingan spinning rapidly, transforming into pinwheels.
The Mangekyo Sharingan subtly activated.
He didn't want to cause a huge commotion. The main purpose of this trip was to warn the Konoha elders.
The Third Hokage might be gone, but his role as a spy and the agreement to protect Sasuke's safety remained valid.
Tsukuyomi!
The world in Kakashi's eyes was rapidly painted in an endless crimson.
He found himself bound to a wooden stake. In his vision, countless copies of Itachi slowly approached, each holding a katana.