Chapter 69 She at least has to protect Naruto.
After Jiraiya left, Haruko Hayama and Naruto Uzumaki each went to their rooms to tidy up. Since it was still early, Haruko Hayama stayed in Naruto Uzumaki's room to train with him.
"That perverted sage is always like this! Does he even want to teach me ninjutsu?!"
Naruto sat on the ground, angrily condemning Jiraiya for abandoning them.
Haruko sat across from him, meditating, and calmly comforted him, "But he did teach Naruto a lot. Maybe all ninjas have a few quirks."
I wonder what the other two of the Legendary Sannin are like...
Meanwhile, on the other side, in Konoha...
At Kakashi Hatake's instruction, Sarutobi Asuma and Yuhi Kurenai left the dango shop and chased after the two mysterious figures. After confronting them, they discovered that they were actually Uchiha Itachi, who was wanted by Konoha, and Kisame Hoshigaki, one of the former Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
Upon learning that their purpose in coming to Konoha was to capture Naruto Uzumaki, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Kakashi Hatake arrived and joined the battle.
However, there was still a gap in their strength. In addition, Kakashi Hatake could not use the Sharingan as skillfully as Itachi Uchiha. Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yuhi collapsed to the ground, and Kakashi Hatake did not have much strength left.
Fortunately, Might Guy arrived in time. Itachi Uchiha, not wanting to fight any longer, left with Kisame Hoshigaki. Might Guy quickly led the three injured men back to Konoha.
Sasuke Uchiha, who came to see Kakashi Hatake, learned the truth from someone else who also came to visit. Hearing that man's name again after so long, Sasuke Uchiha could hardly control his breathing.
In the tranquil forest, a boy exuding a cold aura moved about.
Uchiha Sasuke ran wildly up the tree trunk, remembering what the ramen shop uncle had said about Haruko Hayama also being with Naruto Uzumaki, and he couldn't help but grit his teeth.
After asking around, they arrived at the post town and went to inn after inn to inquire.
"Excuse me, are there any blond idiots around my age and pretty black girls here? They're with an old man with white hair!"
Seeing his fierce expression, the receptionist nervously swallowed, "I...we are a women-only hotel."
Before she could finish speaking, Uchiha Sasuke quickly left and headed to the next inn.
Knock knock knock.
"Is someone knocking?" Haruko Hayama stood up when she heard a faint knocking sound.
Still angry, Naruto Uzumaki chimed in, "It must be that perverted sage who got dumped and came back to us looking so pitiful!"
"Let me see."
As the door creaked open, a pair of scarlet Sharingan eyes gradually appeared, reflecting Haruko's wide-eyed eyes in terror.
"Itachi-nii?!"
The expressionless Itachi Uchiha in front of her ignored her and looked at his target. He was wearing a long robe with a black background and red patterns, and the wide collar almost covered the lower half of his face.
A chilling aura inexplicably crept over Haruko's body, and she hurriedly took a few steps back.
This was completely different from the Uchiha Itachi she remembered!
Hearing her exclamation, Naruto Uzumaki quickly got up and ran over to protect her behind him, but when he saw the Sharingan that was exactly the same as Sasuke Uchiha's, Naruto's pupils contracted.
"However, I didn't expect that this brat could seal that Nine-Tails."
Kisame Hoshigaki stepped out from behind Itachi Uchiha, looking at Naruto Uzumaki with disdain.
"Naruto, come with us." Itachi Uchiha turned slightly to the side. "Let's go outside."
To this day, Haruko Hayama still remembers her last meeting with Itachi Uchiha: a warm meal where Itachi served her food, gently told her to eat more, and patted her head, encouraging her to become stronger.
The gentle older brother they remembered now threatened them with an undeniable sense of oppression when they met again.
Noticing that Naruto was about to follow, Haruko quickly grabbed his hand. When she met Naruto's bewildered blue eyes, she calmed down.
Like her, Naruto was in a daze about everything that was happening. She had to at least protect Naruto...
"I'll go with you."
Despite the intimidating gazes from outside the door, Haruko tightened her grip on his hand.
“But…” Naruto wanted her to stay in the room, since they were looking for him, but seeing the determination in Haruko’s eyes, he finally nodded and took her hand.
Regardless of whether it was one person or two going to their deaths, Kisame Hoshigaki kindly offered his advice after they slowly moved into the corridor.
"Mr. Itachi, it would be troublesome if he got away. Let's cut off one of his legs first."
The cruel words, coupled with Kisame Hoshigaki's sinister and excited smile, sent chills down Haruko's spine. She couldn't help but glance at Itachi Uchiha, who remained silent to the side.
But except for the moment when the door opened, Itachi's gaze was almost entirely fixed on Naruto.
Hearing Kisame's suggestion, and under Naruto's still hopeful gaze, he parted his lips slightly, "Then..."
Understanding the hidden meaning in Itachi Uchiha's words, Kisame Hoshigaki drew the large sword from his back and walked towards them step by step, while Haruko Hayama and Naruto Uzumaki prepared for battle.
They all knew the outcome perfectly well; all they could do was pray that Jiraiya-senpai would return soon…
Just as the battle was about to break out, Itachi Uchiha suddenly spoke up: "Long time no see, Sasuke."
Attracted by Itachi's voice, Haruko saw Sasuke arrive at the stairs and shouted, "Sasuke, get out of here!"
Ignoring her urgency, Sasuke Uchiha, panting, raised his head, revealing the Sharingan, which also symbolized the Uchiha clan.
He pronounced the name, etched in his heart, word by word: "Uchiha Itachi."
"I hated you as you said, and then, in order to kill you, I..." Amidst the intertwining of hatred and loathing, Uchiha Sasuke conjured Chidori, "That's why I've survived until now!"
"I'm going to kill you!!!"
Even when facing his most beloved younger brother, Itachi Uchiha showed no emotion, calmly raising his hand as Itachi charged at him.
As if it happened in an instant, after a loud bang, Haruko and Naruto rushed to see what was revealed after the dust settled. The Chidori, which was feared by everyone, was easily grabbed by Itachi Uchiha and slammed into the wall next to him, blasting a big hole in it.
"It's in the way."
Meeting Sasuke's resentful gaze, Itachi moved his hand and broke Sasuke's wrist.
"Aaaaaah—!"
Sasuke Uchiha's screams echoed down the corridor. Haruko Hayama's heart sank. Just as she was about to rush over, Kisame Hoshigaki's large sword stabbed out from the side, causing Haruko Hayama to lean back in a sudden movement.
Where to?
Seeing that he was about to attack Haruko Hayama, Naruto unleashed his anger and released the Nine-Tailed Fox's chakra, drawing their attention.
"So that's how it is. This is the Nine-Tails' chakra."
Kisame Hoshigaki spoke with such ease, as if he had seen something new and interesting, no longer paying any attention to Haruko Hayama, and walked towards her in a few steps.
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