"Are you... Are you the disciple of Third Hokage-sama?"
After recognizing Yu's identity, the ANBU Ninja's eyes widened, but his gaze was quickly captivated by Yu's exceptionally skilled Medical Ninjutsu. "Such... Such impressive Medical Ninjutsu."
"Thank you so much, Yu-sama!!"
Seeing Yu suddenly appear before him and effortlessly heal all the life-threatening injuries on his body, the ANBU Ninja finally stood up from the ground, expressing gratitude and admiration that was hard to conceal in his tone.
"All right, now you're fine."
"Continue with your unfinished tasks."
With a few effortless breaths, Yu healed the ANBU Ninja on the brink of death in front of him. He scanned Shisui, Itachi, and three members of the Root organization nearby before calmly speaking.
"Yes, Yu-sama!!"
Upon hearing this, the ANBU Ninja nodded, then promptly disappeared with a Body Flicker technique from his original position.
"Damn... The secret message was taken by him! We can't let him escape!!"
Seeing the ANBU Ninja leave, the Root organization female Ninja next to him felt a great urgency in her heart, ready to use the Body Flicker Jutsu to catch up.
"Don't be foolish... Scarlet Yu is here."
"Do you think he'll give us a chance to continue the pursuit?"
However, at this moment, the Root organization Jonin wielding a large knife beside her blocked her way. At the same time, he stared at Yu with an extremely wary look, as if afraid that this delicate-looking young man might suddenly attack them.
"Retreat; the mission has failed."
After saying this, the two Root organization Jonin grabbed the shoulders of the female Ninja, and the three of them disappeared from the spot together.
"Aren't you planning to chase after them?"
Seeing Yu, who made three powerful Root organization Ninjas abandon their mission with just his reputation, Anko felt both astonished and puzzled as she looked at Yu's profile.
"No need..."
Upon hearing Anko's confusion, Yu remained silent but shook his head. His amber eyes shimmered with an inexplicable brilliance in the twilight-filled canyon.
"Before uprooting the entire underground root, killing any small fry is meaningless."
From the recent incident of the Root organization Ninjas chasing the ANBU Ninja, it was evident that despite Danzo's disbandment order after the failed coup against the Hokage, those who once truly belonged to the Root organization continued to serve Danzo. They merely shifted from the overt activities that were once on public display to a more clandestine underworld.
"Yu, didn't expect to encounter you here."
Seeing Yu's appearance, Shisui seemed somewhat pleased. He sheathed the short sword in his hand and approached, saying, "It's great to see you back safe and sound."
"Well... It's nothing. Those Mist Ninjas couldn't pose a challenge to me."
Witnessing Shisui's sincere gaze and caring tone, Yu felt a slight sense of emotion in his heart.
As one of his few friends in Konoha, Shisui, though a bit too upright and loyal, was exceptionally skilled, possessed outstanding talent, and always led by example. He was respected by others, and he had an unwavering commitment to his friends and comrades.
"Well... After all, you are the strongest genius ninja in our village."
Shisui chuckled and, while at it, pulled Itachi, who was behind him, closer. "This is Itachi, whom I've mentioned to you before. He's also a genius. I think it's your first time meeting each other today, right?"
"No, we've already met once."
As soon as Shisui finished speaking, Itachi, standing beside him, spoke up. His pair of crimson Tomoe Sharingan stared fixedly at Yu.
Compared to their previous encounter, Itachi had progressed significantly in strength and even awakened the Uchiha Clan's Kekkei Genkai, the Sharingan.
However, in the presence of the young man who, with just his name, managed to scare off three elite members of the Root organization, Itachi felt that he had nothing to be called a genius for.
Eight years old... You know, this guy killed a Jinchuriki on the battlefield when he was eight...
But here I am, still a Genin... What am I doing...
Sensing the immense aura emanating from Yu, which still felt like an abyss to him, the young Itachi subconsciously clenched his fists. Even he, who was calm and indifferent to the world, couldn't help but feel a ripple in his heart.
"It seems you still remember me, Itachi."
Feeling the unusual gaze from young Itachi, Yu's lips curled slightly, and his eyes keenly assessed the still-growing Itachi.
If the plot unfolds as expected, Itachi would be promoted to Chunin next year, becoming the second ninja in Konoha to participate in and pass the Chunin exams solo after himself.
Of course, Itachi, who awakened the double Tomoe Sharingan at the age of eight, had already surpassed the average Genin. Coupled with his outstanding talent and exceptional combat intelligence, he ranked among the top Chunin candidates.
This was evident in his recent defeat of the elite female Ninja from the Root organization, serving as the best proof.
"Alright, it's getting late."
"Anko and I won't delay your Ninja training any longer."
Withdrawing his gaze from Itachi, Yu looked at Shisui in front of him. He couldn't help but mischievously imagine the scenario of these two good friends engaging in some antics. Soon after, he called Anko and turned to leave.
"Wait!"
Just as they took their first steps, Shisui called out to the two of them from behind.
"Did you forget, Yu..."
In the surprised expression of Yu, Shisui's eyes, with the three Tomoe Sharingan, stared intensely at him. "We agreed that after returning from the Water Country mission, we would have another showdown."
"Now? Right here?"
Feeling the strong intent emanating from Shisui's eyes, Yu was somewhat astonished.
"Are you trying to back down?"
As soon as the competition with Yu was brought up, Shisui seemed to transform completely. The sharpness radiating from his crimson eyes made it challenging for anyone to meet his gaze.
"Ha, it seems like you're itching for a challenge again... Let me see how much you've improved over these years!"
Seeing the sharpness in Shisui's eyes, Yu also became interested. He wanted to witness the strength that Shisui, who had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan during this period, had reached.
"Remember, it's 2-0 between us so far. You've never beaten me!"
As they prepared to engage in a duel, Itachi and Anko quickly stepped aside, clearing the small stream in the middle of the canyon as a makeshift battlefield for the two.
"A showdown between Scarlet Yu and Body Flicker Shisui! This is going to be entertaining!"
After making way with Itachi, Anko watched the two young men confronting each other on the water's surface with great enthusiasm. "I didn't expect today to turn out so interesting! Both of these guys are monsters; who do you think will come out on top?"
"Hey, kid, which one do you think is stronger?"
Saying this, Anko, without any semblance of decorum, draped an arm over Itachi's shoulder, completely ignoring the young man's reluctant expression beside her.
"Shisui won't lose, of course..."
But if the opponent is that guy...
Hearing Anko's words, Itachi, initially intending to playfully support Shisui, hesitated when his gaze fell on the white-haired youth in black attire. For some reason, Itachi suddenly felt unsure.
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